AFL Tips and Previews, March 30-31
Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions
March 30th
The Western Bulldogs’ search for their first win of the season doesn’t get any easier as they take on the in-form Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium.
It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Luke Beveridge and his men after following up their 50-point Round One loss to the Dees with a 51-point thumping from St Kilda on Saturday night. Outclassed, out-hunted and outplayed by the rejuvenated Saints, the Dogs got smashed in the possession count and only had 37 i50s for the match. Aaron Naughton was their only multiple-goal scorer with two, as they look to their midfield for a much-needed lift in effort.
After lowering their colours against Port Adelaide in their season opener, the Lions hit back in a big way with an 11-point victory over Melbourne. It could and should have been a more significant margin if not for the Gabba blackout with 12 minutes to go and the Dees kicking the last five of the match. Joe Daniher found his groove with four majors, but the performance from the young gun, Will Ashcroft, will have Lions fans drooling. The son of Marcus had 31 disposals and nine clearances, resulting in the Round Two AFL Rising Star nomination. He is currently $2.25 to win the award with Bet Nation.
The Brisbane midfield of Neale, Dunkley, Ashcroft and Zorko should be too powerful for the Dogs based on their form over the past fortnight.
Suggested Bet:
B. Smith anytime goal scorer at $2.20
Collingwood vs. Richmond
March 31st
Well, hasn’t the market for the premiership changed after two weeks? The Magpies have been outstanding against Geelong and Port Adelaide and have launched into $5.50 favouritism ahead of Melbourne and Geelong.
It was a masterclass against the Power on Saturday, with the Pies putting the game to bed in the first half with 13 goals to five. Nick Daicos (32), Tom Mitchell (27) and Josh Daicos (26) led from the front for Collingwood, with Nick potentially polling six Brownlow votes in the first two games.
One would expect a more competitive performance from the Tigers than the Power in front of a Friday night MCG crowd after they accounted for the Crows by 32 points in Adelaide. Leading by 45 points at half-time, Richmond allowed the Crows back into the match before kicking away again with five consecutive goals to end the game. Samson Ryan debuted with three goals alongside a treble from Tom Lynch. Nathan Broad will miss the next four matches for his sling tackle on Patrick Parnell, while Dustin Martin was subbed out of the game and will be a wait-and-see.
There’s seemingly no slowing the Pies down, especially with the question mark over Martin’s fitness.
