BetDeluxe gives all the tips and previews ahead of a big weekend of footy.
Melbourne vs. Brisbane
september 9th 7:50pm
You don’t need extra incentive to win a do-or-die final, but if ever a semi-final was to have a different element, this is it.
The Dayne Zorko-Harrison Petty incident from Round 23 is still fresh in the minds of both teams. While Zorko was predictably reserved in the Lions’ win over Richmond last week, he is likely to encounter an intense hostility in front of Melbourne’s home crowd this weekend.
However, both teams will be looking not to get too caught up in that sideshow, as they both look to keep their seasons progressing with a preliminary finals date with Geelong.
Lachie Neale was at his absolute best last week in the midfield and looked for every chance to win another Brownlow medal. But he has had his challenges against Melbourne, particularly with James Harmes laying a heavy tag, and he will know what to expect this week.
Joe Daniher was vital for the Lions last week, but a match-up with Steven May is the biggest challenge a tall forward can face. If Daniher can prevail, he will elevate his status in the game.
The Demons have a few issues out of last week’s loss to Sydney: whether Christian Petracca is fit enough to be near his best and whether Max Gawn is playing his most suitable role.
Petracca is nursing a fractured leg, and Gawn has been ineffective when up forward. Both have proven themselves September champions and are vital to the Demons’ chances. You have to go with the proven winners, and Melbourne is the likely victor here.
Suggested Bet: Melbourne -18.5 at $1.90
Suggested Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: C. Oliver 30+ disposals
Leg 2: B. Fritsch Anytime goalscorer
Leg 3: Total score under 165.5
Collingwood vs. fremantle
September 10th 7:25PM
Collingwood was an unlikely finalist this time last year, but now they have cemented themselves as a team that knows how to win under pressure. A long run of close victories ended at the hand of Geelong last week, which is nothing to be ashamed of, but the real test now is how well they can bounce back.
Nick and Josh Daicos are two of the form players in the competition, while Mason Cox has the reputation as a September specialist. The Magpies will be hard to beat if he is firing up forward and in the ruck.
Fremantle has shown more than enough grit in challenging games after last week’s stunning comeback win over the Western Bulldogs. Caleb Serong was damaging in the midfield, but the speed and tenacity of Brandon Walker and Michael Frederick around the ground could be the Dockers’ most significant asset.
The Magpies might be the month’s flavour as far as exciting games go recently. Still, Fremantle’s consistency throughout the year must be considered, with or without injury-prone captain Nathan Fyfe.
Perhaps the most significant factor here is the home ground advantage. Collingwood has played most of its games at the MCG, while the Dockers have limited exposure to the home of football. They can’t afford to have the slow start they did last week. Otherwise, this will be a cakewalk for the good old Collingwood.
Suggested Bet: Collingwood win at $1.52
Suggested Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Collingwood 1-39
Leg 2: J. Daicos 25+ possessions
Leg 3: M. Cox 2+ goals
