The Finals are so close, we can almost taste them! The final few rounds of the season will determine who gets there and who misses out.
Here’s who we’re backing this week.
St Kilda vs Carlton
Both of these sides look to be in the finals race if you take a glance at the ladder but, if you dig a bit deeper, it’s season over for both in reality.
The Saints had a nice-looking run get away from over the last fortnight, while it’s a similar story for Carlton, who looked to have saved David Teague’s job before laying an almighty egg against North.
St Kilda have won seven of eight against the Blues of late and should continue the trend.
Saints by 19 $2.08 at PlayUp
Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows
This one could get ugly.
The Bulldogs are arguably the premiership favourites rights now and are in ripping form, whereas the Crows have been near the bottom of the ladder all season.
With this game now being played at the Doggies mini-fortress in Ballarat, it’s hard to see this being anything other than one-way traffic.
Bulldogs by 76 $1.99 at PlayUp
North Melbourne vs Geelong Cats
The Kangaroos could yet lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder after a very decent run of form lately.
They play very well in the Tasmanian capital too but, coming up against Geelong, it’s hard to see their purple patch continuing.
Cats by 31 $1.99 at PlayUp
Gold Coast Suns vs Melbourne
The Demons are in real trouble now. They’ve led the competition virtually all season, but very iffy form since the bye means they could actually be at risk of losing their spot in the top four.
They’ll have to keep their wits about them against a Gold Coast side who impressed for a half against Brisbane last week, but surely have the class to get the job done.
Demons by 23 $1.95 at PlayUp
Collingwood vs West Coast Eagles
Collingwood won themselves a lot of credit for their stirring win over the Tigers a while ago, but the truth is they’ve been just as bad – if not worse – since Nathan Buckley departed as coach.
West Coast look set to be a side that makes up the numbers come finals time, but they should have little trouble getting past the Magpies here.
Eagles by 18 $2.10 at PlayUp
Essendon vs Sydney Swans
All the talk has been about Lance Franklin escaping a ban for his errant elbow against the Dockers a week ago.
It’s true the Bombers have been his bunnies for a while, but the Swans have been in such excellent form that we would have backed them either way.
These sides tend to play close contests, however, so expect another thriller.
Swans by 2 $2.00 at PlayUp
Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions
Hawthorn are at serious risk of collecting an unthinkable wooden spoon under the tutelage of Alastair Clarkson.
Their task to avoid the ignominy is made all the more difficult with the Brisbane Lions rolling into town.
Brisbane haven’t been in superb form, but the Hawks have just been putrid for much of 2021 and can’t be relied on to cause the upset.
Lions by 42 $2.60 at PlayUp
GWS Giants vs Port Adelaide
Greater Western Sydney are trying their hardest to Steven Bradbury their way into the top eight – but they’ve got a significant hurdle in their way this week.
Port Adelaide are just humming along and the jury is still out on whether they’re a premiership threat, but they’re definitely good enough to send the Giants packing.
Power by 26 $2.04 at PlayUp
Fremantle vs Richmond
Fremantle were looking good for an unlikely run to the finals, but a shoulder injury to Nat Fyfe means that’s surely it for 2021.
The Tigers are still wobbling along and are no certainties here despite recent history.
However, they’ve got too much to play for and should be able to edge out the Dockers in hostile territory.
Tigers by 11 $2.04 at PlayUp
