Can the Magpies keep their premiership defence alive? Will the Dogs pull off another upset? What about the Swans and Lions?
BetDeluxe breaks down three mouthwatering Round 19 match-ups.
HAwks vs. Magpies
20th July 4:35pm
An elimination final in Round 19? You betcha.
Finals are well and truly on the line for both Hawthorn and Collingwood this weekend as both sides attempt to maintain touch with the top eight when they battle it out at the MCG.
The 13th-placed Hawks, who started the season with five-straight losses, will enter the game as $1.85 favourites with BetDeluxe after bouncing back into form with a 13-point win over Fremantle. One week after lowering their colours to Geelong, Sam Mitchell’s men showcased maturity beyond their years on the back of a late James Sicily three-goal haul. Jack Ginnivan (fibula) will push for a recall against the old firm, as will Finn Maginness after he kept Nick Daicos to just five disposals in their last meeting.
After three consecutive losses to the Suns, Bombers and Cats, it’s safe to say things are dire for the reigning premiers. Their season of injury hell could improve with the potential return of Dan McStay, Mason Cox and Jeremy Howe – three much-needed talls – but whether they have the gas in the tank against the high-flying Hawks is the question we’re all asking.
TIP: Hawks 1-39 @ $2.30
Cats vs. Dogs
20th july 7:30pm
Don’t let the head-to-head markets fool you, this is going to be a cracker.
Geelong is certainly back on track for another top-four campaign after adding the Magpies (20) to their recent list of finals-bound scalps. Victories against the reining premiers, Hawthorn and Essendon means Chris Scott’s men are one of the hottest sides of the competition, with Tom Stewart’s form resurgence a large part of their success.
However, the Bulldogs certainly won’t roll over, with their unpredictable nature frustrating fans and punters alike. One week after suffering a humiliating 48-point loss to Port Adelaide, Luke Beveridge led his chargers to an upset win over the Blues. Like the Hawks and Pies, a shot at finals will depend largely on the outcome of this game for the Dogs, so expect another masterclass from Marcus Bontempelli.
The Cats should edge past the Dogs are home but don’t underestimate the power of a hungry Bont.
TIP: M. Bontempelli 25+ disposals @ $1.48
Lions vs. Swans
21st July 1:10pm
Is Brisbane the real deal? Can they cement a spot in the top four? Will the Swans flex their muscle en route to the minor premiership?
The Lions, who are currently $1.89 favourites, will look to make it seven wins on the trot after staving off a resurgent West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. Of their six consecutive wins, the Lions have only been convincing against the Bulldogs (43) and Power (79), with the Dees (5), Crows (11) and Eagles (13) highlighting weaknesses in the Lions’ defence. Charlie Cameron will appeal his three-game suspension on Thursday night, while Brandon Starcevich will return from concussion and likely take the in-form Tom Papley.
As for the premiership favourites, Sydney, they snapped a two-game losing run with a dominant 79-point victory over the Roos. They’ve been less-than-impressive over the past few weeks with close losses to Fremantle (1) and St Kilda (2), but will welcome the return of Isaac Heeney (suspension) and Harry Cunningham (hamstring).
The Gabba hasn’t been the fortress it once was for the Lions this season, so expect an absolute belter on Sunday afternoon.
TIP: Lions 1-39 @ $2.40
