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Round 18 of the 2011 AFL footy season looks to one that will have a huge impact on the final eight. Below you will find all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds to help make the right choice.

With Blockbusters between Essendon & Carlton and Fremantle V West Coast as the standout matches also expect to see the top two sides dominate their opponents and get a percentage boost as Collingwood take on the Gold Caost for the first time and the Geelong hosting Richmond at Etihad Stadium.

Best Bet of Round 18 for me is the Bulldogs between 1-39 against the Swans which is paying $3.10 at Sportsbet.

St Kilda V Adelaide Friday night at Etihad Satdium

The Saints continued their hot form last week knocking off the Eagles, even without scoring at all in the third quarter. They will lose defender James Gwilt for the rest of the season with Jason Blake looking to be his replacement.

The Crows definitely let a chance slip last week after they led the Bombers by 36 points at half time but ended up going down by 11 points. A hip injury to star defender Graham Joncock could see him sidelined for this match, even with him I can’t see them knocking off St Kilda.

Tip: Saint by 32 points

Odds: Saints 1.11 Crows 6.50

If you’re looking for a good side bet here I would recommend the Saints between 1-39 over the Crows at $2.40

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Saints by 32

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North Melbourne V Brisbane Saturday at Etihad Stadium

The Kangaroos kept their slim finals hopes alive last week with a hard-fought victory against the Doggies. Drew Petrie starred once again kicking 5 goals and Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells dominated in the midfield.

Brisbane’s season went from bad to worse last week as captain Jonathan Brown once again got knocked out and will now miss the remainder of the season. Fellow big man Mitch Clark is also in doubt, likely replacement for the pair are Bryce Retzlaff and Aaron Cornelius. If Brisbane can play with the same intensity as they did for 3 quarters against the Cats they will also give the Kangaroos a scare.

Tip: Kangaroos by 23 points

Odds: Kangaroos 1.11 Lions 6.75

I think to Roos will jump out of the blocks early in this one, that’s why the first quarter being the highest scoring of the game at 3.80 stands out to me.

Sydney V Western Bulldogs Saturday at the SCG

This looms as a must win for both sides, if the Swans want to consolidate a spot in the top eight they need to start putting together back to back wins. They have not been dominating at the SCG this year as they have been in past seasons and need to make this a place teams fear to come and play at once again.

The Doggies let a golden chance slip last week to jump to ninth and be just 2 points out of they eight as they lost to the Kangaroos. With the retirement announcement of Barry Hall this week, along with the spearheads knowledge of the SCG I think the Doggies can bring home the 4 points and leave the Swans in danger of dropping out of the eight.

Tip: Bulldogs by 15 points

Odds: Swans 1.54 Bulldogs 2.45

I am taking the qtr by qtr leader of Syd/Syd/Syd/WB at $25.00 in this one

Gold Coast V Collingwood Saturday night at Metricon Stadium

The Suns got themselves of the bottom of the ladder with a superb win against the Tigers in Round 17. They will need a miracle to get over the top of the table reigning premier Magpies though.

After a horror week off the field the Pies were not dominant against the Blues last week but had enough class to get the job done. The form of Daisy Thomas this year has been outstanding and must put him on Brownlow Medal talks. The Pies will dominate the Suns in the first ever meeting between the 2 sides.

Tip: Pies by 78 points

Odds: Suns 21.00 Pies 1.01

Although the Pies will dominate this game I am taking a Punt and saying that the Gold Caost will kick the first scoring play, a point at $6.20

Essendon V Carlton Saturday night at the MCG

If this game is anything like the draw these two sides out on earlier in the year it is bound to be a blockbuster. The Bombers could jump up to sixth if Freo lose and the Blues could drop to fifth if the same result happens so there is a lot riding on this match.

Essendon started slowly last week but were superb in a second half come back in Adelaide. Angus Monfries had his best game of the season and David Zaharakis continues to impress. Captain Jobe Watson and Michael Hibbard will be welcome inclusions to the side.

The Blues performed strongly against the Pies last week and stuck with them most of the day. Andrew Carrazzo and Jordan Russell could come back into the side after recovering from injury. The Bombers have had the wood over the Blues for a while but I think with the form of the Blues stars this year they can put an end to this trend.

Tip: Blues by 7 points

Odds: Bombers 2.65 Blues 1.48

The odds are against a second draw between these two sides this season, but I got to put five bucks on it at $67.00 just incase

Geelong V Richmond Sunday at the Etihad Stadium

The Cats got a scare last week from the Lions but a brilliant 8 goal haul from James Podsiadly got them over the line. The Cats forward line could also see the inclusion of veteran Cameron Mooney after strong performances in the VFL in past weeks.

The Tigers were humiliated last week losing to the Gold Coast and the task of redeeming themselves is not an easy one facing the Cats. Damien Hardwick is sure to get the axe out and drop a few players with Mitch Morton and Brad Miller looking to be recalled to the senior side.

Tip: Cats by 58 points

Odds: Cats 1.08 Tigers 7.50

I am taking the Cats with a halftime margin of between 25-36 which is paying an attractive $4.90

Melbourne V Hawthorn Sunday at the MCG

The Demons sit just one win out of the eight and will need a huge effort to overcome the Hawks coming off a bye. Brendon Fevola kicked 11 goals in the VFL last week but don’t expect to see him lining up for Melbourne.

The bye appears to have come at a great time for the Hawks as they have had the chance to get some injured players fit. They could welcome back as many as 5 “best 22″ players, Chance Bateman, Brad Sewell, Cyril Rioli and Jordan Lisle from injury and Jordan Lewis from suspension. too much class all over the ground for the Hawks and they should get the points.

Tip: Hawks by 25 points

Odds: Demons 4.10 Hawks 1.24

I am taking the Hawks with a winning margin of between 20-39 at $4.30 in this one

Fremantle V West Coast Sunday at Paterson Stadium

The Western Derby is always a hard one to pick, this week is even harder to pick with both sides in good form and occupying 5th and 6th on the ladder. If the Dockers can beat the Eagles they will be even on points but will stay in sixth as the Eagles have a way superior percentage,

Nick Suban is almost certain to be included in the Dockers 22 and superstar Aaron Sandilainds is also a chance to play his first game since Round 12.

West Coast are coming off a rare loss and will be out to rectify this and stay in touch with the top four. Daniel Kerr will be a welcome inclusion after the Eagles were hurt badly in the stopages against the Saints last week.

Tip: Eagles by 24 points

Odds: Dockers 2.75 Eagles 1.45

I’m taking Fremantle to be the first team to 15 points in this one at $2.25

Footy tips for Round 18 of the 2011 NRL season seems pretty straight forward but I’m predicting a couple of upsets are in the pipe works. There are some great odds for round 18 including Storm who are paying $1.53, although its pretty short it may be worth loading up on.

Bets Bet of Round 18: This week I’m going a 5 leg multi bet. Take the Warriors, Tigers, Storm, Sea Eagles and Knights all to win paying a massive $7.56 at Sportingbet here where they also give you $150 bonus bet for depositing $30 or more.

Think you can beat SportsbetBlog’s resident tipster? Then put your round 18 tips in the comments section below and if your the first person to tip more than him you will be emailed a $100 betting voucher!

 

New Zealand V Gold Coast. Mt. Smart Stadium, Friday 6.30pm

Although the bookies have the odds well in NZ corner I think it will be a much closer match. The warriors have had a few worrying signs of late with a bit of a slump in form and Ivan Cleary stating he will leave.

My prediction is the Warriors will put the last month or two behind them and hot back with a win.

Tip: Warriors

Odds: Warriors 1.34 Titans 3.25

Sportsbet Friday $500 Predictions: I’m tipping the Warriors to win by 10.

Its free to enter and play the Sportsbet Friday $500 and its simple to play. Tip the winning team and margin of Friday nights match and you get $500! Easy as that. To put in your Friday 500 tip or to find out more info on the comp see the Sportsbet site here.

Parramatta V Wests. Parramatta Stadium, Friday 7.35pm

Tip: Tigers

Odds: Eels 2.26 Tigers 1.64

The tigers should win this match with Todd Payten and Chris Lawrence both back from injury. It should bolster the Tigers side who will keep the ball in attack as much as possible which is where Parramatta seem to have struggled lately.

Cronulla V Canberra. Toyota Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm

Tip: Cronulla

Odds: Sharks 1.72 Raiders 2.13

Three wins in a row for the sharks and it would be hard to tip against them in the form they are currently in. The Raiders are coming into this game also in good form so it should make for a great spectacle on Staurday night. Paul Gallen is back for the Sharks and will add to the team which have a realistic chance of a semi final.

My prediction is the Sharks by 10.

Canterbury-Bankstown V Melbourne. Adelaide Oval, Saturday 7.30pm

Tip: Storm

Odds: Bulldogs 2.50 Storm 1.53

With the Storm stars (Smith, Cronk and Slater) all getting through origin injury free it will be the winning difference in Adelaide on Saturday night. Don’t expect the Bulldogs to back down though, they beat Storm at the same venue last year and with the pressure starting to mount on the Bulldogs coach they will be hungry for a win.

Strorm in a close one.

Sydney V Penrith. Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday 2pm

Tip: Penrith

Odds: Roosters 2.13 Panthers 1.72

The Roosters have their back to the wall for the 2011 season with their year going from bad to worse with a long list of injuries and club problems. I can’t see them beating the Panthers who are on the up with Luke Walsh playing inspirational footy and Phil Gould bringing life tot he club.

Expect the Panthers to get the jump on the Roosters and shut the game down early.

Manly V South Sydney. Brookvale Oval, Sunday 3pm

Tip: Manly

Odds: Sea Eagles 1.34 Rabbitohs 3.25

South Sydney will be in damage control after another disappointing loss last week. I’m expecting big things from Manly this year and a big win on Sunday will once again prove they are one of the top if not the top side this year.

Newcastle V North Queensland. Ausgrid Stadium, Monday 7.00pm

Tip: Newcastle

Odds: Knights 1.68 Cowboys 2.18

With the massive news of Cowboy Johnathan Thurston going down in origin it will be too much of a task to beat the Knights who have started to hit their straps starting from their young players in Ryan Stig and Tyrone Roberts.

The Knights lose to much with Thurston out, he is the key to the Cowboys side and wont win this week without him.

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

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

Best Bet for Round 18

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

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

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

Essendon V St Kilda Friday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: Essendon 5.60 St Kilda 1.21

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

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

Collingwood V Carlton Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.21 Carlton 5.60

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

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

Port Adelaide V Hawthorn Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Port 3.40 Hawks: 1.39

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

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

Brisbane V Melbourne Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Odds: Brisbane 1.90 Melbourne 2.04

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

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

Sydney V Geelong Saturday night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Sydney 4.90 Geelong: 1.25

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

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

Richmond V Adelaide Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Richmond

Odds: Richmond 2.44 Adelaide 1.68

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

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

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

Western Bulldogs V North Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

Odds: Bulldogs 1.20 North 5.50

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

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

Bulldogs by 40 points.

Fremantle V West Coast Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: Fremantle 1.42 West Coast 3.35

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

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

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