Round 17 of the AFL season is here, and the race to the finals couldn’t be any hotter.
BetDeluxe provides tips for every game, including an in-depth look at the Thursday night clash between Richmond and Sydney.
game of the week: Tigers vs. Swans
6th July 7:20PM
It’s must-watch Thursday night football this week, with Richmond and Sydney going head-to-head at the MCG as both teams attempt to keep their respective finals hopes alive.
Sitting in 15th (Tigers) and 13th (Swans) spots on the ladder with six wins each, the Tigers enter the match as $1.70 favourites despite their uncharacteristic 81-point loss to Brisbane last week. It was clearly their worst performance of the season after winning their previous three with a renewed enthusiasm under interim coach Andrew McQualter.
Dustin Martin is set to return for Richmond after missing with flu-like symptoms, but they will be without in-form half-back Jayden Short after he strained his hamstring at the Gabba.
As for Sydney, they will need to bounce back from a disappointing goal-kicking display against the Cats that ultimately cost them the four points. The Swans drove home five more scoring shots than their opponents, but their 6.18 (54) ultimately cost them victory as the two sides played out their first draw in history.
With Martin’s return and the MCG crowd behind them, we’re more than happy to take the Tigers at $1.70.
Suggested Bet: Tigers to win @ $1.72
Bulldogs vs. Magpies
7th July 7:50pm
Both teams recorded notable wins last weekend, but none were more impressive than Collingwood’s 78-point victory over the Suns. On the Gold Coast. Without Jordan De Goey. I mean, 36 disposals and 10 tackles from Nick Daicos does help. De Goey returns from his three-match suspension this week, and he’ll undoubtedly have a point to prove.
Suggested Bet: J. De Goey first goal scorer @ $14
Lions vs. Eagles
8th July 1:45pm
A team that doesn’t lose at the Gabba against a team that doesn’t win. Period. While the Eagles were far more convincing in their eight-point loss to the Saints, the Lachie Neale-led Lions could break records in this one, especially after demolishing the in-form Tigers one week ago.
Suggested Bet: Lions (-82.5) @ $1.90
Giants vs. Hawks
8th July 4:35PM
Are we sold on Adam Kingsley and the 2023 Giants yet? The boys in orange are in a rich vein of form after consecutive wins against North, Fremantle and Melbourne, launching them into 10th spot on the ladder. Changkuoth Jiath should return for the Hawks, but did we mention the Giants just took down the Dees? And kept them to 45 points?
Suggested Bet: Giants 1-39 @ $2.25
Saints vs. Demons
8th July 7:25PM
After a red-hot start to the season for both St Kilda and Melbourne, things have quickly gone downhill. The Dees haven’t kicked a score over 72 in five weeks, and things will only get tougher with Bailey Fritsch injuring his foot against the Giants. In saying that, the Saints almost lost to West Coast. Clayton Oliver could return, which should be enough for the Dees to hold onto the fourth spot.
Suggested Bet: Demons to win @ $1.43
Power vs. Suns
8th July 7:40PM
12 straight wins, goals after the siren, two games clear in second spot, Port Adelaide is absolutely humming. And they will enter this one with a real spring in their step after Dan Houston nailed a 55m bomb with the last kick of the game to sink Essendon. As for the Suns, they’ve now lost two of their past three by an average of 68.5 points. Sitting one game outside the eight, this is a must-win for Stuart Dew’s men.
Suggested Bet: Power 1-39 @ $2.20
Cats vs. Kangaroos
9th July 1:10PM
The inconsistency surrounding Geelong’s season continued last weekend as they played out a 54-all draw against Sydney, leaving them in ninth position on the ladder and half a game behind Essendon in eighth. With North now on a 13-game losing streak, it bodes as the ideal opportunity for the reigning premiers to start their finals run.
Suggested Bet: Cats first team to score @ $1.50
Bombers vs. Crows
8th July 3:20PM
Speaking of finals, there are arguably no two teams with more to play for this weekend than Essendon and Adelaide. Sitting in seventh (Crows) and eighth (Bombers) on the ladder, a loss could result in falling outside the eight, while a win would keep them in touch with Melbourne in fourth. Essendon will be without Sam Draper for another week, while the Crows will be buoyed by their two-point loss to the Pies at the ‘G a fortnight ago. Crows in a thriller.
Suggested Bet: Crows to win @ $2
Dockers vs. Blues
8th July 4:40PM
No Fyfe, no Freo? We’ll soon find out after the purple army’s finals chances took a severe hit with the two-time Brownlow Medallist suffering a stress fracture in his foot. They will still back themselves to take care of the Blues at Optus Stadium, having defeated them by 35 points when they last met at the venue in 2022. Another must-win for both sides.
Suggested Bet: Dockers to win @ $1.70
