Sportsbet Blog

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

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

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

Collingwood v Geelong Friday night at the MCG

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

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

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

Tip: Pies by 20 points

Odds: Pies 1.31 Cats 3.50

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Pies by 23

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

Gold Coast V Hawthorn Saturday at Metricon Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Hawks by 70 points

Odds: Suns 14.00 Hawks 1.02

Bulldogs V Freo Saturday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Dogs by 74 points

Odds: Bulldogs 1.12 Dockers 6.40

Sydney V Brisbane Saturday at the SCG

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

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

Tip: Swans by 39 points

Odds: Swans 1.14 Lions 5.75

Saints V Carlton Saturday night at the MCG

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

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

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

Tip: Blues by 7 points

Odds: Saints 2.15 Blues 1.70

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West Coast V Adelaide Saturday night at Paterson Stadium

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

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

Tip: Eagles by 48 points

Odds: Eagles 1.15 Crows 5.50

Port Adelaide V Melbourne Sunday at the Adelaide Oval

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

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

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

Tip: Melbounre by 29 points

Odds: Power 2.45 Demons 1.55

Richmond V North Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

Tip: Tigers by 20 points

Odds: Tigers 2.50 North 1.53

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

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

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

Fremantle V Collingwood Friday night at Paterson Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Pies by 50 points

Odds: Freo 20.00 Pies 1.01

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Pies by 50

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Hawks V Bulldogs Saturday at the MCG

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

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

Tip: Hawks by 65 points

Odds: Hawks 1.10 Bulldogs 7.00

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Geelong V Sydney Saturday at Skilled Stadium

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

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

Tip: Geelong by 55 points

Odds: Cats 1.77 Swans 8.25

St Kilda V North Melbourne Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

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

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

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

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

Tip: Roos by 22 points

Odds: Saints 1.72 North 2.15

Brisbane V West Coast Saturday night at the Gabba

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

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

Tip: Eagles by 25 points

Odds: Lions 3.60 Eagles 1.30

Adelaide V Richmond Sunday at AAMI Stadium

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

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

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

Tip: Tigers by 13 points

Odds: Crows 1.38 Tigers 3.05

Melbourne V Gold Coast Sunday at the MCG

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

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

Tip: Melbourne by 53 points

Odds: Melbourne 1.10 Suns 6.75

Essendon V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

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

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

Tip: Bombers by 70 points

Odds: Bombers 1.01 Power 20.00

 

Round 20 the 2011 AFL season looks to be a fairly easy one for footy tips with only a couple of hard games to make a prediction on. The bookies also have the odds fairly even in these 2 matches so make sure to follow our expert tipper in round 20 for the best results coming off a perfect week last week.

The Saints and Dockers kick of the Round Friday night with both sides desperate for a win to keep there spot in the eight. Match of the Round for me will be Essendon Vs Sydney Saturday night in what promises to be a rippa. Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn, Carlton & West Coast should all have wins to keep the top end of the ladder looking the same at the completion of the round twenty.

Best Bet of Round 20 for me is the Bombers between 1-39 against the Swans Saturday Night which is paying $2.55 at Sportsbet.

St Kilda V Fremantle Friday night at Etihad Stadium

The Saints were not really impressive last week against the Gold Coast without skipper Nick Riewoldt who they will welcome back this week after his one week suspension. This is a crucial game for the Saints who could skip 6 points clear of eighth placed Fremantle and possibly into fifth spot if they can beat them and the Swans lose to Essendon.

The Dockers were poor last week against the Hawks with the game effectively over at quarter time before the rain come and so did the injuries for Fremantle. Surely they must get Sandilainds back in the side soon if they are serious about making finals.

The Saints should be too strong at home though.

Tip: Saints by 34 points

Sportsbet’s Friday $500 Prediction: Saints by 32

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Odds: Saints 1.13 Dockers 6.00

Carlton V Melbourne Saturday at the MCG

The Blues played a scrappy first 3 quarters last week before showing their class in the last to run over the Roos. Bryce Gibbs was superb in a week where skipper Chris Judd was a bit flat. Andrew Walker continues his stellar season up forward and it only 5 goals off leader Buddy Franklin in the race for the Coleman medal.

Not much more can be said about the Demons 186 point thrashing at the hands of Geelong last week. Todd Viney takes over from Dean Bailey in the coaches box and is sure to be telling his players to go out hard against Carlton this week after fiery Blue Mitch Robinson suggested they play “bruise free footy”after the teams met earlier this season. In some good news for Melbourne fans this week they will see the return of Aaron Davey, Tom Scully & Clint Bartram. Don’t be too surprised if there are a lot more changes after last weeks effort though.

Tip: Blues by 40 points

Odds: Blues 1.13 Demons 6.00

Geelong V Gold Coast Saturday at Skilled Stadium

The Cats smashed a lot of records last week, can they go one better this week against the Gold Coast? Nathan Vardy will be pushing for selection this week as will James Podsiadly but don’t expect too many changes after the 186 point win last week.

The Suns showed a lot of good signs against the Saints last week before falling 20 points short. Skipper Gary Ablett will make his long awaited return to Skilled Stadium after he left the Cats at the end of 2010. How will the Cats fans react to him when he runs out on Saturday? If the Gold Coast can keep the margin under 10 goals I will say they have done a good job. If the Cats want to win by over 100 points again they will, or will they take it easy on the newcomers.

Tip: Cats by 98 points

Odds: Cats 1.01 Suns 17.00

Essendon V Sydney Saturday night at Etihad Stadium

The injuries keep mounting up on the Bombers who have the longest injury list in the AFL. Essendon shocked a lot of people when they led at halftime against the Pies but run out of breath and got blown away in the second half for the second week in a row. Fitness tests to Dustin Fletcher, Heath Hocking, Michael Hurley, Nathan Lovett-Murray, David Myers and Scott Gumbleton could see a few changes at Bomberland this week.

The Swans are rested coming off they bye but know they must win these type of games to keep there final eight spot. Currently sitting sixth, with a win they can go 8 points ahead of ninth placed Essendon, with a loss they will find themselves even on points and right there in the fight for seventh and eighth spot. Expect a big game from leaders Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Heath Grundy.

This has the potential to be the most exciting match of the round, I think the Bombers will just get over the line in a close one.

Tip: Bombers by 3 points

Odds: Bombers 1.93 Swans 1.87

Port Adelaide V Collingwood Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Not even the benefit of a week off last week will help Port Adelaide in this one against the Magpies. Port need a win out of there remaining 5 games to get themselves off the bottom of the ladder but there is no chance it will come this week against the Pies who are getting ready for September.

Collingwood were slow out of the block against the Bombers but showed their class in the second half and took them to the cleaners. Scott Pendlebury continued his stellar season and has to now be hot favourite for the Brownlow medal. Expect Mick Malthouse to rest a few this week as this one is i the bag already.

Tip: Pies by 50 points

Odds: Power 17.00 Pies 1.01

Brisbane V Adelaide Sunday at the Gabba

Another team coming off the bye last week were the Lions who also need a win to go a game clear if the Suns. Brisbane got the job done in Adelaide earlier in the season for one of their 3 wins this season and will be looking to hand Crows stand in coach Mark Bickley his first loss.

With the news of young defender Phil Davis signing with GWS next season Adelaide will be out to prove he has made the wrong decision and that they are heading in the right direction. They showed against the Power last week that they still have a lot of good players but with speculation hanging over the heads of Taylor Walker and Bernie Vince you have to wonder if they are giving it their all in the remaining games of the season.

In a match the doesn’t really mean a lot I am tipping the home crowd to get the Lions up

Tip: Lions by 18 points

Odds: Lions 1.70 Crows 2.15

Hawthorn V North Melbourne Sunday at Aurora Stadium

The Hawks put on a show in the first quarter last week against Freo and had the game under control from there on. Even without Lance Franklin kicking a major the Hawks still got up by 51 points. Luke Hodge will be a welcome inclusion after missing last week with soreness, Shane Savage will be a chance also, but who Alistair Clarkson leaves out will be the hard decision.

The kangaroos showed some spirit in the first 3 quarters last week but got overrun by the Blues. Drew Petrie was well held so expect him to be looking to dominate against a short Hawks defence. His midfielders need to lift and get him some good delivery if the Roos are a chance in the first meeting between these two sides this year in what could be the “Tasmanian Derby” in years to come.

Tip: Hawks by 44 points

Odds: Hawks 1.14 Kangaroos 5.75

West Coast V Richmond Sunday at Paterson Stadium

After hitting teammate Josh Kennedy in the face with a tennis ball and ruling him out last week big man Dean Cox stood up when it counted most in the last quarter to get the Eagles over the line against the Dogs. John Worsfold would not have been impressed with his sides second half but will take the victory to stay in touch with Carlton and Hawthorn. Nic Naitanui should return this week after missing last weeks win.

The Tigers travel west after having the bye last week and desperately need a win if they have any hopes whatsoever of playing finals. It is a long shot but if they win their remaining five games they are a chance. I can’t see this happening, especially this week as they come up against in in form Eagles hungry for a top four spot.

Tip: Eagles by 43 points

Odds: Eagles 1.10 Tigers 7.00

To celebrate the new Centrebet sponsorship with St Kilda Centrebet are giving new customers a free genuine AFL 2011 St Kilda footy jumper!

Until May 31st simply place a $50 bet on anything with odds of $2.00 or more and you score the free guernsey.

They are currently selling at the Saints online shop for $110 so $50 for the jumper plus the chance to make some money with the $50 bet makes this offer an absolute bargain!

Here are the steps to get your 2011 footy jumper:

1. Click this link to goto the free Saints jumper signup page and make your new account
2. Place any bet you like, but it must be a minimum of $50 and at odds of $2 or more to qualify for this offer.
3. Win or lose, Centrebet will send you a voucher number through the post; this will be lodged within 5 days of your successful registration and bet qualification.
4. Simply present your voucher at the Saints Locker Store Moorabbin to receive your FREE 2011 St Kilda Guernsey!

A friend has already completed this offer and phoned Saints Locker Store and they are posting the jumper to him free of charge. This may be a better option for people that live a while away from Moorabbin. The phone number is on the voucher that Centrebet send out.

Not a Saints supporter? Sell it on eBay? Give it to a friend?

To make your new account or to find out more info on this new offer see the free jumper signup page here. There’s less than a month until this offer ends so be quick so you don’t miss out.

 

The 2009 AFL Grand Final against St Kilda and Geelong is set to be one of the best of all time especially after the round 14 “game of the season” between the clubs earlier this year.

Both teams are going into Saturdays match with high hopes and have been in great form leading into the game.

St Kilda

The Saints have with no doubt been the best team this year only losing two games for the season. I think they have the list to win the Grand Final on Saturday and should do so. My prediction is the Saints by 14 points.

The match will be won in the midfield and the Saints on paper seem to match-up better with Geelong in this area.

I’m expecting the Saints to once again to get off to a slow start and will most likely be behind at the first break. Once they start to relax into the game and get an idea of Geelong’s game plan they will put the squeeze on them in the middle of the ground and turn thing around. This is where it will come undone for Geelong.

I expect coach Ross Lyon to pick an unchanged side that beat the Bulldogs by 7 points last week which will see club favourite Max Hudghton on the side lines. Hudghton, who played in St Kilda’s losing 1997 Grand Final would be a good fit in the back line, but with minimal match time in the last few months it would be a massive risk picking him going into the final.

Geelong

The Cats have had another great season finishing second on the ladder and are going into the Grand Final as clear favourite with the bookies after excellent form in the final series. They have managed the injuries to their key player well and have a full list to pick from.

Although Matthew Stokes was dropped for the match against Collingwood last week I expect him to get the nod this week. He playes fairly well against the Saints and would be expected to kick a couple of important goals.

Alot of people are saying Geelong will be spured on after the Grand Final loss last year. I think if they are down a couple of goals in the 2nd half the preasure of potentialy losing another grand final could see them crumble.

Paul Chapman will be the key to Geelong winning or losing the game, if he can shake his tagger it will go a long way to Geelong kicking a winning score. This will be a tough ask against the leagues top defence and will be worth keeping an eye on.

Odds & Tips

Match Odds

• St Kilda: $2.54
• Geelong $1.63

Here are my top 5 best bets for the game.

1. Norm Smith Medal Tip: Nick Riewoldt with odds of $11.00
2. Load up on Geelong to win the 1st quarter paying $1.82
3. Take the Cats/Saints Half Time/Full Time Double paying $8.20
4. Saints to win by under 39.5 with odds of $3.10 at Betfair
5. I also like Nick Riewoldt in the most goals market at $3.00

Telecast Times:

Australia:

The game is live around Australia on Channel 10 with the telecast starting at 8:00am AEST

The AFL Radio stations are covering the game include ABC774, K-Rock, SEN, Triple M and 3AW.

International Telecast:

The AFL Final is beamed on TV live around the world. Here’s where you can catch the game.

UK: ESPN from 5:30am BST

USA: ESPN Classic from 12:25am US/Eastern or at ESPN360.com

ASIA: Australia Network 11:30am Hong Kong/China. 10:30am Indonesia/Thailand

Update:

Sportingbet have just opened a new market now that St Kilda has lost a game. Will St Kilda lose a 2nd game in 2009 (finals included) Yes is paying $1.35 and No $3.00. Interesting odds for both sides and I think its worth a bet for Saints to not lose another at $3.00. Checkout the latest odds at Sportingbet.

Its the question on everyone’s lips. Can the Saints go 22 wins in a row in what would be a new AFL record?

The current AFL record is 20 consecutive wins in a season which Essendon currently holds (year 2000). One record St Kilda does already own is its AFL/VFL record breaking losing streak. Between 1897 and 1899 they went 48 games without a win, a fine effort that would be worth many priority draft picks these days!

Sportsbet definitely don’t think they can get the record. They are paying $3.15 for St Kilda to go the whole home and away season undefeated and $1.35 for them to have at least one loss.

Here’s St Kilda’s run home

1. Western Bulldogs at Etihad
2. Sydney at the SCG
3. Hawthorn in Tasmania
4. Essendon at Etihad
5. North Melbourne at Etihad
6. Melbourne at the MCG

So looking at the final six games there is currently only one true danger game, the Bulldogs this weekend. The Saints comfortably bet the Doggies in round 6 by 28 points. If the Saints can emulate the way they played against the Crows on Sunday they look to have the goods not only over the Bulldogs but over the other final five teams they play this season.

Ross Lyon said they want to better their game in certain areas before the finals which at face value means they should only get better. The Saints have also said they wont be taking Geelong’s counter productive approach in resting players.

Personally as a St Kilda supporter, I think they can do it. Their bottom tier players Sam Gilbert, Sean Depster, Zac Dawson Clinton Jones and Andrew McQualter have all stepped up this year making life much easier for the leadership group. The Saints back line although not star studded is currently the most efficient in the AFL only conceding 967 points, 311 points clear of 2nd place Geelong’s defence.

My tip is to get your money on the Saints before the Bulldogs game. If they beat them on Saturday the odds to finish the season unbeaten will dramatically shorten and most of the value from the bet will be lost.

Here’s another tip, Sportsbet will give you a $50 free bet just for joining them through Sportsbet Blog. The free bet can be placed on any market including the Saints tip I mentioned earlier. They will also match your first deposit 100% up to $100. Check out the Sportsbet site to join and for the latest odds for the Saints.