Round nines footy predictions won’t be as straight forward as last weeks. The bookies took a battering with all favourites winning last round. This week I think a few outsiders have a great chance of getting up, making for a top round of footy.
Sports Bet of the Round
There are some good odds for this weeks tip. This week I recommend Freo, Adelaide and West Coast in a multi bet that at Sportsbet will pay around $7.00. Currently they have an offer where you get a $50 bet just for signing up which would make a handy profit for this weeks bet of the round.
Geelong V Western Bulldogs, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Geelong
Friday night brings the game of the round with two of the top four teams battling it out. The Bulldogs play well against Geelong as we saw in the finals series last year. They didn’t let Geelong play their flowing game and only went down by a few straight kicks. Jason Akermanis is showing great form and should trouble the Cats midfield but with Robert Murphy out through injury I don’t think they have enough depth to match the unbeaten Geelong.
North Melbourne V Fremantle, Saturday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Fremantle
This is a tough one to pick. Sportsbet have set North at 1.77 favourite but personally I think Freo have what it takes to get over the Kangaroos. Big Matthew Pavlich is playing great footy at the moment that will suit Etihad Stadium. Aaron Sandilands continues to own his opposition with a massive 41 hit outs last weekends.
Adelaide V Carlton, Saturday at AAMI Stadium
Tip: Adelaide
This game is another one where I think the bookies may have it wrong. The Crows play decent footy at home and Carton have yet to prove they can win out of Victoria this year. Sportsbet have Carton as clear favorites at 1.65 to the Crows 2.20, it might be worth chucking a few dollars on the Crows this weekend as I think the bookies have underestimated Adelaide. I’ve picked the Crows to win in a hard battle.
West Coast V Collingwood, Saturday Night at Subiaco Stadium
Tip: West Coast
Collingwood are in shambles at the moment with the team riddled with injuries and Mick Malthouse’s sacking being called for by some parts of the media. Majority of AFL supporters will be happy with the way things are going with the Pies especially after the flogging against arch rivals Carlton last weekend. West Coast is a solid team with alot of potential that come the end of the year could see them take part in the finals this year. Lets hope the Eagles can make it three big losses in a row for the Pies!
Richmond V Essendon, Saturday Night at the MCG
Tip: Essendon
The Dons really pushed the Saints last week winning three of the four quarters but couldn’t quite put a few goals together. This weeks “Dream time” match should see the Dons do it easier and will continue to play a very fast straight down the middle game. This will catch out the Tigers midfield giving some clear inside 50 entries to Matthew Lloyd. Richmond’s nightmare season continues with a three point loss last week after leading with seconds to go, the speculation of coach Terry Wallace’s sacking earlier this week and now looking at another loss in this big game.
Sydney V Port Adelaide, Sunday at the SCG
Tip: Sydney
Sportsbet have Sydney as 1.60 favourites which looks about right. Port are still yet to prove their critics that they are a contender this year with inconsistency in past weeks. Warren Treadrea continues to hold up the Port team and Barry Hall is starting to get a fair bit of the ball for Sydney which could see a goal shootout from both ends. The Swans senior players Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Jude Bolton will be the key to Sydney winning and if all three are on song the Swans should win comfortably.
St Kilda V Brisbane, Sunday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: St Kilda
St Kilda should continue their winning ways against the Lions on Sunday. Although the Saints look likely to win this weekend there is plenty of value for Brisbane with the bookies. Sportsbet have set the Lions at $5 which I think is pretty long odds. St Kilda may have some problems with the Brisbane forward line made up of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, which could see the game being much closer than first thought. The added incentive of the 200th game for Lenny Hayes and the announcement of long term dedication from Nick Riewoldt after signing a four year deal should see them get over the line.
Hawthorn V Melbourne, Sunday at the MCG
Tip: Hawthorn
Last week the Hawks showed some signs of returing form and this game should be a walk in the park for them. Arron Davey and Cale Morton both show that Melboure can play decent footy but they lack team effort which is needed to win especially against last year premiers. Hawks by 40+ points




