We’re back to regular programming for Round Six of the AFL, with the grand final re-match followed by Anzac Day Eve and then the big one between Collingwood and Essendon.
BetDeluxe is here to deliver the best bets for every game.
game of the week: Cats vs. Swans
22nd April 7:25PM
With the annual Anzac Day clash between the Pies and Bombers, Carlton hosting St Kilda and even Monday’s match between the Dees and Tigers, there was no shortage of intriguing games to choose from this week. However, with the reigning grand finalists going head-to-head at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night, it would be remiss of us to ignore the re-match.
The Cats will start as red-hot favourites on the back of consecutive wins against Hawthorn and West Coast, currently quoted at $1.49 with BetDeluxe. They were impressive during their 49-point victory over the Eagles, with 14 goals to three in the first half, giving them an unassailable 64-point lead at the main break. Of note was the return to form of Tom Hawkins as he piled on three of his four goals in the opening half.
There will be two significant changes to the Cats’ line-up following injuries to Tyson Stengle and Rhys Stanley, with Gary Rohan and Jon Ceglar the likely replacements.
The Swans, who will want a small slice of redemption after last year’s decider, returned to their winning ways with an emphatic 44-point victory over Richmond. It was off the back of an incredible six-goal haul from Tom Papley, whose first came at the 13-minute mark of the third quarter.
Joel Amartey was subbed out with a hamstring issue, joining Lance Franklin, the McCartin brothers and Dane Rampe on the sidelines. It paves the way for former Bomber, Aaron Francis, to make his debut alongside the likely inclusion of Will Gould.
While the Swans’ small body of work this season is superior to the Cats, the home-ground advantage and Sydney’s height issues set up for more success from the reigning premiers.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Geelong 1-39
- Leg 2: T. Hawkins 2+ goals
- Leg 3: I. Heeney to score anytime
- Leg 4: T. Stewart 25+ disposals
- Total: $6.25
Dockers vs. Bulldogs
21st April 8:10pm
Two wins from three games was precisely what Justin Longmuir ordered for his wildly out-of-form purple army, but once again, they were far from convincing against the Suns. The Dogs gave up the game’s last four goals in front of a very Power-centric crowd, but they were otherwise impressive. Potentially decided between the two form rucks of the competition, Sean Darcy and Tim English.
Suggested Bet: Fremantle to win @ $1.80
Power vs. Eagles
22nd April 1:45pm
The rejuvenated Power and the embattled Eagles. Experienced duo Shannon Hurn and Luke Schuey are expected to return for Adam Simpson, but it won’t save them from another 6+ goal defeat.
Suggested Bet: Port Adelaide 40+ at $1.61
Giants vs Lions
22nd April 4:35PM
Can the Lions win away from home? We’re not exactly counting Gather Round as a home advantage for Brisbane or North. With the Giants’ best midfielder, Tom Green, on the sidelines, the Lions should shake the can’t-win-anywhere-but-the-Gabba tagline for at least this week.
Suggested Bet: C. Cameron first goal scorer @ $11
Hawks vs. Crows
23rd April 1:10PM
Those Crows are flying after their 56-point thumping of the Blues on the opening night of Gather Round. Jordan Dawson is in Brownlow Medal form, while his one-two punch with Rory Laird is arguably the best in the AFL. The Hawks were gallant in their two-point loss to the Giants, but Matthew Nicks and his Crows are operating at another level right now.
Suggested Bet: Adelaide 1-39 @ $2.10
Blues vs. Saints
23rd April 3:20PM
It could easily have been the Game of the Week as 1st take on 4th. The ladder leaders suffered their first loss of the year to Collingwood but will welcome the skipper, heart, and soul, Jack Steele, back from injury. The Blues, who were handed a reality check from the pride of South Australia, are a wait-and-see on Mitch McGovern (calf), Adam Saad (hamstring) and Marc Pittonet (eye).
Suggested Bet: St Kilda to win @ $1.99
Suns vs. Kangaroos
23rd April 4:40PM
$1.26 might be unders for the Suns, but they certainly deserve to be favourites after narrowly missing out against a surging Dockers over the weekend. The health of Jarrod Witts is once again their main concern after missing the last two. Jy Simpkin is a massive out for the Roos, but don’t be surprised if they push the Suns closer than the market suggests.
Suggested Bet: Gold Coast 1-39 @ $2.07
Demons vs. Tigers
24th April 7:25PM
The Demons have quickly put their surprise loss to the Bombers behind them with the news that Max Gawn could make a shock return just four weeks after injuring his MCL. Jake Lever and Ben Brown could also be back in the red and blue, making this Richmond’s most challenging task of the season.
Suggested Bet: Melbourne to win @ $1.33
Magpies vs. Bombers
25th April 3:20PM
A genuine blockbuster. Collingwood outlasted the previously undefeated Saints, but the Bombers surprised the AFL world with a sensational 27-point win over the Dees. Unfortunately, Zach Merrett has been handed a one-match suspension, while a finger tendon injury to Dan McStay has depleted Collingwood’s already depleted ruck stocks. The Magpies will enter as favourites, but the current form makes this as mouthwatering as they come.
Suggested Bet: Collingwood (-14.5) @ $1.90
