AFL Best Bets, September 15
Carlton vs. Melbourne
15th September
Round 12: Melbourne defeated Carlton 61-44 at the MCG
Round 22: Carlton defeated Melbourne 60-56 at the MCG
The previous two encounters between these sides suggest another low-scoring classic. We couldn’t agree more as the Demons attempt to slow down the barnstorming Blues train en route to the preliminary final weekend.
As it stands, the market agrees with this sentiment, with the line set at 155.5.
Goals will be worth their weight in gold on Friday night as the Demons try to reconfigure their forward line without Jacob van Rooyen. He joins fellow forwards Jake Melksham and Harrison Petty on the sidelines. Simon Goodwin will undoubtedly throw Christian Petracca and Max Gawn forward for extensive periods of the game, while Kozzie Pickett must improve on his 1.3 in front of goal last week. Angus Brayshaw’s concussion issues present yet another problem for the Dees coaching staff.
Michael Voss has his own forward concerns following Harry McKay’s concussion and Jack Martin’s one-game suspension. While Coleman Medalist Charlie Curnow, has been a one-man show for much of the season, he will need his fellow forwards to step up against the likes of Steven May and Jake Lever.
We will see how much Gawn, Oliver and Petracca have learnt from last year’s straight-sets exit, with their battle against Cripps, Walsh and Cerra going a long way to deciding the match.
The Blues have been good, but the Dees have the experience. A close one.
Suggested Bet:
Under (-155.5) at $1.88
Port Adelaide vs. GWS
16th September
Round 22: Port Adelaide defeated GWS 136-85 at Adelaide Oval.
Who could possibly forget the Round 22 demolition job from the Power? Leading by 59 points four minutes into the third quarter, they punched home 31 scoring shots to 20. Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, Dan Houston; the stars were unstoppable. But can they do it again?
After emphatically losing to the Lions last week, Ken Hinkley will leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of a preliminary final berth, with Charlie Dixon undergoing a fitness test on Thursday to test the state of his injured foot. During last week’s match, Trent McKenzie injured his ankle, but he is expected to be healthy enough to take his spot.
The Giants have been flying high since that fateful loss to the Power, defeating Essendon (126), Carlton (32) and St Kilda (24) since. Tom Green (35), Lachie Whitfield (31) and Josh Kelly (27) are starring through the midfield, while Toby Green is the most dangerous forward in the competition.
Despite being $2.32 outsiders, it certainly wouldn’t surprise to see the Giants take it right up to the Power as they search for their 12th win at a different venue this season.
Once again, the midfield battle will be telling, but we’re inclined to give the Power the edge in front of the home crowd.
