AFL Best Bets, June 8
Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide
Head-To-Head
The Port Adelaide train continues to roll towards finals in 2023, with Ken Hinkley’s men making it nine wins on the trot with a 55-point victory over Hawthorn.
While they clearly took the foot off the accelerator after half-time, the Power delivered the most sizzling display of football we’ve seen this season when they piled on 16 goals to three in the opening half. Connor Rozee and Zak Butters are currently playing like men possessed, while Ollie Wines is working his way into the year after a slow start.
With Charlie Dixon and Travis Boak potentially returning, it’s hard to see the Dogs ending their own two-game losing streak and stopping the Power, even if it is at Marvel.
Suggested Bet:
Power to win at $1.83
Hawthorn vs. Brisbane
Handicap
If this game was played anywhere but the MCG, you could expect the line to be closer to six goals. Alas, the Lions must overcome their recent poor record at the home of the AFL to pull this off, but given their current form, we’re expecting a dominant showing.
The Lions suffered their first loss since Round 3 against the Crows two weeks ago, and they’ve been stewing on it during their fixtured bye round. Chris Fagan will welcome Jack Payne back into defence for Saturday afternoon, but they will be confident after watching Hawthorn’s first half against the Power.
While the Hawks were able to steady the ship with 11 goals to seven after half-time, we can’t forget the 105-23 scoreline at the main break.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane Lions (-24.5) at $1.90
Sydney vs. St Kilda
Totals
Scoring has never been the one wood for either of these two sides under their current coaches, with both in the bottom seven for points scored as they instead focus on shutting down their opponents.
The Swans’ defensive stocks have improved with the inclusion of Dane Rampe, but Ross Lyon and the Saints will be doing their utmost to spoil Buddy Franklin’s 350th game celebration.
Expect a tough, low-scoring Thursday night blockbuster like the Swans and Saints of old.
Suggested Bet:
-158.5 total points at $1.88
Ben Keays (Adelaide)
Anytime Goal
The Adelaide midfielder has reinvented himself as an unrelenting half-forward/run-with player in 2023, with an ability to hit the scoreboard.
While Tex Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Izak Rankine receive deserved plaudits for their goal-kicking exploits, Keays has quietly gone about his business with eight goals from his 12 games. This includes four from his past four.
While he has kicked 13 behinds, Keays has developed into a reliable goal kicker, and we’re happy to take his $1.61 against an embattled West Coast Eagles.
Suggested Bet:
Ben Keays at $1.61
North Melbourne vs. GWS
Same Game Multi
Not the one-sided nature we could’ve reasonably expected one month ago, given the Kangaroos’ impressive but luckless three weeks.
Despite their recent improvement under Brett Ratten, the Roos will still find it challenging against the Giants as they look to win their second game in three weeks.
Toby Greene is dominating, Nick Haynes is returning, and Lachie Whitfield has found his form again.
- GWS to win
- Under 175.5
- S. Coniglio 25+ disposals
- C. Zurhaar 2+ goals
