The following are previews with betting tips for AFL Round 17 of the 2015 AFL season.
Friday, July 24
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Carlton vs Hawthorn7:50PM AEST, Etihad Stadium |
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Another Friday night game for the Blues and almost definitely another game that won’t interest the general footy public. It’s probably not their fault, as most games involving the Hawks at the moment are going to be extremely one sided. Not one worth putting any money on.
Saturday, July 25
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GWS Giants vs Geelong1:45PM AEST, StarTrack Oval |
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Both these sides had very important wins last weekend to keep their finals hopes alive. Neither team was spectacular, but they were both able to do what was needed to get the win. The Cats welcome back skipper Joel Selwood, and if Caddy and Duncan can keep their form from last week up, they won’t have anything to worry about in the midfield battle. They’ve got a lot more experience than the Giants do, but will the wily veterans be able to hold back the energetic young Giants? I just think the Giants bat a little deeper overall, and factoring in the home ground advantage, I’m tipping them to beat the Cats.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Giants to win @ $1.90 (Pinnacle)
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Adelaide vs Gold Coast2:10PM AEST, Adelaide Oval |
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The Crows were absolutely gallant in their epic three point win in the showdown to honour the late Phil Walsh. They’ve had their first win since the tragedy, and may now be able to get back to some sort of normalcy. It won’t be easy for them, but they can get back to focusing on playing footy without the pressure of honouring their former coach. The Suns have been playing pretty well recently, and they do have some big inclusions in Dixon and Bennell, but I think the Crows will be too strong for them over in Adelaide. It’ll definitely be interesting to see how Harley Bennell goes in his first game back. I’m backing him to have a big game.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Crows by 25+ @ $1.79 (UniBet)
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Richmond vs Fremantle4:35PM AEST, MCG |
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Can the Tigers do it again? They’ve taken care of the Dockers once already this year, and really, this contest should be easier for them, being at the MCG. The Dockers also aren’t playing as well as they were last time, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. I reckon this one is up for grabs for either side and is a real 50/50 contest. I just can’t go past the odds available for the Dockers. Even though they aren’t in great form, at their best they’re still one of the top teams in the competition and are definitely capable of shutting down the Tigers’ ball movement.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Dockers to win @ $2.27 (Pinnacle)
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Essendon vs Port Adelaide7:20PM AEST, Etihad Stadium |
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A disappointing year for these two teams. Both are in some very average form at the moment, but scrapping as hard as they possibly can to get some momentum going. Port must win if they’re to keep any chance of finals alive. I don’t think they’ll be able to make it either way, but you can absolutely rule them out if they lose here. I’m not expecting this to be a great spectacle of Australian Rules Football at all; basically it will come down to the team who makes the least amount of mistakes winning. Port are the better team and should get over the line in what I expect will be a very scrappy and probably low scoring contest.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Total Match Points Under 169.50 @ $2.00 (LuxBet)
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Brisbane vs North Melbourne7:20PM AEST, The Gabba |
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The Lions had looked like they were building into some form before their torrid contest against the Dees last weekend. That game was a bit of a setback, but I think the fact they get to go back up to Brisbane and play at the Gabba means they’ll be much better this week, and I even think they’re a sneaky chance to upset the Kangaroos. North have really struggled in games that they’re expected to win, and this is one of those games. The pressure will on them as they absolutely must win, while the Lions can just come out, throw caution to the wind, and give it a red hot crack. Don’t be surprised if they get up.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Lions to win @ $3.55 (TAB Sportsbet)
Sunday, July 26
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Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood1:10PM AEST, Etihad Stadium |
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The Pies are all of a sudden struggling a little, with form, and with injuries to key players. The Dogs, while having won four of their previous five matches, are also not in the greatest form at the present time. It’s a massive game for both clubs. Lose this, and the prospect of playing finals becomes more of a hope than an expectation.
Do the Pies have enough scoring power without Travis Cloke and Jamie Elliott in the forward half? Do the Dogs have enough depth and experience running through the middle of the ground to get on top of the more mature Magpie midfield? I think that might be what it comes down to. Pendlebury and co might just be too good for the Dogs to combat and that will be enough to decide the game.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Pies to win by 1-39 @ $2.32 (Palmerbet)
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Melbourne vs St Kilda3:20PM AEST, MCG |
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Another game that is unlikely to be a great spectacle, but also a game that is very, very tough to pick a winner in. It really depends on which side turns up more switched on. Either is capable of playing footy that will trouble most teams in the competition, they just aren’t able to do it consistently. To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable picking a winner in this contest so I’m going to steer clear.
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West Coast vs Sydney4:40PM AEST, Patersons Stadium |
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Is this the game of the round? The Eagles just continue to play amazing football, but can they keep it up with the loss of yet another key defender? How will they be able to stop Buddy this week?
The Swans are coming off what was quite easily their most embarrassing performance of the season, and should be furious with themselves. If the intensity and intent is there, which it should be, the big question is, are the Swans currently good enough to beat the Eagles in Perth? I think they are, but expect it’s going to take a big game from Buddy to get them over the line. I reckon he’ll take advantage of a younger and less experienced key defender and drag the Swans to victory this week.
Betting tip: 1 unit – Swans to win @ $3.25 (Matchbook)