AFL Round 13, June 7
Hawthorn vs. GWS
June 8th
Can Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell era take another step forward this weekend?
After starting the year with five consecutive losses, the mighty-flying Hawks have gone on a tear with four wins from their past five games, including a one-point loss to Port Adelaide. Led by Dylan Moore’s five-goal haul and 27 disposals, Mitchell’s men powered past the Crows last weekend and will now enter this week’s clash with an unchanged 22.
Despite this, the Giants will enter the match as $1.63 favourites following their four-point victory over the Cats at GMHBA Stadium two weeks ago. They’ve since rested their weary legs with the bye-round but will be without Harry Perryman and Stephen Coniglio. Callan Ward returns for the Giants, but we’re not sure it’s enough to warrant the short quote.
Given this game is in Tasmania, expect a single-figure margin at the final siren.
Suggested Bet:
Hawthorn 1-39 at $2.64
Sydney vs. Geelong
June 9th
Another week, another easy kill for the Swans?
Sydney’s season continues to go from strength to strength, with the ladder leaders entering last week’s bye with 10 wins and just one loss. Chad Warner, Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney form the most potent midfield in the competition, and they rank first for both points scored and against. Tom McCartin, Caiden Cleary, and Peter Ladhams have been added to the squad, with the former’s inclusion strengthening their enviable defense.
While they might be sitting third on the ladder, there’s a world between the Cats and the Swans just two spots further up. Chris Scott’s men snapped a four-game losing streak against Richmond last weekend, but it was far from convincing after trailing at half-time. Mark Blicavs and Jhye Clark are important returnees, but it will do little to stop the all-conquering and well-rested Swans.
Suggested Bet:
J. Amartey 2+ goals at $2.07
Collingwood vs. Melbourne
June 10th
The King’s Birthday clash doesn’t get any more interesting than this year’s edition, with an injury-plagued Collingwood taking on a wildly inconsistent Melbourne.
Starting with the Dees, they will be looking to bounce back from a humiliating loss to Fremantle last weekend, where they were completely outplayed to the tune of 92 points. It was the biggest loss under Simon Goodwin’s reign, and we expect him to swing the axe in a big way ahead of Monday. Max Gawn will undoubtedly lead from the front, but the question remains as to who will follow.
Injuries finally caught up with the Magpies during their three-goal loss to the Dogs, making it a winless fortnight after their draw with Fremantle. Will Hoskin-Elliott and Reef McInnes could return from their respective injuries, but there will be little other relief for Craig McRae. Nick Daicos has arguably taken his game to another level again, with 32+ disposals in each of his last five games.
It would take an almighty effort from Melbourne to bounce back from a loss of that magnitude, so we’re sticking with the Pies on the big stage.
