Can the Lions continue their winning ways? Or will the Demons turn their disappointing form slump around?
BetDeluxe breaks down three Round 16 match-ups and provides best bets.
Lions vs. Demons
28th June 7:40PM
Brisbane’s bid to return to the top eight and into finals contention can gain more momentum on Friday night when they host the embattled Demons at the Gabba.
Currently sitting 10th and half a game outside the eight, the Lions have recaptured their most devastating form over the past three weeks with wins over the Western Bulldogs (43), St Kilda (20) and Port Adelaide (79). The likes of Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Dayne Zorko were simply unstoppable against the Power and will relish the opportunity of facing a Demons side that refuses to tag.
As for Melbourne, they remain outside the eight on the back of their own lean run of form. After losses to Fremantle (92) and Collingwood (38), they were far from convincing in their three-point win over the Kangaroos last weekend. The loss of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver’s form slump are key elements to Melbourne’s drop-off, but they could welcome Jake Lever (knee) and Christian Salem (knee) back for Friday night’s clash.
Just like the current market, we’ve got absolutely no confidence in the Demons at this point.
TIP: Lions 1-39 @ $2.10
Suns vs. Magpies
29th June 4:35pm
Can the Suns keep their maiden finals hopes alive?
Finals are well and truly slipping away from the Gold Coast after 14 games, with Damien Hardwick’s underperforming list managing just a 7-7 record and 12th spot on the ladder. Their away record took another significant blow over the weekend with a loss to Fremantle making it 0-6 on the road, so they’ll be salivating at the thought of returning to People First Stadium and the potential return of star forward, Ben King (knee).
Unfortunately for the Suns, they’ll be facing a Collingwood side fresh off their second bye-round of the season. They’ll be looking to cement their spot in the top four with the return of several key players, including Scott Pendlebury (bicep), Brody Mihocek (hamstring) and Oleg Markov (back).
Despite having to come back from 54 points down in their most recent game against the Roos, the refreshed and reinvigorated Pies should be able to push the Suns at home. How far? It depends on which Gold Coast turns up.
TIP: B. Hill to kick 2+ goals @ $2.15
Cats vs. Bombers
29th June 7:30pm
Clearly one of the games of the round, there will be plenty of interest in the Geelong and Essendon clash at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Cats, who have lost six of past seven games, will go into the match as $2 underdogs with BetDeluxe based on their recent form and the fact they’re hosting a home game at the ‘G. They were no match for Carlton in their 63-point loss last week and have lost champion forward Tom Hawkins to a foot injury for 6-8 weeks. They did, however, receive a glimmer of positive news after Patrick Dangerfield’s one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Sam Walsh was overturned.
As for the Bombers, they snapped a two-game losing streak and solidified third spot on the ladder with a 30-point victory over West Coast. This is an important game for Brad Scott’s men as it’s just their sixth game against a team currently in the top eight, with their record currently reading a disappointing 1-1-3. Their only win was against an embattled Giants side.
A genuine 50/50 match-up this one, but Zach Merrett and his teammates under lights at the ‘G should be able to get the job done.
TIP: Bombers to win @ $1.85
