Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions
What a blockbuster to kick things off!
Two genuine premiership contenders going head-to-head on a Friday night – you love to see it. The Demons have lost just one game all season – and it was by a point. If you had any doubts about their premiership credentials, surely their demolition of the Doggies last week put them to bed.
Brisbane is hotter than hot, having won seven in a row, but winning streaks don’t last forever. It’ll be close, but the Dees should be in good enough form to cool the Lions off this time.
Demons by 8 $1.78 at PlayUp
Sydney Swans vs St Kilda
The Saints have a shocking record at the SCG – so losing home ground advantage in this match could be fatal.
St Kilda has also been absolutely atrocious against the top eight sides in 2021 – losing five of six by a whopping average margin of 58 points.
The Swans don’t belt sides, however – so don’t be tempted by the 40+ option. They’ll win, but it’ll be somewhat close.
Swans by 26 $1.35 at PlayUp
Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood
If you like lots of goals, this won’t be the match for you. Collingwood have cracked 60 points just once since the start of May – and that was against North Melbourne, so it doesn’t count.
They also haven’t conceded 80 points since the start of May either but, when you’re scoring at the rate of a soccer team, you’re still going to lose a bunch.
Expect more of the same against Adelaide this weekend.
Crows by 21 $1.48 at PlayUp
Essendon vs Richmond
Everyone’s up and about on the Bombers after their stunning upset of West Coast last week – so the wounded Tigers need to have their wits about them.
People talk a lot about Richmond’s alleged inability to win in Perth – but that’s a bit of a myth. They’ve only played two games at Optus Stadium and they won one of them – hardly a hoodoo.
The Tigers have also knocked over the Bombers in their last ten encounters by a tick over four goals each time. They’ve got too much at stake to let this one slip.
Tigers by 17 $2.46 at PlayUp
Carlton vs West Coast Eagles
Everyone seems to be on the Blues for this one and, while you might find that confusing, there’s a very good reason.
If there’s one team that hates playing at the SCG, it’s the West Coast Eagles.
They haven’t won a game – or even scored 80 points – at the venue since all the way back in 1999!
Carlton pushed Sydney all the way at this ground last week and its short dimensions suit their big-bodied midfield much better than West Coast’s chipping game.
Blues by 14 $1.76 at PlayUp
Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are yet to taste victory at Optus Stadium, but it’d be a huge surprise if that didn’t change this week.
Fremantle would be a sneaky chance to catch the Doggies unaware in a normal week but, given the Dogs got rolled by Melbourne last week, they’ll come out breathing fire.
Midfield injuries for Luke Beveridge’s side, however, should make this one closer for comfort – so sticking to a close-margin option looks wisest.
Bulldogs by 9 $1.38 at PlayUp
A version of this preview was originally published over at The Roar https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/06/03/the-roars-afl-expert-tips-and-predictions-round-12-6/
