Sportsbet Blog

There are just seven games in Round 19 of the 2011 AFL footy season but a few could impact the final eight and end some teams seasons. Below you will find all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds to help make the right choice.

With Richmond, Sydney & Brisbane all having the bye we kick off Round Nineteen Friday night with traditional Friday Night Footy Rivals North Melbourne & Carlton squaring off in what is a must win for the Roos. The Dockers V Hawks game Saturday night should be a cracker, Collingwood and Essendon will pull a big crowd to the MCG on Sunday whilst in Adelaide it is Showdown time to conclude the Round.

Best Bet of Round 19 for me is the Blues by over 40 points against the Kangaroos on Friday Night Footy which is paying $2.80 at Sportsbet.

North Melbourne V Carlton Friday night at Etihad Stadium

The Roos could welcome back big man Hamish McIntosh to partner number 1 ruck-man Todd Goldstien against Carltons tall timber. Also in good form in the reserves for the Roos were Nathan Grima, Gavin Urquhart & Lindsay Thomas kicked 4.4 for North Ballarat. The Roos will need a big upset here to keep their September dream alive.

Carlton were awesome in the second half last week blowing the Bombers away. Led by skipper Chris Judd and small forward Eddie Betts kicking 8 goals they gave Essendon a football lesson. Can Andrew Walker climb high again and maybe take another Mar of the Year contender.. The Blues easily in this one for me.

Tip: Carlton by 45 points

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Saints by 32

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 the match.

To find out more about the Friday $500 see the Sportsbet site here.

Odds: Kangaroos 3.40 Blues 1.32

Western Bulldogs V West Coast Saturday at Etihad Stadium

The Bulldogs were outclassed by Sydney last week and surely now they must realise that they will not be playing finals this season. Will Rocket Eade stick with his senior players or get some games into some young future stars of the club such as , Josh Hill, Christian Howard, Will Minson and Jordan Roughead. Injury concerns over a host of big names including Cooney, Cross, Morris, Higgins, Picken & Gilbee will make things tough for the doggies.

The Eagles coming off a nail biter against Fremantle will only strengthen their side with the possible inclusion of Daniel Kerr. To keep in touch with Calrton & Hawthorn the Eagles need to win these games and after beating the Dogs by over 100 points earlier in the season I think they can get the job done again.

Tip: Eagles by 22 points

Odds: Bulldogs 2.17 Eagles 1.66

Geelong V Melbourne Saturday at Skilled Stadium

The Cats return to Skilled Stadium this week where they are unstoppable. A dominant first half was all they needed against Richmond last week to get the points. Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling and Brad Ottens should all slot back into the Cats lineup which could also feature Cameron Mooney if coach Scott thinks it is the right time to bring him back into the seniors.

Melbourne were ordinary last week against the Hawks and face an uphill battle to make the finals with games against the top sides coming up over the next 3 weeks starting with the Cats this week. Scully & Jurrah should return but it wont be enough to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Tip: Cats by 58 points

Odds: Cats 1.08 Demons 8.00

Gold Coast V St Kilda Saturday night at Metricon Stadium

The Suns were not blown away by the Pies by over 100 points last week like many would have thought. The fact that they stuck in there and gave it a good hard crack will have made coach Guy McKenna very happy. Karmichael Hunt is a chance this week after starring in the midfield in the reserves last week.

The Saints had their best win of the season last Friday night, smashing the Crows by a whopping 103 points. Stevie Milne was superb kicking 8, Schnieder adding 5 and Dal Santo starring in the midfield. St Kilda will be without captain Nick Reiwoldt this weekend though due to suspension but I can’t see this being too much trouble for the Saints who are on a roll.

Tip: Saints by 45 points

Odds: Suns 7.00 Saints 1.10

Fremantle V Hawthorn Saturday night at Paterson Stadium

Fremanlte come up just 1 point short last week in a spirited last quarter comeback against West Coast. Sandilainds still isn’t ready to go and fellow ruckman Jonathan Griffin looks set to miss also which may open the door for Kepler Bradley. The Dockers will also miss Luke McPharlin through suspension which would hurt them as he would have been the number one pick to line up on Buddy Franklin.

Hawthorn fought back to overrun the Dockers in the last quarter earlier this season at the MCG but the job will be a lot harder at Patersons Stadium. The Hawks are taking some good form into the game though after easily dispatching of Melbourne last week. The Hawks will be out for revenge on the same ground the Dockers beat them in last years Elimination final and will only be strengthened by the possible returns of Bateman, Suckling & Lisle with young gun Shane Savage set to miss through injury. This should be a cracker of a match.

Tip: Hawks by 15 points

Odds: Dockers 2.85 Hawks 1.43

Collingwood V Essendon Sunday at the MCG

The Pies looked to take the foot off the pedal in the second half last week against the Suns last week but had already done the job in the first half. Darren jolly will return after a week off with the flu to play his 200th game. Sidebottom, Didak and Beams are also possibilities to be included with Daisy Thomas and Ben Johnson possible outs through injury.

The Bombers were woeful in the second half against Carlton last week and paid the price. James Hird will have the luxury of Jobe Watson finally getting over a hamstring injury to return to the side and Dustin Fletcher but will miss defender Taite Pears for 2 to 3 weeks which could hurt the Bombers final hopes. Essendon have there backs against the wall and need to do a number on the Pies like they did to Geelong earlier in the year to continue their push towards September. Unfortunately for Bombers fans I can’t see this happening though.

Tip: Pies by 37 points

Odds: Pies 1.07 Bombers 8.25

Adelaide V Port Adelaide Sunday at AAMI Stadium

In a match the not many people out of Adelaide will care much about club champion Mark Bickley will make his coaching debut for the Crows after the resignation of Niel Craig during the week. The Crows players will be out to give their new coach a first up win. Taylor Walker along with Chris Knights are possible inclusions for the Crows.

The Power come off the bye and straight into another showdown with the Crows. Justin Westhoff will return for Port but Dean Brogan and Alipate Carlile are still a week or two off.

Expect a few fireworks in this one which could be an ugly game of footy to watch, but could be the closest of the round.

Tip: Crows by 5 points

Odds: Crows 1.57 Power 2.40

Here is round 17′s celebrity/professional AFL footy tips. There are a few differences between them this week with a 50/50 split between Adelaide and Essendon for Friday nights match.

Both Dennis Cometti and Robert Walls are the only ones to tip St Kilda to beat the West Coast Eagles.

This week I like Tony Leonard’s footy tips. He has picked Collingwood to win by 30 which might be a little conservative but the rest look pretty spot on.

To see Sportsbetbet Blog’s tips for round 17 click here.

If your looking to put a few bets on this weekend you can’t go past the Judd Special for Saturdays game between the Pies and Blues.

If Chris Judd gets the most possessions in the match you get a refund on you losing bets up to $100! See the Sportsbet site here for more info on this unique promo

Caroline Wilson	Rohan Connolly	Tony Leonard
Adelaide 30	Essendon 2	Adelaide 10
Richmond 16	Richmond 32	Richmond 20
Collingwood 8	Collingwood 28	Collingwood 30
West Coast 10	West Coast 16	West Coast 15
Melbourne 44	Port Adelaide 6	Melbourne 25
Sydney 6	Sydney 20	Sydney 8
Geelong 22	Geelong 48	Geelong 24
Western Bulldogs 4	Western Bulldogs 30	Western Bulldogs 23
Robert Walls	Garry Lyon	Dennis Cometti
Essendon 12	Adelaide 5	Essendon 23
Richmond 24	Richmond 20	Richmond 38
Collingwood 18	Collingwood 49	Collingwood 64
St Kilda 10	West Coast 17	St Kilda 9
Melbourne 12	Melbourne 19	Melbourne 15
Sydney 24	Sydney 12	Sydney 33
Geelong 36	Geelong 39	Geelong 41
Western Bulldogs 24	Western Bulldogs 2	Western Bulldogs 29

Its a 50/50 split decision in the expert and pro tipping for round 16′s massive game Friday night against Geelong and West Coast. All the tipsters have predicted the margin to be under 20 points.

This week I like the look of Celebrity tipper Robert Walls. He has predicted a big 50 point win to the Hawks and a modert 30 point win top the Pies.

If you looking for a tip for Sportsbet Friday 500 free comp it is a tough one see the tips below for friday nights game and goto the Sportsbet site to put in your tip for the winning team and margin to win $500.

For more info on the Friday 500 see the Sportsbet site here.

See the Sportsbet Blog’s pro tips here for a full preview of round 16

Caroline Wilson	Tony Leonard	Robert Walls
West Coast 7	West Coast 8	Geelong 18
Hawthorn 45	Hawthorn 35	Hawthorn 50
Sydney 28	Sydney 11	Sydney 18
Richmond 10	Richmond 16	Essendon 16
Collingwood 60	Collingwood 35	Collingwood 30
St Kilda 32	St Kilda 10	St Kilda 24
Western Bulldogs 8	Carlton 13	Carlton 30
Dennis Cometti	Samantha Lane	Matthew Lloyd
Geelong 2	Geelong 20	West Coast 20
Hawthorn 38	Hawthorn 40	Hawthorn 18
Sydney 41	Sydney 30	Sydney 33
Essendon 13	Essendon 12	Essendon 20
Collingwood 45	Collingwood 18	Collingwood 45
St Kilda 13	St Kilda 15	St Kilda 27
Carlton 22	Carlton 5	Carlton 18

Round 14′s expert/celebrity footy tips are very similar with the only differences being Caroline Wilson and Tony Leonard both tipping Essendon and Port Adelaide to beat the Hawks and North Melbourne.

This weeks expert prediction I like most is Robert Walls. He has tipped a few blow outs with Geelong, Carlton and Collingwood to win by over 40 points.

The tippers that picked the Hawks to win on Friday night have averaged a 10 point margin. Sportsbet have a free competition running that if you pick the winnign team and margin you get $500! See more info on the Friday $500 comp here.

See Sportsbet Blog’s pro tipping for round 14 here.

Caroline Wilson	Rohan Connolly	Robert Walls
Essendon 14	Hawthorn 8	Hawthorn 12
Western Bulldogs 68	Western Bulldogs 62	Western Bulldogs 24
Richmond 10	Richmond 16	Richmond 12
Collingwood 28	Collingwood 22	Collingwood 40
Fremantle 27	Fremantle 36	Fremantle 30
Geelong 35	Geelong 72	Geelong 60
Carlton 7	Carlton 30	Carlton 40
Port Adelaide 18	North Melbourne 20	North Melbourne 18
Tony Leonard	Dennis Cometti	Samantha Lane
Essendon 9	Hawthorn 21	Hawthorn 5
Western Bulldogs 55	Western Bulldogs 32	Western Bulldogs 30
Richmond 22	Richmond 2	Richmond 2
Collingwood 31	Collingwood 31	Colligwood 12
Fremantle 20	Fremantle 16	Fremantle 6
Geelong 45	Geelong 71	Geelong 36
Carlton 21	Carlton 21	Carlton 5
Port Adelaide 10	North Melbourne 13	North Melbourne 20

Round 5 could be one of the most exciting this season with some really hot matches on the cards. The stand out games being the traditional AFL Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood and the Easter clash which pits the Hawks Vs Geelong.

Best Bet of Round Five

For me is Fremantle to win between 1-39 at $2.35 at Sportsbet where they give you a $200 free bet bundle just for signing up. See more info here.

Brisbane V St Kilda Thursday Night at the Gabba

Both teams need to win this game if they are serious about season 2011 with the Saints currently sitting 13th and the Lions 15th on the ladder with both teams still searching for their first win of the year.

Without Jonathan Brown I can’t see the Lions having enough firepower against a strong Saints defense who will be out to impress after letting through 136 points in their last outing against Essendon.

Tip: Saints by 33 points

Odds: Brisbane 3.50 St Kilda 1.31

Port Adelaide V Gold Coast Saturday at AAMI Stadium

The Power were a different team after quarter time last week against the Crows and will look to carry that form into Saturdays game against the Suns. Daniel Motlop showed he still has his silky skills for the power and David Rodan was outstanding with 4 goals last week.

Gold Coast should welcome back Gary Ablett but even that will not be enough to get them the 4 points at AAMI. The suns need to stick to their game plan and work hard and they will eventually get a win, just not this week!!!

Tip: Power by 59 points

Odds: Port 1.03 Gold Coast 12.00

Carlton V Adelaide Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

The Blues had the chance to put away an undermanned Essendon side last week but couldn’t get the 4 points and were lucky to escape with 2 points after the seasons 3rd draw already. Jeff Garlett & Kade Simpson were superb for the Blues last week but will be out to make up for their late game mistakes.

Adelaide were woeful against Port Adelaide so I’m tipping coach Neil Craig will make a few changes to shake things up a bit. Big name players need to step up if they want to get the points over Carlton though. Expect big things from Tippett, Dangerfield, Van Berlo & Vince.

Tip: Carlton by 17 points

Odds: Carlton 1.28  Adelaide 3.72

North Melbourne V Richmond Sunday at Etihad Stadium

One team will finally record their first win of the season (unless we get another draw) on Sunday. I expect this to be won in the midfield. If Cotchin, DeLedio, Foley, Martin & Grigg can all make a solid contribution for all 4 quarters I can see the Tigers getting the Win.

Likewise, the Kangaroos midfield stars of Swallow, Harvey, Wells, Firrito & Liam Anthony need to lead from the front if the Kangaroos want to kick a winning score. I predict this to be a very close game with Jack Reiwoldt to kick a bag and get the Tigers across the line narrowly.

Tip: Tigers by 5 points

Odds: North 1.92  Richmond 1.92

Essendon V Collingwood Monday at the MCG

The traditional ANZAC day clash is built up as the biggest game of the Home & Away season and this year promises to be one of the biggest in years with both teams in great form.

Essendon were hurt by injuries last week and were gutsy to fight out a draw against Carlton. The Bombers will welcome back David Hille and will be looking at Kyle Reimers, Alwyn Davey and Michael Hibberd to possibly come into the side.

Collingwood just keeps rolling and sit a top the AFL Ladder aster 4 rounds with a percentage of 187.0. Darren Jolly will come back into the side after one week off with injury while Tyson Goldsack and John McCarthy continue to push for selection.

Essendon will be Collingwoods first real test of the season but I cant see them beating them just yet.

Tip: Collingwood by 28 points

Odds: Essendon 4.10 Collingwood 1.24

Fremantle V Western Bulldogs Monday night at Patersons Stadium

Fremantle are hitting some decent form but continue to be struck by injuries, this time defender Nick Suban going down with a long term leg injury. Hayden Ballantyne was superb for the Dockers last week with 25 possessions and 4 goals and is the best small forward in the comp at the minute.

After a weeks rest it will be interesting to see how the Dogs come out. Victories against Brisbane and the Gold Coast are nothing to brag about and the Bulldogs will look to Monday night against the Dockers to show they are legitimate contenders again this year.

Expect another close one

Tip: Fremantle by 9 points

Odds: Freo 1.70  Bulldogs 2.15

Hawthorn V Geelong Tuesday at the MCG

“We’ve sort of said to ourselves that, if we can, we should never let Hawthorn beat us again,”. They were the words of Paul Chapman stating that after losing the 08 Grand Final to the Hawks they never want to lose to them again.

This should be a cracker game, 2nd Vs 3rd, Buddy Vs Taylor, Roughead Vs Lonergan, Sewell Vs Selwood, Hodge Vs Bartell.. Superstar match ups all over the park. I think the cats have been remarkable this season so far and deserve to go in favourites.

The Hawks were nowhere near their best against the Eagles last week but still managed to get over the line narrowly and will need to play a lot better to beat Geelong.

In what could be one of the games of the season I expect it to be the left boot of Buddy Franklin that will decide this game.

Tip: Hawks by 26 points

Odds: Hawks 2.02  Cats 1.80

*See Round 3 2011 Tips Here

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

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

Best Bet of Round 3

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

St Kilda V  Collingwood Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.50 Collingwood 2.60

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

North Melbourne V  West Coast Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

Odds: North Melbourne 1.91 West Coast 1.91

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

Port Adelaide V Brisbane Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.91 Port Adelaide 1.91

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

Sydney V Richmond Saturday Night at the SCG

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.10 Richmond 7.00

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

Carlton V  Essendon  Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.55 Essendon 2.50

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

Melbourne V Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Melbourne 2.55 Adelaide 1.52

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

Western Bulldogs V Hawthorn Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.52 Hawthorn 2.55

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

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

Fremantle V  Geelong Sunday Afternoon at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Fremantle 2.32 Geelong 1.62

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

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

See Round 2 2011 Footy Tips Here

Round 2 footy tips are fairly straight forward with majority of the odds going well and truly with the favourites this weekend. The AFL match of the Round Two is the Geelong V Hawks game on Monday and the top of the table Hawks (after 1 round) will be looking to kickstart their season with a win over last years premiers.

It’s not too late to join Sportsbet Million Dollar Tipping, its free to play and home games have been picked for new players that missed round 1

Brisbane V  Carlton Thursday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.33 Carlton 3.30

The Lions showed the force they will bring in 2010 from their forwards with Fev and Brown having 17 scoring shots between them last week. Although they looked a little rough around the edges for the first three quarters, a 7 goal to 2 made amends. They will once again be tough to hold down on Thursday and I predict an easy win for Brisbane. The Lions expect Jed Adcock to be right to play after sustaining an ankle injury.

Collingwood V Melbourne Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.05 Melbourne 10.00

I hate to say it but I think the Pies are in for a good year this year. They outclassed one of the Premiership favourites in the Bulldogs last week and should have the Demons wrapped up at half time. Melbourne look to include Colin Sylvia in their line up after he fractured his jaw in the pre season but wont do much to stop the Collingwood onslaught.

West Coast V Port Adelaide Saturday Night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

Odds: West Coast 1.58 Port Adelaide 2.40

The Eagles should put up a fight at home this weekends. They are a young quick team and have heaps of promise and should match up against a solid Port Adelaide side. Daniel Motlop should be right to play for Port after some hamstring tightness but I’m tipping West Coast will be to strong at home.

St Kilda V North Melbourne Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.14 North Melbourne 5.75

With a close win over Sydney last week the Saints will be out to setup a comfortable win to keep off any pressure. St Kilda will be without forward Justin Koschitzke for the next three weeks after a late and high bump on Sydneys Nick Malceski. He will be missed but St Kilda has proven they have a long list and should get more than enough goals from their midfield to make up for it.

Adelaide V Sydney Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Adelaide 1.57 Sydney 2.42

After the shock loss to Fremantle, Adelaide should bounce back with a win at home this weekend. Taylor Walker look impressive for the Crows with 4 goals and will be the one to keep an eye out for along with the explosive Lewis Jetta for Sydney who loves to break the lines.

Essendon V Fremantle Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

Odds: Essendon 1.48 Fremantle 2.70

Freo haven’t been able to beat Essendon at Etihad Stadium for many many years. Essendon will be out to show Ex Don Adam McPhee why he should have stayed in Victoria. I’m tipping Essendon by over 39 points.

Richmond V Western Bulldogs Sunday Afternoon at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.05 Richmond 10.00

This wont be a great game to watch for Tiger supporters. The Bulldogs will be out for blood after their shock loss to Collingwood and will fight out the game for the full four quarters. My prediction is Barry Hall to have a 5 goal + game. Richmond haven’t beaten the Bulldogs since round 3 in 2005.

Hawthorn V Geelong Monday at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Hawthorn 2.50 Geelong 1.55

Defiantly the match of round two. These two heavy weights . Brent Renouf and Cyril Rioli look set to come back from injury for the Hawks and Geelong look to recall Max Rooke to their line up. It should be an amazing match to watch and a great way to end the Easter long weekend.