Best bets and value for head to head, first goal scorer and total points scored markets are ready to go.
HEad to HEAD
August 21st 7:25pm
It is a top-of-the-table clash for the minor premiership when Melbourne travel down the highway to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cats returned to somewhere near their best in a 14-point win over St Kilda at home as they continue to deal with the loss of gun backman Tom Stewart.
Marc Blicavs has been groomed to play in the role that Stewart has occupied in the back half for the Cats.
Melbourne, meanwhile, spanked Adelaide by 41 points even without the help of defender of Steven May who is expected to return for this game.
Simon Goodwin boasts a win over his Geelong counterpart Chris Scott this year following a 85-60 to triumph back in Round 4.
Christian Petracca proved pivotal with 36 disposals and a goal.
Demons do look value in this game, especially with May returning to fill the hole defence alongside his partner in crime Jake Lever.
Prediction: Melbourne by 7 points
Suggested Bet: Melbourne head to head at $1.96
FIRST GOAL SCORER
Gary Rohan/Christian Petracca
Gary Rohan will become the third tall in the Geelong forward line with the return of Jeremy Cameron.
Rohan is usually the one that gets off the chain with the Demons likely to pay most attention to Tom Hawkins and Cameron throughout the game.
From a Melbourne perspective, expect Christian Petracca to get forward of the footy against this strong but dour Geelong midfield.
His explosiveness away from the stoppage and goal sense make him great value.
Suggested Bet:
Gary Rohan first goal at $11
Christian Petracca first goal at $18
total points scored
Over 145.5
This game went to 145 points last time it was played at the MCG back in Round 4.
Defensively, however, both teams had pillars in place with Tom Stewart and Adam Tomlinson intercepting and providing support inside defensive 50.
Their absence will surely see more goals leak out the back.
The Demons welcoming the return of Tom McDonald to the forward will see them more dangerous entering the forward 50.
Expect to go overs with the dry forecast also adding to prime conditions for high-scoring footy.
Suggested Bet: Total points under 163.5 points at $1.87
