Round 15 of the 2020 AFL season kicks off on Tuesday night with a double-header and concludes on Friday night with a Brisbane vs Collingwood blockbuster. Six clubs have the bye in Round 15, which means there will be just six games on the card.
As always, we bring you our best AFL tips for each match, with thanks to the guys at Before You Bet.
Hawthorn Hawks vs Adelaide Crows
Tuesday 5:40pm, Adelaide Oval
Hawthorn looked on their way to an easy win when they comfortably led Essendon at half time of their Round 14 clash, but it turned out to be a game of two halves. The Bombers lifted their intensity and the Hawks couldn’t go with them, eventually losing by 16 points and dropping to 15th on the ladder as a result.
Adelaide finally went undefeated in a round – thanks to their scheduled bye. They now have just four games left to secure a win in season 2020.
The Hawks have been woeful over the last two months, but still not as bad as the Crows. This is probably the Crows last genuine chance to win a game this season, with GWS, Carlton and Richmond still to come. It’s impossible to back them however, so we recommend backing the Hawks to get it done by 1-39.
Prediction: Hawks 1-39 @$1.82
West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers
Tuesday 8:10pm, Gabba
The Eagles weren’t up to the task against the Tigers in Round 14 and have now slipped out of the top four. They’re 7-0 at home and 2-4 on the road this season.
The Bombers fought back extremely well to pip the Hawks in the fourth quarter last weekend and keep their finals hopes alive. Joe Daniher was superb in his first game back from injury with 10 marks and three crucial goals.
West Coast were average at best against the Tigers and didn’t fill us with great confidence that they’re better prepared for hub life this time around. The Bombers are also a hard team to trust on a weekly basis, but taking them with a three goal start looks the move in a tough betting game.
Prediction: Bombers +19.5 @$1.90
Richmond Tigers vs Fremantle Dockers
Wednesday 7:10pm, Metricon Stadium
The Tigers put an end to the Eagles big winning streak on the weekend and are humming along nicely. Eight wins from their last 10 matches has seen the Tigers move inside the top four with a favourable run home.
Fremantle’s bubble burst against the Giants in Round 14 when they were smashed by 38 points on their home deck. Any slight hope of a finals berth is now dead and buried for Dockers fans.
The Dockers were lethargic against the Giants and that was probably to be expected from such a young list in a crammed season. It’s hard to see them bouncing back with a bundle of energy against the Tigers in a short turnaround, so we’re expecting a Tiger bloodbath here.
Prediction: Tigers -29.5 @$1.90
Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons
Thursday 4:40pm, Cazaly’s Stadium
Sydney tried hard without ever really threatening Port Adelaide on Saturday in a match that was one to quickly forget. The Swans were always going to struggle this year and look destined for a bottom four finish.
Melbourne played their part in a thrilling clash with St Kilda in Round 14, where they were just able to scrape over the line. Christian Petracca continued his dominant season with a four-goal haul that included plenty of top-shelf highlights.
The young Swans are usually competitive enough not to get blown out, but this has the makings of a big win for the Demons. They have a massive edge in the midfield and should be able to control the game through that area to get repeat entries inside 50’s against a Sydney defence without Dane Rampe. Expect Petracca, Oliver and the likes all to have big games in any easy win.
Prediction: Demons -16.5 @$1.90
GWS Giants vs Carlton Blues
Thursday 7:10pm, Metricon Stadium
GWS returned to the winners circle with a resounding victory against Fremantle on their home deck. The Giants came flying out of the blocks and never looked back, leading from wire-to-wire in an inspired performance.
Carlton found themselves in a must-win clash with Collingwood on Sunday, but just weren’t able to go with them when the whips were cracking in the fourth quarter. It now looks very, very tough for the Blues to secure a rare finals berth.
The Giants look to be back in form and that’s a scary proposition for any opposing club at this stage of the season. On the other hand, the young Blues looked out on their feet late last weekend against the Magpies, so we can’t see them getting near the firing Giants on a quick back-up.
Prediction: Giants -10.5 @$1.90
Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies
Friday 7:50pm, Gabba
Brisbane had the freshen up in Round 14 and will be ready to attack their last four games of the season before finals. They look destined for a top four finish and just may well have home ground advantage throughout the finals series.
Collingwood secured a crucial win over Carlton on Sunday afternoon to jump up to sixth spot on the ladder. They have one of the trickier runs home, but probably need just one more win to lock in a finals spot.
This is a big game for both clubs and we expect it to be a really tough contest early on. That said, the Lions have been far more consistent this season, are coming off a bye, and have the home ground advantage. Taking them to cover the line looks the way to finish off the round.
Prediction: Lions -13.5 @$1.90
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For more free sports betting tips head to www.beforeyoubet.com.au where you’ll also find an independent PlayUp review.
