It was a relatively straight-forward week last round with most football pundits have success with their tips. This week shapes as similar, but every successful punter knows not to count their chickens before they hatch.
The round kicks off with West Coast ($1.17) hosting Richmond ($5.10) in Perth. Now while on face value this looks like an easy win to the Eagles, do not rule out the Tigers on the big ground. Richmond have a great track record at Domain Stadium, putting an end to the Dockers’ winning streak last year and also recorded a couple of impressive wins in previous years over the Eagles.
Geelong ($1.03) will make short work of Essendon ($12.50) when the two sides clash at the MCG on Saturday. The Bombers have been gallant in their efforts but one would expect that they would be no match for a rampaging Geelong.
Hawthorn ($1.07) enter as hot favourites in its clash against St Kilda ($8) after a couple of impressive wins on the trot. The Hawks welcome back inspirational skipper Luke Hodge will further increase their chances of winning. But the Saints looked good last week in the win over Collingwood so they could give the reigning premier a run of its money.
It is set to be an exciting Q-Clash as the in-form Gold Coast ($1.38) takes on Brisbane Lions ($3) at the Gabba. This is an interesting match-up and even though on form it is hard to go past the Suns, I can see the Lions recording their first win of the season in an upset.
Western Bulldogs ($1.08) should have no trouble disposing of Carlton ($8) at Etihad Stadium. The Dogs looked excellent for two quarters last week but will be galvanised as a group after losing captain Robert Murphy to a season-ending knee injury in the dying moments of last week’s clash.
Arguably the match of the round sees Adelaide ($1.95) host Sydney ($1.85) at Adelaide Oval. The Crows have shown terrific form despite the absence of Paddy Dangerfield, much to the delight of new coach Don Pyke. The side’s ball movement has been a feature this season and a dangerous forward line boasting Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts could cause headaches for the Swans defence. But Sydney are the contested ball kings having looked terrific this season and deserve to go in as slight favourites.
Another ripping contest pits Greater Western Sydney ($1.85) against Port Adelaide ($1.95) in Sydney. The Giants are an exciting young side and showed patches of solid form last week against the Swans, while the Power had an easy win over the Bombers on Friday night. It is hard to predict which way this match goes but I like the Power in this one with Robbie Gray in dominant form.
Collingwood ($1.46) will look to bounce back hard against Melbourne ($2.70) at the MCG. As one of the most popular clubs in the league, the Magpies face plenty of media scrutiny when things are going against them. A loss here would be disastrous for the club as the pressure will mount on coach Nathan Buckley.
In the final game of the round, North Melbourne ($1.25) are at home against Fremantle ($3.90). While the Kangaroos deserve to go into the match as favourites, this is a game I can see the Dockers going better than expected. Ross Lyon’s men have had a shocker start to the season but one would expect that to turn around sooner rather than later.
