AFL Tips and Previews, April 1-2
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne
April 1st
One of the more intriguing matchups of the round pits the winless Hawks against the undefeated Kangaroos.
Doubling as the Alastair Clarkson Cup, the Hawks will be desperate to record their first win of the season after losing both matches by a combined 140 points and sitting at the bottom of the ladder.
The Roos have been one of the surprise packets so far this season, equaling the two games they won in 2022 with wins over both Fremantle and West Coast. Co-captain Jye Simpkin (suspension) will be replaced by Will Phillips.
There will be a bit in this match due to Clarkson’s relationship with his former club, and both sides will undoubtedly come out with a point to prove.
Suggested Bet:
North Melbourne 1-39 at $2.15
GWS vs. Carlton
April 1st
The Carlton train will pull up at Giants Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Michael Voss’ men buoyant after dishing out one of their best performances under his tutelage in their eight-point win over Geelong. Despite losing Matthew Kennedy to a calf injury, the Blues regain midfield bull George Hewett.
GWS will return home with their tail between their legs after becoming just the third team to go down to the Eagles since the backend of 2021. An eight-goal to two second term proved the difference in the match, as the Giants outscored their opponents in every other quarter.
Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly will return from concussion protocols, but that might not be enough to slow down the Blues.
Suggested Bet:
Carlton to win at $1.55
St Kilda vs. Essendon
April 1st
At the beginning of the season, who would’ve predicted a 2nd vs 3rd clash between St Kilda and Essendon in Round Three? Us either.
Ross Lyon and Brad Scott have had an incredible start to their years at new clubs, with Lyon coaching the Saints to a 51-point victory over the Bulldogs. They’ve allowed just 93 points against in their first two games, ranking first in the AFL for defense. Injured skipper, Jack Steele, is another significant loss for the injury-riddled Saints.
Jake Stringer and Sam Weideman are the two inclusions for the undefeated Bombers, with both set to join a forward line that has kicked the second-most points of any team. Their 28-point triumph over the Suns was brave, and with health on their side, they can make it three on the trot in this one.
Suggested Bet:
Essendon to win at $2.08
Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide
April 1st
The Showdown couldn’t have come at a more important time for both Port Adelaide and the Crows as both sides try to bounce back into form after Round Two losses.
Port is the most likely of the two – they’re $1.40 with Bet Nation – after at least showing something in their Round One thumping of Brisbane. Ken Hinkley has swung the axe after their loss to the Pies, with Orazio Fantasia, Mitch Georgiades and Jase Burgoyne all axed.
The Crows showed some fight in their 32-point loss to the Tigers, but once again allowed a bevy of goals to be kicked on them in quick succession. Matthew Nicks has been just as ruthless at the selection table with Lachie Gollant one of three ins.
Suggested Bet:
B. Keays anytime goal scorer at $1.63
Gold Coast vs. Geelong
April 2nd
Who gets off the mark first? The Suns or the Cats?
Chris Scott certainly wouldn’t be too nervous at this point of the season – after all, the Cats did win 16 straight and a premiership. Nevertheless, 0-3 is a long way to come back from, but the inclusion of Tom Stewart gives them every chance to sort out their defensive issues.
The Suns gave up an opportunity to win against the Bombers, kicking 4.6 in the third quarter and failing to put the result to bed. David Swallow will make history as the first Sun to play 200 games, but it looks as though the celebrations will end there for Stuart Dew and his chargers.
Suggested Bet:
Geelong (-16.5) at $1.90
Melbourne vs. Sydney
April 2nd
Despite losing to Brisbane and an MCL injury to Max Gawn, the Demons will enter their clash with the ladder leaders as $1.77 favourites.
Simon Goodwin has made bulk changes to the side who lost by just 11 after kicking the game’s last five goals, with Steven May headlining the list of ins.
As for Sydney, their biggest headache will come from Lance Franklin’s return and how they should structure a forward line consisting of Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald.
The Demons certainly have the firepower to inflict the Swans’ first loss of the season, but it won’t be easy, and it won’t be by much.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne to win at $1.77
Fremantle vs. West Coast
April 2nd
Fans are in for more fireworks in this weekend’s edition of the Derby, with the winless Dockers needing to find form against the ninth-placed Eagles.
Much was spoken about the Dockers’ top four credentials earlier this year, but a dysfunctional ruck set-up and forward line has resulted in two poor losses to start the year. The biggest issue is the partnership between Sean Darcy and high-priced recruit Luke Jackson and whether the two big men can successfully work together.
The Eagles, on the other hand, sit comfortably just outside the eight after defeating the Giants by 19 points. They’re still missing Nic Naitanui and Elliot Yeo, the former meaning they could be in trouble if the Dockers can sort their ruck problems out.
