Season tally so far
Units Wagered = 141.25 units
Units Won = 151.94 units
Profit/Loss = +10.69 units (7.6% profit)
Thursday 15 May
Adelaide v Collingwood
7:50 PM AEST, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
View a detailed form guide for Adelaide v Collingwood
The AFL’s horrendous scheduling continues in Round 9, with this Thursday night match between Adelaide and Collingwood kicking off the action. Hopefully the crowd will again be below average for one of these ridiculous timeslots; in keeping with the attendances at other Sunday, Monday and Thursday night matches played so far this season.
The on-field action should certainly not disappoint though, with Adelaide looking to bounce back after their shock loss to Melbourne left them outside the 8 heading into their bye last weekend. While the Crows are looking to keep in touch with the top 8, Nathan Buckley’s in-form Magpies are hunting a fifth straight win to keep pace with the top 4.
After both clubs had the bye last weekend, plenty of players are fit again after injury layoffs and the selection ax has been swung vigorously to allow the stars to return. Adelaide are strengthened in all three facets of the ground as they make five changes, with notable inclusions including power forward Taylor Walker for his first game since a serious knee injury early last year, reliable midfielder Richard Douglas and key position defender Ben Rutten. Collingwood have been boosted by the return from injury of important defenders Nick Maxwell and Alan Toovey, as well as big kicking wingman Clinton Young.
This match should be a ripper and go right to the wire. Speaking of the wire, I am going to play the ‘Wire to Wire’ market and, expecting a see-sawing contest, my money is going to be on ‘Any Other Result’, meaning I expect there to be at least one lead change at the quarter breaks. My second bet is on energetic Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane to pick up the most disposals in his group. Sloane is a very consistent player and should get the pill at least 20 times during the game, so will provide a good showing for your money.
Andy’s Bet: 0.75 units on Any Other Result in the Wire to Wire market @ 2.10 (Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: 0.75 units on Rory Sloane Most Possessions Gr2 @ 3.75 (Sportsbet)