Four games have been played apiece by all sides in AFL now, with more questions than answers still swirling around most of the teams.
Power, who were so impressive against Swans a few weeks ago, lost their 100% record to Essendon, a result that was arguably predictable given their limp performance against Lions in Round 3. The result shifted Power’s outright odds significantly, now sitting at around 15/2 when they were at 11/2 just a week ago. Power have four tough games on the horizon (Geelong, North Melbourne, West Coast and Adelaide), which is sure to tell us a lot about their credentials.
Eagles soar with 82-point victory over Suns
The most impressive performance of the weekend came from one of the outsiders for Grand Final glory – West Coast Eagles. They were relentless in racking up a score of 130 to Suns’ 58 and now sit in second place in the Ladder. Can they sustain a challenge? The bookmakers have them placed anywhere from 16/1 – 25/1. That looks some serious value for the highest scoring team in Australia, so check out Australia best bets 2018 to use a bookie’s promotion to back them.
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As has been the case all season, Swans remain the favourites for the Premiership. The odds of 9/2 for them to land their first title in six years will cause some punters to be cautious, especially given their lukewarm performance against Bulldogs at the weekend. Still, they have the talent in the squad to merit the favourites tag. It’s just about the execution.
GWS move back to top of AFL Ladder
There are six teams sitting with a record of three wins and one defeat in four games. GWS, whose sole defeat came in the derby with Swans in Round 3, bounced backed with a hard-fought victory over Freemantle to reclaim top spot in the ladder. Their Premiership odds also have remained steady at around 6/1 second-favourites behind Swans, but some bookmakers have them as favourites.
The biggest upset of the Round came as Collingwood ran out worthy winners 106-58 against Adelaide Crows. The Magpies put on their best performance of the season so far, looking better in every department as Jaidyn Stephenson’s five goals helped them to their first victory at the Adelaide Oval in five attempts. Crows, while suffering some injury concerns, will have a lot to reflect on after the defeat leaves them in the bottom half of the ladder.
Richmond demolish Brisbane in one-sided game
Last season’s Premiers Richmond also had a good weekend, thrashing Lions 110-17. While the scoreline says a lot about their dominance, with Dustin Martin particularly impressive, it should also be noted that Lions were poor in posting the lowest score of any AFL side this season. Put simply, this match said more about Lions than Tigers. The latter joins Carlton as the only sides yet to have a win to their name this season.
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This all paints a picture of an AFL season where teams are still feeling each other out. While Sydney lead the odds, they are by no means the standout candidate to win the Premiership. In fact, no side can claim to be the standout candidate just yet. That makes for an exciting season going forward.
