AFL Tips and Previews, April 15-16
Brisbane vs. North Melbourne
April 15th
The Lions enter this week’s clash as $1.20 fancies after returning to form in a big way with a convincing 33-point win over Collingwood. As predicted, Oscar McInerney dominated the ruck-less Pies with 43 hit-outs and 11 clearances alongside Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley’s seven clearances each.
Daniel Rich and Darcy Fort will return to the Lions’ set-up, with the Big O sharing this week’s ruck duties against the in-form Todd Goldstein.
North will certainly be buoyed by the return of Ben McKay and Griffin Logue as they strengthen their key defensive posts, but whether that’s enough to slow down a Brisbane team who averages 103 in their wins is another question.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane (-28.5) at $1.90
Essendon vs. Melbourne
April 15th
Despite recording their third win from four games last week, there’s been very little love for Essendon in the market as they prepare to take on the $1.32 Dees at Adelaide Oval.
It was a less-than-convincing 13-point victory for the Bombers in their clash with the Giants, but 10 scoring shots from Jake Stringer (4.6) will have Brad Scott licking his lips if he can remain healthy.
Having won the last three games between the sides, the Dees will add Adam Tomlinson and Ben Brown to the side that defeated West Coast by 63 points as Jake Lever sits it out through injury. Both midfields will run riot this weekend, but the talent at the Dees is far superior at this point.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne 1-39 at $2.15
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
April 15th
In a battle of who-do-we-trust-to-retain-their-winning-form-less, Port Adelaide will take on the Western Bulldogs in front of the Power faithful.
Both sides sit 2-2 after four rounds, with the Power stunning the Swans at the SCG. They had 22 fewer inside 50s but were far more effective when going forward, keeping the Swans to 19 scoring shots from their 67 entries.
The Dogs were equally impressive as they upset Richmond to the tune of five points and on the back of another masterclass from Tim English. If the Power can’t curb his influence around stoppages, there will be an Adelaide Oval’s worth of fans going home disappointed.
Tom Jonas is out for the Power, while the Dogs must find replacements for Bailey Smith, Alex Keath and Hayden Crozier.
Suggested Bet:
M. Bontempelli anytime goal scorer at $1.65
Geelong vs. West Coast
April 16th
Are the reigning premiers back in business for 2023?
It took them the best part of a month, but Geelong found their hunger in their annual Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn and ran out 82-point winners. Trailing by nine points at half-time, the Cats piled on 10 unanswered in a blistering third term and 15-1 in the second half.
Adam Simpson will be having nightmares about how to compete with Jeremy Cameron after he pieced together a 22-disposal and seven-goal performance.
The Eagles have been given no chance at $10 in the market and with Shannon Hurn sidelined. At the very least, Alex Witherden and Jack Petruccelle will add much-needed leg speed.
Suggested Bet:
Geelong 40+ at $1.57
GWS vs. Hawthorn
April 16th
Sam Mitchell has the most formidable job in football this week as he attempts to reinvigorate a side that just received one of the great lessons in elite-level sport.
The Hawks are coming off a 15-goal to-one second half against Geelong, and their only shining light, Will Day, won’t be at Norwood Oval after receiving a two-match suspension.
On the other hand, the Giants went within 13 points of the 3-1 Bombers, with Tom Green starring again as he averaged 33 disposals from the first four rounds. Number one draft pick, Aaron Cadman, has been named to debut as the Giants look poised to add a second win to their tally.
Suggested Bet:
GWS to win at $1.42
Collingwood vs. St Kilda
April 16th
Arguably the match of the round takes place at 4:50 pm on Sunday afternoon.
The Pies will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season to the Lions. Their ruck duo of Dan McStay and Billy Frampton must shoulder the bulk of the load again while Darcy Cameron’s sidelined. Jack Ginnivan has been named to play his first senior game of the season.
The Saints, who sit at the top of the ladder, have no further additions to the medical room following their 53-point thumping of the Gold Coast. Tim Membrey could return for his first game, but it’s once again in the ruck with Rowan Marshall where the Saints could gain the ascendancy.
