AFL Round 20, July 26th
Carlton vs. Port Adelaide
July 26th
While Michael Voss’s old firm (Brisbane) continues to strengthen its claims for a first premiership tilt since he was captain in 2003, his current Blue Baggers are attempting to turn around a late-season form slump and maintain touch with the top of the ladder.
After consecutive losses to the Giants and Bulldogs, where they gave up 100+ points in both games, they steadied the ship with a 19-point win over the Kangaroos. The game was not without its issues for Voss following Tom De Koning’s season-ending foot injury. De Koning will be replaced by Marc Pittonet this week, while Mitch McGovern’s return will strengthen their flailing defence.
The Power made it three wins from their last four games with victory over the Tigers and will be hellbent on improving their seventh position on the ladder with an upset over the Blues. Ken Hinkley will welcome the return of Kane Farrell and Lachie Jones to a backline that has given up 75 points or less in their last three wins. Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will present the biggest challenge for the Power, with their influence undoubtedly deciding the outcome of this one.
Suggested Bet:
Port Adelaide +13.5 at $1.90
Gold Coast vs. Brisbane
July 27th
Has there ever been more riding on the outcome of a Q-Clash? Ever?
The Suns, who suffered their ninth consecutive loss away from home against the Giants last weekend, will try to keep their season alive at a venue they have made a cauldron for every travelling opponent this season. They will, however, head into the game as $2.10 underdogs with Bet Nation. Damien Hardwick will be buoyed by the return of star ruckman and co-captain, Jarrod Witts, as he tries to negate the in-form Oscar McInerney.
As for the Lions, they have surpassed Carlton on the second line of betting for the 2024 premiership ($4.50) after claiming their seventh consecutive victory and launching into third spot on the ladder. Dayne Zorko (29 disposals) closed in on another Lions B&F with a starring performance in his side’s two-point triumph over the ladder-leading Swans. Harris Andrews is a huge loss for their trip to the Gold Coast, but their stranglehold on the Q-Clash title should only get tighter after this one.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane 1-39 at $2.35
Adelaide vs. Hawthorn
July 28th
The best for last?
One of the most intriguing match-ups of Round 20 takes place on Sunday afternoon when the Crows host the in-form Hawks at the Adelaide Oval.
It’s been a semi-resurgence from the Crows over the past month with wins over the Giants (16), Saints (32) and Bombers (2). While the market is siding with the Hawks in this one based largely on Jordan Dawson missing with concussion, Taylor Walker will return to a forward line consisting of Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty. Ben Keays has been cleared to play after booting a career-high five goals last week.
The 11th-placed Hawks’ push for finals strengthened again when they demolished the Magpies by 66 points at the ‘G. Sam Mitchell has his chargers absolutely humming in the second half of the season and could possibly regain Jack Gunston and Cam Mackenzie against the Crows. Every time we’ve written the Hawks off in 2024, they’ve managed to prove us very wrong, but is a trip to Adelaide even too much for them?
