Sportsbet Blog

Round 24 of the 2011 AFL footy season is finally here but with the top eight set does not promise to be a very exciting Round of footy . For all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds for Round Twenty Four read on.

Only 2 teams in the top eight can swap spots with Sydney & St Kilda fighting for a home final against the other. A 1 vs 2 clash at the G Friday night with Collingwood taking on Geelong and a few bottom half matches that don’t really mean a thing will wrap up the Round. Essendon will watch this week with the Bye as they warm up for Carlton next week.

Best Bet of Round 24 is a risky one that will pay well if the Tigers can take down North by over 40+ points at $9.50 at Sportsbet

Collingwood v Geelong Friday night at the MCG

A possible Grand Final preview this Friday night at the G but will both sides out their best teams on the park or hide some of their tricks for the finals?

Collingwood will be without Daisy Thomas for this match and the first Final after he was outed by the tribunal during the week. Tarrant & Dawes will come back into the side while Sharrod Wellingham must also be a chance.

The Cats lost their first match at Skilled Stadium in 4 year last week against the Swans and will be eager to regain some winning form coming into Finals. The Cats must play Milburn & Mooney to see if they are right for Finals but are likely to leave out defender Harry Taylor and midfielder Joel Corey.

Tip: Pies by 20 points

Odds: Pies 1.31 Cats 3.50

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Pies by 23

Enter the free Sportsbet Friday $500 where the person that picks the winner and margin of Friday nights game takes home a massive $500. Its free to play so make sure to get your tip before the start of Friday nights match.

Gold Coast V Hawthorn Saturday at Metricon Stadium

It what will be the final match or their inaugural season the Suns will finish 2-20 and avoid the wooden spoon if the Power lose to Melbourne. Expect the Suns to take it up to the Hawks early but be blown away in the second half.

Warming up for the Finals the Hawks will test out a few players to see if they will be in their Finals plans with Ladson, Renouf, Ellis and Ben Stratton likely inclusions. Sam Mitchell will also return after a week off with the Hawks looking to rest Rioli, Bailey and possibly a few others.

Will the Hawks keep the high pressure on the Gold Coast for the while game or save a bit of energy for the Cats next week, if they keep their foot on the Suns throat this one could get messy.

Tip: Hawks by 70 points

Odds: Suns 14.00 Hawks 1.02

Bulldogs V Freo Saturday at Etihad Stadium

With nothing to play for but pride for either side this could turn into an old fashioned shootout. Barry Hall will play his last game of AFL football and the Dogs players will be looking to get the ball to him and kick a bag. Ben Hudson will also play his last game of AFL.

The season can’t come to an end quick enough for Fremantle who 6 weeks ago were sitting 6th on the ladder and looking set for Finals before losing their way. With eighteen players ruled out for the game this does not leave Mark Harvey much to choose from.

The Dogs will do it for their retiring players quite easily.

Tip: Dogs by 74 points

Odds: Bulldogs 1.12 Dockers 6.40

Sydney V Brisbane Saturday at the SCG

The task is simple for the Swans, if they want a home final they need to win and hope that the Blues knock off St Kilda. After a stunning win against the Cats at Skilled last weekend they will head into the game full of confidence. Hard to see any changes to the side from last week. Can Gary Rohan light up the wings of the SCG like he did in Geelong last weekend.

The Lions have shown some very good signs of late without getting the results. They pushed the Eagles all the way last week but just come up short, again being hit by injuries and a reduced bench. Brent Staker (injured) and Luke Power (retired) will go out of the side leaving the door open for Michael Voss to test out some youngsters in preparation for next season.

Tip: Swans by 39 points

Odds: Swans 1.14 Lions 5.75

Saints V Carlton Saturday night at the MCG

This will be a match with Finals like intensity with the Saints needing a win to secure a home final and the Blues needing to get some form going into a huge Elimination final against the Bombers next week.

The Saints will be without David Armitage through suspension with Ryan Gamble looking to be the likely inclusion. After a huge win against the Kangaroos last week I can’t see too many other changes to the side. Nick Reiwoldt seems to be getting back to some of his best form at the right time of the year while Brendon Goddard continues to impress, if these two can fire the Saints are a strong chance.

After a week off after getting beaten by the Hawks the Blues have seen their top four chances drop away and are now cemented in fifth and will face Essendon next week. Jarrad Waite still doesn’t seem to be fit, Brock McLean had a solid run in the VFL last week and has put his hand up for selection. I think the Blues need to settle their side this week before the big clash next week and will use the pace of their midfield to expose the Saints.

Tip: Blues by 7 points

Odds: Saints 2.15 Blues 1.70

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West Coast V Adelaide Saturday night at Paterson Stadium

With fourth spot stitched up and a Qualifying final showdown with the Pies next week the Eagles will tune themselves up this week with a win over the Crows. John Worfold has promised not to rest a lot of players but could look to get some game time into the likes of Darling, Swift and Sam Butler so expect to see a couple of senior players rested at least.

The Crows will desperately trying to get another win for stand in coach Mark Bickley after a disappointing second half last week against the Tigers. Doughty, Tambling, Callinan, Smith, Thompson, Henderson and Maric are al pressing for selection for the last game of the season while Knights and Otten will definitely miss.

Tip: Eagles by 48 points

Odds: Eagles 1.15 Crows 5.50

Port Adelaide V Melbourne Sunday at the Adelaide Oval

The Power showed some great signs against the Bombers last week and should have walked away with the 4 points if it wasn’t for 10 minutes of brilliance by Essendon. John Butcher continues to show how good of a player he can be and Robbie Gray was outstanding with 6 goals. Big ruckman Dean Brogan will be hoping he is passed fit to play his farewell game for the club.

A first win for caretaker coach Todd Viney last week against the Gold Coast may have set the fire under him to apply for the spot next year. A loss against bottom of the ladder Port Adelaide could change his mind quick as the Dee’s look to finish off the season in style. Davey will return to the Dees lineup after serving his suspension. This also could be young gun Tom Scullys last game for the Dees.

If Melbourne can show their full class and potential I see them getting the win easily over Port.

Tip: Melbounre by 29 points

Odds: Power 2.45 Demons 1.55

Richmond V North Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

A strong win against the Crows last week sees the Tigers finishing the season strong and with a win over North will see them jump to ninth on the ladder. Jake King will miss through suspension opening the door for Ben Nason to return after showing great form in the VFL last week.

The Kangaroos didn’t show up for a big match again last week and were humiliated by the Saints effectively ending the season. Ziebell and Greenwood will both be out through suspension, Hamish McInstosh will be a certain starter for his first game of the season, while Goldstien, Wells, Bastinac & Adams could all miss through soreness.

Tip: Tigers by 20 points

Odds: Tigers 2.50 North 1.53

Round 23 of the 2011 AFL footy season looks to be a pretty straight forward one with all the top teams looking to have easy wins. Below you will find all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds for Round Twenty Three as we come to the business end of the season.

Match of the Round will no doubt be the Kangaroos Vs Saints game with so much riding on it for the winner. Carlton will be hoping the Lions can beat the Eagles to keep their top four hopes alive as all they can do this week is sit back and watch as they have a bye.

Best Bet of Round 23 is the in form Tigers between 1-39 against the Crows which is paying a healthy 3.60 at Sportsbet

Fremantle V Collingwood Friday night at Paterson Stadium

After a demoralising 98 point defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos last week the Dockers must return home and beat the reigning premiers if they have any chance at playing finals footy. To make the job even harder for the injury depleted Fremantle side they will have to do it without captain Matthew Pavlich, star onballer David Mundy, goal sneak Hayden Ballantyne and a host of others.

The Pies have injury concerns of their own heading into September with captain Nick Maxwell still a concern for the Pies Finals series. In better news Leon Davis, Sharrad Wellingham and big forward Chris Dawes should return to the side.

With the Dockers only having 25 players to choose from I can’t see them getting near the Pies.

Tip: Pies by 50 points

Odds: Freo 20.00 Pies 1.01

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Pies by 50

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Hawks V Bulldogs Saturday at the MCG

The Hawks keep going from strength to strength and a win on Saturday will pencil in a meeting with Geelong in the first week of the Finals. Waiting in the wings for the Hawks are Shane Savage, Michael Osborne, Xavier Ellis and Kyle Cheeny should they be required. How many can Buddy kick this week to clinch the Coleman Medal.

With nothing to play for the Dogs got a much-needed win for stand in coach Paul Williams over the Power last week. They will need a huge improvement on that effort if they are to get close to the Hawks though. Ben Hudson, Will Minson, Lindsay Gilbee and Dylan Addison are all a chance to return for the Dogs.

Tip: Hawks by 65 points

Odds: Hawks 1.10 Bulldogs 7.00

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Geelong V Sydney Saturday at Skilled Stadium

After a week off with the Bye the Cats will be refreshed and will look to continue their dominance at Skilled Stadium. Cameron Mooney announced his retirement at season’s end but will not get a Skilled Stadium send off as he will be missing through suspension. Scarlett, Milburn, Hawkins and Mackie are all expected to return to the Cats lineup to get ready for Finals action.

If the Swans can pull off a huge upset they will consolidate their spot in the top eight. After an impressive win last week against the Saints the Swans will head to Skilled Stadium full of confidence but I am afraid they will need a lot more than just that to get over the Cats at their fortress.

Tip: Geelong by 55 points

Odds: Cats 1.77 Swans 8.25

St Kilda V North Melbourne Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

This shapes up as being the most important game of the round, if not the season so far. Put simply if the Kangaroos win their past 2 games (St Kilda & Richmond) and the Saints lose their last 2 (Kangaroos & Carlton) then the Roos will take the Saints place in the eight.

After thumping Fremantle by 98 points last week the Kangaroos will take form and confidence into the game. Jack Ziebell looks to be the only possible inclusion into the side after all 22 players got through last week ok.

The Saints on the other hand have concerns over Sean Dempster and Nick Riewoldt after both sustained injuries last week against Sydney. Justin Koschitzke and Zac Dawson should both come back into the side after missing last week.

For the sake of keeping some interest in next weeks matches I am tipping the Roos to get the points over the Saints here and keep their Finals dream alive.

Tip: Roos by 22 points

Odds: Saints 1.72 North 2.15

Brisbane V West Coast Saturday night at the Gabba

The Lions put up a strong showing against Collingwood last week and another test comes this week against another top four team. I wouldn’t expect too many changes to the Lions line up from last week as they have not really got anyone pushing for selection and the way the team played last week I think Michael Voss would want to keep that same playing group together for the remaining 2 games if he can.

If The Eagles can win they will almost certainly lock up fourth position with a home match against Adelaide next week. Rumors going around are that the Eagles may rest Dean Cox for this match. With Jack Darling and Patrick McGinnity looking to get back into the side the Eagles should be too strong for the Lions as they have a lot more to play for.

Tip: Eagles by 25 points

Odds: Lions 3.60 Eagles 1.30

Adelaide V Richmond Sunday at AAMI Stadium

With not much to play for the Crows have been outstanding since Mark Bickley took over as coach 4 weeks ago only losing one game to the Cats. With an easy win against the Gold Coast last week the Crows will look to knock off the Tigers and jump ahead of the on the ladder. Ricky Henderson, Brodie Martin, Ivan Maric and Luke Thompson will look to break into the side and tall forward Taylor Walker will face a fitness test.

The Tigers will look to make it 3 in a row after impressive wins over Sydney and Adelaide. After the success of the past 2 weeks I can’t see any changes at Tigerland this week.

If Richmond can take the Adelaide crowd out of the game and win the midfield battle I think they can get the points.

Tip: Tigers by 13 points

Odds: Crows 1.38 Tigers 3.05

Melbourne V Gold Coast Sunday at the MCG

If there was ever a team that needed a win it is the Demons and they should get it this week against the Suns. Colin Sylvia and Aaron Davey have both been suspended and looking to replace them in the side are Tom McNamara, Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Jack Fitzpatrick, Matthew Bate and Matthew Warnock. Who will coach Todd Viney turn to as he searches for his first win.

The season can’t come to an end quick enough for the young Suns who look to be tiring late in the season. Sam Isles is a chance to return for the Suns but they will need huge games from Ablett, Swallow and Rischitelli if they are to knock off the Demons.

Tip: Melbourne by 53 points

Odds: Melbourne 1.10 Suns 6.75

Essendon V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

If the Bombers want to secure a finals spot they must beat Port as they have the bye next week and don’t want to be relying on other teams to lose for them to keep their spot. Andrew Welsch and Jobe Watson should be ok after both copped knocks to the head in their teams defeat against West Coast last week. Hurley and Pears will return after missing last week but the Bombers will be without Stuart Crameri who sustained a should injury last week.

Port Adelaide need a win in the last 2 weeks to avoid the wooden spoon but they may need to look to next week against Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval as I can’t see them beating the Bombers. In a good sign for Power fans last week 2nd gamer John Butcher booted 6 goals from 6 kicks. A similar performance this week could see him nominated for the NAB rising star.

Tip: Bombers by 70 points

Odds: Bombers 1.01 Power 20.00

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.

Round eleven of the AFL season kicks off Friday night with the Bombers coming off the bye take on the Demons at the home of footy, the MCG. My prediction for match of the round is the Grand Final rematch between the Pies & Saints on Saturday night. Carlton & Port Adelaide will conclude the Round at AAMI stadium Sunday in the twilight match. Richmond have the bye after a pretty lackluster effort against Port last week, something not many footy tippers would have tipped.

Best Bet of Round 11 is Carlton by 40+ against the Power which is paying 2.35 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

Essendon V Melbourne Friday night at the MCG

Coming off the bye has been tough for most teams this season and I expect the Bombers to struggle a little against the Dees also. If they are to win this they need a dominant performance from their 3 tall’s Hille, Ryder & Bellchambers.

The Demons were OK against Carlton last week but just don’t have the depth at the minute with a horrible run with injuries and suspensions. Tom Scully might be a chance to play his first game of the season and would be a huge boost for Melbourne. This will be closer than a lot of people think.

Best Bet: I feel the Bombers will win comfortably but will not smash the Demons, a handy bet to make could be Essendon to win between 20 and 39 which is paying a healthy 4.20 at Sportsbet right here.

Tip: Bombers by 13 points

Odds: Essendon 1.22 Melbourne 4.50

Geelong V Western Bulldogs Saturday at Skilled Stadium

After a scare in the first half last week the Cats dominated the second half against the Gold Coast as expected. Back at skilled stadium where they are unbeatable lately I don’t expect the Dogs to worry them too much.

If the Doggies are to have any shot at beating the ladder leading Cats they will need a huge turnaround of form from bookends Barry Hall & Brian Lake. I can’t see them being much of a problem to the Cats.

Best Bet: Any bet you make on this match put it on the Cats, one that caught my eye at Sportsbet was for the first goal of the match to be scored between 2.01 and 3 minutes, it’s paying 5.60, nice payout.

Tip: Cats by 49 points.

Odds: Cats 1.11 Bulldogs 6.70

West Coast V Gold Coast Saturday at Patersons Stadium

The Eagles are the real surprise packet of the season for me sitting in the eight after 10 rounds. Josh Kennedy has been a shining light up forward the last few weeks and against the young Suns could be on his way to another big bag.

The Suns showed what they are capable of last week in the first half taking it right up to the ladder leading Geelong before running out of gas. This will be a huge test for Ablett and his troops to see how they can handle the long flight to Perth and then perform.

Best Bet: Although the Suns will be comprehensively beaten I’m taking the 1st scoring play to be a Gold Coast point. It’s paying a massive $5.60 at Sportsbet here. With a quick snap out of the middle could see the Suns shooting inaccurately at goal (or a handy rushed behind). A great value bet.

Tip: Eagles by 55 points

Odds: Eagles 1.03 Suns 12.50

Collingwood V St Kilda Saturday night at the MCG

Collingwood put together a good 4 quarter effort last week to put away the Eagles by 52 points. Dale Thomas is in the best form of his career for me and will look to have another monster game in the Grand Final rematch.

The Saints of the last 2 years were on show last week in a dominating win against Fremantle in Perth. They will still be feeling he hurt of last year’s Grand Final Replay loss to the pies and will be out for revenge, the big question for me is if Brendon Goddard will play or not, that decision could decide the game on its own.

Best Bet: I tip Collingwood to be up by about 5 goals at half time, if you agree then you could get 5.60 at Sportsbet for the Pies to be up between 25-36 at the main break.

Tip: Pies by 25 points

Odds: Saints 1.20 Collingwood 4.60

Brisbane Lions V Sydney Saturday night at the Gabba

The Lions have won 2 in a row after losing their first 8 and are in with a real chance to make it 3 straight. The form of Mitch Clark last week was very promising last week and Jonathan brown is only going to get better each game.

The Swans fought out a gutsy 1 point win against the Roo’s in Round 10 and need to win games like this if they are going to make finals this year. Ben McGlynn has been a standout for Sydney this year and I think a huge game could be in store for him.

Best Bet: A first scoring play is always a risky bet, but I think if Sydney can get it into their forward line early on McGlynn, Goodes or O’Keefe could get the first goal on the board, 3.40 for that at Sportbet if your game

Hawthorn V Fremantle Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Swans by 22 points

Odds: Brisbane 1.81 Sydney 2.00

Hawthorn are coming into this game in good form with 4 straight wins and look to be a serious top 4 contender. The loss of Chance Bateman will hurt their run, but the form of youngster Shane Savage and the ever exciting Cyril Rioli will still provide plenty of run.

Fremantle are coming off their most disappointing performance of the season last week and will be out to make a mends. I can’t see them getting the points at the MCG though, especially without All Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands, a sure thing for your footy tips this week.

Best Bet: I predict both teams will come out looking to get a big score on the board early, that’s why I am putting $10 on the first quarter to be the highest scoring quarter of the game, 3.80 at Sportsbet will provide a handy $28 profit.

Tip: Hawks by 38 points

Odds: Hawks 1.11 Dockers 6.70

North Melbourne V Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

The young Kangaroos are struggling to put away teams this year when they have a lead and it is costing them dearly. They were very wasteful in front of goal last week and will have been practicing their goal kicking this week to make sure they take advantage of their opportunities this week.

The Crows were very disappointing at home on Sunday and will have a very hard week on the training track. They need more out of highly paid players such as Kurt Tippet and Taylor Walker and need their young players to take the next step or their season could be over soon. This is a much win match for both sides and I think we may see a nail biter.

Best Bet: Even though I have tipped the Crows to get up narrowly I would not be surprised if this one ended up dead level at the final siren, a handy 67.oo at Sportsbet would be a great pay day, maybe just put a couple of dollars on this one.

Tip: Crows by 4 points

Odds: Kangaroos 1.64 Crows 2.27

Port Adelaide V Carlton Sunday at AAMI Stadium

The Power pulled off what I gave them no chance of last week beating the upbeat Tigers in Darwin. Travis Boak and Robbie Gray took their game to another level and will need to carry that form into this week to have a show against the inform Blues.

Carlton needs to keep winning to stay in contact with the Cats, Pies & Hawks and I expect them to win over in Adelaide. Marc Murphy is in stellar form, Chris Judd in Brownlow form & the small forwards are doing the job in front of goal. If the Blues play like I know they are capable of this should be an easy win.

Best Bet: Coming off a big win last week Port will carry momentum into Sundays game, an early goal to them in the first few minutes will get them going, and at 4.10 is a good bet to look at here.

Tip: Blues by 43 points

Odds: Port 4.25 Blues 1.23

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

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

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

West Coast V Melbourne Thursday Night at Patersons Stadium

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

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

Tip: Melbourne by 14 points

Odds: West Coast 1.71 Melbourne 2.15

Sydney V Carlton Friday Night at the SCG

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

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

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

Tip: Blues by 7 points

Odds: Sydney 1.81 Carlton 2.00

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide Saturday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Kangaroos by 28 points

Odds: North 1.46 Port Adelaide 2.74

Richmond V Brisbane Saturday night at the MCG

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

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

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

Tip: Richmond by 38 points

Odds: Richmond 1.40 Brisbane 2.98

Adelaide V St Kilda Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Saints by 10 points

Odds: Adelaide 1.70 St Kilda 2.16

Essendon V Gold Coast Sunday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Bombers by 80 points

Odds: Essendon 1.04 Gold Coast 11.25

Collingwood V Bulldogs Sunday at the MCG

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

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

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

Tip: Collingwood by 38 points

Odds: Collingwood 1.20 Bulldogs 4.62

Round 2 see’s the debut of the new AFL franchise the Gold Coast Suns, they will be out to make a good showing and I think they may have the will power to create an upset. The game of round two is Sydney v Essendon in Sydney, both teams are playing a exciting brand of footy and with the up and coming Essendon being the bookie under-dogs for this match it should give us an idea how Essendon will hold up this year.

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Best Bet of Round 2

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St Kilda v Richmond Friday night at the MCG

Tip: St Kilda by 10 points

Odds: St Kilda 1.25 Richmond 4.00

Friday night at the G will pit the Reiwoldt boys trying to kick their respective teams to a winning score.
St Kilda didn’t put Geelong away early enough last week and paid the price in the last minute of the game, Richmond were brave in defeat against the Blues and again this week I can see them stretching the Saints but coming up just short yet again.

North Melbourne v Collingwood Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Collingwood by 55 points

Odds: North Melbourne 6.35 Collingwood 1.12

Collingwood showed in Round 1 why they are tipped to take out the 2011 flag with a dominant 75 point win over Port Adelaide and my prediction is round 2 to be the same.
North Melbourne was brave in defeat in Perth and will come out a bit slow and sore against the pies who have a day’s extra rest and the benefit of not having traveled in Round 1.

Port Adelaide v West Coast Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port by 26 points

Odds: Port 1.47 West Coast 4.20

West Coast got there first win since Round 16 2010 in Round 1 and are in the 8 for the first time in a long time but don’t expect them to stay there.
The Power were good in patches against the pies and seems to be playing well for new coach Matthew Primus. The loss of All Australian Marc LeCras to a groin injury will hurt West Coast who will come up short at AAMI.

Gold Coast v Carlton Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Gold Coast by 8 points

Odds: Gold Coast 4.20 Carlton 1.23

History will be made Saturday night at the Gabba when the Gold Coast Football Club plays their first AFL game in.
Expect Gold Coast to come out wanting to prove that they belong in the AFL and will be a lot better than some expect in 2011. Carlton were a little flat last week against Richmond but stood up when it counted most to get the 4 points. The match up between Brownlow medalists Judd & Ablett will be one to watch out for. I think the new kids on the block can get up here just on adrenalin.

Fremantle v Geelong Saturday night at Patersons Stadium

Tip: Fremantle by 17 points

Odds: Fremantle 1.69 Geelong 2.18

A 1 point win the to Cats and a 2 point win to the Dockers in Round 1, doesn’t get much closer and I expect this game to be another close one.
Joel Selwood is highly unlikely to play for Geelong after a sickening blow against St Kilda last week while Freo will be out to show that they will be a hard team to beat in Perth once again this year. David Mundy showed his class last week against the Lions and Freo will need another solid performance from him and the likes of youngsters Fyfe, Lower & Hill to stop the Cats.

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs by 47 points

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.13 Brisbane 6.00

The Lions were unlucky against Freo last week after injuries seen them down to 0 on the bench. A season ending injury to Brent Staker and Captain Jonathan Brown expected to miss 8 weeks makes for some tough times ahead for Brisbane.
The Bulldogs were very disappointing in Round 1 against a hot Bombers side. I expect Rodney Eade to put the dogs through a tough week on the track and they should easily get their first win of the season against the injury depleted Lions.

Sydney v Essendon Sunday at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Essendon by 9 points

Odds: Sydney 1.70 Essendon 2.15

ANZ Stadium will be a buzz on Sunday afternoon with the Bombers juganaught rolling into town.
Essendon were very impressive in there Round 1 55 point smashing of the dogs and sit top of the AFL Ladder. Sydney on the other hand let one slip against Melbourne to play out a Round 1 draw.
Goodes was relatively quiet against the Demons, expect him to play a good game. Watson, Hille & Stanton led by example for the bombers in Round 1 and should take that form and confidence up to Sydney and snatch the win in a tight one.

Hawthorn v Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawks by 35 points

Odds: Hawks 1.40 Melbourne 2.97

The Hawks were disappointing in Round 1, letting a 30 point lead turn into a 20 point defeat. They need Franklin to fire up and kick straight against the Dees.
Melbourne’s fighting spirit seen them fight back and grab a draw in Round 1 and they will need all that spirit to match the Hawks. Expect to see Hodge back for Hawthorn to lead the team to their first win of the season.

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

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

Best Bet of Round 1

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

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

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

Carlton V Richmond Thursday night at the MCG

Odds: Carlton 1.32  Richmond 3.50

Tip: Carlton

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

My prediction is the Blues by 38 points

Geelong V St Kilda Friday night at the MCG

Odds: Geelong 2.15  St Kilda 1.70

Tip: St Kilda

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

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

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

Saints by 15 points

Collingwood V Port Adelaide Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Odds: Collingwood 1.08  Port Adelaide 8.00

Tip: Collingwood

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

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

Pies by 60 points

Adelaide V Hawthorn Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

Odds: Adelaide 1.97  Hawthorn 1.83

Tip: Hawthorn

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

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

Hawks by 14 points

Brisbane V Fremantle Saturday night at the Gabba

Odds: Brisbane 2.25  Fremantle 1.65

Tip: Fremantle

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

Freo by 26 points

Essendon V Western Bulldogs Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Odds: Essendon 2.35  Western Bulldogs 1.60

Tip: Western Bulldogs

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

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

Bulldogs by 5 points

Melbourne V Sydney Sunday at the MCG

Odds: Melbourne 1.65  Sydney 2.25

Tip: Melbourne

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

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

Melbourne by 40 points

West Coast V North Melbourne Sunday at Patersons Stadium

Odds: West Coast 1.65  North Melbourne 2.25

Tip: West Coast

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

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

The Eagles by 16 points

Once again Sportsbet have shown why they are number 1 with their very popular free Million Dollar Tipping competition.

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Even if you a well down the tipping ladder there is plenty to play for with any AFL or NRL Tipster who can predict 8 winners in a round and predict the exact winning margin will win a $50 free bet!

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Million Dollar Tipping can be used for your office for family tipping comps as well with private leagues able to be made all private leagues are still in the running for the big prizes making Sportsbet the perfect choice to handle your tipping this year.

If your a bit of a novice when it comes to footy tipping Sportsbet offer a weekly preview to who is likely to win and why to help you make the harder footy tipping decisions.

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For all the info on how to join the Million Dollar Tipping see their tipping site here, get your tips in for Round 1 and good luck!

Its that time of year again guy, footy season is back and Sportingbet has just opened their new footy tipping competition where you can win $100,000.

There are two comps and both are free to play, one for AFL and the other NRL. $50,000 will be given to the winner of each comp.

Its different from the usual footy tips where you tip a team each week and watch the same one to two people win year after year.

This knockout style tipping is played that if you don’t get at least one correct footy tip each week you are eliminated from the competition altogether, easy as that!

After round 12 (AFL) and round 13 (NRL) its when it get interesting and tactics will come into play. All the remaining players will need to tip a line margin for each game.

For example, either pick St Kilda by -4.5 points or Collingwood by +6.5 points. See the Sportingbet site here for more info on this.

The great thing about this competition is that I’m tipping there will be quite a few winners and each winner will take home a share of the $100,000!

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Checkout the Sportingbet site to join the competition and to find out more info about the Last Man Standing.

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.