Sportsbet Blog

Collingwood V Western Bulldogs

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.22 Bulldogs 4.35

Although the Pies were upset last week against the Hawks it was a great lead in game for the finals. They played pretty good seeing that they didn’t need to win the game so will be prepared to go 100% this weekend.

The Bulldogs coming off an impressive win against Essendon last week looked polished and should put up a fight against the Pies but I think they will lack the skills Collingwood has shown this year along with the continuing list of injuries the Bulldogs have going into this game.

My prediction is the Pies by over 40 points paying at Sportsbet here

Geelong V St Kilda

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.38 St Kilda 3.10

The Cats have proven once again they are the class side this year so tipping against them would take some guts. They have the better form going into the game and look to be more composed going into the finals.

I’m tipping a close game but the Cats to be too strong and win by around about 14 points. See the latest odds for this game at Sportsbet.

Fremantle V Hawthorn

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Fremantle 2.20 Hawthorn 1.68

The Hawks look to be the surprise package this finals series and should take care of the Dockers over in WA.
The Hawks have a near full strength side where Freo have been hit hard with injury this year and it will show this weekend. I’m tipping the Hawks to win by 30 points.

Sydney V Carlton

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.45 Carlton 2.77

Sydney play great football at home and always step up when it comes to finals and will give Paul Roos a great final send off game as coach in Sydney.
Carlton may get the jump on the Swans with the flair that they play with but I expect the Swans to grind out the win.
I’m tipping the Swans by 18 points.

Round 22 and the last round of the footy tipping year has thrown up a couple of game that could decide a footy tipping competition win or loss this year.

The Bulldogs V Sydney game and Richmond V Port game could go either way and will be important to tip right.

The game of round 22 is the Hawks V Pies, expect a massive game with some high skills on display.

Best bet of round 22

This week I’m taking Port Adelaide in a straight out win with odds of 2.13 at Sportsbet here. They have been playing some good footy lately and I think they will be too much for the Tigers.

Fremantle V Carlton Friday Night at Subiaco

Tip: Fremantle

A very important game for both clubs as they play for the all important home final. Things backfired for Freo last week but giving the fact half of their starting onfield players were rested they will be ready for a big game.

This may have been Freo’s plan all along setting their sights to this game so I’m predicting a big effort and win from the Dockers on Friday night.

Geelong V West Coast Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will win this game its just a matter of when they will shut the game down and look to next week. They have a handful of players that could be playing for a spot for this finals series so expect a high class game of football.

I’m tipping Geelong to win by over 40 points with short odds of 1.21 at Sportsbet

Hawthorn V Collingwood Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

This weeks game of round 22 should be a beauty. The Hawks have looked pretty flat of late but the seem to find a way to bring their game when it counts.

The Pies will be looking at this game as a start to their finals campaign and the Hawks will be playing all out to secure a home final as avoid traveling interstate next week.

It will be a great game but I predict the Pies will be too strong when the pressure is applied. I’m tipping them to win be around 24 points.

Adelaide V St Kilda Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Although Adelaide did play one of their better games of the year last week scaring the Pies I think St Kilda will be very focused on their game and get the job done.

When they play well St Kilda are near unstoppable and they will be wanting to get into that mindset leading into the massive Geelong game next week.

Western Bulldogs V Essendon Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

The doggies have had a disastrous few week losing key players and some massive losses. They will be out to change the trend and try and get some momentum for next week.

I’m predicting a high tackling game especially in defense where they will be concentrating allot of their game now that  handy goal kickers Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney will be out of the side for a few weeks.

If you looking for a bet for this game take the 1-39 point margin with odds of 2.20 at Sportsbet here.

Brisbane V Sydney Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Sydney

Sydney have much more to play for then Brisbane so should get a comfortable win over at the Gabba. A win here for the Swans will ensure a home final and a greta lead into the finals.

They have been playing great footy recently and could be the surprise package in the 2010 finals as they try to do it for Coach Paul Roos one more time.

Richmond V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

As I tipped a few weeks ago Port will finish off the year well and they haven’t disappointed yet. Although the bookies see North taking the win I’m sticking with the Power to end their season off on a high giving them high hopes for 2011.

I’m tipping Port to win by under 39.5 points with odds of 2.85 at Sportsbet.

Melbourne V North Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: North Melbourne

With both teams out of finals contention this will be a great opportunity for both clubs to try a few different things and play the youth. Taking that into account, I would be hesitant about betting big on this game as anything could happen here so keep the bets small and don;t include them in the multi bets.

The all important last game of the footy tipping year could be the difference of a tipping competition win or loss so depending if your a point or two down I would take Melbourne to win and hope they get up. If your already leading the competition take the safer North tip and be quietly confident of a win.

Round 21 is upon us and it looks to be a fairly easy week for footy tipping with only a couple of tricky games.

The match of round 21 is Sydney V Bulldogs, both teams need a win leading into the finals which should make for some great football.

See the latest odds for round 21 at Betfair here

Best Bet of Round 21

This week I’m taking a bit of a punt and taking Geelong (-34.5), Pies (-54.5) and Saints (-46.5) all to win at the even money line in a multi bet. Its paying a massive $8 at Sportsbet to win so lets keep our fingers crossed the top three teams of the competition can repeat their performances from last weeks games and get some big wins on the board.

Geelong V Carlton Friday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will dominate as they continue to build coming into the finals. Matthew Scarlett is a massive inclusion for the Cats and shouldn’t have much trouble holding Lachie Henderson to a few goals.

I predict the Cats to win by over 39 points. Its currently paying $2.25 at Sportsbet here.

St Kilda V Richmond Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

The Saints will get a comfortable win against a side that struggles with consistent footy. Nick Riewoldt will be the better of the two Riewoldt’s as Jack has gone pretty quiet of late.

Expect the Saints to go about their usual game plan and fine tune some parts before the big first final against likely against Geelong in a couple of weeks.

The Saints are paying a very short 1.70 to beat the Tigers by over 40 points so the bookies are also predicting a big winning margin.

Hawks V Fremantle Saturday in Tasmania

Tip: Hawks

The weather will be freezing for this match in Tassie which will suit the Hawks much better. They have played that ground well this year and with some good for coming from the big names at Hawthorne I expect them to take home the 4 points as they look to secure the all important home final.

Collingwood V Adelaide Saturday night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

The Crows look like they will have a tough night at the office coming up against the Pies at the top of their game. Adelaide had a tough win last week in Brisbane which could take the edge off their game so look out for the Pies to hit them from the get go.

After seeing the Pies massive win last week I think they can drag back the -54 point $2.00 line betting market and bring us home the bacon.

Sydney V Bulldogs Saturday night at the SCG

Tip: Bulldogs

Allot of clubs will be paying attention to this game and hoping for a Bulldogs win to keep Sydney away from 5 and 6 spot on the ladder and a home game in week 1 of the finals.

After last weeks very disappointment loss to Geelong the Bulldogs will be out for blood but I don’t think they will pull it off.

The bookies have started them as 1.78 favorite compared to 2.05 for Sydney. I think they may have the odds wrong. Sydney show they are a tight knit side snatching an important win in WA last week and as this match is being played in Sydney the Swans will be to stron

Take Sydney between 1-39 points paying a handy $2.75 at Sportsbet here.

Port Adelaide V Melbourne Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

I predicted Port will finish off the season well and I’m sticking with them. Although it was a pretty ugly win against the Eagles last week they took allot out of the game which will show this weekend.

Melbourne have improved over the last week but the home ground advantage will be the difference.

Essendon V Brisbane Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

This could turn out to be an ugly game with both clubs without a finals chance after a promising first half to the season.

Essendon should bounce back after the thumping the Pies gave them last week. The run and carry they have through the midfield should be enough get them out of trouble and kick a winning score.

The Lions have lost all belief to win and look doubtful for the remaining 2 games.

West Coast V North Melbourne Sunday at Subiaco Oval

North must win this game to keep any slim chance of a finals spot this year and looking at that fact I’m picking them to beat the Eagles in WA. They can play some good exciting football at times and looked to be on top of St Kilda in the early stages of last week but fell way short when the pressure was applied.

My prediction is North will rectify that problem to some degree and play the tough brand of footy they are known for.

Round 20 has a couple of great games they could shape the top 8 for the finals this year and be important to get right in the footy tipping. The Geelong V Bulldogs game will be some to watch with both teams looking to secure wins in the remaining matches leading into the finals.

The Hawks V Melbourne game is the game of round 20, both teams need the win to make the finals so expect a finals football game with plenty of skills on show.

Best Bet of Round 20

Congrats to everyone who cleaned up on last weeks Melbourne 1-39 point bet. This weeks bet is Geelong to win at the even $2.00 line with -10.5 points. The Cats look to strong and will be out for a big win so should cover the -10.5 points easily.

Checkout the new offer Sportsbet have giving new users up to $200 in free bets. See their site here for more details on this promo

Essendon V Collingwood Friday night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Essendon 7.80 Collingwood 1.41

The Pies will continue their dominate ways and smash Essendon on Friday night. They are a discipline team that can and have beaten the class sides in the competition.

Essendon will likely look lost as the Pies go about their business.

Carlton V Richmond Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.36 Richmond 3.65

Carlton need to win this match to ensure a finals spot and to get some form going into September. This alone should be enough to inspire them. They shouldn’t have much trouble beating the Tigers who have taken their foot off the pedal recently.

My prediction is a 30+ point win to the blues.

Fremantle V Sydney Saturday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odd: Fremantle 1.63 Sydney 2.58

Although Freo have looked shaken since the injuries of many of their key players they will be to strong against the swans playing at home. They are currently 11 out of 13 at Subiaco and with the likely inclusion of Arron Sandilands after recovering from a foot injury should be enough for Freo to get the win.

Western Bulldogs V Geelong Saturday night at Eithad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Bulldogs 2.48 Geelong 1.62

Geelong will be out for blood after the disappointing loss to the league leaders Collingwood. They will be making sure to take advantage of the illness that has swept through the Bulldogs side this week and run them off their feet.

The very wet game last week in Adelaide would have taken a lot out of the Bulldogs side so expect them to make good use of the interchange bench as they struggle through the match.

Port Adelaide V West Coast Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Odds: Port 1.39 West Coast 3.50

Port will win this game so get your money on them early as 1.39 seems good value and will likely drop to around 1.25 before the bounce. They have had a few surprising wins this year and my prediction is they will finish the rest of the season on a high.

The Eagles were very poor last week against the Lions over in WA. This loss will all but hand the wooden spoon to the Eagles this year, a dreaded club first.

Brisbane V Adelaide Sunday at the Gabba

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Brisbane 1.90 Adelaide 1.92

Jonathan Brown will play his 200th game on Sunday which has leveled up the odds at around 1.90 a piece.

Adelaide have only just lost in the last few week to top sides so win here will depend if they can bring their recent good form to the Gabba.

I predict Adelaide in a close one so take the Crows between 1.-39 points paying 2.55 at Sportsbet here

Hawthorn V Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Hawthorn 1.71 Melbourne 2.36

Melbourne will be confident they can get a win here. It will give them a realistic chance to make the finals and could see the end of the Hawks for this year as they have a pretty tough run this month.

But the Hawks are better than that and will stand up when it counts and get enough goals to keep a buffer between them and Melbourne.

It will be a great game with plenty of good match up including Franklin V Frawley, a good game here from Frawley should cement a All-Australian spot this year.

North Melbourne V St Kilda Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: North 4.60 St Kilda 1.26

St Kilda had a 104 point win when these clubs met earlier this season so Saints will be out to repeat the performance. St Kilda is back to playing Saints footy so expect pressure from them all around the ground.

If your looking at a bet with a bit of value take the St Kilda 40+ points its paying 2.50 at Betfair where they give you up to $50 cash when making a new account.

Were now coming down to the business end of the season and round 19 has brought some tough games for our footy tipping this week.

The toughest of all is this weeks game of round 19, Geelong V Collingwood. This result could decide who finishes on top at the end of the season so expect a finals like atmosphere and pace to the game.

Best Bet of Round 19

This week I’m taking Melbourne to win between 1-39 points. Melbourne will likely take the points but not blow the game apart. Its paying $2.28 which is pretty good odds in my eyes.

Sportingbet have just this week started giving free bets to new users. Their current offer gives you $100 in free bets. Simply make a Sportingbet account here and make a first deposit of $30 or more and your account will be credited with $100, simple as that!

See the Sportingbet site here for more details on this new offer.

Essendon V Carlton Friday night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odd: Essendon 2.06 Carlton 1.93

It  is the first of the “must win” games for the Blues if they are going to be playing in September. I think they will be  a changed team after the poor performance they showed last week against the Pies and should bounce back against a Essendon side with a few question marks around them.

North Melbourne V Fremantle Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: North 2.26 Fremantle 1.77

This could turn out to be a messy game with both teams lacking their top players due to injury. Freo have shown a few good signs traveling to Melbourne this year and leading into the finals they will want to be on their A game.

I’m predicting a 24 point win to the Dockers

Sydney V Hawthorn Saturday at the SCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Sydney 2.20 Hawks: 1.81

The Hawks have been equal if not the form side after the mid season break and should beat the Swans in Sydney who are having trouble stringing wins together.

Keep an eye on Jarryd Roughead, I think his poor goal conversions of late could be about to change.

Geelong V Collingwood Saturday night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.91 Pies: 2.04

Its as close to 50/50 as you can get. Both clubs are at their best and it will come down to if the younger players in the Pies 22 can outplay their experienced opposition.

I think Geelong is more tolerable to pressure than the Pies and should be the difference at the end of the day.

West Coast V Brisbane Saturday night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

Odds: Eagles 1.71 Brisbane 2.38

The Lions will struggle with the trip over to WA where the Eagles are playing some alright football at some stages this year although they haven’t won at Subiaco in the past three months.

There should be plenty of scoring in the match with Brown looking to dominate an undermanned Eagles back line.

The game could go either way but its West Coast at home for me.

St Kilda V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.25 Port 4.80

The Saints will be out to turn around their recent form and get their first win for a month.

St Kilda has gone out of their way to kick the ball to Nick since he has come back, maybe to get him back into some form. This week I expect them to share the goal kicking duties around a lot more which should see them get a comfortable win.

Melbourne V Richmond Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Melbourne

Odds: Melbourne 1.57 Richmond 2.72

Melbourne has finals footy on their radar and Richmond won’t stand a chance in stopping them this weekend.

I’m predicting a quiet day from Jack Riewoldt as the pressure of the Coleman Medal get larger with now equal leader (on 65 goals) Barry Hall looks the goods this season.

Adelaide V Western Bulldogs Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Adelaide 3.50 Bulldogs 1.38

The Doggies have a top 4 spot for the finals in their sights and will play out a full 4 quarters after a lackluster in the first half last week against the Kangas.

They will take advantage of the poor kicking that has crept into Adelaide’s game recently and show their dominance in attack.

Bulldogs by over 40 points with odds of $3.15 at Sportsbet here.

Round 18 will hopefully be a more successful week for us in the footy tipping with a few less upsets.

There isn’t any clear game of the round this  week but I think the Carlton V Collingwood game will once again live up to standards and be the most entertaining. The Pies can all but end Carlton’s season with a win here where Carlton has the chance to spoil the near perfect season for Collingwood and maybe start their demise in 2010, fingers crossed!

Best Bet for Round 18

This week I’m taking a simple Freo win bet, although at 1.42 it is pretty short but they are very likely to win the match.

Another great bet for this round is a straight out Richmond win at 2.44. A great way to ensure this win is to take up the new offer that Betfair has. Simply place your first bet with them and if it loses Betfair will refund that amount up to $50 cash.

Checkout the Betfair site for more info on this new offer.

Essendon V St Kilda Friday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: Essendon 5.60 St Kilda 1.21

St Kilda will be out to reverse the result from earlier this season and get the win over Essendon. They also have the incentive of a top 4 spot as the teams below start to threaten. Both these points and the fact they are a much stronger and tight knit team will see them get over the line.

The even $2.00 line bet for Essendon is a 28.5 point head start. I think there’s plenty of value for them in this market as its likely St Kilda will try to put the freeze on for majority of the match.

Collingwood V Carlton Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.21 Carlton 5.60

The Pies are very hard to exploit with a evenness across the whole team. This will be the biggest struggle for Carlton who have a few weaknesses around the ground.

My prediction is the Pies by 30 points. They will be out to extend their percentage to stop any chance of the other teams with a draw (St Kilda/Hawthorn) finishing above them.

Port Adelaide V Hawthorn Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Port 3.40 Hawks: 1.39

The Hawks need to win majority of their games for the rest of the season to have any real chance in 2010 especially teams out of the top 8. The pretty much full strength Hawks should easily over come any Port Adelaide rally and get the win.

Keep an eye on Shaun Burgoyne, its his first game at AAMI Stadium since leaving SA and will be out to silence the crowd. I’m sure the Port boys will let him know they are there too.

Brisbane V Melbourne Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.90 Melbourne 2.04

This is a true test for the Lions who have gone from top 4 form at the start of the season to be out of the 8 now. They should have the edge over Melbourne playing at home that should just get them over the line.

Melbourne will be confident of getting the result with Brad Green and James Frawley in All-Australian contention this year but I think the Lions in a close one.

Sydney V Geelong Saturday night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Sydney 4.90 Geelong: 1.25

Sydney have had a disappointing last month and I predict this to continue into this game.

Geelong has a full strength side and need to continue to win to regain the important 1st position on the ladder from Collingwood. This should give them the motivation to play the game out well.

Richmond V Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Richmond

Odds: Richmond 2.44 Adelaide 1.68

Although the bookies think otherwise I expect Richmond to take the 4 points at the MCG.

They were up against it last week against the Pies but playing the Crows at the “G” will be a much better match up for them. The Tigers will have the belief they can win again as they did last month when they played some great football.

For those unsure if the Tigers can do it take the 7.5 point head start paying 2.00 at Betfair here.

Western Bulldogs V North Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

Odds: Bulldogs 1.20 North 5.50

North will need to take risks this weekend to get over the Bulldogs and this is where it will come undone for them. They have been too inconsistent this year and will struggle with the Bulldogs run though the midfield.

The Bulldogs are great on the turn overs and will catch the Kangaroos out enough times to get  a comfortable win.

Bulldogs by 40 points.

Fremantle V West Coast Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: Fremantle 1.42 West Coast 3.35

The Dockers will bounce back after a 82 point loss last week and be too good for the Eagles who will struggle with the run and carry of their opposition.

Chris Tarrant , Kepler Bradley and David Mundy are all expected to return to the Freo side and will make a massive difference to the way they go about it.

If you looking for a bet on this game I like Freo at the -22.5 point even $2 line. I think they will easily cover the points for us Sunday arvo.

See 2011 Round 17 2011 Tips Here

Round 17 will open with the match of the round with the up and flying Hawks V the Saints, its bound to be a match to remember with both clubs needing the win to ensure a good position going into the finals.

Another game I’ll be watching with interest is the Bulldogs V Freo game. Although the bookies haven’t given Freo much hope I think they might come out and surprise the Bulldogs in what could be a very close match.

Bets Bet of Round 17

This week I’m taking Richmond with a 39.5 point head start at 1.92. The Tigers will lose but I’m sure it will be well with in the 39 point buffer Sporting  Bet have given us to play with.

Sporting Bet have also just released a new free bet offer for new members. Simply make an account with them here and deposit $30 or more. Then your account will be instantly credited with a $100 Free Bet! Easy as that! Click here to join Sportingbet or to see more info on this great new promo.

St Kilda V Hawthorn Friday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.82 Hawks 2.18

The Saints will be out to re-prove they are a premiership contender on Friday night after their poor effort against the Pies last week.

The Hawks are looking very dangerous especially in the big matches but I think the Saints will be at their best and get the win.

Keep an eye on Lance Franklin. He has struggled against the Saints only kicking 12 goals in his last 7 games against the club, he will be out to change the trend and looking at recent form, might have a good night out.

Collingwood V Richmond Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.14 Richmond 7.80

The Tigers look to be in some trouble here coming up against the form side of the competition in the Pies.

Collingwood match up very well on Richmond and should get the better of them for majority of the match.

With star names in Medhurst, Anthony, O’Bree, Fraser and Brown all waiting for a return in the Collingwood side expect all the players on the field to be “playing for their spot”.

They will get the win easily but I’m predicting a gallant effort from the Tigers with a loss of around the 24 point mark.

Geelong V Brisbane Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.07 Brisbane 13.00

Brisbane are all but out after continued poor performances and now have the hardest task in footy, Geelong at Skilled Stadium.

The Cats will be out for blood after the disappointment of losing top position on the ladder to a club that at one stage this year was tipped to take the wooden spoon.

My prediction is they will play a tough brand of football for the full four quarters and get a reassuring win as they face a tough month ahead.

North Melbourne V Essendon Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

Odds: North 1.50 Essendon 2.98

Essendon are in a massive form slump that will continue into this game.

The Roo’s will have a tough time early on in the match with the Bombers likely to come out firing after all the bad press this week, but I predict a solid game from North who will win by over 30 points.

West Coast V Carlton Saturday night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

Odds: West Coast 1.98 Carlton 2.00

This could be the knockout punch that could see Carlton’s premiership hopes fall away with a must game at Subiaco.

The bookies have the odds pretty much evens so its set to be a great game. The Eagles have found a touch of form lately and I think playing at home they can get the job done.

Mark LeCras will be a standout once again for the Eagles up forward as he strives for his long awaited All-Australian selection this year.

Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

Odds: Bulldogs 1.36 Fremantle 3.70

After the Freo loss to Richmond its hard to see them beating the class and team performance of the Bulldogs.

I expect the Bulldogs to make a statement in this game showing the football world they are better without the antics of now sacked Jason Akermanis.

I’m tipping the Western Bulldogs to win between 20 and 39 points paying $4.25 at Sportingbet.

Melbourne V Sydney Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Melbourne 2.44 Sydney 1.68

The Swans need to win these game against sides out of the 8 if they are going to have a real chance at the finals this year. Although they will be with out Daniel Bradshaw the Swans will be able to find a away to kick a winning score.

Keep an eye on Adam Goodes, he has been in great form in the 2nd half of the season after starting sluggish. His presence in the midfield is felt all over the ground.

Port Adelaide V Adelaide Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Port 4.20 Adelaide 1.30

Adelaide are coming off a high spirited game beating the top of the ladder Cats last week giving them new hope for 2010. They played a near perfect game which made Geelong look very flat footed so expect a similar game against Port who could only manage 2 goals after quarter time last week.

I think there is some value for the Crows at $1.30. Although they seem very short priced favorites I think the odds will be more like $1.10 by half time so it might be worth loading up on them and taking the easy 30% return.

Footy tipping is coming down to the business end making every decision very important. Round 16 is no exception although there are some tricky game to pick. The game of round 16 is the Pies V the Saints, the MCG will be packed for the game and a guaranteed classic match is on the cards.

Another game to watch is Richmond and North on Sunday, can the Tigers make it 5 in a row and continue to shock everyone in their part to can the Kangas bounce back and get their finials hopes back on track.

Best Bet of Round 16

This week I’m taking the Saints between 1-39 points paying 2.40 at Sportsbet. The Saints look the better football side and their shut down style game will ensure the margin will stay short.

Adelaide V Geelong Friday night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds Adelaide 4.10 Geelong 1.31

Geelong were very lucky to get the win against the Hawks last week and will be out to regain the dominance that have shown in the last few years. Geelong return Mooney and Corey for the match and should win easily.

My prediction is the Cats by 34 points.

Collingwood V St Kilda Saturday at the MCG

Tip St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.80 Collingwood 2.22

The Saints always lift for the big games and this is one of them. They beat the Cats a few weeks ago without some key players including Riewoldt so I cant see the Pies showing much resilience against the Saints game plan.

Although his wayward kicking may have cost the the Pies the last time these teams met they will miss the attacking pressure of Cloke up forward.

Hawks V Brisbane Saturday at Aurora Stadium

Tips: Hawks

Odds: Hawks 1.30 Brisbane 4.20

They are a happy team at Hawthorn as they look to be one of the form sides of the season. They play very well in Tazzie and will have a comfortable win over the Lions who are in free fall at the moment.

The Lions have recalled Brown for the match but they will struggle to stop the Hawks who are “on a mission”.

Essendon V West Coast Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

Odds: Essendon 1.43 West Coast 3.25

Luckily for Essendon they have come up against a poor preforming interstate side at home. Essendon desperately need some good press and get their season back on track.

The Eagles will equal their worst ever losing run of eight matches as they continue to dig their way firmly at bottom of the ladder.

Western Bulldogs V Port Adelaide Saturday Night in Darwin

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.19 Port 5.90

Although Port have a new coach this week I don’t see them turning a new leaf. The Bulldogs look silky smooth last week in the big win over Carlton and I’m predicting another top class effort.

Keep an eye out for Brian Lake. He is having a massive season and is bound to rack up another huge possession game.

I’m taking the Bulldogs to win by over 40 points paying a short but safe 2.25 at Sportsbet here.

Carlton V Sydney Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.66 Sydney 2.48

This could be a danger game for the Blues who need to start stringing a few wins together for a realistic chance in the finals.

They have struggled against the Swans in the past but their forward line Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett are expected to bounce back into form after a quiet week.

One matchup to watch out for is Goodes V Judd. Goodes jumped back in form last week and will likely go head to head with Judd which should make for some very interesting footy.

Richmond V North Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Richmond

Odds: Richmond 1.86 North 2.12

From recent form I think the Tiger can do it again and make it five wins in a row! They have recalled Cousins for the Match where North Melbourne have last key player Drew Petrie again in a season ending injury.

Expect the same risk taking footy from the Tigers that has continued to pay off for them. And to think the Bookies payed early on them to finish on the bottom, now there’s a few whispers of a finals campaign.

Fremantle V Melbourne Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odds Fremantle 1.26 Melbourne 4.80

The Dockers have been a little shaken lately with some tight games and a loss to Richmond but at Subiaco they are to hard to go past.

They need to win their home games to ensure a top 4 finish to the season and a very important home final if they are going to threaten in 2010 so expect them to go all out this weekend.

Freo by 40 points.

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.