AFL Round 16 – free match odds, betting preview and exotic tips

AS WE draw into the second half of the season the finals picture looks just about set, with just the positions within the top eight yet to be determined.

Richmond are making a big push for the top four, Collingwood are in desperate need of a win after dropping several in a row while the Crows, Giants, Bulldogs and Kangaroos look set to battle it out for the final spot in the eight.

Lots of interesting games this week, here’s how we think they will pan out.

Kangaroos vs. Bombers

Friday, July 17th, 7:50pm, Etihad Stadium

North Melbourne – $1.92 (-29.5)

Essendon – $1.92 (+29.5)

Back to the traditional Friday night round opener and this game sees North Melbourne hosting Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Essendon are coming off their first win in well over a month, upsetting Melbourne at the MCG.
North Melbourne got their season back on track with a crushing victory over fellow finals aspirants Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

The Roos will be without vital big-man Drew Petrie, who will miss the match due to suspension.

Petrie was the game changer last time the two teams met earlier in the year, chipping in with goals up forward, then taking several goal saving marks down back late in the game when the scores were tight.

Petrie’s absence opens the door for Aaron Black, who impressed last week with North Melbourne’s VFL affiliate, kicking three goals.

Despite a spirited win last week to the Bombers, North Melbourne are a far more daunting prospect than the Demons and should prove too much for the injury-hit Dons.

Tip: North Melbourne to win $1.27 via Sportsbet

Exotic: Most disposals group 1 – Dyson Heppell – $4.00 via Sportsbet

Cats vs. Bulldogs

Saturday, July 18th, 1:45pm, Simmons Stadium

Geelong – $1.91 (-6.5)

Western Bulldogs – $1.91 (+6.5)

The early Saturday afternoon game down the Geelong highway sees the Cats hosting the Bulldogs in a match that could decide who plays finals and who misses out.

The Bulldogs were unconvincing last week despite kicking ten last quarter goals to beat the Gold Coast.

The Dogs looked a spent force at three quarter time but were able to rally when it mattered to record a very important victory.

Geelong were abysmal against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium, and looked like the 21-day-layoff between games had a negative impact on their match fitness.

The Cats welcome back Mitch Duncan, who prior to his foot injury was Geelong’s best midfielder. His inclusion will be a big boost to an on-ball brigade heavily reliant on Joel Selwood.

Simmons Stadium has not been the fortress it has been in the past, with the Cats susceptible at home, but with the inclusion of Duncan, as well as Bartel’s return the week before, Geelong should be too strong for the Dogs.

Tip: Geelong to win $1.67 via William Hill

Exotic: Matthew Stokes to have 30 or more disposals $6.40 via Sportsbet

Suns vs. Gaints

Saturday, July 11th, 2:10pm, Metricon Stadium

Gold Coast – $1.91 (+4.5)

GWS – $1.91 (-4.5)

Saturday afternoon on the Gold Coast sees the Suns hosting the Giants in an intriguing match at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns have been much better over the last month, and with the inclusion of Gary Ablett back into the side, look like a dangerous prospect going into the second half of the season.

The Giants had a good win against St Kilda at home last week to keep in touch with the top eight, but lost one of their best midfielders in Dylan Shiel for an extended period with a knee injury.

A depleted Giants back six will be happy to see the talented Charlie Dixon out of the line-up, who has been in sparkling form up forward for the Suns.

With the exclusion of Dixon the pendulum swings back in favour of the Giants, who have more to play for at this stage of the season.

Tip: GWS to win $1.76 via Crownbet

Exotic: Gary Ablett to score 3 or more goals – $3 via Sportsbet

Magpies vs.Eagles

Saturday, July 18th, 4:35pm, Etihad Stadium

Collingwood – $1.92 (+9.5)

West Coast – $1.92 (-9.5)

The sole Melbourne game on Saturday sees Collingwood hosting the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium, with the Pies looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Magpies were gallant in defeat in the wet against Port Adelaide last week, leaving their fourth quarter surge just a little too late.

The Eagles kept their fantastic run going, sweeping aside Adelaide in an emotion-packed matchup at Domain Stadium.

The Pies lose Taylor Adams to suspension, but regain rebounding defender Marley Williams who is in All-Australian form.

The Eagles are unchanged.

This match should be a tightly fought contest, but expect the Eagles to have a little too much class than their opponents, with the West Coast midfield a class above most on-ball divisions in the league.

Tip: West Coast Eagles to win $1.64 via William Hill

Exotic: Most disposals group 1 – Dane Swan $4 via Sportsbet

Swans vs. Hawks

Saturday, July 18th, 7:20pm, ANZ Stadium

Sydney – $1.91 (+7.5)

Hawthorn – $1.91 (-7.5)

The second Grand Final rematch of the year sees the Swans hosting the Hawks at ANZ Stadium in a match that could dictate who has a home final come September.

The Swans were just good enough against the Lions, skipping away in the final quarter to record a victory that belied just how tough Sydney had to do it.

The Hawks looked ominous against the Dockers, putting the league leaders to the sword and issuing the AFL world a message in doing so.

Hawthorn welcomes back Jarryd Roughead after he had surgery to remove a melanoma from his lip.

The Swans welcome back All-Australian defender Ted Richards who missed last week’s match with a concussion.

It is not often that the Swans go into a game as underdogs on their home ground, but that is precisely what is happening in this match up.

Despite not having the favouritism, the Swans should have enough firepower to get over the line, especially with Lance Franklin’s 700th career goal looming.

The big Bud looks set for a big one and it could spell trouble for his former team.

Tip: Sydney to win $2.35 via Sportsbet

Exotic: Most goals – Lance Franklin $3.25 via Sportsbet

Dockers vs. Blues

Saturday, July 18th, 7.40pm, Domain Stadium

Fremantle – $1.92 (-42.5)

Carlton – $1.92 (+42.5)

The last game on Saturday sees the Dockers hosting the Blues in a match that could get ugly for the visitors.

The Dockers were dismal against the Hawks last week and will be looking to get back on the winner’s list after blowing a two-game advantage atop the AFL ladder.

Carlton have been much improved under caretaker coach John Blakey, but failed to secure a win against Richmond last Friday night.

The Blues have taken a massive hit to their midfield stocks with last year’s best and fairest winner Bryce Gibbs out for the year with a pectoral injury.

The Dockers will be looking to bounce back in style and will see this as the perfect opportunity to flex their collective muscle and prove to the competition they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Expect Fremantle to dismantle Carlton and record a huge win.

Tip: Fremantle to win by 40+ $1.74 via Sportsbet

Exotic: Most possessions group 1 – Nat Fyfe $3.25 via Sportsbet

Demons vs. Lions

Sunday, July 19th, 1:10pm, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne – $1.91 (-9.5)

Brisbane – $1.91 (+9.5)

The first and only game at the MCG kicks off Sunday’s action with the Demons hosting the Lions at the home of football.

Melbourne are coming off a disappointing loss to the Bombers, with wayward kicking in front of goal costing the Dees dearly.

The Lions will be buoyed by their strong showing against the Swans at the GABBA, falling just short of securing another upset on their home turf.

Unfortunately both teams will not be featuring in the September action, and the game will most likely reflect that with two teams injury affected and anticipating the end of the season.

Expect the Dees to bounce back in this match, with a touch more class all around the ground and a potent forward attack that a depleted Lions outfit will find difficult to contain

Tip: Melbourne to win $1.57 via Sportsbet

Exotic: First goal scorer –Chris Dawes $15 via Sportsbet

Power vs.Crows

Sunday, July 19th, 3:20pm, Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide – $1.92 (-9.5)

Adelaide – $1.92 (+9.5)

The battle for supremacy in the state of South Australia is the second game on Sunday, with the Power and the Crows resuming hostilities at the Adelaide Oval.

This one will have a slightly different feel, with both teams affected by the passing of former Power assistant coach and former head coach of the Crows Phil Walsh, with both teams showing a mutual respect throughout the week.

The Power had a terrific win last week against Collingwood and will consider themselves a big chance to make a late charge for the eight.

The Crows were brave to take to the field last week given the circumstances, and matched the Eagles up until half time, but were blown away late in the match.

It should be an interesting affair with no one quite sure how the two teams will attack the game, but the Power take slightly better form into the match and should come out on top.

Tip: Port Adelaide to win $1.62 via William Hill

Exotic: First goal scorer – Justin Westhoff $11 via Sportsbet

Phil Walsh medallist: Ollie Wines – $8 via Sportsbet

Saints vs. Tigers

Sunday, July 19th, 4:40pm, Etihad Stadium

St Kilda – $1.91 (+18.5)

Richmond – $1.92 (-18.5)

The Saints at the Tigers finish off round 16 at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon with one team firmly entrenched in the eight and the other languishing towards the bottom of the ladder.

The Tigers overcame a plucky Carlton outfit on Friday night, with a scrappy and at times unwatchable game. Richmond will be happy to bank the four points and move on.

The Saints were average in Sydney against the GWS after thrashing Essendon the week before, going down by 35 points.

Richmond welcomes back Ivan Maric after a one week suspension.

The Tigers are in touch with the top four, but cannot afford to drop games against opposition they should be beating if they are to earn the double chance going into September.

St Kilda will be no easy beats, with the talented team taking it up to their opponents in almost every game they have played this season.

Expect Richmond to come out on top in this one, with too much to play for and a top four spot on the line.

Tip: Richmond to win 1-39 $2.15 via Sportsbet

Exotic: First goal scorer –Ben Griffiths $11 via Sportsbet

Ian Stewart medallist: Dustin Martin – $8 via Sportsbet