BetDeluxe gives all the tips and previews ahead of a big weekend of footy.
Geelong vs. Brisbane
september 16th 7:50pm
It’s been a consistent all-around effort from Geelong that saw them win the minor premiership and salute over Collingwood in week 1.
Their evenness makes them a difficult match-up, and if there is any relative weakness, it is in the midfield that has been star-studded for the best part of 15 years.
Patrick Dangerfield hasn’t had his usual impact lately for several reasons, but a match-winning performance in September is missing from his CV, and he will be keen to address that this week.
The Lions have one of the best midfielders in the league, with Lachie Neale elevating his game even further in this finals series. Throw in the inclusion of Joe Daniher to complement the in-form Eric Hipwood and Daniel McStay up forward, and Brisbane looms as a genuine threat. They haven’t had the most remarkable recent record at the MCG, but last week’s win over Melbourne will have boosted their confidence.
But the Lions can’t just rely on their forward line for scoring power, and they also have to hold attacking backman Tom Stewart, who in many ways is the key for the Cats.
Brisbane has been the thrilling story of the finals campaign, but the reality is they are facing the best team in the competition at the business end of the season, and their fairytale should end here as the Cats look to fulfil their destiny.
Suggested Bet: Geelong-18.5 at 1.90
Suggested Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Geelong win
Leg 2: T. Stengle first goal
Leg 3: Total score under 158.5
Total Odds: $3.00
Sydney vs. Collingwood
September 17th 4:45PM
Collingwood has been the star team of the second half of the season, with thrilling victories becoming their signature. Their finals campaign has veered from that pattern a little, but one thing consistent with their home and away season is their consistent performances across the board.
Jack Crisp has stepped up his game after an up and down season, while Jamie Elliott looms as a constant danger up forward, and Jordan De Goey has cemented himself as a crucial part of Collingwood for years to come, stepping up when it matters.
The Swans will be fresh after a week off, particularly veteran Lance Franklin, who may be the biggest beneficiary from the break. Paddy McCartin’s intercept work in defence is one of Sydney’s biggest weapons. Another impressive performance from him could result in one of the most unlikely triumphs from adversity after a series of setbacks for the former number one pick.
What will be fresh in both teams’ minds is the round 22 win the Swans had over Collingwood on the same SCG that will be hosting them this week.
The Swans have not looked back since then, and there is no reason to believe they can’t win this and go on to consolidate their reputation as one of the great clubs in the modern era by winning through to a Grand Final, but they won’t have it easy.
Suggested Bet: Collingwood +17.5 at $1.91
