AFL Best Bets, August 25
Hawthorn vs. Fremantle
Head-To-Head
In this day and age, it’s rare for Hawthorn to enter a clash as $1.61 favourites, but that will be the case when they host Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Hawks have been a revelation throughout the back end of the season, with Sam Mitchell’s game plan starting to click and his team recording wins over Collingwood (32) and Western Bulldogs (3) before giving Melbourne a scare last weekend.
Jai Newcombe is expected to return to the Hawks midfield alongside James Worpel, Will Day and Conor Nash.
As for the Dockers, their disappointing year can’t end soon enough. Tipped to push for the top four, they’ve won just nine games and sit 14th on the ladder. They’ve played just two games at the ‘G this season, a win against Melbourne and a loss to the Pies.
Suggested Bet:
Hawthorn to win at $1.57
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast
Handicap
For two sides that won’t be featuring in finals, it’s been a huge week.
The Gold Coast, who have won seven more games than the Roos this season, announced that Damien Hardwick has signed a six-year deal to lead the club, while North received a beautifully packaged Harley Reid-sized gift from West Coast following their shock win over the Dogs – provided they lose this week, of course.
While the Suns will take no risks with Jack Lukosius (Achilles), Bailey Humphrey (finger) and Ben King (knee), the Roos will lose even more experience with the retirement of Jack Ziebell and injuries to Luke McDonald (hamstring) and possibly Luke Davies-Uniacke (foot).
The Suns arguably have more to play for than their opponents, and we’d expect a four-goal win at a minimum.
Suggested Bet:
Gold Coast (-20.5) at $1.90
Josh Daicos (Collingwood)
25+ Disposals
While Nick Daicos has received deserved plaudits for his possible Brownlow Medal-winning season, his brother has quietly been going about his business with an average of 26ppg.
Despite the Pies’ woes over the past month, Daicos has continued to deliver with 25+ in three of his four games. This includes a 38-disposal and four-tackle performance against Geelong.
Not known for their ability to stop opposition midfielders, Daicos starred against Essendon on Anzac Day with 30 touches, seven marks and four clearances.
With Parish, Merrett and Mitchell all quoted under $1.50, we’re more than happy to take Daicos as he attempts to lead the Magpies back into form ahead of their finals campaign.
Suggested Bet:
J. Daicos at $1.55
Port Adelaide vs. Richmond
Same Game Multi
Port Adelaide returned to their winning ways last week with a 16-point victory at Optus Stadium.
It’s just what Ken Hinkley would have wanted going into finals, and now they get the chance to build on their form against a Richmond side that struggles to defend and has lost three of its past four.
Conversely, Andrew McQualter is coaching for his immediate future, and a five-goal loss at the Adelaide Oval against a top-four side would almost be considered a win at this point.
- Leg 1: Power 1-39
- Leg 2: Over 178.5 points
- Leg 3: C. Rozee 25+ disposals
- Leg 4: D. Martin 2+ goals
