The 2023 AFL season is in full flight, and we have tips and best bets for the Easter Weekend of football.
With upsets everywhere you look this season, Round Four brings slightly more one-sided markets across the board. That’s certainly not the case for our Game of the Week between the red-hot Pies and pride-less Lions.
game of the week: Lions vs. Magpies
6th April 7:35PM
Can Collingwood’s unbeaten start to the year continue at the Gabba? Or can the Lions use their home base to bounce back from a disappointing loss for the second time this season? Either way, this is set to be the Thursday night blockbuster the AFL’s football operations team anticipated when fixturing the season all those months ago.
Brisbane is in unfamiliar territory to start this one, entering the game at $2.06 compared to the Pies’ $1.75. In fairness, the Lions were not their best selves against the Bulldogs last Thursday, going down by 14 points and kicking just seven goals for the match. Thankfully, Daniel Rich is tipped to return to half-back after missing with a quad injury, while Darcy Fort is unlikely to be needed due to Collingwood’s ruck woes.
Speaking of those big man nightmares for the Pies, they will be tossing up every possible scenario after Darcy Cameron injured his knee and will be sidelined for 2-3 months. Dan McStay and Ash Johnson are expected to share the ruck duties, giving Oscar McInerny every opportunity to bully his direct opponent for the best part of 120 minutes. Across the rest of the ground, the Pies have been nothing short of dominant, with Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, and Tom Mitchell leading the charge.
The Lions were incredible at the Gabba two weeks ago when they accounted for the Demons, but it’s a matter of their midfield (and ruck brigade) getting on top of the Pies in the absence of any dedicated ruckman. No pressure Oscar.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Over 173.5 (Match)
- Leg 2: J. De Goey 20+ Disposals
- Leg 3: J. Dunkley 25+ Disposals
- Leg 4: J. Gunston 2+ Goals
- Total: $6
Kangaroos vs. Blues
7th April 4:20pm
The Kangaroos failed their first test of favouritism in the Alastair Clarkson Cup, going down to a Hawks side many predicted would struggle to win a game. Griffin Logue’s suspension puts a hole in their backline, with Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay licking their lips ahead of this one.
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time Carlton/Carlton @ $1.47
Crows vs. Dockers
8th April 1:45pm
It was a successful rivalry round for both Adelaide and Fremantle, ticking off their first W of the season in their respective Showdown and Derby. Both sides are similarly ranked, so the fact the Crows have Matt Crouch and Harry Schoenberg banging down the door for a spot means they’re arguably in the best position to make it two straight.
Suggested Bet: Adelaide to win @ $1.76
Tigers vs. Bulldogs
8th April 4:35PM
In one of the most intriguing matchups of the round, the Tigers will enter this one as $1.45 favourites, with Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper set to return from injury. The Western Bulldogs steadied the ship with a scrappy win over the Lions, but they’ve not done nearly enough for us to take them against the Tigers.
Suggested Bet: Richmond 1-39 @ $2.15
Saints vs. Suns
8th April 7:30PM
The train from St Kilda continues to roll after they made it three consecutive wins under Ross Lyon 2.0 and perched themselves atop the ladder. Small forwards Jack Higgins and Dan Butler nailed four goals each, providing plenty of headaches for Essendon defenders. The Suns were equally impressive in their win over the Cats, but it’s hard to see Jack Lukosius carrying the side with another bag of five.
Suggested Bet: St Kilda to win @ $1.46
Swans vs. Power
8th April 7:30PM
Sydney will be reeling after their 50-point loss to the Dees, and there’s no better chance to bounce back than against a team who just handed Adelaide their first win of the season. Port has been disappointing, to say the least, since their Round One win over Brisbane, but they could welcome back Trent McKenzie from an ankle injury.
Suggested Bet: Sydney 1-39 @ 2.15
Bombers vs. GWS
9th April 2:10PM
Both sides will be praying for a return to the winner’s stall, but it’s the Bombers who the punters are with at $1.49. Their first loss of the season came at the red-hot hands of the Saints, with Harrison Jones, Sam Weideman and Jake Stringer struggling to gel as a forward unit. Pick No. 1, Aaron Cadman could make his debut for the Giants after they kicked just nine goals against the Blues.
Suggested Bet: Essendon to win @ $1.49
Eagles vs. Demons
9th April 5:20PM
It’s sad to think that $7 might be overs for West Coast after finishing the last round with no Shuey, McGovern, Cripps, Witherden, or bench and no chance. Elliot Yeo might return from a calf injury, but it’s a very small mercy for the embattled Westerners. Consider this a percentage booster for the Dees.
Suggested Bet: Melbourne first team to score @ $1.54
Cats vs. Hawks
10th April 3:20PM
The blockbuster Easter Monday rivalry returns with the Cats searching for their first win of the season against the Hawks. Geelong could throw away the tape from last week’s game after losing to the Suns by 19 points in their poorest performance in recent memory. The Hawks turned their fortunes around with a victory over the Roos and could regain Chad Wingard for this one.
Suggested Bet: D. Moore first goal scorer @ $14
