Geelong are at their shortest price to claim the AFL Premiership since Round 1, as the experienced outfit hit their straps in 2021.Â
Put simply, Geelong are the AFL’s most in-form side. Aside from the Cats, no other club has won their last five games on the trot. And their purple patch has been reflected in the markets. Not since Round 1 have Geelong sat at $5.50 or shorter to claim the 2021 flag. But after overrunning Port Adelaide on enemy territory in Round 13 (alongside Melbourne’s shock defeat to Collingwood), they’ve returned to that price with Palmerbet. The side oozes a strong mix of experience and class this season, and are tracking well in their bid to go one better in 2021.
In the land of the AFL rebuild Geelong are serial renovators – finally they have it right | Scott Heinrich https://t.co/0jzxavtXuw
— Guardian Australia (@GuardianAus) June 13, 2021
Double chance firms
History suggests finishing inside the Top 4 exponentially increases a club’s hope at premiership glory. This century, only the Western Bulldogs (2016) have claimed flag success after finishing outside the ‘double chance’ spots.
The win over Port Adelaide sent Chris Scott’s side a game clear inside the AFL Top 4, and the Cats are now $1.33 to remain there come season’s end (in from $2.75 after a Round 7 loss to Sydney). And it’s the shortest they’ve been all season. While on the surface a four-point buffer inside the Top 4 doesn’t constitute safety, Geelong’s healthy percentage (129.7) holds them in good stead. That figure has been boosted by the performance of a star-studded forward line.
https://twitter.com/FootyonNine/status/1403871916893609987?s=20
Jezza heads the charge
One of those stars is Jeremy Cameron. In just seven games at the Cattery, the prized recruit has already shone on the big stage twice. First it was against Richmond in AFL Round 8, where a six-goal bag stunned the premiers. Then it was last Friday in Round 13, where a five-goal haul (including three in the final term) sealed victory against fellow flag fancies Port Adelaide. And it’s seen the star left-footer move in Coleman Medal betting. After missing the first five games of 2021 with injury, the star forward was an outside $21 hope to claim the goalkicking award. But now he is closing the gap, and into $12.
Jeremy Cameron was one of only two players to poll a perfect 10 in the latest round of coaches' votes.
— AFL (@AFL) June 15, 2021
This week
Recent history suggests the Cats will deliver in their key matchup against the Western Bulldogs in AFL Round 14. Scott’s side (who start $1.62 favourites with Palmerbet) have an incredible recent record against the Dogs, winning 13 of the last 15 encounters. In fact, they haven’t won down the highway in Geelong since way back in 2003 (that’s the last nine matches at the venue). Further, reigning best and fairest Cam Guthrie is set to return from a shoulder injury.
But they won’t be underestimating Luke Beveridge’s side who, at times in AFL season 2021, have looked the most dangerous of any clubs. Without doubt the Friday night clash is the match of the round.
Could Tom Stewart recreate this moment from two years back?
TOM STEWART THAT IS INSANE!
He loved it too!#AFLCatsDogs pic.twitter.com/vps2oyOdsl
— AFL (@AFL) May 18, 2019
(*Prices correct at 2pm Wednesday June 16)
