Melbourne v Western Bulldogs

Wednesday 16/3/22 @ MCG

Last 5 Encounters |  Melbourne 2  |  Western Bulldogs 3

Notable Changes – Three of Melbourne’s back six from their premiership side are set to miss – Petty, Rivers and Hibberd.  Lachie Hunter is a surprising omission for the Bulldogs.

Verdict

We saw what Melbourne could do when things clicked in the second half of the grand final.  They completely blew the Dogs away.  16 goals to 1 they kicked and they have adequate cover for their missing backs with Hunt and Smith.  Dees hard to beat here.

Suggested bet – Melbourne to win (Multi)

Carlton Blues v Richmond Tigers

Thursday 17/3/22 @ MCG

Last 5 Encounters |  Carlton 0  |  Richmond 5

Notable Changes – No teams at time of publishing

Verdict

Richmond have dominated Carlton in recent history but Thursday night shapes as the most competitive round 1 clash between these sides in years.  Carlton are coming off a good preseason and are full of hope under new coach Michael Voss.  Market looks about right here with Carlton too hard to trust at the plus.  Patrick Cripps has had 30 + in 4 of the last 5 clashes between the two sides and has had a full preseason.  Keen to back him.

Suggested bet – 1 Unit Patrick Cripps Over 30 Disposals @ $2.50 (Sportsbet)

Geelong Cats v Essendon Bombers

Saturday 19/3/22 @ MCG

Last 5 Encounters |  Geelong 3  |  Essendon 2

Notable Changes – No teams at time of writing

Verdict

Really interesting clash at the traditional time slot of 2:10pm at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.  I think the up and coming Dons will fancy themselves here against an ageing Cats outfit and rightly so.  They jumped Geelong in Geelong last year before the Cats came back to win.  Will take some belief from that.  Essendon at the line looks a solid play.  Could even have something the win if you are feeling more adventurous!

Suggested bet – 2 Units Essendon Line (+7.5) @ $1.90 (Sportsbet)

West Coast Eagles v Gold Coast

Sunday 20/3/22 @ Optus Stadium (Perth)

Last 5 Encounters |  West Coast 3  |  Gold Coast 2

Notable Changes – A pleather of Eagles big names are set to miss.  Kelly, Yeo, Darling, Shuey just to name a few.

Verdict

The Gold Coast took a 1 point lead into 3qtr time as a rank outsider in this game last year before being over run by the Eagles.  Fast forward 12 months and incredibly the Gold Coast look likely to start favourite.  The Eagles tapered off badly towards the end of last year losing seven of their last nine and have just 26 fit players on their list.  Despite this being on their home patch in Perth the Eagles look there for the taking.

Suggested bet – 2 Unit Gold Coast to win @ $1.80 (Top Sport)

Multi – 1.5 Units @ $2.35 (Sportsbet)

  • Melbourne (Win)
  • Brisbane (Win)