A tipster's guide to round 16 of the AFL
As we approach the business end of the AFL season, the cream is slowly rising to the top. Last week, West Coast continued on their merry way, while the Hawks gave Fremantle an absolute pantsing. Can anyone challenge the high flyers in Round 16? Let’s find out.
North Melbourne vs Essendon
Essendon may have returned to the winners list last week, but don’t expect that to last long. Off the back of an impressive win against the ailing Cats, and with Boomer Harvey fired up after starting as sub last week, expect the Kangaroos to make it two on the hop and put the 25.5-point line in serious danger.
Geelong vs Western Bulldogs
Simonds Stadium is a far cry from the fortress it once was and the Cats will also be without suspended captain, Joel Selwood. Despite this, Geelong’s firepower up front should find the Dogs backline wanting. At $1.49, the Cats should prevail in a close encounter.
Gold Coast vs Greater Western Sydney
The two expansion sides clash for the second time this season and we can expect a tighter result than the 11-goal annihilation the Suns suffered earlier this year. Gary Ablett has had a profound impact since returning to the Suns line-up and at $2.00, represent plenty of value against the inconsistent Giants. Suns by a couple.
Collingwood vs West Coast
The Pies need a win this week to avoid losing four games in a row for the first time since 2005, but the pacey Eagles will be tough to overcome on Etihad Stadium’s quick surface. West Coast to consolidate second spot on the ladder as $1.700 favourites and win in a close one.
Sydney vs Hawthorn
With both teams in great form and sitting third and fourth on the ladder, there’s absolutely no doubt this is the match of the round. The ‘Bondi Billionaires’ looked potent in attack last week with Tippett and Franklin combining for six goals and causing plenty of havoc. Expect Buddy to step up again on the big stage against his old side, with the Swans at $2.15 to win another classic.
Fremantle vs Carlton
The Dockers and the Blues are both coming off good old-fashioned beltings last week, with Fremantle’s premiership ambitions now under intense scrutiny. Despite this, it’s hard to go past the Dockers at home, while the season-ending injury to Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs certainly doesn’t help. Dockers to give the 43.5-point line a real nudge.
Melbourne vs Brisbane
The Dee’s go into this clash as $1.57 favourites, although they’ve been disappointing in the last couple of rounds. The big plus for Melbourne is that they’re playing a toothless Lions outfit, who look like they’ve been stapled to the bottom of the ladder. If the game was in Brisbane, you might fancy the Lions to break their seven-game losing streak, but the home ground advantage should see the Dees home.
Port Adelaide vs Adelaide
The showdown at Adelaide Oval will have a different feel this time around as both teams come together in joint commemorations for the late Phil Walsh. Port managed to steady the ship last week against the Pies, while the Crows were soundly beaten by the excellent Eagles in an emotional game. The Crows great value at $2.30 to get over the line in a memorable game.
St Kilda vs Richmond
An up and down month for the Saints, while the Tigers have won three on the trot. A potential banana-peel here for the Tigers, but with Jack Riewoldt in career best form while big cousin Nick struggling for fitness, they’ll prove too good at $1.38 for the young Saints.