Geelong Cats v Greater Western Sydney Giants
Friday 6/8/21
The Cats have won 15 of their last 16 at GMHBA Stadium and will prove tough to roll for the Giants. Not only do they love this venue, the Cats have also only tasted defeat once from their past 12 recent outings and are rightly considered a serious premiership contender. They’ll be looking to keep the momentum rolling with finals around the corner. However, the Giants have beaten the Cats the past two times they’ve met, but they have been forced to make seven changes due to injury and management. Phil Davis and midfielders Jacob Hopper and Tom Green are among the injured group, with forward Jesse Hogan and ruckman Shane Mumford each managed. Veteran Matt de Boer return, and while the Giants’ recent form has been patchy, they’ve proven capable of taking a big scalp. There is also a possibility of rain which might help keep this one closer than most expect. Happy to have something on the Giants to cover the line.
Suggested bet – 1.5u Giants +36.5 at $1.90
Carlton Blues v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 7/8/21
Tricky clash which basically rests on which Blues side will show up. Veteran Eddie Betts returns for this clash with the Gold Coast as the Blues look to build on an improved period winning four of their past six. Gold Coast has lost nine of its last 10 day games and also lost its past three matches. They’ve also lost their past three to the Blues. It all points to the Blues being too good and while they can be hit-and-miss, I think they’ll have a bit too much class for the Suns.
Suggested bet – 1u Blues -24.5 at $1.90
Richmond Tigers v North Melbourne Kangaroos
Saturday 7/8/21
North Melbourne covering the line has proven to be a solid bet in the back half of the season and I think they’ll continue that here against the Tigers. After losing six of their past seven, the Tigers seem completely gone, while the Roos continue building and improving. This was further evidenced by the Roos creditable loss to the Cats last week. Also, the past five times the Tigers have been installed as favourites, they’ve lost on every occasion. They’ve made six changes here in an attempt to shake things up, but I doubt it’ll make much difference. The Roos also have important youngsters Tarryn Thomas and Cam Zurhaar returning.
Suggested bet – 1u Kangaroos win at $2.95 and 2u Kangaroos +16.5 at $1.90
Adelaide Crows v Port Adelaide Power
Saturday 7/8/21
Port need to win this to ensure they remain comfortable in the top four and look to be a far superior side to Showdown opponent Adelaide. The Crows will be without Tex Walker and they’ve looked very average when he hasn’t been able to take his spot up forward. The exciting Riley Thilthorpe is his replacement and his contribution will be important to Adelaide’s ability to be competitive. Port also get star forward Robbie Gray back and while there is a hint of rain, I don’t think it’ll be enough for the Crows to be competitive.
Suggested bet – 2u Port -37.5 at $1.90
St Kilda Saints v Sydney Swans
Saturday 7/8/21
St Kilda has lost trio Hunter Clark, Jack Billings and Dougal Howard to injury making it hard to see them being capable of upsetting the high-flying Swans. The Saints have lost three on the trot after looming for finals, while the Swans have won five straight. There’s too much at stake here for the Swans as they press for a top-four spot.
Suggested bet – 3u Swans win at $1.41
Hawthorn Hawks v Collingwood Magpies
Sunday 8/8/21
Hawthorn has lost veteran forward Luke Breust to injury and chosen to manage young defender Denver Grainger-Barras for its clash against Collingwood. The Pies will be strengthened by the return of talented midfielder Josh Daicos and I’m surprised they aren’t much shorter given those changes. I also doubt the Hawks can continue the form they showed in last week’s upset win over Brisbane.
Suggested bet – 2u Collingwood win at $1.70
Western Bulldogs v Essendon Bombers
Sunday 8/8/21
The Western Bulldogs can basically put a final nail in the Bombers’ finals hopes if they are able to get the job done at Marvel Stadium. After two straight losses, the Bombers run for finals has hit a huge roadblock and it doesn’t get any easier here against the ladder-leading Bulldogs. The Bombers haven’t recorded a win from their past six attempts against the Bulldogs – and now their opponents are going better than ever.
Suggested bet – 1.5u Bulldogs -25.5 at $1.90
Fremantle Dockers v Brisbane Lions
Sunday 8/8/21
There’s bg questions marks around the Brisbane Lions after some surprisingly disappointing showings in recent weeks. They have lost three of their past four, and despite an eight-goal last quarter it was too little too late in losing to Hawthorn in Tasmania last week. Lachie Neale is now out, posing another challenge for the Lions. However, the Lions have dominated this fixture in recent encounters, and if they are serious flag conders, should be winning this clash.
Suggested bet – 1.5u Brisbane win at $1.63
West Coast Eagles v Melbourne Demons
Monday 9/8/21
Last week’s disappointing loss to Collingwood made it four losses from their past matches for West Coast and it doesn’t get any easier here against the Demons. However, the Eagles have won their past three against the Dees at Optus Stadium. I think the market has this one about right, especially given it’s very hard to tell what the Eagles will produce.
No suggested bet