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Round 8 will see undefeated Geelong and Collingwood start the Round Friday night in a top of the table clash which promises to be a beauty. The round concludes Sunday evening with the WA Derby between Fremantle and the West Coast. The Saints and Bulldogs are playing for their season this week and the Tigers going for their fourth straight win.

Catlton has the bye this week.

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My best bet of Round Eight is a Melbourne/Adelaide/Essendon/Sydney multibet win which is paying $2.87 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

Geelong V Collingwood Friday night at the MCG

What a match we are expecting Friday night in the battle for top spot. Collingwood come off the bye in Round 7, something a lot of teams have not done well. The pies will miss big man Darren Jolly and defender Chris Tarrant facing a fitness test.

Geelong on the other hand will welcome back star Steven Johnson and captain Cameron Ling for the blockbuster. Coming off their record breaking 24th straight win at Skilled Stadium can the Cats knock off the red hot magpies? I suspect not, my prediction is Collingwood will be better for the week off and will get home in a close one.

Tip: Pies by 22 points

Odds: Geelong 3.00  Collingwood 1.39

North Melbourne V Melbourne Saturday at Etihad Stadium

The Kangaroos need a win to keep any hopes alive of playing finals in 2011. The form of captain Brent Harvey and Drew Petrie have been promising in recent weeks and both will need a big game to overcome Melbourne.

Playing for caoch Dean Bailey last week Melbourne were brilliant against Adelaide smashing them by 96 points. They will miss young gun Jack Trengove for the next 3 weeks with suspension and defender Jack Grimes for an extended time through injury but I’m tipping them to have too many winners over the ground to grab their second straight.

Tip: Melbourne by 35 points

Odds:North Melbourne 1.92  Melbourne 1.92

Adelaide V Gold Coast Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Last time the Gold Coast traveled to Adelaide they recorder their first ever win, last week they were fantastic against Brisbane to get their second franchise win.

This match could not have come at a better time for the struggling Crows after their worst performance under coach Neil Craig last week. They can not take the Suns lightly though but should win comfortably at home.

Tip: Adelaide by 55 points

Odds: Adelaide 1.13 Gold Coast 6.00

Brisbane V Essendon Saturday night at the Gabba

The Lions were stunned by the young Suns last week in the first ever Q Clash. Expect Merret to start at full back this week after last weeks experiment at full forward did not pay off. The move of Ash McGrath to the forward line with 6 goals could be one for Michael Voss to look at again this week.

The Bombers struggled last week but stood up when it counted. Jobe Watson is in superb form leading from the front, expect another big game from him to lead the Bombers to an easy win.

Tip: Bombers by 38 points

Odds: Brisbane 5.25 Essendon 1.16

Sydney V Port Adelaide Saturday night at the MCG

Sydney got back on the winners list last week with a gutsy 8 point win against the Western Bulldogs. Big man Shane Mumford showed why he is one of the best big men in the comp with a standout performance and veteran Ryan O’Keefe found some form last Saturday.

The Power’s season went from bad to worse with a home loss to the Hawks allowing them to kick 8 of the last 9 goals of the match to run out 32 point winners. Exciting midfielder David Rodan injured his knee yet again and will be missed as the Powers quickest midfielder.

Tip: Swans by 48 points

Odds: Sydney 1.14 Port 5.75

Hawthorn V St Kilda Sunday at the MCG

This shapes up as the Saints last chance to get their season on track. They will miss Leigh Montagna through suspension though putting more pressure on Dal Santo, Goddard & Reiwoldt to stand up and take over.

The Hawks were a bit flat against Port Adelaide last week but finally got over the line with a 5 goal to 1 last term. They will welcome back star Cyril Rioli for the match and look to another best on ground performance from Sam Mitchell to get them over the line.

Tip: Hawks by 18 points

Odds: Hawks 1.33 Saints 3.30

Western Bulldogs V Richmond Sunday at Etihad Stadium

The Dogs will look to welcome back Barry Hall & Shaun Higgins to try and end their losing streak at 3. Sitting outside the 8 in unfamiliar to the dogs in the past 4 years, expect them to come out firing.

The Tigers on the other hand are looking to break into the eight, sitting just outside on percentage. Last week they showed just how much they have improved with a great victory against Fremantle. This for me could turn into a shootout and be the most entertaining game of the round.

Tip: Tigers by 13 points

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.68  Richmond 2.20

West Coast V Fremantle Sunday at Patersons Stadium

Both teams will come out aggressive and hard hitting as they always do for the derby. With both teams coming off losses in Melbourne last week this promises to be a great match.

The battle in the ruck is one to look at with Sandilands taking on Cox & Natinui in what could determine the outcome. The Dockers go in slight favourite’s and I am sticking with them to get over the line in this one. Expect fireworks!!!

Tip: Fremantle by 10 points

Odds: Eagles 2.00 Dockers 1.80

After a few days to catch our breath from 14 games in 11 days over Rounds 5 & 6 we kick off Round 7 Friday night at AAMI between Port Adelaide & Hawthorn & conclude Monday night at Etihad with St Kilda taking on Carlton.

Geelong will look to stay undefeated with the Pies to set up a huge top of the table clash next week while Gold Coast and Brisbane will do battle on Sunday to see who goes into Round 8 on the bottom of the AFL ladder.

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My best bet of Round Seven is Carlton between 1-39 against St Kilda which is paying $2.10 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

Port Adelaide V Hawthorn Friday night at AAMI Stadium

Port Adelaide’s form over the last 2 weeks has been woeful and they will need to turn it around quick if they want to have any chance against the rested Hawks.

Hawthorn have lost Cameron Bruce for the next month with a knee injury but will welcome 2011 recruits Isaac Smith and Paul Puopolo to make their AFL debut. Hawthorn will have too much class all over the ground and should get the win easily.

Tip: Hawks by 45 points

Odds: Port 4.90  Hawks 1.18

Western Bulldogs V Sydney Saturday at Manuka Oval

The Dogs looked good in patches last week until Collingwood blew them away with 10 minutes of extraordinary football. Giansiracusa, Higgins & Hudson are all looking to break back into the side after injuries. Boyd, Murphy & Gilbee were among the dogs best last week & new recruit Justin Sherman is starting to fit in and kick some goals at his new club.

Sydney have lost 2 in a row and will be looking to rebound strongly against the dogs. They need to get more out of Adam Goodes in the midfield with the loss of reigning best and fairest winner Kieran Jack. Expect Sydney to try and slow down the pace of the game and keep it low scoring.

Tip: Bulldogs by 4 points

Odds: Western Bulldogs  1.75 Sydney 2.10

Geelong V North Melbourne Saturday at Skilled Stadium

The Cats are rested after the bye last week and will go into this match hot favorites. Chapman, Scarlett & Bartell were all terrific against the Hawks on Easter Tuesday and will take great form into the match.

The Kangaroos got their first win of the season last week against a very disappointing Port Adelaide. The Roos will fight hard but will not be able to win the one on one contests against Geelong all over the ground and will lose easily.

Tip: Cats by 79 points

Odds: Geelong 1.07 North Melborne 8.50

Richmond V Fremantle Saturday at the MCG

This could be the match of the round for me. The young Tigers fought hard last week for their win over Brisbane with Foley, Cotchin & Martin all superb. Brett DeLedio is in the best form I have seen him in and feel he is crucial to a Tigers win here.

Fremantle have the longest injury list in the AFL but still have a lot of class all over the ground. A hard fought come from behind win against the Bulldogs with their last start shows that they will not give up on games like in years past. Sandilainds, Pavlich, Hill & Mundy all need to dominate to get Freo over the line in Melbourne.

Tip: Dockers by 8 points

Odds: Richmond 2.35 Fremantle 1.60

Gold Coast V Brisbane Saturday night at the Gabba

The first battle between the 2 Queensland sides promises to have a lot of feel after Simon Blacks comments this week. Brisbane showed last week that they can play good football but need to do it for 4 quarters. With captain Jonathan Brown still 3 weeks away the lions look to get their first win of they year and put the Gold Coast on the bottom of the ladder.

Gold Coast got another expected flogging last week by the Bombers. I thought they fought the game out after a woeful start but they can’t let teams get to 50 point leads in the first quarter or it is going to be very hard in any game. My prediction is Brennan & Rischetelli will have standout games against their old club but will also be the target of some heavy hits from the Lions.

Tip: Brisbane by 42 points

Odds: Gold Coast 8.50 Brisbane 1.07

Essendon V West Coast Sunday at Etihad Stadium

The Bombers broke a first quarter record last week with 15 goals against the Suns, don’t expect to see this again though. Riemers found some form with 8 goals, Tom Bellchambers continues to impress and young gun Dyson Heppell is showing that he belongs on the senior list.

West Coast took care of Melbourne easily last week as they continue to impress this year. The Eagles beat the Bombers at Etihad last year with Marc LeCras kicking 13 goals. I don’t think James Hird will allow this in 2011. If the Eagles can show the same pressure they showed against the Hawks a few weeks back they will have a chance of a big upset.

Tip: Bombers by 34 points

Odds: Essendon 1.20 West Coast 4.70

Melbourne V Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

The Demons looked flat in Perth last week and will need a win to keep the pressure of coach Dean Bailey. Mark Jamar is having another big year in the ruck and Jack Watts showed a few signs last week of his potential. They will need a full team effort to beat a well drilled Crows side.

The Crows were impressive against the Saints last week but still need to show that they can put together 2 good games in a row. The Crows will need to shut down Moloney, Jones & Green to win this one.

Tip: Demons by 17 points

Odds: Melbourne 1.77 Adelaide 2.08

St Kilda V Carlton Monday at Etihad Stadium

I gave St Kilda one last chance last week and they let me down so I am forced to go against them this week. I am not sure what exactly has happened to the Saints this year but even superstars Reiwoldt, Goddard & Montagna do not look like the same players as last year.

Carlton on the other hand have turned things around and look to be a legitimate top 4 contender. Chris Judd was amazing in the wet last week against the Swans and is looking ominous for a 3rd Brownlow Medal. Play like they did last week and the Saints shouldn’t bother them.

Tip: Blues by 22 points

Odds: St Kilda  2.85 Carlton 1.43

What a huge 5 days of footy we had over the Easter/Anzac Day long weekend. We don’t have long to sit back and think about our Round 6 footy tipping though with only 1 day without footy before we get back into things Thursday night with West Coast Vs. Melbourne.

Geelong, Hawthorn & Fremantle have the bye in Round 6 which gives us 7 games of footy for the 3rd week in a row.

My best bet of Round Six is Melbourne between 1-39 against West Coast which is paying $2.85 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

West Coast V Melbourne Thursday Night at Patersons Stadium

With both teams coming off the bye in Round 5 expect both sides to come out firing and trying to get the early advantage. The eagle’s pressure against Hawthorn down in Tassie was A grade and they will need to produce much of the same against Melbourne to get over the line.

Melbourne had an easy win against Gold Coast last time out getting their season on track. Brent Maloney was superb in the midfield and will look to dominate again.

Tip: Melbourne by 14 points

Odds: West Coast 1.71 Melbourne 2.15

Sydney V Carlton Friday Night at the SCG

Sydney should be fresh having a bye in Round 5 and will look to produce the same result as they did against Carlton in last year’s finals series. Jude Bolton is in career best form and will be looking to carry the Swans midfield.

The Blues were good early and late against Adelaide but went missing in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, something they can’t afford to do against the Swans. Andrew Walker is finally starting to show his potential for Carlton up forward and is one to watch out for.

Whichever team can win the midfield battle should get the points here in what should be a cracker of a game.

Tip: Blues by 7 points

Odds: Sydney 1.81 Carlton 2.00

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide Saturday at Etihad Stadium

I wouldn’t be expecting a huge turnout at Etihad stadium on Saturday but do expect a close match between the Roos and Power.

North are desperate for a win, sitting bottom of the AFL ladder after 5 rounds. Some good news last week was the form of big man Drew Petrie up forward bagging 5 goals.

Port Adelaide let a big lead slip and become the first ever victim of the Gold Coast Suns last Saturday. They will be out to rectify that performance and will go in with a big chance against the Roos. Just Westhoff will want to put in a big performance after he missed the chance to win the game for his side in Round 5.

Tip: Kangaroos by 28 points

Odds: North 1.46 Port Adelaide 2.74

Richmond V Brisbane Saturday night at the MCG

The tigers were very good in the second half against the Kangaroos with young gun Dustin Martin producing a sizzling best on ground performance. Jack Reiwoldt is sitting 2nd in the Coleman medal and will be looking for a big bag to go ahead of Buddy Franklin.

Brisbane will be looking again for their first win of the season on Saturday night. The lions were gallant against St Kilda last week but inexperience cost them in the end. Simon Black, Luke Power & Mitch Clark need huge games to lead the Lions to a win.

My prediction is the tigers should be too strong over 4 quarters.

Tip: Richmond by 38 points

Odds: Richmond 1.40 Brisbane 2.98

Adelaide V St Kilda Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

The Saints finally got a win on the board last week and have a very tough couple of months coming up. They need to gain some momentum if they want to feature in the finals.

Adelaide is up and down this season and were unlucky last week not to snatch a win over the Blues. Taylor Walker looks set for a big season and fellow tall forward Kurt Tippet looks to be finding some form.

I expect a low scoring slog Saturday night at AAMI, the experience of the Saints will get them over the line.

Tip: Saints by 10 points

Odds: Adelaide 1.70 St Kilda 2.16

Essendon V Gold Coast Sunday at Etihad Stadium

This is just the game Essendon want coming off a hard hitting ANZAC day performance against the Pies. Dyson Heppell showed that he is going to be a superstar of the competition on Monday with a standout performance. Stuart Crameri is proving to be a shining light up forward and will cause the Suns defense a lot of headaches.

The Gold Coast were terrific in the last quarter against Port to get their first win in the history of the club. Young guns David Swallow and Brandon Matera showed their high qualities when it counted most.

I don’t expect the Suns to cause the Bombers too much trouble though.

Tip: Bombers by 80 points

Odds: Essendon 1.04 Gold Coast 11.25

Collingwood V Bulldogs Sunday at the MCG

The Bulldogs are very up and down this season and will need to put in a consistent 4 quarter performance to have any chance against the ladder leader.

Travis Cloke stood up when needed against Essendon and with Chris Dawes also up forward it should be a great contest against the Bulldogs big defenders.

The Pies will have too much class all over the field though and should get their 6th win of the season.

Tip: Collingwood by 38 points

Odds: Collingwood 1.20 Bulldogs 4.62

Round 5 could be one of the most exciting this season with some really hot matches on the cards. The stand out games being the traditional AFL Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood and the Easter clash which pits the Hawks Vs Geelong.

Best Bet of Round Five

For me is Fremantle to win between 1-39 at $2.35 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

Brisbane V St Kilda Thursday Night at the Gabba

Both teams need to win this game if they are serious about season 2011 with the Saints currently sitting 13th and the Lions 15th on the ladder with both teams still searching for their first win of the year.

Without Jonathan Brown I can’t see the Lions having enough firepower against a strong Saints defense who will be out to impress after letting through 136 points in their last outing against Essendon.

Tip: Saints by 33 points

Odds: Brisbane 3.50 St Kilda 1.31

Port Adelaide V Gold Coast Saturday at AAMI Stadium

The Power were a different team after quarter time last week against the Crows and will look to carry that form into Saturdays game against the Suns. Daniel Motlop showed he still has his silky skills for the power and David Rodan was outstanding with 4 goals last week.

Gold Coast should welcome back Gary Ablett but even that will not be enough to get them the 4 points at AAMI. The suns need to stick to their game plan and work hard and they will eventually get a win, just not this week!!!

Tip: Power by 59 points

Odds: Port 1.03 Gold Coast 12.00

Carlton V Adelaide Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

The Blues had the chance to put away an undermanned Essendon side last week but couldn’t get the 4 points and were lucky to escape with 2 points after the seasons 3rd draw already. Jeff Garlett & Kade Simpson were superb for the Blues last week but will be out to make up for their late game mistakes.

Adelaide were woeful against Port Adelaide so I’m tipping coach Neil Craig will make a few changes to shake things up a bit. Big name players need to step up if they want to get the points over Carlton though. Expect big things from Tippett, Dangerfield, Van Berlo & Vince.

Tip: Carlton by 17 points

Odds: Carlton 1.28  Adelaide 3.72

North Melbourne V Richmond Sunday at Etihad Stadium

One team will finally record their first win of the season (unless we get another draw) on Sunday. I expect this to be won in the midfield. If Cotchin, DeLedio, Foley, Martin & Grigg can all make a solid contribution for all 4 quarters I can see the Tigers getting the Win.

Likewise, the Kangaroos midfield stars of Swallow, Harvey, Wells, Firrito & Liam Anthony need to lead from the front if the Kangaroos want to kick a winning score. I predict this to be a very close game with Jack Reiwoldt to kick a bag and get the Tigers across the line narrowly.

Tip: Tigers by 5 points

Odds: North 1.92  Richmond 1.92

Essendon V Collingwood Monday at the MCG

The traditional ANZAC day clash is built up as the biggest game of the Home & Away season and this year promises to be one of the biggest in years with both teams in great form.

Essendon were hurt by injuries last week and were gutsy to fight out a draw against Carlton. The Bombers will welcome back David Hille and will be looking at Kyle Reimers, Alwyn Davey and Michael Hibberd to possibly come into the side.

Collingwood just keeps rolling and sit a top the AFL Ladder aster 4 rounds with a percentage of 187.0. Darren Jolly will come back into the side after one week off with injury while Tyson Goldsack and John McCarthy continue to push for selection.

Essendon will be Collingwoods first real test of the season but I cant see them beating them just yet.

Tip: Collingwood by 28 points

Odds: Essendon 4.10 Collingwood 1.24

Fremantle V Western Bulldogs Monday night at Patersons Stadium

Fremantle are hitting some decent form but continue to be struck by injuries, this time defender Nick Suban going down with a long term leg injury. Hayden Ballantyne was superb for the Dockers last week with 25 possessions and 4 goals and is the best small forward in the comp at the minute.

After a weeks rest it will be interesting to see how the Dogs come out. Victories against Brisbane and the Gold Coast are nothing to brag about and the Bulldogs will look to Monday night against the Dockers to show they are legitimate contenders again this year.

Expect another close one

Tip: Fremantle by 9 points

Odds: Freo 1.70  Bulldogs 2.15

Hawthorn V Geelong Tuesday at the MCG

“We’ve sort of said to ourselves that, if we can, we should never let Hawthorn beat us again,”. They were the words of Paul Chapman stating that after losing the 08 Grand Final to the Hawks they never want to lose to them again.

This should be a cracker game, 2nd Vs 3rd, Buddy Vs Taylor, Roughead Vs Lonergan, Sewell Vs Selwood, Hodge Vs Bartell.. Superstar match ups all over the park. I think the cats have been remarkable this season so far and deserve to go in favourites.

The Hawks were nowhere near their best against the Eagles last week but still managed to get over the line narrowly and will need to play a lot better to beat Geelong.

In what could be one of the games of the season I expect it to be the left boot of Buddy Franklin that will decide this game.

Tip: Hawks by 26 points

Odds: Hawks 2.02  Cats 1.80

Round 3 promises to be another great round of footy starting Friday night at the MCG between traditional rivals and 1st vs 2nd, Collingwood vs Carlton and concluding Sunday evening at Etihad with another blockbuster between the Saints and Bombers.

Round three looks to have a few blowouts on the cards also with some predicted top 8 sides taking on some tipped bottom 4 sides.

Best Bet of Round 3

My best bet this week is to take Hawthorn by 40+ points at 2.70. With the Tigers defense in tatters after injuries and suspensions and the Hawks having 42 scoring shots last week expect this week to be much of the same.

Collingwood v Carlton Friday night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood  by 38 points

Odds: Collingwood 1.28  Carlton 3.75

Collingwood will unveil their 2010 premiership flag at the MCG Friday night in front of an expected crowd of more than 80,000 at the G.

Carlton go into the game sitting in 2nd spot on the ladder, only behind the magpies on percentage. Expect them to be outclassed by the pies Friday night who will be bolstered by the return of skipper Nick Maxwell.

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs by 66 points

Odds: Bulldogs 1.01  Gold Coast 17.00

The Bulldogs got there first win against the Lions last week and should easily make that 2 in a row against the AFL newcomers.

Gold Coast were OK after half time last week but I expect it to be another 6 to 8 weeks before they will be competitive against other AFL sides. Bulldogs easily for me.

Adelaide v Fremantle Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide by 15 points

Odds: Adelaide 1.52  Fremantle 2.55

After a disappointing loss to the Cats in Perth last week Fremantle will be looking to bounce back against the Crows who had the bye last week.

Adelaide’s ever-growing injury list is a concern but big man Kurt Tippet is a chance to play and will be welcome in the forward line after the loss of 2009 leading goal kicker Jason Porplyzia for 4 – 6 months with a shoulder injury.

The Crows will benefit from a rest after just one round and their home crowd should see them sneak over the line in a close one.

Richmond v Hawthorn Saturday night at the MCG

Tip: Hawks by 47 points

Odds: Richmond 3.75  Hawks 1.28

Richmond surprised a lot of people last week drawing with the Saints even without spearhead Jack Reiwoldt after he left the ground with concussion in the 1st qtr.

The Hawks could have blown Melbourne away by over 100 points had they kicked straight in Round 2. I expect the Hawks to have to many answers up forward for the Tigers who will be missing tall defenders Rance & McGuane through suspension. Look for a big bag between Franklin & Roughead.

West Coast v Sydney Saturday night at Patersons Stadium

Tip: Swans by 7 points

Odds: West Coast 1.91  Sydney 1.91

These 2 teams usually put on a close match and looking at the odds this week many expect this to be the same. The Eagles have had a great start to the season with 2 wins but will miss Vice Captain Beau Waters for 10 weeks with an elbow injury.

The swans didn’t give up all day against Essendon and snatched the points late. I expect the experience and form of leaders Jude Bolton and Adam Goodes to get Sydney over the line just.

Melbourne v Brisbane Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Melbourne by 48 points

Odds: Melbourne 1.18  Brisbane 5.00

Melbourne need to bounce back from a very disappointing second half fade out against the Hawks and at the moment there is no better team to take on when you need a win than the Lions.

Traveling to Melbourne twice in a row will not make Michael Voss too happy but I expect the Lions to head back up to Brisbane with their tales between their legs for a second week in a row.

Geelong v Port Adelaide Sunday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong by 60 points

Odds: Geelong  1.09 Port Adelaide 7.60

The cats have shown they don’t need Gary Ablett with 2 superb wins early in the season. They are at Skilled Stadium for the first time this year where traveling sides find it very difficult to win.

Port will be without captain Dom Cassisi for 8 weeks which will not help their cause. With the cats set to regain Selwood, Mooney & Scarlett expect them to cruise to victory in this one to go 3-0.

St Kilda v Essendon Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Saints by 12 points

Odds: St Kilda 1.82  Essendon 2.00

The match of the round for me. The Saints desperately need a win in Nick Reiwoldt’s 200th and need to find a way to win for the rest of the season without superstar Lenny Hayes.

The bombers come back to earth last week after not being able to put away Sydney and paying the price in the end. Essendon have had the edge over the Saints of late winning the last 3 meetings, a streak I think will come to an end this week narrowly.

Footy Tips are finally back with Round one to take place over four big days, starting Thursday evening. Like many I have been itching for the real season to start and I will be glued to the TV all weekend.

Each week I will give you my tips and the reason I think that each team will win. Be sure to check back each Wednesday evening or subscribe to the blog here.

Best Bet of Round 1

My best bet this week is to jump on Essendon early to make the finals at 2.50 with Sportsbet. It’s very likely to shorten in price later in the year so the earlier you get on the better the return.

Sportsbet are offering new customers a massive $200 free bet bundle that would be great for this weeks bet of the week. See the Sportsbet site here for more info on this offer.

Don’t forget to join the 2010 Million Dollar Footy Tipping. Checkout our tipping review or to join see the Sportsbet site here.

Carlton V Richmond Thursday night at the MCG

Odds: Carlton 1.32  Richmond 3.50

Tip: Carlton

Finally the season will kick of Thursday night. I expect Carlton to have to much class in the midfield for Richmond with Judd, Murphy, Gibbs & Co ready to run a muck. Reiwoldt will need to kick a big bag if Richmond have any chance.

My prediction is the Blues by 38 points

Geelong V St Kilda Friday night at the MCG

Odds: Geelong 2.15  St Kilda 1.70

Tip: St Kilda

St Kilda cant wait for footy to get started after a troubled off season off the field.

Geelong meanwhile will be out to prove that they can win against the top sides without Gary Ablett.

The match up in the midfield will determine who gets the points here with the likes of Selwood, Bartell & Corey up against Hayes, Dal Santo & Montagna. This should be a cracker of a game, match of the round for mine.

Saints by 15 points

Collingwood V Port Adelaide Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Odds: Collingwood 1.08  Port Adelaide 8.00

Tip: Collingwood

The pies should continue there red hot form from playing in 3 Grand Finals in there past 6 games even without skipper Nick Maxwell.

I can’t see Port Adelaide troubling the pies too much in this one and expect Collingwood to have a big win and top the ladder after Round 1.

Pies by 60 points

Adelaide V Hawthorn Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

Odds: Adelaide 1.97  Hawthorn 1.83

Tip: Hawthorn

In recent years the Hawks have not traveled well to Adelaide but the hunger for a fast start to the season this year should serve them well.

With the Crows missing Tippet up forward and the loss of Nathan Bock to the Gold Coast I can see the Hawks talls up forward proving to strong and sneaking over the line.

Hawks by 14 points

Brisbane V Fremantle Saturday night at the Gabba

Odds: Brisbane 2.25  Fremantle 1.65

Tip: Fremantle

The Lions looked very out of sorts during the pre season and even with their older bodies back in the team with Brown, Black & Power I still see Fremantle being too strong up in Brisbane with Sandilands to dominate in the ruck and give the dockers midfielders first use of the pill.

Freo by 26 points

Essendon V Western Bulldogs Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Odds: Essendon 2.35  Western Bulldogs 1.60

Tip: Western Bulldogs

A lot has been said about the Bombers potential this year with new coaches Hird & “Bomber” Thompson and they will be tested from round one by the doggies.

Both teams go into the game with something to prove, the Bombers want to show that they belong up the top half of the ladder and the dogs to prove that they still belong there. I can see this being a very close match, the dogs for me by a whisker.

Bulldogs by 5 points

Melbourne V Sydney Sunday at the MCG

Odds: Melbourne 1.65  Sydney 2.25

Tip: Melbourne

The Demons need to show a bit more this year after suprising some people last year with 8 wins. Last time these 2 teams met at the MCG Melbourne thrashed Sydney by 73 points.

I don’t expect the margin to be this large this time around but I can’t see the oldest team in the competition the Swans getting up for new coach John Longmire.

Melbourne by 40 points

West Coast V North Melbourne Sunday at Patersons Stadium

Odds: West Coast 1.65  North Melbourne 2.25

Tip: West Coast

2011 doesn’t look good for either the Eagles or the Kangaroos but one team will at least get away to a winning start to the season.

The Kangaroos have a lot of injuries to start 2011 and without big men Drew Petrie (suspended) and David Hale (with Hawthorn) I can’t see them being able to stay with the rotating ruckmen of Cox and Natnui for West Coast.

The Eagles by 16 points