Round 18 Preview

Adam Treloar has had tremendous success away from home in New South Wales. In his recent time in the state, he has managed to record at least 31+ disposals in his five past games in New South Wales. Another player market that could be focused on involves Swan Justin McInerney. The Swans halfback midfielder has gotten 20+ touches in the club’s last four home matches at the SCG and sits at $2.25.

The Western Bulldogs are a great shout on the match result market especially considering they will be underdogs heading into the clash. Having won four of their last five matches away from home, it is surprising they are not considered favourites in the game. Despite a big win against the Eagles and a draw against the Cats, the Swans have been continually inconsistent and will lose three players for Thursday.

The absence of Clayton Oliver in the Demons’ midfield has allowed teammate Christian Petracca to take the reigns in the midfield. Petracca has had 30+ disposals in four of his past five games at the MCG. Sticking with Melbourne and their veterans, Jack Viney has been able to kick at least one goal in his past five of six at the MCG and is at 2.55.

Despite losing against the Brisbane Lions in last season’s finals, the Melbourne Demons have defeated them in 13 of their last 14 games at the MCG. As the season heads into the backend of the competition, Melbourne will be eager to walk away with a big crucial win at home, adding to their confidence.

Due to the Magpies’ incredible form at home and the Dockers’ poor form away from Western Australia, expect the number one team on the table to start quickly. Fremantle inconsistencies have let them down as of late, and if this continues on Saturday, Collingwood will be sure to make them pay. Another market to look at is Jamie Elliott, to score three or more goals at $2.55. If the Pies are to dominate the game, they will need someone to score the goals.

The best team in the AFL competition as of Round 18, the Magpies have been incredibly in-form and don’t seem to be slowing down. After winning its last 14 home matches, the club has covered the line in nine of their last 11 at the MCG.

While the Gold Coast Suns are the favourite to walk away with the four points, the Saints have managed to get over the club in their last eight games against one another. The sacking of Stuart Dew could also be a negative distraction for the Suns, who have struggled with form and consistency. If the Saints were to go up, expect it to be within the margin of 1-39 at $2.75. They have won seven of their last eight by this amount against the Suns.

Following the sacking of their head coach Stuart Dew, the Suns will be eager to make sure it doesn’t become a distraction for the clash. One way to make sure it doesn’t is for the leaders of the club to stand up- none more important than midfielder Touk Miller. After returning from injury, Miller needs a good showing to reclaim his 2022 season form.

After glimpses of his high potential, new recruit Jason Horne-Francis has come into his own recently and has been a key member of the Power’s midfield. This is the perfect game for him to solidify his spot in the team against a good-performing Blues. Another market to go with is for Dan Houston as an anytime goalscorer. Two weeks ago, he showed his heroics against the Bombers and is sitting at $2.85 for a single goal.

Port Adelaide have been sensational as of late, so good that their own captain has failed to get a game in recent week. Sitting at the top of the ladder with Collingwood, they will be desperate to put another good showing on- this time against the Carlton Blues. A win will add to their 13-game-winning streak and take down the Blues’ streak of three wins.

The Cats have been able to cover the line in several of their previous game, and this week should be no different for them at home. The Bombers will give it their all but are unlikely to match the home side’s talents or prowess. Another bet we like is on the goalscoring market. Moving away from Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, expect Gary Rohan to lead the goalscoring list with three or more goals at $4.90.

The return of Geelong superstar forward Jeremy Cameron means only one thing- he will make an immediate impact. Having missed the past couple of weeks with a concussion, Cameron will be set to get off the best possible start and is an early favourite to kick the opening goal of the game, getting off to the best start possible in his return game.

The GWS Giants enter the game with a winning streak and on tremendous form, but that will undoubtedly end in Adelaide against the Crows. The Crows are another team when playing at home and will be looking to register a crucial victory as the competition slowly heads into the AFL Finals Series. Expect them to win but for the Giants to keep the margin relatively close.

Although the Kangaroos have lost their last 14 consecutive matches, they shouldn’t be underestimated. This statement is more factual, considering they will come up against a young Hawks side who have only won two more games than them this season. An upset could be on the cards. Considering the two teams are at the bottom of the ladder, expect the total score to fall under 170.5 at $1.90- with the game mostly played in the midfield and halfback line.

While the Hawks should walk away with the victory and four points at the end of the game, expect the second half to be way closer than the first half. Due to the age and experience of the Hawks line-up, they always seem to manage to get off to a quick start in the opening two quarters before slowing down in the second half.

With a big win expected against the under-performing Eagles, Richmond is destined to have multiple players kick a bag on the week. The list should be headlined by veteran Jack Riewoldt who is no stranger to kicking multiple goals in a game. Shai Bolton will also be hoping to kick at least four on Sunday, if not more, and is standing at $5.00 to complete the feat.

The game against the Eagles couldn’t have come at a better time for the Richmond Tigers, are they are in need of a massive victory to keep their final chance alive and improve their percentage. Having lost their 13 of their last 14 by a margin of over 40+, there is no doubt the Tigers will have a field day against the Eagles on Sunday.