AFL Tips and Previews, March 25-26
Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide
March 25th
Both sides registered impressive Round One victories, with the Pies showcasing their early-season finals credentials via a 22-point win over Geelong. They simply ran over the top of the reigning premiers with five unanswered goals in the last quarter. Athletic defender, Jeremy Howe, will be sidelined for several weeks after breaking his arm and replaced by former Crow Billy Frampton, who comes in for his first game.
Like Collingwood, the Power partially put any doubters to bed with their first-up performance resulting in a 54-point dismantling of the Lions at Adelaide Oval. Todd Marshall top-scored with four goals as the Power piled on 13 goals to three in the second half.
The Power are not without their chance in this one, but the MCG crowd should be enough to will the Pies to 2-0.
Suggested Bet:
W. Hoskin-Elliot anytime goal scorer at $1.91
Adelaide vs. Richmond
March 25th
This is as interesting as any game over the weekend after both the Crows and Tigers let slip a chance to kick-start their seasons in the winner’s stall.
The Tigers have swung the axe following their drawn match against Carlton on Thursday night, with Ben Miller, Rhyan Mansell and Jack Ross making way for Samson Ryan and debutant Tylar Young. Tim Taranto (32 disposals) and Daniel Rioli (27) were the best of the Tigers, but they need to improve to live up to their $1.60 quote.
After leading by 28 points at half-time, the Crows succumbed to the Sydney humidity, giving up 11 of the last 15 goals and losing to the Giants by 16 points. They’ll be buoyed by Josh Rachele’s three majors but must improve enormously to combat the Tigers.
Suggested Bet:
Richmond to win at $1.57
Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda
March 25th
The Bulldogs enter this match as $1.54 favourites based on their practice match form because it’s seemingly unders after last week’s 50-point capitulation against the Demons.
They led at the 20-minute of the second quarter but watched on as the Melbourne midfield took control and initiated eight of the last 12 goals. Luke Beveridge has dropped Jason Johannisen and Mitch Hannan, while they’ll also be without injured pair Rory Lobb and Adam Treloar.
It was a dream homecoming for Ross Lyon as the Saints strangled Fremantle into a 15-point victory on Sunday. Seb Ross will strengthen their midfield stocks in his return from injury, but we’ll need to see them regularly perform before trusting them again.
Suggested Bet:
Western Bulldogs to win at $1.54
Fremantle vs. North Melbourne
March 25th
Only one side comes into this match a winner, and it’s not the team who played finals in 2022.
North Melbourne commenced the Alastair Clarkson era in style with a five-point win over the West Coast Eagles. Nick Larkey starred up forward with six goals, while Harry Sheezel (34) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (32) provided plenty of drive. Todd Goldstein will assume the number one ruck role after Tristan Xerri injured his ankle.
The Dockers will be as keen as any side to bounce back from their opening-round performance, where they went down to the Saints at Marvel Stadium. The Nat Fyfe forward experiment started slowly, but they’ve recognised their top-heavy forward line and dropped Josh Treacy.
Suggested Bet:
Fremantle (-30.5) at $1.90
Sydney vs. Hawthorn
March 26th
A grand final hangover? Not in Sydney.
The Swans skipped out of the blocks with a 49-point victory over the Suns. They were as ruthless and selfless as ever as they shared the scoreboard spoils between 12 players and dominated possession with 417 disposals to 366. The win was soured slightly by the suspension of Lance Franklin.
It doesn’t bode well for a Hawthorn outfit that fell into a hole against Essendon and gave up 16 goals to five after half-time. They’re $8 with Bet Nation for a reason, so Hawks fans might be settling in for more of the same this season.
Suggested Bet:
C. Mills 25+ disposals at $1.92
Essendon vs. Gold Coast
March 26th
Windy Hill has been rocking since last Sunday after the Bombers launched into the 2023 season with a dominant 59-point win over the Hawks.
Brad Scott’s messaging has clearly already started to sink in, with the Bombers winning contested possession, inside 50s and clearances. Archie Perkins could be about to explode after his three goals and 20 disposals.
The same can’t be said for the Suns, who were no match for the Swans during their 49-point loss. Jarrad Witts stood tall in the ruck with 51 hit outs and 25 disposals, but they’ll need a lot more from their key forwards, as Ben King, Mabior Chol and Levi Casboult combined for just one goal, four marks and 15 disposals.
Suggested Bet:
Goal Coast (+9.5) at $1.90
West Coast vs. GWS
March 26th
It was a tough start to the season for the West Coast Eagles as they fell to North Melbourne by five points at Marvel. They’ve won just two games since Round 19 in 2021, as the pressure mounts on Adam Simpson and his coaching staff to deliver competitive performances.
They’ll host the in-form GWS Giants, who came from 28 points down at half-time and ran over the Crows by 16. Tom Green was outstanding with 37 touches, while Toby Greene starred with 4 goals.
There are three big changes for the Giants with Josh Kelly (concussion), Lachie Whitfield (concussion) and Harry Perryman (hamstring) all out this week.
