AFL punters finally got a breather this week after three weeks of non-stop action. If you’ve been following the tips provided by the experts at Before You Bet, then you’ll have plenty of ammunition to attack the rest of the season. The upcoming Round 13 will see nine games play out from Friday through to Monday and we’ve got our best AFL bets for all matches right here. Let’s get stuck into the betting tips!
Gold Coast Suns vs Carlton Blues
Friday 7:50pm, TIO Stadium
It was the same old story for the Suns against the Tigers in Round 12. They competed hard for the first half but ran out of steam late in the game to suffer another defeat.
For the Blues, it looked as though it was going to be the same old story for them as well when they trailed late in the fourth against the Dockers. Jack Newnes made sure that wasn’t the case with a superb goal after the siren to clinch the win in controversial fashion.
Neither team comes into this clash in fantastic form and a huge reason has been their inability to hit the scoreboard. Over their past five games, the Suns have averaged 52 points for and the Blues have averaged 55. Both teams will see this as a winnable game, so expect it to be a tight contested game where goals are at a premium.
Prediction: Under 121.5 Points @$1.90
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons
Saturday 1:45pm, Metricon Stadium
The Bulldogs got the easy kill against the Crows last weekend and they didn’t let the opportunity go to waste, putting up a season high 111 points on the board.
Melbourne also got an easy win last weekend, defeating the listless Magpies by a whopping 56 points. They too put up a season high in points with a score of 100.
Both clubs will bring some confidence into this clash after thrashing their respective opponents last weekend. The Demons big win certainly has more merit, and they’ve also now won three on the spin by 50+ points. It’s hard to bet against them at the moment and we certainly don’t recommend doing it this weekend.
Prediction: Demons -5.5 @$1.90
Port Adelaide Power vs Hawthorn Hawks
Saturday 4:35pm, Adelaide Oval
Port Adelaide copped a big wake-up call against Geelong last weekend when they were belted by 10 goals. Despite the thrashing, the Power remain on top of the ladder for the 12th consecutive round.
Hawthorn showed some fight early on against West Coast last time out, but the lack of quality in their team was their undoing again. To make matters worse, star defender James Sicily went down with an ACL, and Jaeger O’Meara broke his hand.
Injuries are stacking up for the Hawks and their lack of depth has been apparent in 2020. Expect the Power to bounce back from a rare loss last weekend to belt the Hawks by 5+ goals at home.
Prediction: Power -26.5 @$1.90
Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers
Saturday 7:40pm, TIO Stadium
Essendon continue to disappoint with their inconsistent effort and were completely outplayed in their recent loss to the Saints. They need to turn their form around ASAP or it’ll be a season without finals for Bomber fans.
The Tigers had a great battle with the Suns in Round 12 and were able to come out on top thanks to a six goal to one second half.
Richmond start as deserving favourites against Essendon but the line is certainly big enough. We expect a better showing from the Bombers in the Dreamtime match, but for the Tigers to still come out on top.
Prediction: Tigers 1-39 @$1.76
Fremantle Dockers vs Sydney Swans
Saturday 8:10pm, Optus Stadium
Fremantle had another good showing last weekend but weren’t able to get the chocolates against a determined Carlton outfit. A controversial goal by Jack Newnes after the siren was their undoing and may well cost them a finals berth when it’s all said and done.
The Swans were too good for the Giants in the Battle of the Bridge last weekend, but took a huge hit with Dane Rampe breaking his hand, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Rampe is a huge loss for the Swans and it’ll leave them exposed to key forwards from this point forward. The Dockers have a big forward in Matt Taberner who’s #2 in the competition for contested marks this year and also a forward-drifting Nat Fyfe who will cause problems for the Sydney defence. We expect the Dockers to take advantage in the air up forward and to get back on the winners list.
Prediction: Dockers -9.5 @$1.90
Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats
Sunday 1:05pm, Adelaide Oval
The Crows copped another belting last weekend against the Bulldogs and are now 0-12 on the season with a percentage just shy of 55.
Geelong recorded a huge win over the ladder-leading Power in their recent outing, which propelled them into third spot on the ladder and just a game behind first.
From what we’ve seen from these clubs in both recent outings and over the course of the season, this has the makings of an absolute thrashing. The line has been set at a huge 37.5, but we still think that’s too short.
Prediction: Cats -37.5 @$1.90
Brisbane Lions vs St Kilda Saints
Sunday 3:35pm, Gabba
The Lions only just got over the line against North Melbourne in their Round 12 clash, which would be a tad concerning for coach Chris Fagan.
The Saints bounced back from their drubbing by the Cats in style with a big win over the Bombers. They remain in touch with the top four but have a tough run home.
Brisbane obviously have the home ground advantage and deserve favouritism in this matchup, however the Saints have been competitive in most matches this season and have shown the ability to knock over big sides. Expect this to be a tough match for the Lions in a win they’ll be made to earn.
Prediction: Saints +15.5 @$1.90
West Coast Eagles vs GWS Giants
Sunday 6:10pm, Optus Stadium
West Coast continue to dominate on their home turf but will have to shut up shop and move back into a hub after this round. They’re coming off an easy win over the Hawks and are now sitting fourth on the ladder.
GWS put in one of their all-time bad performances against Sydney in Round 12 that has left more than a few question marks surrounding their flag chances this season.
You would expect a response from the Giants after such a deplorable effort against the Swans, but it’s just impossible to back them on current form, especially against an Eagles side that is undefeated at home this campaign. Eagles to cover the spread looks the best play in this one.
Prediction: Eagles -17.5 @$1.90
Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne
Monday 7:10pm, Gabba
Collingwood are in a real rut at the moment and they’re running out of excuses (and time). They sit precariously on the ladder and need to get going ASAP.
North Melbourne put up a good fight against a flag-fancy in the Lions last time out and will bring some confidence out of that performance. They’re no chance to play finals but will be keen to stay competitive for the remainder of the season.
Not only are the Magpies struggling to kick a score at the moment, but they’ve also been really poor defensively, which has been a big surprise. It’s impossible to have faith in them at the moment, so we recommend taking the near three goal head start for North to close out Round 13.
Prediction: North Melbourne +16.5 @$1.90
