Collingwood and Melbourne are flying, the Suns are finding their form and Carlton and Essendon are trying to save their seasons.
BetDeluxe takes us through all the best bets this weekend, including the mouthwatering clash between the embattled Blues and in-form Dogs.
game of the week: Blues vs. Bulldogs
13th May 7:30PM
In a battle of 7th vs 8th, there’s no denying this is a crucial game for the Blues as they attempt to end a significant form slump and claim a top-eight scalp in the process.
Having won just one of their past four games, the Blues have fallen from the second spot on the ladder at the end of Round Four and are now just half a game ahead of Essendon (9th) and Adelaide (10th). Their performance against the Lions last weekend was perhaps the most telling, with four different game plans for each quarter showcasing the players and the coaching panel’s utter confusion.
Things don’t get much easier for Michael Voss and his men as they face off with a Bulldogs side that has won their last three on the trot, capped off by a 15-point victory at Giants Stadium. Adam Treloar has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is also doubtful.
Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will need to improve upon the two goals they kicked last week if the Blues have any chance of improving upon their recent record over the Dogs, which involves two wins from their past three.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Blues to win
- Leg 2: Over 166.5 total points
- Leg 3: A. Cerra 25+ disposals
- Leg 4: C. Weightman 2+ goals
- Total: $9
Tigers vs. Cats
12th May 7:20pm
While Tigers fans might be prematurely checking their availability for the 2023 finals series following their 46-point win over West Coast last weekend, the market has not batted an eyelid, with the Cats firm favourites at $1.34. And rightly so. Even a Cats side missing Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) and Brad Close (suspension) should take care of the 15th-placed Tigers.
Suggested Bet: Cats 1-39 @ $2.18
Eagles vs. Suns
12th May 8:40pm
Crack a beer, we’ve got a pair of Coasters. Unfortunately for punters who like a close game, the Coaster from the Goldy is in far superior form to that of its Western counterpart. The Suns were outstanding in defeat last week, going down to Melbourne by just five points after two straight wins against North and Richmond. The Eagles, well, they might regain Sam Petrevski-Seton. Small wins. But this won’t be one of them.
Suggested Bet: Suns to win @ $1.30
Swans vs. Dockers
13th May 1:45PM
If you were to ask any AFL fan to list the most disappointing teams so far this season, the Swans and Dockers would be jostling each other for a top position. Sydney’s game of keepings off kept them in the match against Collingwood for three quarters, but they’ve ultimately lost three on the bounce. Tom Hickey must return to take on Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. Nat Fyfe pulled up well from his first game back in the purple, and he’s expected to play a full game this week.
Suggested Bet: Swans 1-39 @ $2.10
Kangaroos vs. Power
13th May 2:10PM
The Horne-Francis Cup. There will undoubtedly be a fair bit of feeling in this match as the former No. 1 draft pick lines up against his former side for the first time at Blundstone Arena. With five consecutive wins on the board, there’s absolutely no reason to think Horne-Francis and the Power won’t make it six.
Suggested Bet: Power (-31.5) @ $1.90
Hawks vs. demons
13th May 4:35PM
The most one-sided match-up according to the market, with the Hawks currently quoted at $7.10 with BetDeluxe. And we tend to agree. While the Dees had to battle for the four premiership points against the Suns, the likes of Gawn, Grundy, Petracca and Oliver should have few issues against the inexperienced Hawks. Luke Breust and Changkuoth Jiath are both expected to return to Sam Mitchell’s line-up, but they’ll be up against it on Saturday afternoon.
Suggested Bet: K. Pickett first goal scorer @ $8.70
Lions vs. Bombers
13th May 7:25PM
One team has won five in a row; the other has lost its past three. One team is back in the top four; the other has fallen outside the eight. One team is returning home after a morale-boosting win in Melbourne; the other is travelling north following a devastating five-point loss in Adelaide. One could regain Dayne Zorko; the other has lost Jordan Ridley—Brisbane’s for the taking.
Suggested Bet: Lions 1-39 @ $2.30
Crows vs. Saints
14th May 1:10PM
Arguably the match of the round comes on Sunday afternoon as the Adelaide Crows look to end a two-game losing streak. It’s been a tough fortnight for the South Australians, with a one-point loss to Collingwood and a brave but unsuccessful showing at Geelong. The Saints were far from impressive in their 30-point win over North, but they might have Max King roaming around if they choose to bring him straight back into the senior side. Expect the Crows to bounce back in a close one.
Suggested Bet: Crows to win @ $1.64
magpies vs. Giants
14th May 4:40PM
The comeback specialists cemented their spot at the top of the ladder with a fast-finishing 29-point win over the Swans. Most impressive, however, is that they can come from anywhere at any stage and mount a comeback. Seriously, who can stop them in the fourth quarter? Even if Toby Greene returns, the Giants won’t be able to.
Suggested Bet: Under (-170.5) @ $1.88
