Sportsbet Blog

Coming to the business end of the AFL season Round 22 shapes up to be a very intriguing one with huge consequences for sides fighting for finals spots. Below you will find all your footy tips, predictions, match previews and latest odds for Round Twenty Two.

Best Bet of Round 22 is the Hawks to get the points against the Blues between 1-39 points which is paying $2.30 at Sportsbet

Carlton V Hawthorn Friday night at Etihad Stadium

What a blockbuster this is set to be Friday night. Coming off a big win against Fremantle last week Carlton will look to consolidate their top four spot before having the bye next week. The Blues could possibly welcome back Michael Jamison if they choose to risk him but Jarred Waite is still a couple of weeks away.

The Hawks had the clubs biggest ever win last week, with a margin of 165 points against Port. They Cryril & Buddy show was in full swing last week and Hawks supporters are hoping they can carry that form into this weeks match.

I believe this match will be won by who can get on top in the midfied. The Hawks by about 4 goals for me.

Tip: Hawks by 27

Odds: Carlton 2.20 Hawks 1.68

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Hawks by 27

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Gold Coast V Adelaide Saturday at Metricon Stadium

Unfortunately their will be a few matches in the last 3 rounds that really don’t mean a thing, and this is one of them. If your a Suns fan this could be their last chance to get a fourth win for their season as they finish off the last 2 rounds taking on Melbourne (MCG) and Hawthorn (Metricon).

The Crows were brave in defeat against the Cats last week and showed signs of what they are capable of. They should not have any trouble accounting for the Gold Coast, especially with the likely inclusions of Ben Rutten and Kurt Tippet.

Tip: Crows by 33

Odds: Suns 4.50 Crows 1.21

West Coast V Essendon Saturday at Paterson Stadium

This is another match that could shape the top four. The Eagles will be watching the Blues V Hawks game closely Fridan night knowing that if Carlton lose and they can defeat Essendon they will jump into fourth spot and could stay there till seasons end with Carlton having the bye next week. Captain Darren Glass and vice-captain Beau Waters are both likely inclusions which will bolster the Eagles back half.

The Bombers were impressive against the Bulldogs last week and have all but secured a Finals spot. Even if they lose this week they will beat Port Adelaide next week before having the bye in Round 24, a likely finishing position of seventh for the Bombers. The Bombers could travel to Perth minus a few important players with Hurley, Fletcher, Pears & Myers all in doubt.

With the home ground advantage and the Bombers poor form interstate over the past few years I think the Eagles will get home.

Tip: West Coast by 20

Odds: Eagles 1.29 Bombers 3.65

North Melbourne V Fremantle Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

It’s do or die for both teams Saturday night with both teams in desperate need of a win to keep finals hopes alive.

The Kangaroos are looking to include ruckman Hamish McIntosh for his first game this year to help out in the ruck against Fremantles Aaron Sandilainds. Coming off the bye North should be well rested to make a final tilt at September action.

The Dockers must win this match to put some pressure on Sydney and Essendon for top spot and with a match against Collingwood next week and the Bulldogs at Etihad in the coming weeks this looms as a win or go home match. Dockers fans will be glad to see star David Mundy back this week after missing the last 8 weeks and also hard nut Adam McPhee.

With a better knowledge of the ground and being a bit fresher I think the Roos will win and put an end to Fremantles season.

Tip: North by 19

Odds: North 1.38 Freo 3.10

Collingwood V Brisbane Saturday night at the MCG

The Magpie juggernaut kept rolling last Friday with a workmanlike win over the Saints. The Pies may look at trying a few different things this week in the lead up to September. Skipper Nick Maxwell will most likely miss the rest of the Home and away season with a thumb injury but in better news Chris Dawes and Alan Toovey could return this week.

After a poor season the only thing the Lions wanted to do for the remainder of the season was to get a win over their Queensland rival Gold Coast, they achieved this last week. Don’t expect too much from the Lions this week, as long as they are competitive and hard at the ball Michael Voss will walk away happy.

Tip: Pies by 75

Odds: Pies 1.01 Lions 21.00

Sydney V St Kilda Sunday at ANZ Stadium

This is a possible Elimination final preview with 6th playing 8th on the ladder. The Swans were very disappointing against the Tigers last week and have left the door open for a couple of teams to steal their spot in the eight. Quite a few Swans players might face the axe this week after poor games last week and with Nick Malceski, Gary Rohan and Trent Dennis-Lane waiting for a call up.

The Saints were not disgraced last week against Collingwood but showed they still need some more improvement if they want to make their third Grand Final in a row. Nick Reiwoldt does not look to be the player he used to be and needs to lift late in the season for his team.

This is likely to be a low scoring hard fought game rather than a shootout with the Saints kicking a few late to beak away from the Swans.

Tip: Saints by 20

Odds: Swans 2.30 Saints 1.63

Port Adelaide V Bulldogs Sunday at AAMI Stadium

I don’t know if there is anything positive to say about Port Adelaide after back to back club record losses. They were woeful against Hawthorn last week and Matthew Primus is likely to swing the axe again at selection. Dean Brogan and Tom Logan are 2 likely inclusions but the power need a lot more help than this.

With their season effectively over the Bulldogs have now lost their coach for next season with Rodney Eade being let go. I expect this (and the opposition) to be enough to get the Dogs barking again and get their 8th win of the season. Look out for Barry Hall to have a big day in his third last game of AFL footy.

Who will be coaching the Bulldogs next year? See our whos coaching where market wrap up here.

Tip: Bulldogs by 33

Odds: Port 5.00 Bulldogs 1.18

A shout out to all the Port fans…

Melbourne V Richmond Sunday at the MCG

These two sides always seem to put on an entertaining game and with not a lot to play for for the remainder of the season this could turn into a high scoring shootout. The Demons will be looking to get caretaker coach Todd Viney his first victory and the inclusion of skipper Brad Green will be welcomed.

Richmond shocked the footy world and the Sydney Swans last week with a great win, unfortunately for Tigers fans they do not seem to back up big wins and beat teams that they should. With the race for the Coleman Medal on expect a big game from Jack Reiwoldt to get the Tigers home.

Tip: Tigers by 25

Odds: Melbourne 2.05 Richmond 1.78

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.

Here are the 2009 AFL Round 22 tips from the Celebrity Experts.

Sam Lane is surprisingly leading all the other experts below in 2009 with 123 correct. She has had an exceptional year and should finish off well,  although she has tipped Geelong to win by 100 points and also predicted 1 point wins to the Crows and Bulldogs.

Take a look at SportsbetBlog’s  round 22 AFL tips here for a full preview with odds of the weekends games.

Caroline Wilson	Rohan Connolly	Robert Walls	Nathan Buckley
Richmond 10	West Coast 32	West Coast 24	Richmond 20
Geelong 29	Geelong 64	Geelong 40	Geelong 40
Hawthorn 9	Essendon 6	Hawthorn 15	Essendon 12
Carlton 17	Carlton 16	Carlton 12	Adelaide 20
Sydney 21	Brisbane Lions 12	Brisbane Lions 15	Brisbane Lions 12
Port Adelaide 24	Port Adelaide 22	Port Adelaide 20	Port Adelaide 20
St Kilda 45	St Kilda 58	St Kilda 36	St Kilda 40
Collingwood 28	Collingwood 10	Collingwood 16	Collingwood 6
Garry Lyon	Rex Hunt	Dennis Cometti	Samantha Lane
West Coast 27	West Coast 19	West Coast 21	West Coast 20
Geelong 58	Geelong 47	Geelong 25	Geelong 100
Essendon 13	Hawthorn 15	Hawthorn 10	Essendon 5
Adelaide 3	Carlton 7	Carlton 2	Adelaide 1
Brisbane Lions 20	Brisbane Lions 9	Sydney 14	Brisbane Lions 11
Port Adelaide 30	Port Adelaide 11	Port Adelaide 37	Port Adelaide 25
St Kilda 51	St Kilda 59	St Kilda 80	St Kilda 60
Western Bulldogs 23	Collingwood 17	Collingwood 17	Western Bulldogs 1

Update: See the 2010 Round 22 tips here

The last week of the Home and Away season and Round 22 holds many very important games that will change the way we look at some teams going into the AFL finals. The biggest of all will be the Collingwood V Western Bulldogs game. The winner can secure 3rd position on the ladder and have the opportunity of playing the out of form Geelong first up in the finals.

Another huge game will be Hawthorn V Essendon. The winner of this match takes the final spot of the top 8 and sends the loser packing.

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West Coast V Richmond Friday Night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

The Eagles have been in good form in the last couple of weeks (except for the belting the faced at AAMI stadium last weekend) winning 3 of their last 4 games. They will finish the season on a good note in front of their home ground. Lets hope Ben Cousins doesn’t decide to stay in WA for the weekend and meet up with a few of his “old” mates now that Richmond’s season will be over.

Take West Coast between 1-39 points with odds of 2.50 at IASbet

Geelong V Fremantle Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will be pleased that they have one of the easiest tasks in football playing Freo at Skilled Stadium. They desperately need a good win to halt the free-fall they have suffered in recent weeks. Tom Harley, Steve Johnson (50/50) and James Kelly are set to come back along with Brad Ottens who stared in the VFL last week.

The Cats will win on Saturday its just a matter of by how much. My prediction is about 45 points that will see them back up and going as they start their finals campaign.

I’m tipping the Cats here by over 40 points at 1.45 with IASbet.

Hawthorn V Essendon Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Essendon

The atmosphere at this game will be huge but with no Buddy there’s no Hawks. Both teams are desperate to play finals footy, they will be going hard at the ball playing like it will be their last. Mark McVeigh knows it may be his final AFL game after announcing his retirement earlier this month so expect a best on ground performance from him this weekend.

A winning result here will depend alot on Essendons final team for the Saturday game. Matthew Lloyd and Paddy Ryder are both a chance to play the blockbuster clash for Essendon.

Max Bailey has been a welcome inclusion in the ruck with 23 hit outs last week for the Hawks. He has been sidelined for two years with successive knee reconstructions and will be one to watch especially if Paddy Rider is out of the Essendon team.

Even though Essendon have the shorter break and the WA return trip I think they will have enough to snatch the victory in a close one.

Go Essendon for the straight win here at around 1.95

Carlton V Adelaide Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Although Rob Shirley and Nathan Bock have been ruled out of this home final deciding match Adelaide’s Brett Burton is likely to take the field. I think they have enough depth in the team which should be enough to see them over the line.

Adelaide also have the added bonus of a club ban given to Blues players Eddie Betts, Cameron Cloke and Jeff Garlett after they were late to a training session on the weekend.

IASbet have Carlton as 1.70 favourites to the Crows 2.15 but the Blues inexperience will show on the weekend and the classy Adelaide midfield should get the points.

Jason Porplyzia will be the key to the match after a 6 goal effort last weekend, he has been in fine form of late and should do well at Etihad on Saturday.

With odds of 6.50 at IASbet the Blues/Crows Halftime/Fulltime bet looks good value here.

Sydney V Brisbane  Friday Saturday at the SCG

Tip: Brisbane

A win here will see Brisbane host a home final next week so they will be out to get a comfortable win at the SCG. That being said the Lions are still looking at the big picture not risking backman Daniel Merrett and goal kicking Daniel Bradshaw this weekend to make sure they are 100% for the finals.

I’d expect Michael Rischitelli to play more time up forward along with Brown after his 3 goals in last weekends massive comeback over Port.  I think they have enough talent to kick a winning score.

Take Brisbane for the straight win at 2.05

Port Adelaide V North Melbourne Saturday Night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Port will be out to end the season on a high in what could be club star Peter Burgoyne final match. They suffered a shocking loss last weekend after a 10 goal first quarter all but kicking them out of finals contention. Power needs the Hawks to have a narrow win over Essendon (which is possible) but then they need to thrash North 100+ points to scrape into the 8. Stranger things have happened but it’s a very tough ask.

In front of their home ground I expect Port to have a win.

Take Port by under 39 points at 2.20.

Melbourne V St Kilda  Sunday at the MCG

Tip: St Kilda

St Kilda need to get their game back on track or an early exit from the finals could be on the cards. Its the Saints 1st game this year on the MCG so I expect they will bring in a full team to take as much out of the game as possible.

Luke Ball played a best on ground performance in the VFL last week and is expected to be picked for the team. Lenny Hayes is also expect to make a return to the side after a minor injury ruled him out prematch and although the Saints have been playing down Nick Riewoldt’s knee injury I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a late withdrawal from the game to make sure he is fit for the finals.

Max Hudghton is also right to rejoin the backline after false speculation his hamstring was re-injured in the VFL last weekend.

St Kilda by 40+ points with odds of 1.40 at IASbet is a good bet and although short I think its worth taking.

Collingwood V Western Bulldogs Sunday Afternoon at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Collingwood

One of the games of the round which will show what form both teams are going into the finals with. A win here will give the winning team a alot of confidence going into next week that they are a genuine chance for the flag. A loss will be costly for both teams, so both will be treating it as the start of the finals.

I think the Pies will win here, they have the combination of height (Josh Fraser), class (Dane Swan) and speed (Leon Davis) will see the Bulldogs struggle to keep the football.

I think there value for the Pies here. IASbet have set the odds at 1.73 for them win.