Sportsbet Blog

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

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

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

Checkout the pro/celebrity tips for round 15 here

Western Bulldogs V Melbourne Friday night at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Demons by 21 points

Odds: Bulldogs 2.04 Demons 1.79

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

Richmond V Carlton Saturday at the MCG

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

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

Tip: Blues by 17 points

Odds: Tigers 4.00 Blues 1.25

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

Fremantle V Gold Coast Saturday at Patersons Stadium

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

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

Tip: Dockers by 67 points

Odds: Dockers 1.10 Suns 7.25

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

Essendon V Geelong Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Cats by 46 points

Odds: Bombers 7.50 Cats 1.09

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

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

Adelaide V Sydney Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

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

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

Tip: Swans by 35 points

Odds: Crows 2.95 Swans 1.40

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

Brisbane V Port Adelaide Sunday at the Gabba

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

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

Tip: Lions by 28 points

Odds: Lions 1.40 Power 2.95

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

Collingwood V Hawthorn Sunday at the MCG

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

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

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

Tip: Pies by 12 points

Odds: Magpies 1.31 Hawks 3.50

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

North Melbourne V St Kilda Sunday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

Tip: Saints by 3 points

Odds: Kangaroos 2.00 Saints 1.82

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

Round 14 of the 2011 AFL footy season will be one that may shape the top eight. For all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds read on

Friday night at the G this week will be a blockbuster with bitter rivals Hawthorn and Essendon doing battle in what could be another “line in the sand game”, this time for the Bombers. A few other matched promise to shape the way the eight looks at the end of the round, Richmond V Melbourne Saturday should be a ripper, Carlton V West Coast has a lot riding on it and the twilight match Sunday evening could see the Roo’s just outside the 8 at the end of Round fourteen.

See the Expert/Celebrity Round 14 footy tips here

Best Bet of Round 14 for me is the Hawks between 1-39 against Essendon which is paying 2.25 at Sportingbet.

Make sure to join Sportsbet’s Friday $500. Simply tip the winning team and margin of Fridays nights game against the Hawks and Bombers and you will win $500! Its free to enter and play so join the Friday $500 here today. I’m tipping the Hawks by 9 points.

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Hawthorn V Essendon Friday night at the MCG

The Hawks will go into Friday night’s blockbuster without spearhead Lance “Buddy” Franklin after he accepted a one match suspension from the AFL tribunal. Hawthorn will look to young forwards Luke Bruest to continue his goal kicking form but will need something else up forward to get over the line against the Bombers. Look for Luke Hodge to play forward in this one to give the Hawks a target.

The Bombers inaccuracy cost them last week as they had 4 more scoring shots than the Kangaroos but still fell short by 21 points. David Hille is expected to return but the Bombers will be without defender Cale Hooker (hamstring) and Kyle Hardingham through suspension. This looms as a must win for the Bombers; if they lose they will fall out of the top eight.

Tip: Hawks by 9 points

Odds: Hawks 1.55 Bombers 2.45

If you fancy a bet on this match then I would look at the Halftime/Fulltime double of Essendon/Hawthorn which is paying a generous $7.00

Gold Coast V Western Bulldogs Saturday at Metricon Stadium

The Suns put up a good fight against the Hawks last week in the first half, trailing by just 17 at half time but were eventually blown out by 71 points. The form of forward Tom Lynch was promising booting 3 goals and Gary Ablett once again led from the front with 34 possessions. Gold Coast will welcome back star rookies David Swallow and Zach Smith who both missed last week.

The Bulldogs finally got their fourth win of the season last week to keep their slim finals hopes alive. The form of Robert Murphy is the best I have seen it in years as he continues his stellar season. Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney made a return last week as the substitute and had an impact in the last quarter, expect him to play the whole game this week.

The Bulldogs should win this one easily but never underestimate these Gold Coast kids.

Tip: Bulldogs by 46 points

Odds: Suns 5.50 Bulldogs 1.15

For me the Dogs should be winning by 5 – 6 goals at the half, Western Bulldogs between 25-36 at halftime is paying a healthy $5.40

Richmond V Melbourne Saturday at the MCG

This could be the match of the round for mine. The Demons were fantastic against Fremantle last week but need to string 2 wins together to be a legitimate Finals contender. They should be bolstered by the return of All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar and could possibly take 3 ruckman into the game. The only sour note from their big win last week was an injury to key defender Colin Garland, if he doesn’t come up for this week’s game I expect Melbourne to include Matthew Warnock into the side.

The Tigers will be back in Melbourne for the first time in a month after 3 interstate games and a bye. Dustin Martin led them to a big win against the Lions last week at the Gabba. Jake King could miss the game through suspension may force Damien Hardwick to make a forced change. I expect this to be a high scoring affair that could be a nail biter and possibly for the winner a spot in the top eight.

Tip: Richmond by 13 points

Odds: Tigers 1.90 Demons 1.90

The Draw is paying $51.00 in this one and could be worth putting a dollar or two on

Sydney V Collingwood Saturday at ANZ Stadium

The Swans were beaten by the better side last week in Carlton and it does not get any easier this week against the defending premiers. To make matters worse they will be without ruckman Shane Mumford through suspension. The Swans have not beaten the Pies at ANZ Stadium since 2005, a trend I think will continue.

After the week off with a bye the Pies travel interstate for the first time this season. Darren Jolly will line up against his old side, Dane Swan will return better from the trip to Arizona and Daisy Thomas after a week’s suspension. This alone is a daunting task for any side; expect it to be enough to get the Pies the 4 points.

Tip: Collingwood by 35 points

Odds: Sydney 5.25 Collingwood 1.16

Expect the Magpies to come out of the blocks looking to score early with the first goal of the game, which is paying $2.80

Fremantle  V Brisbane Lions Saturday night at Patersons Stadium

The Dockers were very poor at the MCG last week against Melbourne, getting blown away by 89 points. The only positive from the game was that Michael Barlow got through injury free and has pulled up well. Superstar ruckman Aaron Sandilainds is a chance to return, as are key forwards Kepler Bradley and Hayden Ballantyne. This will give Fremantle the experience it desperately needs to play a four quarter game.

The Lions were fast starters last week against the Tigers but got reeled in to easily. The loss of Mitch Clark and Todd Banfield will hurt the Lions who I do not think will be able to pull off the upset over in WA.

Tip: Dockers by40 points

Odds: Dockers 1.20 Lions 4.60

I think Fremantle will dominate this from start to finish, that’s why I am putting $10 on them winning between 40-59 at $4.60

Geelong V Adelaide Sunday at Skilled Stadium

The Cats at Skilled Stadium are unbeatable over the last 5 years and the Crows will not be able to pull off the upset of the round by defeating the Cats at the cattery. Jimmy Bartell may miss the match after being knocked out by teammate James Podsiadly last week, as will Darren Milburn and James Kelly with injuries and Matthew Stokes and Josh Hunt through suspension. Geelong should not take any chances with the injuries to such important players as the depth of the side will be more than enough to cover against the Crows.

Adelaide booted 6 goals in the opening term last week but could only manage another 4 for the game as the Dogs overrun them. Coach Neil Craig’s head has to be on the chopping block, a few possible inclusions he could bring in will be Richard Tambling, Brodie Martin, Brodie Smith & rookie Ian Callinan for his debut. Will he risk exposing the youngsters to a possible hiding down in Geelong though or stick with his senior players for one more week?

Tip: Cats by 87 points

Odds: Cats 1.05 Crows 10.00

Any bet you have must be on the Cats in this match, one that stood out to me which was good value is a halftime margin of 37+ points at $2.95

Carlton V West Coast Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Carlton would have looked at this match at the start of the season and pencilled in a victory against last year’s wooden spooners. This though is no sure thing for the third placed Blues up against the fifth placed Eagles. The form of ruckman Matthew Kruezer in only his second game back from knee surgery was super last week, with fellow number one draft picks Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs also starring.

The Eagles have been the surprise packet of the competition this season and notched up another victory last week against Port Adelaide. This will be a real test of where they are at though coming up against the inform Carlton. They will need big games from the likes of LeCras, Cox, Embley, Kennedy & Pridis if they are to overcome the Blues at Etihad though. This will be a cracker but Carlton with the home ground advantage will get over the line.

Tip: Blues by 22 points

Odds: Blues 1.25 Eagles 4.00

The Blues and Eagles showed last week that the second quarter was when they could really put a score on the board, if this is the highest scoring quarter of the game it is worth a punt at $3.70

Port Adelaide V Kangaroos Sunday at AAMI Stadium

The Power showed signs of what they are capable of in the second half last week but the game was already too far out of reach. David Rodan should return to the side along with Steven Salopek to give the Power a boost.

North Melbourne showed last week that they are a threat to the top eight and with a win this week could find them on the brink of breaking in after a horrid start to the season. Drew Petrie looms as the Kangaroos most important payer along with Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells, if these 3 can stay fit I can see the Kangaroos getting the points in this one, just.

Tip: Roos by 6 points

Odds: Power 2.50 Kangaroos 1.53

Taking a look at this there was no standout bet so I am taking a punt and putting a few dollars on “Time first Goal kicked” between 4.01 & 5.00 minutes paying a massive $7.60

Online bookmaker Sportsbet has paid out on Richmond to collect the wooden spoon after only four rounds.

With 18 rounds to go in the 2010 AFL Premiership Season, the bookie has paid out more than $100,000 to punters who backed Richmond to finish on the bottom of the ladder.
“Unfortunately for Richmond fans we think we’ll be paying out on the Tigers at the end of the season, so our punters may as well collect their cash now,” said Sportsbet’s Haydn Lane.
“There are 18 rounds to go so it’s a definite gamble.”
Richmond, who were paying as much as $5 in early Wooden Spoon markets, are now $1.25 favourites to take home the dreaded prize.

The payout applies to all bets placed before 12noon Monday 19th April.

Sportsbet is also offering odds of $5 on Richmond not winning a game this season, although one big punter has faith and has placed $10,000 at $1.16 on the Tigers winning at least one match this season.

Sportsbet is generating a reputation for paying out early on big sporting competitions. In November last year, the bookie paid out early on Tiger Woods to win the Australian Masters after two rounds when he was three strokes ahead. Woods faltered in the third round to share the lead with two others, before he shot clear on the final day to win the tournament.

Sportsbet offer up to $200 worth of free bets for making an account with them, checkout their website here for more information on how to get the free bets.

Updated Wooden Spoon Market
$1.25 Richmond
$7 North Melbourne
$12 Adelaide
$17 Melbourne
$17 West Coast
$26 Essendon
$41 Port Adelaide

Leading online bookmaker Sportsbet says Richmond is a $5 chance to go winless throughout the 2010 AFL Premiership Season.
“Given their current form it’s hard to see where the Tigers are going to find an easy kill this year,” said Sportsbet’s Haydn Lane.
“We’re offering odds of $5 to punters who think Richmond will not win a match in 2010.”

With at least four omissions from the side that lost to Sydney by 55 points, Richmond has had little support ahead of their Round 4 fixture against Melbourne.
“We cannot lay a bet on the Tigers to beat the Demons this week, which they would normally pencil in as a possible victory,” said Lane.
“They’ve drifted from $2.55 out to $3.35 to defeat the Dees, while Melbourne has firmed from $1.52 into $1.33.”

Richmond has also firmed as the outright favourite in betting for the dreaded Wooden Spoon.

“The Tigers were $5 in pre-season betting for the wooden spoon, now they’re the hot favourite at $1.45,” said Lane.
“We have taken bets of $5000 at $3.75, $3000 at $3.50 and $10,000 at $3.25 on the Tigers for the spoon.”

Toothless Tigers
$5 Richmond will not win a match in 2010
$1.16 Richmond will win a match in 2010

AFL Round 4
$3.35 Richmond (out from $2.55)
$1.33 Melbourne (in from $1.52)

Wooden Spoon
$1.45 Richmond
$5 Melbourne
$7.50 North Melbourne
$9 West Coast

Checkout the Sportsbet site for the latest odds. For new customers Sportsbet will give you up to $200 worth of free bets just for betting with them click here for more info on this great offer.

The AFL coach betting markets have changed massively after the shock appointment of Nathan Buckley to Collingwood with a five year contract.

Buckley was previously the favourite to get the job at either Richmond or North Melbourne but now the market has been blown open with some good value for some potential new coaches for the 2010 season.

Here a run down of the Richmond Coaching markets from Sportingbet

Richmond Coaching Job

Jade Rawlings 2.00
Damien Hardwick 4.50
Leon Cameron 6.00
David King 11.00
Chris Bond 13.00
Ken Hinkley 13.00
Guy McKenna 21.00
Wayne Campbell 34.00

If you join Spotingbet through Sportsbet Blog today and make a $30 deposit they will give you a huge $100 free bet that can be put on the coaching markets. This is one of the best offers going around with such a big free bet for such a little deposit. Checkout their site here.

Back in June I made a comment in a previous post that I thought Jade Rawlings at $10 for the coaching job was great value.

Now over a month later the bookies have pulled  him back to a $2.00 hot favourite, but I still think there a bit of value here. He has had success with the group and the team seems to respond to him well. The Richmond board members have given him full support as the caretaker coach and I feel they have no other viable choice at the moment but to keep Rawlings. Taking all this into account this gives him a great chance to continue the job next year.

Allot will depend on the results for the rest of the season. The Tigers play Melbourne, Sydney, Collingwood, Hawthorn and West Coast. I think they should at least win three of the final five games.

Now that Buckley has dropped out of the list I think the Richmond board may announce the coach sooner rather than later. They could have hoped to snap up Buckley but had a plan B if thinks went wrong. The Plan B announcement may be only days away so it might be worth getting your bet on soon.

Here’s the North Melbourne Coaching Odds from Sportingbet

North Melbourne Coaching Job

John Longmire 3.00
Darren Crocker 3.50
Damien Hardwick 5.00
David King 5.00
John Blakey 11.00
Ken Hinkley 13.00
Leon Cameron 41.00
Brad Scott 21.00
Anthony Rock 26.00
Glenn Archer 31.00
Jade Rawlings 41.00
Donald McDonald 67.00

There hasn’t been a great deal of hype over this job. I think this is what North wanted and it is going to make it hard to predict the incoming coach.

The Kangaroos are currently going through the rebuilding process both on and off the field and I think they will assign a new face to the coaching job that we don’t know a great deal about. Yes, he may be on the list above but I don’t think he is it the top 5 names so be cautious when betting in this market.

Ken Hinkley might be worth a few dollars with all the work he has done with Geelong in the past but don’t put your house on it.

The favourites for the Richmond coaching job have been dropping like flies leaving the betting markets up in the air on who will get the top job.

First it was hot favourite Kevin Sheedy who on July 2nd declared he was the man to turn the Tigers around and had the backing of SEN radio broadcaster and long time Tiger great Kevin Bartlett. Then nine days later he put his hand down after long meetings with club officials saying that the club was bigger than an individual.

I think there was mixed emotions in the Richmond camp about the potential of Sheedy taking the helm. Richmond president Gary March said on the Footy Show that Sheedy wouldn’t get the job as long as he is President. Not much encouragement for other coaches looking for the job. Kevin goes down as one of the most decorated player/coaches around.

Richmond club captain and now assistant coach Wayne Campbell set his intentions to coach as soon as Terry Wallace announced that he wouldn’t go on.

It was only three days later after Kevin dropped out of the picture that Campbell also followed suit. He said that he just wasn’t ready for the job.

“I reckon I’m about 80 per cent, and that’s nowhere near enough. It’s just such a full on job.”

“In the last few weeks, I just got a feeling I wasn’t 100 per cent prepared,” he said.

For someone that has been in a coaching position since 2007 you would think you would know what was needed before announcing that you wanted the job.

How I see it is both Sheedy and Campbell were knocked back from the club early and rather than tarnish their coaching reputations they spin up a story in positive light.

I think the Richmond board have made a decision and have two names in mind, Nathan Buckley and current stand in coach Jade Rawlings.

Buckley ($3 favourite at Sportsbet) continues to state that he is ready to coach and is in talks with both Richmond and North Melbourne. Maybe he is waiting to see if Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse resigns with the club which he looks more likely to do every day.

Rawlings on the other hand has had the initial support from the club as a stand in coach but hasn’t had much early success.

“I’m going for it” he said

“I’m in it head deep, and I want to come out the other side as Richmond senior coach.”

Sportsbet has drifted him out on the last couple of weeks to $14. If you feel Rawlings has a chance I’d get in early, the odds can tumble very quickly when any word gets out.

If you join Sportsbet through Sportsbet Blog today they will give you a $50 free bet to place on any market including the Richmond job. Checkout the latest odds here.

What’s you opinion? Do you think Bucks or Rawlings will get the job or will Ken Hinkley or even Mick Malthouse get the nod?

A second victory in three games  has not only seen Richmond move up a spot on the ladder but it has also instilled a new sense of confidence at Punt Road. The fact that the side is sitting two spots off the bottom with three victories is pretty amazing considering the side was written of f as a circus act after they were smashed by Carlton in the first round. New Coach Jade Rawlings has to take a lot of credit for planning their round 12 victory over the West Coast Eagles, but the players should also stand up and take a bow for putting up with the criticism and pressure that has been piled upon them so far this year.

Star signing Ben Cousins was once again an inspiration for his new team. A couple of injuries have hampered his year a little but against his former club he used all of his class and experience coming out of the game with 28 possessions. Another former Eagle also shined in this tie, Mitch Morton scored 5 goals and showed guts and determination all afternoon. For the Eagles star draft pick Nic Naitanui made a quiet debut but Josh Kennedy once again showed that he is a star in the making with 4 goals. despite a late come back from the Eagles Richmond held on for an impressive victory.

Can Jade Rawlings keep it and make the impossible happen. Sportsbet.com have Richmond at $101.00 to make the top eight while Rawlings is at $10.00 to be Tigers coach next year.

Top of the table St Kilda continued their amazing start to the season beating Carlton 104 to 95. The Saints didn’t have it all their own way though and only have a Chris Judd broken nose to thank for the win. Judd went off the field after he clashed heads with one of his own players and the Saints used this period to pull away from a brave Blues outfit. Carlton will feel hard done by in this one but you have to say that the signs are looking good for a bright blue future in the AFL. Carlton are $16.00 to win the flag.

Last years premiers Hawthorn had another afternoon to forget and now sit in eighth spot on the ladder. The Hawks led at half time but only scored 1 goal 7 in the second compared to  Brisbane’s 10 goals 6. Jonathon Brown was once again inspirational for his side scoring 5 goals  and being a constant menace all game. Where now for the Hawks? Get your free bet on them to claim the flag at sportsbet.com.au.

Elsewhere in the first week of a split round 12 Adelaide got on top of a low scoring affair against North Melbourne. The Crows are now fifth on the ladder while Melbourne’s dismal 24 point effort has seen them slide to 12th.

The Western Bulldogs continued their good season by giving the Port Adelaide Power a footballing lesson. The Doggies shared their goal scoring between 13 different players, which was just to much for Port who now sit just outside the eight in ninth spot.

Get your free bet on the Bulldogs making the Grand Final at sportsbet

Melbourne may be sitting at the very bottom of the ladder with just one win to their name, but they are certainly showing enough to suggest that last place is not where they will end up.  In round 8 against the Western Bulldogs Melbourne were the better tean for the majority of the game. It took a dissapointing third quarter and an inspired performance from veteran Jason Akermanis to give the Bulldogs a 104 to 97 victory. Akermanis turned back the clock scoring four goals and taking 19 touches adding to the call from Doggies fans for him to continue playing for a few more years yet.

Akermanis to win the Brownlow? Get your free bet from sportsbet now.

Round 8 saw reigning premiers Hawthorn put their season back on track with an 87 to 65 victory over Fremantle. Last years 100 goal man Buddy Franklin looked back to his best scoring four majors. While both Stuart Dew and Brent Guerra showed their amazing technical skills helping to pick apart the Fremantle defence almost at will. The only up side for Fremantle was the continued good form of captain Matthew Pavlich, but the man can’t do it all on his own.

You can get odds of $6.00 for Hawthorn to retain the title as well as a free bet at sportsbet.com.au

Even without Garry Ablett Geelong look pretty much unbeatable. In this round 8 demolition of North Melbourne the Cats scored 18 goals with 10 different goal scorers. In the first term alone they amassed 137 touches destroying The Kangaroos with their creativity and guile.

At $2.00 they are the hot favourites  to reclaim the flag and it would take a brave man to bet against them.

The Bribane Lions continued their good form under new coach Michael Voss with a 119 to 83 victory over The Adelaide Crows. Despite being behind at half time an amazing performance by Justin Sherman and four goals in the 3rd quarter from Daniel Bradshaw saw The Lions Collect their 5th win of the season and cement their place in the top eight. There was a downside for Voss’s boys though as Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock and Joel Patfull all finished off the field. Adelaide will have to pick up their game in the coming weeks as they now have a 3 and 5 record and sit 12th on the ladder.

Adleide are $26.00 to turn their season around and claim the flag. Get your free bet at sportsbet.com

The round 8 tie between West Coast and Sydney promised alot, and in keeping with the great games we have seen so far this year the two teams didn’t disappoint. Only a few poinst seemed to seperate the sides all night before Sydney came out with a noarrow 106 to 101 victory. Adam Goodes was back to his devastating best for the Swans with three goals and 26 possesions. Josh Kennedy proved to be a handful all night and bagged three goals, but it wasn’t quite enough to get the Eagles what would have been an excellent and much needed 4 points. West Coast are now two places outside the 8 in 10th, while Sydney have jumped in to 9th.

You can get odds of $5.50 on West Coast missing out on the 8 all together and a free bet at sportsbet.com.au

Warren Tredrae put in a stella performance against a luckless Richmond side who not only lost the game after Tredrae scored his 7th goal in the dying seconds, but they also lost their star recruit Ben Cousins after he broke his hand. Cousins had only just returned from a hamstring injury and is now certain to miss round 9 after an operation to put a metal plate on the broken bone.  Tredrae’s seven goals gave Port Adelaide a 102 to 99 victory, which keeps them in the top four.

Richmond are at $2.35 to gain their second win of the season against Essendon in round 9

Carlton youngster Bryce Gibbs feels that captain Chris Judd is in Brownlow medal winning form and after his performance in round 8 against Collingwood many people agree, as Judd grabbed himself one goal, 32 possesions and four goal assists. But Judd wasn’t the only great performer for the Blues who sent a resounding message to the rest of the teams with a 104 to 53 thumping of Collingwood, on their day they are as good as anyone.

Carlton are at $2.50 to finish in the top four. Well worth your free bet at sportsbet.com.au

St Kilda remain top of the ladder with an unblemished 8-0 record, but this was certainly their toughest test of the season. Essendon found them selves 28 points down after the first quarter but they never gave in. Captain Matthew Lloyd caused the Saints back line problems and scored three goals as did rising star Jay Neagle, but it wasn’t enough and the Bombers end round eight in eighth place.

Get your free bet on The Saints winning the flag at sportsbet.com.au