Sportsbet Blog

The round 15 game of the week is Carlton v Western Bulldogs. The winner will secure 5th on the ladder and potentially a game clear from the rest of the 8. It’s the first true “must win” game of the year and bound to be one of the best of the year.

Best Bet of Round 15

This week I’m loading up on Essendon to beat the Dees at 1.94. They are likely winners and there plenty of value at $1.94. Click here to see the latest odds for this bet.

Port Adelaide v Collingwood Friday night at AAMI stadium
Tip: Collingwood
Odds: Port Adelaide 6.60 Collingwood 1.17
The Pies have the wood over Port even at AAMI stadium winning their last three encounters.
The bookies have the odds about right for the pies at 1.17. My prediction they will win by 50 plus points so if your betting account is loaded up put a big chunk on them and take home the easy winnings.

Geelong v Hawthorn Saturday at the MCG
Tip: Geelong
Odds: Geelong 1.40 Hawthorn 3.40
The Cats will be out to have a big win to squash any hopes the hawks have of making 2010 theirs.
Geelongs midfield is much to strong to be held by the hawks and will dominate in that area, I expect their big name to lead the way to a comfortable Cats win.
The hand injury to star Sam Mitchell will only make the task harder for the threatening Hawks.

West Coast v Adelaide Saturday at Subiaco Oval
Tip: West Coast
Odds: West Coast 2.84 Adelaide 1.53
Although the Crows are back in town I think the trip to WA will be to much of them. They haven’t had a win away from home this season and have only taken the points over the eagles three times in their history when in the west.West Coast will be desperate for a win after hitting rock bottom of the ladder last week and if they can hold Kurt Tippett to a couple of goals I think they can get the job done.

Brisbane v St Kilda Saturday night at the Gabba
Tip: St Kilda
Odds: Brisbane 4.80 St Kilda 1.26
It is proven that when a certain player is in a team it can lift a team and the expected return of Nick Riewoldt will give that lift.
Kosi and Jason Gram are also expected to come back for the Saints giving them a full strength side.
The Saints will get a big win over the undermanned and out of form Brisbane side.

Richmond v Fremantle Saturday night at the Etihad Stadium
Tip: Fremantle
Odds: Richmond 2.74 Fremantle 1.57
The two surprise clubs of this year will go head to head in what could be one of the games of the year.
I think Jack Riewoldt will have a rare tough day at the office with the Richmond side likely to struggle to get a clean ball to their forward line. This is where I expect Freo to win the game and take the points.

Sydney v North Melbourne Sunday at the SCG
Tip: Sydney
Odds: Sydney 1.51 North Melbourne 2.90
I predict the Swans to bounce back in a big way and start to work their way back up the top 8.
They played a great 3 quarters against Richmond last week and dropped away in the last so expect a full four quarter game from Sydney.
Keep an eye on Mumford in the ruck, he has had a great season for the Swans and should do well this weekend against a weaker ruck combination in McIntosh and Goldstein.

Melbourne v Essendon Sunday at the MCG
Tip: Essendon
Odds Melbourne 2.04 Essendon 1.94
Although the Bombers have lost Fletcher and Pears in Defense for this match I think they will be fired up from the get go and take the win to quell the bad press they have had recently.
Melbourne were very disappointing last week against the Saints, they had the opportunity to take the game on but simple turnovers kept them out of reach. If they play a similar type of game again expect a big win for Essendon.

Carlton v Western Bulldogs Sunday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Western Bulldogs
Odds Carlton 2.64 Western Bulldogs 1.59
Both these teams desperately need a win to keep any hope of a top 4 end to the season and will be going into the match as they would in a finals match.
I think the game will be won in the Carlton forward line with Bulldog Brian Lake taking ownership of majority of the time in defense.
If he can continue his usual form a think the Bulldogs will get the win in a tight match.

See Round 14 2011 Tips here

Round 14′s matches have some very short priced favourites including the Pies paying a tiny $1.06 to beat the Eagles. This has made this weeks tips much easier than others although there are a couple of tricky games in the Crows V Essendon and Richmond V Sydney where the odds are much more even.

Best Bet of Round 14

This week I’m taking Adelaide to win at the even $2.00 line at -11.5 points. Sportsbet are known for their attractive line betting and my prediction is that the Crows will cover the line easily.

Carlton V Brisbane Thursday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.26 Brisbane 4.10

Brisbane’s season is in shambles after starting the season very strong, they can’t seem to do anything right since then.

They have now lost Fev due to injury and are also with out Brown so will struggle against the speed of the Blues.

Keep an eye on Eddie Betts, I expect him to have a big game against the Lions as he continues to give one of his best seasons with the Blues.

Hawthorn V Western Bulldogs Firday Night at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Hawks 2.30 Bulldogs 1.62

This is a danger games for the Bulldogs and they will be going into the match under pressure to perform.

The game will be won in the middle where the Bulldogs match up better and should kick more goals than the Hawks from these players. These goals will be the winning margin at the end of the match.

Take the Bulldogs to win by over 25 points paying $2.70 at Sportsbet

Fremantle V Port Adelaide Saturday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: Fremantle 1.12 Adelaide 6.35

Freo will easily take care of the Crows which will see them stay in the top 4.

Home game wins are very important to them this year as they strive for a top 2 finish to the season and two home final games.

Young gun Michael Barlow will be keen to repeat his B.O.G performance with 4 goals and 30 possessions.

My prediction is Freo will get a good percentage booster and win by over 60 points paying $3.00 at the moment.

Collingwood V West Coast Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.06 West Coast 9.30

Another one sided affair match with the potential to blowout to a big margin.

Collingwood looked top class last week at the SCG and will be confident they will repeat their efforts.

If your looking at Wooden Spoon betting it might be worth getting on the Eagles before this game as they will likely go to bottom of the ladder after this weekend. They are currently paying $1.70 to take home their first spoon but are sure to shorten by Monday.

Adelaide V Essendon Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Adelaide 1.65 Essendon 2.25

Essendon’s season has come to a screaming halt losing their last 3 games and I predict the trend to continue to make it 4.

Adelaide showed they can play good footy when they put their mind to it and at AAMI stadium I think they will turn it on for their fans.

The Bombers are yet to win outside of Melbourne this year and hasn’t beaten the Crows in S.A since 2007.

Geelong V North Melbourne Sunday Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.16 North Melbourne 5.30

This is a huge test for both clubs with some doubt coming into the Geelong side.

The Kangaroos have the upper hand of a week off and coming off a comfortable win. Geelong on the other hand were “found out” last week and have lost a couple of their key players in Johnson and Mooney.

Being at Skilled Stadium I think the Cats will get the job done. Geelong won their last encounter over the Kangas at Skilled Stadium by a massive 70 points last year. I predict the Cats winning margin to be much shorter than that at around the 30 point mark.

Richmond V Sydney Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Richmond 2.10 Sydney 1.74

I’m pretty confident that the Swans will get the points at the MCG with “the better Riewoldt” likely to be held well by inform backman Lewis Roberts Thomson.

The Swans will have a field day up forward with Bradshaw and Goodes who are much stronger by their opposition.

Sydney will be desperate to get a good win and keep in touch with the top 8.

St Kilda V Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.15 Melbourne 5.75

The Saints are a class side and will expose the youth in the Melbourne team to get a massive win and needed percentage booster.

St Kilda kept the number 1 attacking side Geelong goalless in the 2nd half last week so I feel for the Melbourne forward line who are likely to have a quiet day.

If your look at betting on this game take the Saints by over 37 points, its paying a handy 4.25 at Sportsbet. Click here to see the latest odds for this match.

There are only three games on for the remaining of round thirteen but I don’t think it will be a non eventful weekend of footy.

Friday night sees long awaited grand final rematch of the Saints and the Cats also being 1v2 on the ladder.

Another great game will be  the Swans V the Pies on Saturday night. Can the Pies get their year back on track away from home?

Best bet of Round 13 (week 2)

This week I like Geelong to win between 1-39 points paying 2.22 at Sportsbet. Although the bookies are expecting a score blowout I think it may be closer than they think.

St Kilda V Geelong Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Odds: St Kilda 3.50 Geelong 1.38

Although the Cats look far too strong for St Kilda my prediction is a 2 or 3 goal winning margin to Geelong.

The Saints will close the game down and should work for most of the night but the potency of the cats will show through and get the win.

Keep an eye on Brendon Goddard. I think he will play a mixed roll throughout the match with both time up forward and down back.

Geelong are nearly unbackable with the short odds of 1.38 so add them with your other bets for a boost to your multi bets.

Sydney V Collingwood Saturday Night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Collingeood

Odds: Sydney 2.36 Collingwood 1.72

The Pies are desperate for a win away from home with a few cracks showing in their game in the past few weeks.

The game will be won in the contest possessions and the Pies on paper match up far better then the Swans and should lead in this stat which more times than not lead to a win.

Darren Jolly has been stuck in a bit of average form lately but will likely have a big game for the Pies in the ruck playing against his old club for the first time.

The Pies should cover the even line of -10.5 points easily, so stick with that and take home the handy $2.00 odds.

Adelaide V Melbourne Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Adelaide 1.65 Melbourne 2.48

If this match was in Melbourne I would be all over the Dee’s but being in SA I think their youth will struggle away from home.

Adelaide does have a few injury worries with Bock and Vince likely to play but not at 100%.

I’m tipping their other senior players will step up this week and keep the dreaded wooden spoon worries away, at least for now.

See week 2 of the spit round here

Although a short week, round 13′s split round has some interesting games that could shake up the top 8.

The game of this week is Hawthorn V Essendon on Friday night. It will be a massive test for the Hawks as they try to continue their 5 game winning streak.

Best Bet of Round Thirteen

I’ve been on a bit of a roll lately picking some winners with decent odds including the Saints by under 39 last week at $2.80, lets see if I can continue the good run.

This week I’m going with the Lions over the Tigers by 40+ points paying $3.35 at Sportsbet.

Hawthorn V Essendon Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Hawks 1.63 Bombers 2.54

Don’t discount the bombers on Friday night. I think they will bring it up to the Hawks in a fairly close game. Although my prediction is the Hawks will get the points, they may be getting a bit ahead of themselves so don’t bet heavily on this one.

I’m tipping the Hawks to win by under 39 points paying $2.30 at Sportsbet here

Carlton V Fremantle Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.73 Freo 2.34

Freo were disappointing last week against a gallant St Kilda side over in the West. At times the Dockers looked lost so I think they will struggle in Melbourne against a quality side in the Blues.

Keep an eye on Judd, he is due for a big game after some average matches well below his standards.

Brisbane V Richmond Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.46 Richmond 3.10

The bookies have given Richmond alot of respect giving them odds of 3.10 over at the Gabba. I’m tipping the Lions to get their year back on track and smash the Tigers.

Fev is now the lone hand up forward for the Lions for the next four weeks with Brown out injured. I expect this to encourage Fev to step up and show Jack Riewoldt how it is done.

Make sure to add them to your multi bets.

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

Odds: North Melbourne 1.42 Port 3.35

With a potential top 8 spot on the line if they get a win over Port I think the Kangaroos will win comfortably. The Roo’s have gone under the radar with good wins over the Lions and Blues. They have shown they have a classy defense to hold back some of the leagues best.

Port have struggled to play a full four quarters of football and after five straight losses and look all but gone.

If your looking to bet on this match I’m taking North at the $2.00 even line of 22.5 points. I think they will get the line easily early in the match.

West Coast V Western Bulldogs Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: West Coast 3.30 Bulldogs 1.41

The Bulldogs will be out to get a big win and boost their chances for a top 4 finish to the season.

All the negative press about John Worsfold will make the job all the more difficult for the Eagles who were embarrassed in a massive loss to bottom of the ladder Richmond last week.

My prediction is the Bulldogs to win but not in a blow out so it might be worth loading up on the Bulldogs to win by over 15 points paying a short but safe $1.65 at Sportsbet.

Round 12 has a couple of flip a coin type games and could go either way. Although it may not be much of a spectacle, the West Coast v Richmond game will be a tough game to pick along with Port v Sydney over in AAMI Stadium, if we tip truly on both these games it could go a long way to winning the tipping comps.

The Match of round 12 is 3rd V 4th on the ladder in the Saints and Fremantle. Both clubs need the win to keep the buffer from the rest of the 8 who are nipping at their feet.

Bets Bet

Congrats to everyone who took last weeks best bet, we just covered the margin by 2 points taking the win.

Round 12′s bets bet is St Kilda to win between 1 and 39 points. I’m confident the Saints will do the job over in the west and at $2.80 there’s a nice amount to take home.

North Melbourne V Carlton Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: North Melbourne 4.10 Carlton 1.32

The Blues are eying off a top 4 position and North wont get in their way.

North may match Carlton in the first half but the usual second half fade out will come back into their game ending their chances.

My prediction is Carlton by 25 points.

Hawthorn V Adelaide Saturday at Aurora Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Hawthorn 1.44 Adelaide 3.15

The Hawks are on fire at the moment and will easily account for the Crows. Hawthorn have a true home ground advantage in Tazzy which will hinder the Crows even more as they struggle on the road.

My prediction is the Hawks to win by over 39 points paying $3.20 at Sportsbet

Essendon V Geelong Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Essendon 4.60 Geelong 1.26

It will be interesting to see how the Cats perform for their first game at Etihad stadium this year. If the past season is anything to go by Essendon are in for a bit of trouble.

Jimmy Bartel has averaged an amazing 120 super coach points over the past four years at Etihad stadium which shows the domination Geelong have had at the ground.

Geelong will make it six wins in a row over the Bombers by a large margin, so take the the 40+points paying $2.30 at Sportsbet here.

Port Adelaide V Sydney Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Port Adelaide 1.92 Sydney 2.04

A hard game to tip but my prediction is Sydney will take the points in South Australia.

Port Adelaide were playing a good brand of footy at the start of the season but lately have looked unorganised and easy to exploit.

Keep an eye on Jude Bolton for Sydney. He will be the key to the match as he played well against Port (29 disposals last time they met) as well as in the wet as the forecast has predicted.

With odds of $2.04 I think Sydney is well worth a bet and a odds booster for your multi bets

Richmond V West Coast Sunday at the MCG

Tip: West Coast

Odds: Richmond 1.94 West Coast 2.04

The bookies have given Richmond a lot of respect installing them as favourite to win but I think they have it wrong.

The Tigers are stuck on the bottom of the ladder for a good reason and West Coast have shown some good form in the past few rounds including matching it with league leaders Geelong last week for most of the match.

I’m tipping the Eagles to win between 1 and 39 points paying $2.50 at Sportsbet

Western Bulldogs V Brisbane Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.31 Brisbane 3.90

Brisbane will be troubled down back with Maguire and McGrath both out with injury so expect a big game from Barry Hall. I think he will be the difference between the clubs with both Fev and Brown yet to play at their potential up forward.

Shaun Higgins is out for the Doggies but key player Robert Murphy is set to return and slip back into his position so expect a big game from him.

Fremantle  V St Kilda Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 2.36 Fremantle 1.71

It will be a huge test for the Saints to win on Sunday over in the West. Freo on form look the goods but the Saints know their way around Subiaco Oval well and have a good record over there.

I expect the Saints to step up a notch and force their game style onto the Dockers. This should be enough to get them over the line in a low scoring match.

Melbourne V Collingwood Monday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Melbourne 5.90 Collingwood 1.19

Collingwood will be to strong and will easily get the win. They will be looking at scoring quickly and getting the important percentage booster which could be the difference of a top 4 spot this season.

Dane Swan was one of the game winners in last weeks defeat over the Bulldogs, he had plenty of perfect disposals so expect another big game from him.

This weeks match of round 11 is the blockbuster against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, both clubs have struggled with form lately so a win here could be the start of a form turn around.

Another interesting game is Sydney V Essendon at the SCG. It is the hardest game to tip in round eleven so it will be an important game to make sure a correct tip is made to ensure a top score in round 11.

For all the hardcore tippers out there the Centrebet 2010 World Cup Tipping Competition is now open. There is $10,000 up for grabs and its free to play. See the Centrebet Tipping site here for more info or to join the competition.

Best Bet

This week I’m taking a more conservative approach to this weeks bet after my multi bet disaster last week.

Take Sydney to win at the even $2 line of -7.5 points. I think the Swans will be able to cover the points here and get us a win.

Richmond V St Kilda Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: Richmond 7.60 St Kilda 1.14

The Saints will be going into this game with an attacking mindset to fully test their new forward structure.

St Kilda have some big matches coming up including Freo and Geelong so getting the attacking side of their game going as will as they can will be a priority so expect a full four quarter effort from them.

Carlton V Melbourne Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.42 Melbourne 3.35

The Blues small forwards will do the job for them on Saturday and I think Melbourne will struggle to get easy possessions in their back line.

Melbourne have shown they can play some good football but the experience of Carlton will be to much for them.

Andrew Carrazzo will be one to keep an eye on. Last week he stared keeping Shannon Hurn quiet but I expect him to play a more hands on roll and rack up a high number of touches.

Adelaide V Fremantle Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: Adeliade 3.20 Fremantle 1.44

Fremantle wont have any trouble getting past the Crows on Saturday.

They are playing a great brand of footy at the moment making life tough for the top teams let alone Adelaide who sit second last on the ladder with 2 wins.

Adelaide will find it very hard to match up on Freo as they have a perfect mix of height and speed all around the ground. My prediction is Freo to win be over 40 points paying $3.50 at the moment with Sportsbet.

North Melbourne V Brisbane Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: North Melbourne 2.52 Brisbane 1.64

There plenty of value for the Lions at 1.64 and think they will get a comfortable win.

The Roos have lost their three of their last four and Brisbane found some for last week with a shock win over the top 4 side in Collingwood.

If the Lions can build on the form they showed last week I’m tipping them to win by at least 30 points.

Keep an eye out for the big man Jonathan Brown, he loves to play against North and has averaged 3 goals against them in the past.

West Coast V Geelong Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Geelong

Odds: West Coast 7.40 Geelong 1.14

The bookies have Geelong at short odds this weekend at 1.14 but I think its just about right. Geelong has to many star players in their midfield that will open up the game and expose the youth of the Eagles.

My prediction is Geelong by 36 points so take them to win between 1 and 39 points paying 2.35 at Sportsbet.

Sydney V Essendon Sunday at the SCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.80 Essendon 2.22

This is a very hard game to tip with both clubs showing signs of greatness this season. I’m sticking with Sydney again this week, if the game was played in Melbourne it may have been a different story but the home ground advantage will be too tough for the young Essendon team.

Daniel Hannebery could be the difference for the Swans after his impressive 25 disposals including three goals in their narrow loss to the Hawks last week.

Hawthorn V Port Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Hawthorn 1.45 Port Adelaide 3.15

Even though Buddy has been rubbed out for this weekend the Hawks look like they have their act together and have enough depth in the team to get the points. They are ready to make a charge for a top 8 spot and will easily overcome Port.

Star recruit Shaun Burgoyne will be one to keep an eye on, he played a handy roll in the Hawks win over the Swans and I think he will improve again this week.

Collingwood V Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.77 Western Bulldogs 2.26
With both teams going into this game with some problems its made it a hard game to tip.

I’m sticking with the Pies this week as I think if they drop a 3rd game in a row alarm bells will start ringing for the club.

The Aker dramas this week may take a toll on the Bulldogs who need to go back to basics after a disappointing loss to Essendon that included many simple errors.

Take the Pies at the even $2.00 line of -9.5 points.

This weeks round 10 games are pretty straight forward which makes footy tipping pretty easy this week. The match of Round ten is Friday nights Essendon V Bulldogs, both teams are playing exciting footy at the moment so its set to be a great game.

Best Bet of Round 10

This week I’m going all out and taking a 8 leg multi. Take all my footy tips below in a multi bet and you’ll get odds of around $3.70.

Essendon V Western Bulldogs Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Essendon 3.50 Bulldogs 1.38

The Bulldogs are looking very strong at the moment and have good form leading into this match after a 60 point demolishing of North last week.

Essendon will play their usual running game and it may pay off, but I think their forward line is where it will come unstuck and the Doggies will rebound quickly.

Barry Hall will be in the spot light Friday night but this time it will be his opponent that the umpires will be keeping a close eye on after the fiasco last week, one wrong move and Barry will be lining up for goal.

Geelong V Melbourne Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.07 Melbourne 13.00

Skilled Stadium has become a hoodoo for all clubs when they play Geelong there and Saturdays game will be no exception. They play a brand of football that is very hard to defend and attack, they seem to go up a notch when playing in Geelong.

Expect them to stamp out Melbourne early and finish with a 60+ point win. The 60 point + margin is paying $2.25 at the moment, checkout the Sportsbet site here for the latest odds.

Port Adelaide V Richmond Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Odds: Port 1.21 Richmond 5.40

Although Richmond have lost they have played some “ok” footy in the past two weeks so this may be a danger game for Port, and my multi bet.

My prediction is that Port will win but it wont be a blow out like the bookies are expecting.

Jack Riewoldt will be one to lookout for after kicking 10 goals 2 behinds for Richmond over the past fortnight.

Brisbane V Collingwood  Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Brisbane 4.20 Collingwood 1.29

On paper this should be an even game with the two spear heads at Brisbane and experience all over the ground at the Pies, but Fev and Brown are yet to hit there full potential together this year making life hard for the Lions.

My prediction is Collingwood will bounce back after their disappointing loss to Geelong and continue their near perfect start to the year.

Jed Adcock is a massive out for the Lions, he fractured his foot in last week game and will be out for many weeks.

St Kilda V Adelaide Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.24 Adelaide 4.80

The Saints look as though they have woken up and got back in the swing of things after an impressive win over the Eagles last week in WA. They played sharp footy and the team looked comfortable in their positions which they have lacked for a few weeks.

Expect them to put the squeeze on the Crows early in the game then open the game up in the 2nd half to get away to a winning margin.

If your looking at betting on this match take St Kilda’s winning margin to be between 1-39 points paying $2.15 at Sportsbet. It will be another low scoring game under 39 points looks likely.

Hawthorn V Sydney Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawks

Odds: Hawks 1.35 Sydney 3.65

Everyone is back on the Hawks bandwagon including the bookies with the short odds of 1.35 for them to win.

Their win last week had glimpses of 2008 in it so if they can replicate that they should have another win on Sunday.

You might be thinking $3.65 sounds pretty good for a Sydney win? Think again, key players Tadhg Kennelly and forward Daniel Bradshaw will be out this week due to injury and they are still without Craig Bolton (achilles), Craig Bird (foot), Mark Seaby (ankle) making this game a very had task for them. Stick with the Hawks.

Carlton V West Coast Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.22 West Coast 5.30

If West Coast can’t win at home I don’t give them much hope against the Blues in Melbourne. They faded out in last weeks 35 point loss to St Kilda, something they are not usually known so there might be some worrying times ahead for the Eagles.

Carlton will be eager to bounce back after the shock loss to the Hawks, keep an eye on Chris Judd again this week after a game high 30 possessions last week including 19 kicks.

The Eagles will again be without Darren Glass who is suffering an abdominal injury

Fremantle V North Melbourne Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: Fremantle 1.15 North 7.00

Freo will out class North all over the field Sunday afternoon as they continue their great start to the season.

They currently sit equal 1st on the ladder behind the Pies and Geelong on percentage but a big win here could see them take 2nd spot so expect the Dockers to play the game out right to the end.

Freo’s Nathan Fyfe is this weeks AFL Rising Star after his 23 disposals against Sydney last week so expect another good game from him.

On a side note, Matthew Pavlich is now the outright leader of the AFLCA champion player of the year award. Today might be a good time to get on him for the Brownlow Medal, his paying a handy $21 at the moment but is sure to shorten over the next few weeks with a some very winnable games over the next month.

 

This weeks match of round 9 is The Pies V The Cats. It will be 2 weeks running where on Friday night both matches have been 1 v 2 on the ladder. It is set to be another great match against these clubs and defiantly one to watch.

Best Bet of Round Nine

This week I’m taking a four leg multi bet. Take Geelong, Sydney, Port and St Kilda to win paying a handy $8.92 with Sportsbet here.

Collingwood V Geelong Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Collingwood 2.09 Geelong 1.75

The match of round 9 should be a beauty! Both clubs are in near perfect form and will be going into the match with confidence.

I think Geelong will be able to win the game by exposing Collingwood’s younger players in the midfield and around the forward line in Chris Dawes, Steele Sidebottom and Dayne Beams.

North Melbourne V Western Bulldogs Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: North Melbourne 4.10 Bulldogs 1.24

The Bulldogs impressive win last week against Sydney showed their supporters that they can match it with class act sides and will dismantle the inexperienced North side early in the match.

Although the Bulldogs will be without key play-makers Murphy and Johnson they have enough depth to be able to cover them and should be able to win by over 39 points which is paying 2.85 at Sportsbet.

Sydney V Fremantle Saturday at the SCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.74 Fremantle 2.10

If this game was played over in the West it would have been much tougher to tip but being at the SCG the Swans should be right. They play great football on their home ground and the long flight over will only make it tougher for the Dockers.

Keep an eye out for Jarrad McVeigh for Sydney, his tackling pressure and fight for the ball last week was brilliant and will see him rack up a lot of dream team points again this round.

With added inspiration of the announcement of co-captain Brett Kirk’s retirement at the end of 2010 should see the Swans over the line.

Melbourne V Port Adelaide Saturday night at TIO Stadium (Darwin)

Tip: Port Adelaide

Odds: Melbourne 2.35 Port 1.60

Melbourne was very disappointing last week against West Coast in front of their high spirited home crowd, they seemed to go back to their 2009 ways and at times didnt look at all interested in the game. It will be hard for them to turn it around this week with the trip to Darwin and playing against Port who look to be a top 8 side this year.

Saturday is predicted to be 31 degrees and humid with chances of thunderstorms so expect a low scoring match. It might be worth chucking a few dollars on Port to win by under 24 points. Its currently paying 3.35 at Sportsbet but I’m tipping the odds to shorten if rain sets in so get your bets on early.

Essendon V Richmond Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Essendon

Odds: Essendon 1.28 Richmond 3.75

This could be one of the Dream time matches to remember with Richmond showing some spirit last week over the Hawks. Teams seem to lift at these big event games and upsets have been known to happen so don’t put your house on the line if your thinking about betting on this game.

The difference could be Essendon’s Tayte Pears and Kyle Reimers who are expected to return from injury for this match. Look for this weeks NAB Rising Star Jake Melksham, he played a handy part in the Bombers surprise win over the Saints and will be out to do the same again.

Adelaide V Brisbane Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Adelaide 2.18 Brisbane 1.69

Brisbane will bounce back this week after a heavy loss to Geelong and I expect Fev to start to get back into some form after a lackluster start with his new club.

Adelaide are getting deeper and deeper with poor form and a long injury list so I can’t see a way out for them against the Lions.

My prediction is the Lions by 40 points paying 4.65.

Carlton V Hawthorn Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.36 Hawthorn 3.17

The Hawks have all but given up this season so expect the Blues to have a big win as they continue their way up the ladder.

Blues captain Chris Judd is in great form at the moment and looks unstoppable when he has the ball in his hands, the hawks don’t have a clear match-up for him and will dominate the game.

If your looking for a good bet on this match Carlton to be leading is paying $2.00. I think that’s pretty good value when looking at 1.37 for the straight win.

West Coast V St Kilda Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: West Coast 2.01 St Kilda 1.81

This match has turned into a must win for St Kilda as they keep trying to reorganise their side with out Nick up forward.

The Saints last two losses have been against arguably the quickest teams in the AFL (Carlton and Essendon). They will be looking forward to playing West Coast who rely on height more than run and should be able to effectively play their defensive game.

Sam Fisher is slowly becoming accustom to his roll in the forward line so this match could be the one where he makes his mark on the game.

Round 8 footy tips should be very interesting with some top 4 potential clubs going head to head this week. The match of round eight is on Friday night with top of the ladder Collingwood going against equal top Freo over in WA.

Another great game to watch will be Sydney and the Bulldogs. Barry Hall will have his first match against his former club and I’m sure a few of the Sydney boys know how to get into Barry head so expect some fireworks!

Best Bet of Round 8

This week I’m taking St Kilda to win between 1-39 points with odds of $2.25 at Sportsbet. The Saints will likely play another defensive style of game so expect a low scoring game with a low margin.

Fremantle V Collingwood Friday Night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Fremantle 2.10 Collingwood 1.90

Who would have thought the match of round 8 would be between these clubs over in Perth!

Collingwood should grind out a win as Freo are coming off two 6 day breaks and a trip to Brisbane which could see them fade out in the second half of the match.

Keep an eye on Arron Sandilands, the big man took 44 hit outs last time the teams met and my prediction he will dominate again with Collingwood’s Darren Jolly not in the best of form at the moment.

Melbourne V West Coast Saturday at Manuka Oval

Tip: Melbourne

Odds: Melbourne 1.41 West Coast 3.35

Melbourne young guns Tom Scully, James Frawley and Jack Trengove have inspired the Demons in the past few weeks giving the club a lot of promise. These players will be the key to the match and it will be very hard to keep the footy away from them. Melbourne could have been 7 wins 1 loss and equal ladder leaders if it wasn’t for some pink umpires and a narrow loss to the pies.

West Coast’s injury worries wont help them this weekend with Darren Glass admitting his not 100% with groin soreness and some bad form but is expect to play.

Western Bulldogs V Sydney Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.72 Sydney 2.36

This match will be won in the middle with some of the finest midfielders in the comp playing in both teams.

The bulldogs will likely get first use of the ball at stoppages with both Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford (suspended) and Mark Seaby (injured) leaving the ruck inexperienced Mike Pyke and Jesse Smith to fill the height gap. Expect the Bulldogs to take full advantage of this which should create a winning margin.

North Melbourne V Adelaide Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

Odds: North Melbourne 1.69 Adelaide 2.40

North should do well against Adelaide who are still looking pretty shaky all over the ground. Adelaide still have some work to do and I think the Kangaroos who have won 3 from their last 5 will easily account for the Crows.

Andrew McLeod is likely to be right to play for the Crows after suffering a shoulder sprain last week.

Brisbane V Geelong Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Brisbane 3.60 Geelong 1.37

Geelong look in fine form at the moment and it will be hard to tip against them no matter who/where they play this year. Brisbane will but up a fight but the team experience and strong final quarter from the Cats will get them the win.

As the odds are pretty short for Geelong (1.37) I’ll be betting on the 24.5 point even line market at Sportsbet. I think Geelong will be able to cover the 24 points comfortably.

Richmond  V Hawthorn Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawks

Odds: Richmond 5.50 Hawthorn 1.20

Finally, the Hawks will get a decent win with Richmond looking all but gone for the season.

Hows this for some inclusions, the Hawks are welcoming back Jordan Lewis, Shaun Burgoyne, Coleman Medalist Lance Franklin, captain Sam Mitchell and Rhan Hooper.

My prediction is a 40+ point win to the Hawks paying $2.25 with Sportsbet.

Port Adelaide V Carlton Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Port Adelaide 1.96 Carlton 2.00

The bookies have this game at pretty much an even contest and on paper it looks that way as well. Both teams are in good form at the moment especially Carlton who have comprehensively beaten both of last years grand finalists recently. With that fact in hand I’m tipping the Blues to win over in Adelaide.

Although Port have won their last three games Port will miss Warren Tredrea too much this week and the run of Carlton will be the telling factor.

St Kilda  V Essendon Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: St Kilda 1.47 Essendon 3.05

This could be a danger game for the Saints. Although they are strong favourites for the match I see this a much closer game as some may predict.

When Essendon get going they have a fast paced game which could leave Saints back line vulnerable. Carlton showed last week that getting the ball in quickly pays off and I expect the Bombers to try and replicate this.

I’m tipping the Saints but if your having a bet don’t put your house on it.

Round 7 will be remembered for one reason. A club will get their first win for the season with the Crows and Tigers both winless this season going head to head.

The match of round 7 goes to Geelong and Sydney. Top of the table Sydney will face their biggest test of the season, playing Geelong at their home ground.

Best Bet of Round Seven

This week I’m taking the hawks to win straight out. At $2.30 with Sportsbet there’s plenty of value to be had.

Congrats to everyone that took my best bet last week that payed $4.30. Picking both upsets for the week couldn’t be easier!

Melbourne V Western Bulldogs Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.26 Melbourne 4.70
The Bulldoge will be out to change their last quarter fade out against the Saints last week and play out the last quarter at 100%. Even if Melbourne keeps the scores close at 3 quarter time I expect the Bulldogs to run out the game well with a comfortable win.

Look out for Barry Hall as I predict he will kick 5+ goals Friday night.

Essendon V Port Adelaide Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

Odds: Essendon 1.85 Port Adelaide 2.12

Essendon looked impressive and their good form should continue into this game. Their run through the middle should be the difference in the teams and be the key to the game. My prediction is the Bombers by 24 points so take Essendon to win by under 39 points paying $2.40 at Sportsbet.

West Coast V Hawthorn Saturday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: West Coast 1.66 Hawthorn 2.30

The bookies haven’t given the Hawks much respect here pricing them at $2.30. I’m tipping this game will be the turning point for Hawthorn. They have been under preforming all year and after last weeks embarrassment against Essendon I think they could just snap out of it and get their 2nd win on the board.

Keep an eye on Jarryd Roughead. He is under massive pressure to do well, getting out of the spot light in Melbourne may help him get back to form.

Collingwood V North Melbourne Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.22 North Melbourne 5.50

The Pies will be far to strong for North on Saturday night. They have built a solid team and will be hard to stop up forward as the Pies have numerous goal kickers including Paul Medhurst, Chris Dawes, Travis Cloke and new recruit Luke Ball.

Dane Swan might be worth picking up in your Super Coach as he is having a field day lately and will continue into this game with a 30+ possessions.

Brisbane V Fremantle Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.53 Fremantle 2.78

Although Matt Maguire is suspended this week I Brisbane will be able to hold Freo to a low score. Brett Staker will drop back into defense and will likely pickup Matthew Pavlich. It should be a great match up to keep an eye on.

Key players Justin Sherman and Jed Adcock are back in the side for Brisbane this week after recovering from injury and will make a great difference to the forward entries to Brown and Fev.

Geelong V Sydney Sunday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.35 Sydney 3.75
If this game was played at in Sydney is might have been a difference story but Geelong are too good at home. They are in near perfect form and play 10-20% better when at Skilled Stadium.

This match could be that start of a form slump for the top of the table Sydney and a good percentage booster for Geelong. Gary Ablett and Matthew Scarlett both return for Geelong.

Adelaide V Richmond Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Adelaide 1.26 Richmond 4.40

Battle of the bottom. The Crows will get their first points for the year and leave Richmond wondering what positives they can take out of the game. My prediction is the Crows to demolish the Tiger by over 40 points paying a handy $2.45 with Sportsbet

Good luck to Graham Polak for the Tigers playing his first game of the season and third since round 14 2008 after a horror run.

St Kilda V Carlton Monday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.47 Carlton 3.05
Jarrad Waite is a good inclusion for the Blues and could cause a few headaches for St Kilda but I think Carlton will be forced into playing Saints defensive style of football which St Kilda do so well.

I’m tipping another low scoring game from the Saints. It might be worth looking at Sportsbet new “AFL Super Margin” market. You can get the Saints to win between 10-19 points at $8.00 which I think there is plenty of value in and well worth a bet.