With rivals going head-to-head at every turn this weekend, punters are set for one incredible round of AFL.
BetDeluxe breaks down four of the most enticing match-ups and provides best bets.
Crows vs. Power
2nd Mayl 7:30PM
Round 8 of the AFL will kick off with the 55th incarnation of the highly anticipated Showdown between Adelaide and Port.
The Power, who are $1.62 favourites with BetDeluxe, come into the game on the back of a less-than-convincing three weeks involving two wins over the Saints (10 points) and Dockers (3) and a significant 42-point loss to the Pies. Surprisingly, captain Connor Rozee has been named to play after injuring his hamstring on Friday night, while Sam Powell-Pepper (knee) and Aliir Aliir (concussion) will miss.
While it was certainly not a top-four-quality side, the Crows recaptured winning form against North Melbourne in their last outing, running out 57-point victors at Blundstone Arena. Izak Rankine continued his scintillating form with four goals and six clearances, while Rory Laird (34) and Jordan Dawson (27) are back to their best. All eyes will be on #8 draft pick Daniel Curtain after he was named to play his first game.
While the Crows have burnt us many times already this season, the $2.31 available in the market is arguably overs considering Port’s form and the importance of both Powell-Pepper and Aliir.
TIP: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Adelaide +7.5
- Leg 2: Z. Butters 25+ disposals
- Leg 3: M. Hinge 20+ disposals
- Leg 4: T. Walker 2+ goals
- Total: $5.25
Blues vs. magPies
6th May 7:40pm
Another day, another blockbuster rivalry.
Carlton will be looking to bounce back into the top four following last week’s agonising 13-point loss to the undefeated Cats. Despite another elite midfield performance from Sam Walsh (31), Patrick Cripps (29) and Blake Acres (28), the Blues were unable to claw their way back after giving up 10 goals in the opening half. With one of the worst injury lists in the AFL, they could welcome back Adam Cerra should he pass a fitness test.
Speaking of heartbreaking results, the Pies certainly had their chances in the final moments of their Anzac Day draw with the Bombers. There’s no doubt the likes of Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliot will want to hit back from their missed opportunities, but the Pies will need to do so without Jordan De Goey (groin) and Tom Mitchell (foot), both of whom have been ruled out.
Having lost two of their past three and fallen to sixth on the ladder, expect the Blues forwards to heap untold pressure on an underperforming Pies defence.
TIP: Carlton to win @ $1.60
Demons vs. Cats
4th May 7:30pm
Can Geelong maintain their unbeaten start to the season?
The $5 equal-favourites for the premiership (alongside GWS) continued their perfect season with a 13-point victory over the Blues. Despite missing star defender Tom Stewart (concussion), the Cats held off the fast-finishing Blues courtesy of a five-goal haul from Jeremy Cameron and an incredible comeback game from Cam Guthrie (27). Stewart is expected to return this week instead of the injured Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring), who will likely be sidelined for a month.
As for the home side, they made light work of an embattled Richmond unit and ran out 43-point winners on Anzac Day Eve. 10 goals to two in the second half proved the difference between the two sides, making it five wins from their past six games. They’re in form and it’s without total dominance from Christian Petracca, Jack Viney and Clayton Oliver. Max Gawn, however, has been dominant and will have no issues with Rhys Stanley.
Clearly one of the matches of the round, with the Cats’ ability to curb Gawn’s influence their #1 priority.
TIP: G. Miers anytime goal scorer @ $1.80
Lions vs. Suns
5th May 7:10pm
The Q-Clash is back for another season, and the Lions are looking to make it nine wins from 10 editions with the Suns.
The issue, however, is the fact that Chris Fagan’s men are seriously out of form. Seriously. Having lost four of their first six games, the Lions delivered arguably their most disappointing performance when they went down to GWS by 54 points on Anzac Day. Their underperforming midfield will gain a boost with the return of #1 ruckman Oscar McInerney (concussion).
A lot of punters could consider the Suns as overs at $2.69 after defeating the Eagles by 37 and moving into ninth place on the ladder with a 4-3 record. In stark contrast to the Lions, the Suns’ midfield was unstoppable last week as Noah Anderson (33), Touk Miller (27), and Matt Rowell (22 and 13 tackles) did as pleased. We know the likes of Lachie Neal, Hugh McCluggage, and Josh Dunkley don’t tag players, so it could be another fill-up for those who enjoy disposal markets.
It’s hard to trust the Lions at this point, but if they don’t win this, it’s season over.
TIP: Lions 1-39 @ $2.12
