AFL Best Bets, September 22
Collingwood vs. GWS
22nd September
Round 9: Collingwood defeated GWS 120-55 at the MCG
Are we watching the 2016 Western Bulldogs all over again? After scraping into eighth spot on the ladder, Greater Western Sydney will now face Collingwood for a spot in this year’s grand final.
While they’re still $2.47 outsiders to the Magpies’ $1.51, the Orange Tsunami has certainly picked up support from non-Collingwood fans with how they’ve approached their past two games.
After completely outplaying the Saints in the opening week of finals, the Giants delivered arguably their most impressive performance of the season with a 23-point triumph over Port at Adelaide Oval.
But are we showcasing our short memories again?
Collingwood, who won the minor premiership with 18 wins, watched last week after their qualifying final win over Melbourne gave them the week off. It was the perfect result for the Pies, as Nick Daicos received an extra seven days to recover from a knee injury ahead of his return on Friday night.
Craig McCrae will be missing the experienced head of Taylor Adams (hamstring), but the Pies will still be confident of getting the job done in front of the MCG crowd. They’ll need to get the jump early because that Orange Tsunami gets more destructive as the game progresses.
Suggested Bet:
Half-Time Result (Collingwood) at $1.59
Brisbane vs. Carlton
23rd September
Round 8: Carlton lost to Brisbane 74-100 at Marvel Stadium.
I know what you’re thinking: if the Blues can’t beat the Lions in Melbourne, what hope do they have at The Gabba? History hasn’t been too kind to Carlton after last tasting victory at the home of the Lions 10 years ago in Round 9, 2014.
With very little Gabba success on their side, Michael Voss and his chargers will be hoping to write a new chapter while riding the wave of their two thrilling finals wins over Sydney (6) and Melbourne (2).
Stopping the scoring power of the Lions has been nearly impossible this season, with an average of 95ppg, so the Blues will need to find ways to score 100+ points. The return of Harry McKay and Jack Martin will help in that department, but they need more out of Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, who has kicked just two goals in the past two weeks.
Chris Fagan’s men were unstoppable in their Week 1 finals rout of the Power, running out 48-point winners on the back of 19 goals. Joe Daniher is proving difficult for opposition defenders week in and week out this season, while their mosquito fleet of Charlie Cameron, Cam Raynor, Lincoln McCarthy, Zac Bailey, and Dayne Zorko consistently wreak havoc.
Carlton has delivered one of the great comebacks this season, but they will need to produce their best performance of the season to get close in this one.
