You must tread a very fine line when making bold claims but if there’s ever a week that favours the underdogs this is it.
The round kicks off with a blockbuster between Hawthorn ($1.39) and Adelaide ($3) on Friday night. The Crows are certainly a chance to steal this game with many pundits rating the South Australians as potential premiership contenders. But it is always risky tipping against the Hawks, especially with Sam Mitchell in arguably career best form.
Best Bet - Hawthorn 1-19 ($4)
Sydney ($1.69) host West Coast Eagles ($2.10) on Saturday afternoon in what should be a ripping contest at the SCG. Both sides play very contrasting styles with the Swans contested ball kings while the Eagles prefer the wide spaces of Domain Stadium. Due to the fact that the game is at the much smaller SCG, you would have to lean towards the home side here.
Best Bet – Dan Hannebery Most Disposals Group A ($4.50)
Gold Coast ($3.20) will be looking to rebound from last week’s disappointing loss when it takes on an unbeaten North Melbourne ($1.35). The Suns have made massive inroads this season but would have been disappointed with their effort against the Lions last week. Although the Roos are heavy favourites, the Suns are a big chance in this one and traditionally have the edge over their much more experienced opponents.
Best Bet – Gold Coast 1-19 ($4.40)
Western Bulldogs ($1.11) have had a torrid past fortnight with long-term injuries to two of its most important players in Robert Murphy and Jason Johanissen. With that being said, the Dogs are the Etihad Stadium kings and they should do it easy against Brisbane ($6.60)
Best Bet – Western Bulldogs 40-59 ($4.20)
Port Adelaide ($2.10) returned home this week with their tail between their legs after an embarrassing performance against GWS last Sunday. A fired up Port are certainly a chance to make amends and restore some pride when it takes on Geelong ($1.73) at Adelaide Oval. But a smart tipsters goes on winning form and for that reason, you have to back the Cats to be too strong.
Best Bet – Geelong lead at every quarter ($3.20)
Perhaps the most intriguing match of the round pits St Kilda ($2.35) against Greater Western Sydney ($1.58). GWS were flawless last weekend in their trumping of Port Adelaide but expect a much more focussed opponent this week. The Saints were admirable last weekend and were only a straight kick away from beating the reigning premiers. I am tipping St Kilda in an upset.
Best Bet – St Kilda 1-19 ($4)
Talking of horror stories, Fremantle ($1.15) and Carlton ($5.50) are both desperate for its first win when the two sides clash on Sunday at Domain Stadium. You get the impression that it is a tense environment at Docker land but I think the monkey will be off the back and they should be comfortable winners against a young Blues.
Best Bet – Fremantle 40-59 ($4.20)
Richmond ($1.65) are yet another side under pressure and it faces stiff competition against a Melbourne ($2.24) side coming off an impressive win. The Tigers are likely to welcome back Ivan Maric and Brett Deledio who are absolutely integral for the side and should give them the confidence to win this match.
Best Bet – Richmond 20-39 ($5.50)
The ANZAC Day has a strange feeling to it this year when Collingwood ($1.29) will do battle against Essendon ($3.50) on Monday. Now if there already isn’t enough scrutiny directed at the Magpies and coach Nathan Buckley, things will reach crisis levels and the black and white army lose against their depleted arch rivals in this match.
ANZAC Medal – Alex Fasolo ($21)
First Goal – Mathew Stokes ($21)
