The fight for finals could not be hotter as Essendon, GWS, Geelong and Adelaide all jostle for a spot in the top eight.
BetDeluxe breaks down every game, including the top-of-the-table clash between the Magpies and Lions.
game of the week: Magpies vs. Lions
19th August 7:50PM
The market hasn’t been split for many games this season, but it doesn’t get any closer than the $1.90 quote for both Collingwood and Brisbane ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster at Marvel Stadium.
In a battle of 1st vs 2nd, the Magpies will need to overcome significant losses following injuries to Darcy Moore (hamstring), Jordan De Goey (glute) and Bobby Hill (hamstring). They will join Brownlow Medal fancy Nick Daicos on the sidelines for the potential finals preview.
While it is impossible for the Pies to cover stars of that ilk, they will unveil debutant Jakob Ryan and welcome back Steele Sidebottom.
The Lions will enter this match knowing they can inflict some pre-final pain on the ladder leaders in a city where they don’t garner too much success. While Marvel is slightly more favourable than the MCG for Chris Fagan’s men – they defeated the Pies by one point at the venue in 2021 – they will be buoyed by their thrilling six-point victory over the Crows last week.
They will need to replace Jack Gunston (knee) for the top-of-the-table clash, but they certainly have more options than the Pies at this point.
Brisbane has won its past five games against Collingwood, but four of those games have been at The Gabba.
TIP: Same Game Multi:
- Leg 1: Lions to win
- Leg 2: Over 171.5 points
- Leg 3: J. Daicos 25+ disposals
- Leg 4: E. Hipwood 2+ goals
- Total: $8
Tigers vs. Kangaroos
19th August 1:45pm
Richmond’s inability to defend has been found out in a big way of late, with Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda all outscoring their season averages significantly over the past three weeks. Luckily for Mini and his chargers, they come up against a North Melbourne team that hasn’t won since Round 2. Farewell games for Jack and Cotch should get the Tigers over the line.
TIP: Tigers 1-39 @ $2.20
Suns vs. Blues
19th August 2:10pm
OK, we’re convinced. The Blues are a finals-caliber team. Sitting fifth on the ladder, Michael Voss’ men notched their eighth straight win on Saturday night. This means they’ve defeated Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood, and Port Adelaide within five weeks. Harry McKay, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra, Mitch McGovern, and Jack Silvagni could all be available. There is no stopping the Blues. Not even on the Gold Coast.
TIP: Blues to win @ $1.58
Giants vs. Bombers
19th August 4:35pm
Genuine finals-are-on-the-cards bout between two sides sitting 9th and 10th on the ladder. While the Giants have lost two in a row, they are arguably still in better shape than the Bombers, who have been made to work against West Coast and North in consecutive weeks. The Giant’s fleet-footed forwards Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels will return, giving them the upper hand in the knockout battle.
TIP: Giants to win @ $1.43
Saints vs. Cats
19th August 7:25PM
Another match-up that makes one’s mouth water, the Cats must win this game if they are to have any chance of playing finals and defending their crown. However, the Saints proved they can kick a score with 93 against the Tigers, including a six-for from Max King. If the Tomahawk makes his return, we’re still leaning towards Geelong in this one.
TIP: Cats 1-39 @ $2.35
Crows vs. Swans
19th August 7:40PM
Speaking of must-win clashes, the Crows will regain small forward Izak Rankine as they attempt to keep their season alive against a Swans team that’s won five on the trot. The Crows aren’t exactly out of form either, pushing the Lions to six points at The Gabba. At any other venue, we’re taking the Swans. But the Big Texan, Dawson, and Laird should salute at $1.48 in front of the faithful at the Adelaide Oval.
TIP: Crows to win @ $1.48
Bulldogs vs. Eagles
20th August 1:10PM
Which Western Bulldogs will we get this week? The Dogs that demolished the Tigers by 55 points two weeks ago in one of the most one-sided matches you’ll see, or the Dogs that had Tim English kicking out in the final minute during a three-point loss to Hawthorn? Either way, they’ll beat the Eagles. They’ll need to do it with Libba, but it won’t be too hard.
TIP: R. Lobb first goal scorer @ $12
Demons vs. Hawks
20th July 3:20pm
After becoming Carlton’s latest victim, the Demons will be looking to bounce back and earn a top-two spot. Despite being in decent form of late, they still need to work out their forward line, with Brodie Grundy likely to be dropped after one week back in the side. The giant-killing Hawks should not be underestimated after wins against the Pies and Dogs in consecutive weeks, but Melbourne, Max, Christian and Clayton have too much to play for.
TIP: Demons 1-39 @ $2.15
Dockers vs. Power
20th August 4:40PM
Snapped a four-game losing streak – tick. They re-signed the senior coach to a two-year extension – tick. Boast two contenders for the Brownlow Medal – tick. About to beat down on the Dockers at Optus Stadium – tick. Port in this one.
TIP: Power to win @ $1.76
