The Hawks were held to 60 or fewer points for a second consecutive game last week and have now lost their last three. The Bulldogs have lost 2 of their last 3 but it has not been from a lack of points as they have averaged an incredible 112ppg during that stretch. Fresh off the bye they will be full of running which has been their identity this season. The Over has hit in 9 of their last 13 home games and each of the Hawks last 5 at this ground. That is good news for the Bulldogs as they have won their last 7 at Marvel Stadium which is accompanied by a 7-3 line record in their last 10 as a home favourite. Moreover, the Hawks are 1-8 at the line in their previous 9 night matches at this ground.
The Crows improved to 4-1 in their last 5 with a thumping 90-point win over the Swans. An average winning margin of 55.3 points in those victories highlights their dominance and is the reason why they have been installed as favourites here. The Lions have regained momentum following back-to-back wins and have notably won their last 10 games when having a rest advantage. The Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings and has also hit in 5 of the last 6 hosted by the Crows. The Crows have won and covered the line in their last 3 home games and dating further back, are 5-2 at the line as a home favourite. There is also statistical support for the visitors as the Lions have posted outright victories in their last 5 as a road underdog. The Over is the preferred play.
The Tigers led by three goals at the final break but were run down by the Giants in dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, the Swans were never in the contest against the Crows and have allowed 130+ points in each of their last two. The Swans are 0-4 both straight up and at the line in their last 4 away games but have covered the line in 4 of their last 6 as a road favourite. This is a great opportunity for the Swans to address their recent defensive woes as the Under is 8-0 in the Tigers last 8 games and has held on in 73% of their home games in the last year. The Tigers have won only 20% of games as a home underdog in the last year but could be in this early as the Swans are the worst 2nd quarter team in the competition.
The Cats attack continues to fire and they have now scored 115+ points in each of their last three – all wins. They have won 8 of their last 11 home games with the Over hitting in 73% of those games. The Cats have won 7 in a row as the home team in this matchup, but the Suns should improve on last week as they have won and covered the line in 6 of their last 9 following a loss. The Cats have led at the main break in their last 8 home games and anything but a high scoring game would be a shock as there has been an average of 198.3 total match points in games played at GMHBA Stadium this season. The Cats will be finishing with a wet sail as they have outscored their opposition in 11 of 12 games played this season.
They may have left it late, but the Giants successfully chased down the Tigers to win by less than a single kick. Meanwhile, the Power have lost their last four with an average losing margin of 55.0 points per game. The Giants have allowed 88.4ppg in their last 5 but will likely improve in that department as the Power have been held to 62.4ppg in their last 5 with the Under holding on in 8 of their last 10 away games. The Power have been successful at the line in only 33% of away games in the last year but have kicked the opening goal in 9 of 11 games this season. They have scored 34% of their points in the opening quarter and are value to lead at the first break.
We may be only half way through the season but this is close to a do-or-die for the Eagles with respect to avoiding the wooden spoon. They would fall 8 points behind second last with an inferior percentage and they don’t look like they have three more wins in them this season. The Over has hit in 13 of the Eagles last 19 following a loss (68%) and 67% of their away games in the last year. The Kangaroos have trailed at quarter time in all but one of their eleven games played this season with a 57% scoring percentage in the first term. The visitors will get out to an early lead, and it is difficult to see the Kangaroos running anyone down.
The Blues will almost be glad to face a fellow Melbourne side following back-to-back losses at the hands of the two Sydney teams. The Bombers were efficient with their attempts in front of goal last week by converting 11 of 17 shots into goals but 72 points will not win many matches in modern day footy. They have however won their last three following a loss and 4 of their last 6 as an away underdog in this series. The Under is 5-0 in the Bombers last 5 games and 7-0 in the Blues last 7 at the MCG. Fancy the home side early in the contest as they have at the first break in 8 of 11 games this season on the back of a 143% percentage in the first term. It is also the Bombers worst period with only 20% of their points scored but they do bounce back leading into half time.
Value Bet: 1st Qtr Winner – Carlton, 2nd Qtr Winner – Essendon ($3.49)
A 51-point win over the Hawks extended the Pies win streak to 4 games and solidified their spot at the top of the AFL ladder. The Demons are heading in the other direction with the loss to St Kilda leaving them two wins out of the top 8. The Pies have won and covered the line in the last 3 meetings in this series with a dominant 5-1 record in the last 6 King’s birthday clashes. The Under is 6-0 in the Pies last 6 day matches and we should not forget their fast starts as they have led at quarter time in each of their last 8 games. With cold and windy weather forecast, points will be hard to come by. Those interested in making a play on the Neale Daniher trophy should keep in mind that there have been 11 different winners in the last 11 editions.