Last week proved nothing is a sure thing in this topsy-turvy world of AFL. We saw the new boys on the block – GWS and Gold Coast – score impressive wins over much more fancied and experienced opponents. Hawthorn sent a timely reminder that it remains a force to be reckoned with while Essendon sent Melbourne crashing back down to Earth.
Speaking of the Bombers, can lighting strike twice? Essendon ($6.50) travel to Adelaide to take on a wobbly Port Adelaide ($1.11). The Power has been disappointing so far this season and will enter the clash without arguably its best player in Chad Wingard. But considering most pundits had Port finishing inside the top eight, you would think they have too much class and should get the win in this one.
St Kilda ($2.50) will look to rebound when it takes on Collingwood ($1.50) on Saturday afternoon at the MCG. I like the Magpies’ price in this one and despite a few concerns on their list, they should be able to win comfortably here.
Richmond ($1.97) has plenty to prove when it takes on Adelaide ($1.83) at Etihad Stadium. The Tigers were ordinary in its opening round clash and choked last week against the Pies. Meanwhile the Crows have started the season in much better fashion and looked mightily impressive in the Showdown last week. The Crows are deserved favourites but this game could go either way.
Sydney ($1.33) will face cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney ($3.35) in what should be a great contest. The Swans have been excellent in its opening two games and marquee forward Lance Franklin is in great form. But you would not rule out the Giants here, especially after coming off an impressive win over Geelong.
Gold Coast ($1.14) are in the unfamiliar position of hot favourites when it hosts Carlton ($5.70) on Saturday night. The Suns should win but the Blues are not without a chance and could be worth a sneaky bet.
West Coast ($1.35) has a point to prove in the traditional Western derby against Fremantle ($3.20). The Eagles were embarrassed in the grand final rematch last week so will look to come out hard. But the Dockers have been the biggest disappointments of the year so far. Ross Lyon’s game plan has faced plenty of criticism over the years but perhaps none more so than this week. I think the Eagles will win this game but if the Dockers can restrict its opponents’ running game, this game could go down to the wire.
North Melbourne ($1.17) are deservedly short-priced favourites against Melbourne ($5.00) in Sunday’s clash. It would take a big effort for the Demons to overcome last week’s disappointment, especially against a Kangaroos side that is flying at the moment.
Undoubtedly the match of the round comes on Sunday afternoon when Western Bulldogs ($1.86) takes on Hawthorn ($1.94). The fact that the Dogs enter as favourites against the reigning premiers is an indication of the form they have shown so far in 2016. Its ball movement has been unmatched and the side plays Etihad Stadium to perfection. But it is yet to face the quality of the Hawks so this will no doubt be its biggest test.
It is hard to see any other result other than Geelong making short work of Brisbane Lions at Simonds Stadium. The Lions have some exciting young players but the Cats will be seething after last week’s performance. You can back the home side at $1.97 with a -54.5 start.
