We’re only at Round 5 of the AFL season and pressure is already beginning to mount on the Brisbane Lions, Western Bulldogs and Essendon.
BetDeluxe looks at the chances of all three teams among four mouthwatering games across the weekend.
Demons vs. Lions
11th April 7:30PM
No team in the AFL is facing more pressure than the Brisbane Lions, and it certainly doesn’t get any easier for the reigning grand finalists as they prepare to travel to the ‘G to take on the in-form Dees.
Despite having claimed their first win of the season against North Melbourne during Gather Round, the market has little faith in the 13th-placed Lions ($2.80) after disappointing displays against Carlton, Fremantle, and Collingwood in the opening three rounds. They will, however, go in with an unchanged line-up after both Lachie Neale and Zac Bailey overcame injuries suffered against the Roos.
It’s a completely different set of circumstances for Simon Goodwin’s men, who made it four wins on the trot after defeating the Crows by 15 points in Adelaide. Koltyn Tholstrup, who was selected at pick 13 in the 2023 National Draft, will debut for the Dees due to Kozzie Pickett’s suspension.
It’s a must-win game for Chris Fagan and his chargers if they plan on avenging their grand final defeat, but the Dees could simply be too good.
TIP: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Melbourne to win
- Leg 2: Over 164.5 points
- Leg 3: C. Petracca 25+ disposals
- Leg 4: L. McCarthy 2+ goals
- Total: $10.00
Bulldogs vs. Bombers
12th April 7:40pm
Speaking of pressure, it’s hard to pinpoint whether there’s currently more in the Bulldogs camp or Essendon’s.
Following their 69-point loss to Port Adelaide and the fact they managed just three goals after quarter-time, we’re probably leaning towards the Bombers on the pressure gauge. After winning two of their first three games, it was the most disappointing performance Essendon has dished up under Brad Scott, with the Power booting 13 of the last 16 goals.
Archie Perkins (hamstring) and Will Setterfield (knee) have been sidelined for the Dons, with Sam Durham (concussion) a likely inclusion.
Much like Essendon, the Bulldogs have been under enormous pressure this season. They narrowly missed a chance to silence the doubters during Gather Round when they fell four points short against the Cats. They had won two on the trot prior to this and should be able to bounce back with a dominant midfield display from Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli.
TIP: Bulldogs to win @ $1.45
Giants vs. Saints
13th April 1:45pm
Another enticing Round 5 battle for punters, the Giants will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten run when they host the Saints in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.
The ladder leaders returned from their bye round in fine fashion and fought out a 28-point win over the Suns. It was a history-making afternoon for the Giants, who’ve now won their first four games for the first time since their inception. Dominant forward duo Toby Greene (five goals) and Jesse Hogan (four) combined for half of the team’s goals.
Callan Ward (shoulder) could potentially bolster the Giants’ midfield if he passes a fitness test later in the week.
It wasn’t pretty, but St Kilda will enter this week’s match in winning form after edging past Richmond to the tune of seven points. After kicking just one goal in the first half, Ross Lyon’s men showcased their resolve with a gritty eight goals to four in the second half.
Marcus Windhager will return from suspension, but it’s highly unlikely they can improve enough to cause a boilover in this one.
TIP: J. Higgins first goal scorer @ $13
Power vs. Dockers
13th April 7:30pm
Can Fremantle claim a second South Australian scalp in the space of three weeks?
After defeating the Crows in Round 3, the in-form Dockers suffered their first loss of the season during Gather Round when an incorrect umpiring decision handed Carlton a goal in the dying minutes and subsequently a 10-point victory.
Officiating aside, the Dockers need to find avenues to goal after managing just 69 and 63 points in their past two games. To make matters worse, Michael Frederick (hamstring) has been sidelined, and Sam Switkowski (calf) is doubtful.
The Power, who enter the game as $1.35 favourites with BetDeluxe, moved into the sixth spot on the ladder following their 69-point demolition of the Bombers, in stark contrast to Fremantle’s selection woes up forward, the fully fit Power need to find room for Ollie Wines and Sam Powell-Pepper in the 22.
The Power should have a few issues at home.
TIP: Port Adelaide (-18.5) @ $1.90
