Sportsbet Blog

Round 15 of the 2011 AFL footy season promises to make your footy tips tricky this round. Below you will find all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds to help make the right choice.

The Bulldogs will have another mini final when they face Melbourne at Etihad stadium Friday night to kick off the round. I am really looking forward to the Richmond vs. Carlton game on Saturday afternoon and the 2nd Vs. 3rd Blockbuster Sunday between Collingwood and Hawthorn before the round concludes with another must win between North Melbourne & St Kilda at Etihad.

Best Bet of Round 15 for me is the Brisbane Lions between 1-39 which is paying 2.25 at Sportingbet.

Checkout the pro/celebrity tips for round 15 here

Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Friday night at Etihad Stadium

This is another must win for the Dogs as they look to win their third in a row. Adam Cooney was brilliant last week getting the Dogs out to a big lead in the first half before they took their foot off the gas in the second half but still won comfortably.

The Demons are in the eight after their big win against the Tigers last week. Number one draft pick Jack Watts is starting to show Demons fans why Melbourne rate him so highly and hopefully he can continue his good form for the rest of the season.

In what could be a high scoring game I think the demons can get the points to cement their spot in the eight.

Tip: Demons by 21 points

Odds: Bulldogs 2.04 Demons 1.79

More often than not Friday night footy starts with a goal as first scoring play, this looks good at $3.50

Richmond V Carlton Saturday at the MCG

Both teams are coming off losses in Round 14. The Tigers were gutsy against Melbourne but could not find a consistent goal kicker up forward. They will recall Jake King after a one week ban and may look to include midfielder Shane Tuck after some good form in the reserves in recent weeks.

Carlton were expected to win last week but were confronted by a West Coast team full of confidence. Full back Michael Jamison will be missing for the next month with a knee injury and the Blues may welcome back Jarred Waite, Ed Curnow, Nick Duigan & Brock McLean.

Tip: Blues by 17 points

Odds: Tigers 4.00 Blues 1.25

At $24 the qtr. by qtr. leaders of Carlton/Richmond/Carlton/Carlton looks very appealing to me

Fremantle V Gold Coast Saturday at Patersons Stadium

The Dockers were slow starters last week against Brisbane but got the points in the end with skipper Matthew Pavlich leading from the front. They will again be without All Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands after he reinjured his foot.

The Suns fought the game out to the end last week and only went down by 22 points when it could have easily been another 80 point blowout. They will go into this game as heavy underdogs again and will need everyone to play the game of their life to get the points here. Brandon Matera & Trent McKenzie should be additions to the side as the Gold Coast will continue to rest young players throughout the season.

Tip: Dockers by 67 points

Odds: Dockers 1.10 Suns 7.25

Fremantle to win between 60-69 is a risky bet but at $9.00 could be worth putting a few dollars on

Essendon V Geelong Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

Five weeks ago many would have pencilled this in as a Blockbuster against top four sides. The Cats are still undefeated but since then Essendon have lost 5 in a row and look to be lost out on the field.

Will the acquisition of Bomber Thompson from Geelong over the summer help Essendon here? Maybe a little, but they will need a lot more to go right if they are to get close to the Cats.

Watson, Lonergan & Myers are out for Essendon with injuries and the Cats will likely recall Bartell, Ottens, Kelly, Stokes, Hunt & Vardy. Enough said.

Tip: Cats by 46 points

Odds: Bombers 7.50 Cats 1.09

Essendon got away to a flyer against the Hawks with a goal inside 20 seconds, if they can repeat this against the Cats and score the opening Goal before any other score it is paying a healthy $4.50 at Sportingbet.

Sportingbet give you a massive $150 free bet just for depositing $30 and using the promo code BETFREE when joining! See more details on the Sportingbet site here.

Adelaide V Sydney Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

The Crows showed some good signs late against Geelong last week which will please their coaches and fans. David MacKay and Richard Tambling are possible call ups at the expense of Henderson, Schmidt, Jaensch & Symes.

The Swans showed against Collingwood that they can still match it with the best only falling short by a goal. Their never say die attitude keeps them in every game. Goodes, Bolton & McViegh will lead from the front as they should get the points against the Crows.

Tip: Swans by 35 points

Odds: Crows 2.95 Swans 1.40

Adelaide/Sydney/Sydney/Sydney quarter by quarter leaders is paying $8.50 in this one.

Brisbane V Port Adelaide Sunday at the Gabba

This will be the only game of the Round that will not any effect on the rest of the competition. Both teams are desperate for a win for their fans and will come out firing.

The Lions with home ground advantage will prove too strong for Port Adelaide.

Tip: Lions by 28 points

Odds: Lions 1.40 Power 2.95

It’s a 50/50 bet at $1.95, choose either even or odd for the total score of the match combined.

Collingwood V Hawthorn Sunday at the MCG

This will be an absolute ripper. Second Vs. Third on the ladder and a possible finals preview. Expect a huge crowd at the MCG on Sunday.

Collingwood let a 5 goal lead slip against Sydney and found themselves trailing in the last quarter before rallying to win by a goal. Alan Didak will miss a couple of weeks through injury but the Pies could welcome back premiership stars Darren Jolly & Brent Macaffer.

The Hawks blew away Essendon last Friday night without spearhead Lance Franklin who will come back in after his one match ban. They will be without Jordan Lewis for 2 weeks through suspension, while Cyril Rioli & Brad Sewell have been added to the Hawks ever growing injury list.

Tip: Pies by 12 points

Odds: Magpies 1.31 Hawks 3.50

The Hawks have had some big first halves this year and the Magpies are the dominant team in finishing games, The Hawks halftime leaders/Collingwood full time leaders is paying a healthy $6.80

North Melbourne V St Kilda Sunday at Etihad Stadium

The Roos are one of the form teams of the competition in the last month and will need another win to stay in touch with the top eight. Drew Petrie is in All Australian form and their younger players are starting to stand up.

After a week off with the bye St Kilda will come back refreshed and ready for a second half push to make the eight. They will need their leaders to have a stellar second half to the season if they are any chance of finals. They will be forced to make at least one change with Justin Koschitzke out for 2 weeks through suspension.

Tip: Saints by 3 points

Odds: Kangaroos 2.00 Saints 1.82

The Halftime margin of St Kilda leading between 1-12 is paying $4.10 and could be worth looking at.

Round 12 of the AFL season is spread over 4 days of fantastic footy. There are a few games that could go either way this week starting with the Saints & Bulldogs Friday night at Etihad. Match of the Round for me will be Saturday night at the MCG when the top of the table Geelong take on third place Hawthorn in what should be a super match.

Round 12 concludes Monday with the Queen’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood, a match I predict to be a lot closer than some people think, especially after last year’s 1 point Magpie win in Round 2 and a draw in Round 12.

A welcome return last week with the prediction of the Blues by over 40 points against Port Adelaide coming through at a healthy $2.35. My best bet of round twelve is Essendon to beat Fremantle between 1-39 which is paying $2.70 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

St Kilda V Bulldogs Friday night at Etihad Stadium

The Saints have won the last 5 against the Bulldogs including the 2009 and 2010 Preliminary Finals. Reiwoldt has to come good soon if they Saints are to make a charge at Finals; this could be his game against the undermanned Dogs defence.

The dogs were simply no good against the Cats last week. One player who can hold his head high was Daniel Giansiracusa after kicking 5 goals but he will need a lot of help from his mates this week. One move I liked was moving Brian Lake forward; I think Rocket Eade should start Lake at full forward this week. My prediction is for this to be a low scoring tight game with the Saints getting over the line.

Tip: Saints by 15 points

Odds: St Kilda 1.56 Bulldogs 2.45

Fancy a punt on this game; I think the Western Bulldogs halftime lead, St Kilda full time leading is a good bet paying $7.00

Adelaide V West Coast Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Adelaide will be glad to be playing at home this week but must start to play well in front of their home town fans to give them anything to cheer about. The Crows were never in the game last week against the Roo’s and my prediction is they will struggle again this week against the upbeat Eagles.

West Coast’s first quarter was enough last week to put away the Suns. Although they got outscored in every quarter after that I think they took the foot off the gas a bit and started looking to this weeks game.

Tip: Eagles by 19 points

Odds: Adelaide 2.35 West Coast 1.60

I will be putting a few bucks on West Coast to win between 1 and 24 in this one, which is paying a healthy $3.20

Gold Coast V North Melbourne Saturday night at Metricon Stadium

This is a big chance for the Suns to get their first win at their home ground. If they can put together a four quarter effort they may just sneak another win.  An interesting matchup would be brothers David & Andrew Swallow matching up on each other.

North plays big in milestone games as they showed last week when Boomer Harvey equalled the club record for games played. This week he breaks the record, expect the Kangaroo’s to do it for boomer in and entertaining game.

Tip: Kangaroos by 24 points

Odds: Gold Coast 3.23 North Melbourne 1.35

In front of their home fans I think the Gold Coast might just snag the opening score, a goal, against the Kangaroos, paying $3.80 at Sportsbet

Geelong V Hawthorn Saturday night at the MCG

This is definitely match of the Round for me. Back in Round 5 the Cats overran the Hawks in the second half to come up 19 point victors. With Stevie Johnson in the best form of his career and Brad Ottens having a day out last week expect the undefeated Cats to go into this game full of confidence.

The Hawks 8 goal last quarter to turn a 26 point deficite into a 22 point win against Fremantle last week will give them plenty of confidence also heading into this blockbuster. With serious doubt over Buddy Franklin I am not sure the Hawks will have enough firepower to get over the line against the Cats.

One thing is for sure, these teams hate losing against one another so it will be a very tough game.

Tip: Cats by 11 points

Odds: Cats 1.43 Hawks 2.85

I am looking for a big win on this one, the Cats do not get outscored in the third and fourth terms that’s why I think a good bet might be the quarter by quarter leaders bet with the combination of Geelong/Hawthorn/Geelong/Geelong which you can get $24 for.

Carlton V Brisbane Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Carlton may have found a new spearhead in former number 2 draft pick Andrew Walker. He has booted 25 goals this year, his 6 last week against Port the most impressive of the lot. Carlton’s fitness showed through in the last half against the power overrunning them in a dominant performance.

After 2 wins on the trot Brisbane were brought back down to earth against the Swans in Round 11 in front of their home town crowd. Expect a better effort this week but the Blues will be too strong in this one.

Tip: Blues by 43 points

Odds: Blues 1.08 Lions 8.00

Lay all your money into this game on Blues bets, especially the Blues to win between 40 – 59 which is paying $4.10

Sydney V Richmond Sunday at the SCG

Sydney put in its best performance of the season last week, smashing the Lions and reminding the rest of the competition what they are capable of. Ben McGlynn sits eight on the goal kickers list in a breakout year for the former Hawk.

The tigers come off the bye and will be out to change the trend of the way teams perform after having a week off. I wonder which Tigers team will show up to play, the one that beat the Bombers, or the one that lost to Port Adelaide. A 4 quarter effort will be needed if they are a chance.

Sydney has won 8 of the last 9 between these 2 teams so I think I will stick with them for my footy tipping.

Tip: Swans by 21 points

Odds: Swans 1.28 Tigers 3.72

The Time First Goal Kicked is always a risky bet, if you want to take the risk like me consider the timing to be between 3.01 – 4.00 minutes, a nice payout of $7.60 could be yours.

Fremantle V Essendon Sunday at Paterson Stadium

The Dockers may have thought they had done enough against the Hawks when they were leading by 26 points 5 minutes into the last quarter, from that point they got overrun and looked very flat. Mark Harvey will be outing them through a tough week on the track trying to iron out the creases in their game.

The Bombers let one they thought they should have won get away against the Demons last week showing how much they rely on Captain Jobe Watson. With Watson expected back this week I think James Hird can lift his side to get a rare interstate win for the Bombers in a close one.

Tip: Bombers by 11 points

Odds: Dockers 1.77 Bombers 2.05

I expect this one to be a pretty tight match, with possibly the scores being all tied up at the half, $31 for that bet at Sportsbet.

Melbourne V Collingwood Monday at the MCG

Melbourne gave their fans hope last week with an amazing performance against the Bombers. Young guns Scully and Trengove were superb leading the Demons to the upset. They will need to step it up another notch this week against the reigning premiers.

The Magpies decision to send players overseas half way through the season to get their injuries right means they will go into the Queen’s Birthday game without superstar Dane Swan. They will also miss the hottest player in the comp over the last 3 weeks Daisy Thomas who is out through suspension. Collingwood should have enough talent to cover this though I feel.

Tip: Pies by 22 points

Odds: Demons 5.00 Pies 1.17

The Pies get a lot of shots on goal and are not always that accurate, that’s why I am outing 10 bucks on the first scoring play to be a Collingwood point which is paying $3.20.

*See Round 3 2011 Tips Here

Round 3 is setup to be one of the hardest rounds for AFL footy tips with numerous matches with level or near level odds and some potential interstate upsets.

The game of the round three would have to go to the Bulldogs V Hawthorn. Both teams have started the season fairly well and a win here will show they are the real deal in 2010.

Best Bet of Round 3

I like Geelong to beat Freo between 1-39 points this week paying 2.25 with Sportsbet.

St Kilda V  Collingwood Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.50 Collingwood 2.60

The Saints are going along nicely and would be hard to tip against this week. They are a well drilled side and at the moment cant do anything wrong. Simon Prestigiacomo is a 50/50 chance to play for the Pies and would help hold the saints forward line which thrashed North Melbourne last week.

North Melbourne V  West Coast Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

Odds: North Melbourne 1.91 West Coast 1.91

Although Sportsbet can’t split them in the odds, my prediction is North to bounce back from the 104 point loss handed to them by the Saints. Look out for “Boomer” Harvey who only could rack up 5 possessions last week, he will be keen for a good game this time round for North and could be wise to add him to your Dream Team this week.

Port Adelaide V Brisbane Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.91 Port Adelaide 1.91

Although Port have looked in good form lately and they are playing at home I can step away from Brown and his side kick Fev up forward. Brisbane have a number of new faces at the club but they are playing like they have been together for many years. I predict Brisbane to have a good chance to win by over 40 points this weekend which is paying 6.50 at Sportsbet. I wouldn’t put my house on it but its well worth a bet.

Sydney V Richmond Saturday Night at the SCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.10 Richmond 7.00

the Swans loves the SCG and will demolish the Tigers on Saturday night. The only value bet for this game is the First Scoring play bets for each quarter. Stick to a Sydney goal and point (3.20 and 3.40) and you should be right. Keep an eye on round 2 Rising Star nominee Dan Hannebery, with 23 touches last week he will be out to repeat the performance.

Carlton V  Essendon  Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.55 Essendon 2.50

Carlton don’t have a good record against Essendon of late losing the last five games to them dating back to 2007. But this time around I think Carlton will be able to slow down the blistering run of the Dons through the middle and should end Essendon’s winning streak. The key to the game will be defender and fill-in captain Michael Jamison, if he can cut off just a hand full of defensive 50 entries it will go a long way to the Blues winning.  Congrats to 23 year old Eddie Betts will play his 100 game for the Blues and is in career best form.

Melbourne V Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Melbourne 2.55 Adelaide 1.52

Adelaide have gotten of to a shocker this season still without a win after 2 win-able matches. They should have no problem getting over Melbourne although Melbourne did show that they are on the improve and should surprise a few clubs this year. Nathan van Berlo should be right to rejoin the Crows this weekend and skipper and match winner Simon Goodwin will need to go through a fitness test later in the week before he can put his hand up for selection after he suffered a corked knee last week.

Western Bulldogs V Hawthorn Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.52 Hawthorn 2.55

The match of round 3 should be a telling tale for these two clubs and could shape the rest of their seasons. The Bulldogs looked a little flat footed against their big win over the Tigers last week. They will need to return back to their regular high class game to beat the Hawks who narrowly went down to Geelong last week in a grueling clash where Hawk Michael Osborne was suspended for 1 match.

With the 6 day break and injuries to Jordan Lewis (50/50 chance) and Rhan Hooper I’m tipping the Bulldogs to run over them in the 2nd half.

Fremantle V  Geelong Sunday Afternoon at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Fremantle 2.32 Geelong 1.62

I wont write off the Dockers in this game as they have on many occasions created upsets ruining good multi bets along the way. I wont be tipping them though. The Cats aren’t at 100% but they still look silky smooth and will put the pressure onto the Dockers early and should win the match through the midfield. Geelong will be without key players on both sides of the ground in Matthew Scarlett and Cameron Mooney which will be interesting how much they might missed.

Just keep Geelong out of the Multies this weekend. There’s nothing worse than a Sunday night Multi failure.

*See Round 1 2011 Tips Here

 

Round one of the 2010 AFL season is upon us and footy tipping will be very tough this year with the gap between the top four clubs shortening in what could be a very interesting year. Once again the team at Sportsbet Blog will give you our expert tips for every round this year along with a few good betting tips along the way.

It’s always hard to tip round 1 as so much can change during the off season but luckily I predict a fairly straight forward round.

The game of round 1 is defiantly the Western Bulldogs V Collingwood. Both teams have recruited well over the summer with the Bulldogs picking up the “Big Bad” Barry Hall who has shown what the year could bring booting 7 fine goals last week in the NAB Cup grand final. Collingwood had picked up ex St Kilda captain Luke Ball who has impressed in the preseason games and star ruckman Darren Jolly who at his 3rd club has be chosen in the Pies leadership group this year. It will be interesting how the new players go this week and should make for a very interesting game.

Don’t forget to join the 2010 Million Dollar Footy Tipping. Checkout our tipping review or to join see the Sportsbet site here. They also give you up to $200 worth of free bets just for joining!

Best Bet for Round 1

This week I like Adelaide for the straight win. With odds of $1.78 at Sportsbet, I think there plenty of value to be had especially against the weaker Freo side.

Richmond V Carlton Thursday Night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Carlton: $1.45

Richmond: $2.80

The season opener should see Carlton get a early win on the board. Richmond looks like they may have another tough year starting at round one.

They will be without the important Jake King after being suspended during a NAB Challenge match against Collingwood last week (why get worked up in a preseason game!). Also the one and only Ben Cousins who isn’t 100% after being admitted to the hospital with gastric inflammation will not at his best.

Geelong V Essendon Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Geelong: $1.23

Essendon: $4.25

The Cats should roll the Bombers on Friday night. Essendon will have to make up for Leroy Jetta (Hand Injury) and Michael Hurley (Club Suspended) both will be out with Hurley to miss the first 3 rounds after a drunken incident in the Grand Final week last year.

Geelong should be at full strength and will be out to start off on a good note after a early drop out from the NAB Cup.

Melbourne V Hawthorn Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Melbourne: $5.20

Hawthorn: $1.16

Unfortunately it could be history repeating itself for the Hawks with numerous injuries leading into the season proper. They should be able to hold Melbourne off this week but will take alot of perseverance from the Hawthorn midfield.

The Hawks will be without Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Simon Taylor (long term) and clouds of doubt over Jarryd Roughhead  and Glen Moss who will be 50/50 to play. Wayde Skipper has also been rubbed out for six to eight weeks with a damaged hamstring.

That being said I think they will regroup and beat Melbourne who are still in rebuilding stages.

Sydney V St Kilda Saturday Night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Sydney: $2.70

St Kilda: $1.48

The Saints play well against Sydney and have a good record at ANZ Stadium. Last year (round 1) St Kilda kept Sydney goalless for 2 quarters of footy at ANZ stadium to run out 15 point winners in a low scoring game.

It will be interesting if the Saints will bounce back to their normal 2009 self after a lackluster NAB Cup series winning 2 games by a point (one of them against Sydney) and getting thrashed by the Bulldogs in the final.

The game will be won in Sydney’s forward line. With two of their top 5 goal kickers from last year in Hall and Jolly leaving the Swans players like Jesse White will have to step up and try and break the usually solid Saints back line.

Brisbane Lions V West Coast Saturday Night at the GABBA

Tip: Brisbane Lions

Brisbane: $1.36

West Coast: $3.20

The Lions, with their new look team and new “Paddle Pop Lion” logo will be one to watch this year if they can stick to the game plans and gel together. Brisbane now boast the most powerful forward line with Brendan Fevola and Jonathon Brown which should see them easily take care of West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Players like defender Josh Drummond and Justin Sherman have both had great preseasons and will be ones to watch.

Port Adelaide V North Melbourne Sunday at AMMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide: $1.45

North Melbourne: $2.80

After an impressive NAB Cup campaign I expect big things from Port this year starting with the Kangaroos on Sunday.

Port impressed in their narrow loss to the Bulldogs a few weeks ago with Daniel Motlop and Justin Westhoff the shining light. They were on top of the Bulldogs for 90% of the game and if they can replicate the flare they played with they should run out easy victors over North Melbourne who will be with out Cruize Garlett, Majak Daw, Levi Greenwood and Ed Lower.

Western Bulldogs V Collingwood Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs: $1.64

Collingwood: $2.30

This weeks match of the round will attract a massive crowd and should be a great contest. Both teams are expected to do well this year and Collingwood will be out to knock off the NAB Cup winners and get off to a positive start.

I don’t think they can do it. The Bulldogs now have Barry Hall, the goto man and my Coleman Medal winner prediction. They look to be a near perfect side with the run through the middle and strength and height at either end. My prediction is for the Bulldogs to win by around 28 points.

Keep an eye out for Luke Ball for the Pies, he will be out to impress with his new club. He has racked up the possessions and kicked a few goals in the preseason cup.

Fremantle V Adelaide Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Adelaide

Fremantle: $2.00

Adelaide: $1.83

Adelaide haven’t had the best start into round one with numerous injuries to their senior players. Vince, McLeod, Burton, Edward, Thompson, Maric and Sellar have all had limited match time over the last few weeks but all are expect to play against Freo on Sunday afternoon.

I really can’t see where Freo could win this match, they are a young side who are still growing and will struggle with the skills of the Crows side. Good luck to coach Mark Harvey in what could be his last year at Freo with his contract running out at the end of the year.

The 2009 trade week has been the busiest for some time with some of the best players in the AFL moved onto new clubs.

Barry Hall has finally got his wish and will be playing with the bulldogs next season. In a 2 year deal with the Bulldogs, Hall was traded from Sydney to the Bulldogs for their 3rd round pick and some back end picks if desired by the club. Hall will slip perfectly into the Bulldogs forward line up and should give their chances to go the next step and challenge for a Grand Final next year.

But can he keep his cool…

Ex Essendon live wire Andrew Lovett has made the move to greener pastures with the Saints for St Kilda’s 1st pick (pick 16) in the draft. Although Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide both apparently offered better deals the speedy midfielder chose the Saints as they are a Melbourne based club and close to the ultimate success on the field.

Lovett has played 88 games for Essendon and kicked a handy 93 goals since his 2005 debut. Lovett has been on the trade list for the last couple of years after some off field problems seen in 2008 saw him all but leave the Dons. He was given the chance to redeem himself this year and bounced back wonderfully making the season highlights reel on numerous occasions.

Players still in the trade spot light are Luke Ball (St Kilda), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) and the one… the only… Brendan Fevola (Carlton).

Ball has been said to be looking for a trade to Collingwood after not accepting a new 3 year contract with the Saints. I think there is more to the story than Ball and the club are letting on. Ball was dropped to the VFL for some of the 2009 season and Farren Ray has moved in on his position in the starting list.

I think St Kilda has always planned to trade the former captain at the end of the year. They are simply beating up a story on the midfielder to make him look more lucrative to other clubs and in turn get a better trade for him.

Port Adelaide club great Shaun Burgoyne is still yet to be closer to a trade after Port announced he wanted to leave the club earlier this month. Burgoyne has elected the Hawks as his team of choice but the deal looks out of reach, with Port wanting one of the “untouchable” players from the 2007 premiership team.

Brendan Fevola has been the highlight to the trade week after his drunken antics of late including the Brownlow Medal award night. A number of clubs have shown interest in the big man and even the bookmaker Sportsbet taking bets on the team Fevola will be traded to! But at the end of the day, I think Fev will have learnt his lesson this time around and stay with the Blues.

Heres the video of the AFL Brownlow Medal Street Talk staring the man himself Brendan Fevola!

The NRL finals are nearing completion for the 2009 season with the semi-final matches to be played this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights.

Last weekend the Titans were eliminated in poor fashion after being hammered by Parramatta. The final score for Friday night was 27 – 2 and was definitely not the best game for the Titans.

Brisbane also managed to get over the Dragons to claim a semi-final spot. The Dragons have played poorly of late and even after winning the home and away season they were not good enough eventually going down 24 – 10 last weekend.

The results of last weekend have now set the stage for 1 of 4 remaining teams to take the premiership. Of the remaining teams, the Melbourne Storm is being touted as the most likely to win the NRL premiership, but only time will tell who has what it takes.

The NRL semi-final breaks down as follows.

Bulldogs V Eels

7:45pm Friday at ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs have a good chance to go through to the NRL premiership as they come up against the Eels. The Bulldogs have had a week off after winning in week 1 of the NRL finals and should be well rested which will give them an edge coming into the semi-final. Brett Kimmorley is still injured and should make a return next week for the grand final if the Bulldogs can get up this week. Three Bulldogs players are currently suspended.

The Eels will be on a bit of a high after their stunning form of late and will definitely give the Bulldogs a run for their money. Escaping last week without any injuries is sure to help the in-form Eels this weekend, although three players are on suspension. I would expect that the Eels get up on Friday night, but it will without a doubt be a close game.

Tip: Parramatta Eels – Under 12.5 points – Odds of $2.92

Storm V Broncos

7:45pm Saturday at Etihad Stadium

The Storm is the second team this week that is coming off of a 2 week long break and this is bound to help out with fitness. The favourites for the NRL premiership are currently sporting a few injuries along with a couple of suspensions, but I doubt that this will affect their game too significantly.

The Broncos on the other hand did play quite well last weekend with an impressive win over the Dragons. Ben Te’o is still on the sidelines with a calf injury and Justin Hodges is out on suspension. Even if the Broncos had the option of playing these two players I really don’t believe that it would make much difference. The Broncos season should end this weekend with the Storm heading though to the NRL grand final.

Tip: Melbourne Storm – Odds of $1.44

Week 2 of the AFL Finals brings a State of Origin feel to it with Victoria V Queensland and Victoria V South Australia doing battle to qualify to the next round of the AFL finals.

The odds have been spot on since the start of the finals with all the favourites winning. My prediction is that this week it will continue that way which will leave the bookies empty again!

Make sure to check back later in the week to see all the celebrity expert tips for the games this weekend.

Western Bulldogs V Brisbane Lions

7:45pm Friday Night the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs would have to be confident they can get over the line against Brisbane with a gallant last quarter effort against a classy Geelong last week. Although the Bulldogs lost they looked good and if a few stray kicks were straight the margin would have been much closer than the 14 points they lost by. They will take alot of positives out of the loss and take them into this game. Their run and carry were second to none and they seemed to enjoy the finals paced game.

Andrejs Everitt will be the key to the match for the Bulldogs and is likely to be recalled to add some height and help keep down the talls in the Brisbane line up.

Tim Notting will be out to give 110% after announcing his retirement in what could be his last game for the Lions.

The bookmakers have Brisbane as big underdogs with odds of 3.75 at Sportsbet and even longer odds of 4.20 at Betfair. Betfair also have better odds for the Bulldogs at 1.32 where at Sportsbet they currently have them at 1.28.

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Collingwood V Adelaide

7:30 Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Adelaide

After the disappointing loss to St Kilda last week I think Collingwood have had their day. They suffered some important injuries in Scott Pendlebury and Anthony Rocca that will make things even tougher for the Pies.

Adelaide on the other hand are flying high with a clean bill of health after the 96 point demolition of Essendon last week and will be full of confidence for the Saturday night do-or-die match. The Crows are in great form at the moment with a combined winning margin of 242 points in their last three games.

Rob Shirley, Nathan Bock and Nathan van Berlo are all confident they will take the field for the Crows after recovering from injuries. This will give Adelaide that extra edge that may confuse the Pies and see them get the jump on Collingwood early.

The bookies like Adelaide as well and have set them at 1.75 at Sportsbet, but it would be worth betting with Betfair here as they have odds of 1.83 at the moment. Collingwood have odds of 2.10 to win at Sportsbet but once again go with Betfair as have the better odds at 2.18

This weeks game of the round is Friday nights Bulldogs V Collingwood game which should be a great game to watch even for the neutral supporter. Another interesting game will be the Geelong against the Lions at the Gabba. Can Geelong keep their heads up even without some of their big names?

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Sports Bet of the Round

This weeks bet of the round is in a Carlton, Hawthorn and the Bulldogs in a multi bet. It will pay around $3.10 at Sportsbet who will also give you a $50 free bet on this weeks tip just for signing up with them.

Western Bulldogs V Collingwood Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Another Friday night football blockbuster that should see Etihad stadium full again. Surprisingly the Bulldogs have only beaten one top eight side this year so they will be out to prove that they are a genuine contender for the premiership. Collingwood will be out to do the same after only beating two teams in the top 8. Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney are in fine form for the Doggies and will be the key to winning the match.

If the Bulldogs play with their usual flare they will be too hard to stop and should win comfortably by around 30 points.

Sydney V Essendon Saturday at the SCG

Tip: Essendon

Jobe Watson and Mark McVeigh are expected to return for the big game in Sydney this weekend. They will be needed inclusions in what was a disappointing performance last week against the pies. The Swans are locking down the hatches to weather the storm after two of the teams greats Barry Hall and Micheal O’Loughlin left the team which will effect how they play the game. Sydney will try put up a fight but will run out of legs come the end of the game. The Dons by 24 points.

Carlton V Richmond Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Carlton will get the points here over a unorganised Tigers side. The Blues showed they can play under pressure with a good come back performance last week against Freo getting their season back on track. Expect to see some good form from Fev as we start to get closer to the finals, he will need to step up and return to last years form if they want a chance of a top 4 position and a decent chance at a grand final birth.

Brisbane V Geelong Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Geelong

The Cats have had a horrible seven days with their first loss to the season and a number of injuries that if not managed properly could shape the rest of the season. Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, David Wojcinski, Cameron Ling and Steve Johnson will all be tested before the teams list is finalised. Brad Ottens injury is taking longer than first thought and will miss another 3 weeks or so. But that being said they still have the depth to be a near unstoppable team. Even though they are playing at the Gabba which Brisbane play well at, the Cats should have a easy win.

Gary Abletts looks to be on track to winning the Brownlow Medal this year with the odds getting shorter and shorter as the rounds go by. Its may be the right time to get a bet on with his price to win at $2.10 with IASbet.

Adelaide V Fremantle Saturday Night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

The Crows are likely to continue their five game winning streak against Freo this weekend. They are playing great footy at the moment and look to be peaking at the right time of the season. Brett Burton will be a massive inclusion and has put his hand up for selection with the Crows after nearly 12 months out of the game due to a knee reconstruction.

Matthew Pavlich is a 50/50 to make the Freo side which would be very costly if he cant recover from a calf injury in time for the game.

My prediction is the Crows by around 28 points.

Hawthorn V North Melbourne Sunday at Aurora Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

I’m giving the Hawks one more chance to show what they are capable of. If they loose this one they might as well pack up shop and start playing the kids because they have a hellish run home with games against the Saints and Geelong to play in coming weeks. If Sam Mitchell doesn’t want another beer tipped over him again they better put on a better performance than last week for their record number of members. I think the loss may spark them into gear knowing now that there are alot of people looking at their results with interest. IASbet also think the Hawks will win and have set them at $1.51 to win.

You get a $100 free bet when betting only $50 at IASbet when using the promo code BFF100 on the signup page, this might be a good game to get a few dollars on Buddy Franklin to kick the first goal. Check out the latest odds here.

Melbourne V Port Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Port Adelaide

Port will be desperate to keep in contention with the top 8 this weekend against a reinvigorated Demons side. Chad Cornes is a massive inclusion for the Power and will be sure to make his mark on the game.

The Melbourne forward line will need to be reshuffled after Colin Sylvia accepted a 3 week ban for striking West Coast’s Scott Selwood last weekend. This will be very costly for them and they will struggle to string 2 wins together on Sunday.

Port Adelaide by 30 points.

West Coast V St Kilda Sunday at Subiaco

Tip: St Kilda

Last week I dared to tip against my team the Saints and they come up with the good with what’s been called the greatest game of all time. It will be the last time I do that. St Kilda has still got the pressure that they showed early on in the season which has started to drop off a little until last week. They looked unstoppable and West Coast’s coach John Worsfold will find it very hard to find match ups all around the ground, especialy now that Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr look doutful for the game due to injury.

You might think that the Saints will blow the game out early but the Eagles caused one of the upsets of the year when they played last year in Perth easily accounting for the Saints. So if your looking to bet on this one I think Saints by under 39 would be a safe bet.