We’re getting through the bye rounds now. This weekend features plenty of tight matches that punters are having difficulty picking a winner for. Hopefully, we can give you the insight you need.
Sydney vs Hawthorn
They may have played out one of the most intense rivalries of the last decade, but the spark has well and truly gone out of Sydney and Hawthorn’s affair.
Despite getting some big names back, the Hawks are just nowhere near it in 2021 and are a genuine chance of taking out the spoon. Like we said last week, Sydney doesn’t blow teams away, but they’re on their home patch again and should be able to take down the Hawks in a comfortable fashion.
Swans by 19 $2.04 at PlayUp
Fremantle vs Gold Coast
The return of Matt Rowell for Gold Coast, coupled with injuries galore for Fremantle, has seen enough interest in the Suns to make them favourites for Saturday arvo.
We’re not so sure.
Gold Coast have never won at the new Perth Stadium and have claimed victory just once in 14 trips to Perth all-up. The Dockers, on the other hand, have looked very strong at home this season and pushed the Western Bulldogs pretty impressively last week. Home ground advantage should give them the edge.
Dockers by 16 $2.44 at PlayUp
St Kilda vs Adelaide
This match has also come down to a knife’s edge odds-wise. Nobody really trusts the Saints in 2021 so, despite their lead over Adelaide on the ladder, the Crows are getting a lot of love to cause the upset.
Unfortunately, Adelaide just looked awful against Collingwood last week. They’re good for a big upset every now and then, but they just can’t be trusted to turn up every week.
The Saints love playing non-finalists and should get the points in this one.
Saints by 29 $1.89 at PlayUp
North Melbourne vs GWS Giants
There’s not too much to say about North Melbourne. They have a crack each week, at least, but their effort just isn’t matched by their very sub-par talent.
Hobart has been a good home ground for the Kangaroos in the past – except against the Giants, who are even-stevens in the Tasmanian capital.
They’re also getting Toby Greene back, which tips things even more in their favour.
Giants by 24 $1.28 at PlayUp
West Coast vs Richmond
Ladder-wise, this is the biggest blockbuster of the week. Surprisingly, however, both teams are in a bit of a scrap for finals positions at the moment and the loser could genuinely be at risk if someone outside the top eight goes on a run.
The home ground advantage is usually a massive factor when tipping West Coast games, but the Tigers played superbly at this ground just last week and are in slightly better form.
The Eagles have a worrying injury list to contend with as well.
Tigers by 9 $1.76 at PlayUp
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Collingwood will do their best to lift as they aim to farewell outgoing coach Nathan Buckley on a high but, unfortunately, they’re coming up against the best team in the competition.
Melbourne continues to rise to every challenge in 2021 and their comprehensive win over Brisbane a week ago should have removed any and all doubt that they are the real deal this season.
Expect the Magpies to make life difficult, but the Demons to rise above and collect another win.
Demons by 17 $1.18 at PlayUp
https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/06/10/the-roars-afl-expert-tips-and-predictions-round-13-4/
