With the AFL Finals just around the corner it can become a tricky time to lay bets. The AFL continue to deny that tanking exists but very few would be placing a bet on a side that has more to gain by losing than winning.
It can also be that time of year when even the top sides take their opposition less seriously as they try to have a smooth run into the finals and guaranteeing they have plenty in the tank for their finals campaign.
However I don’t think this will be the case in tonight’s blockbuster between last years premiers in Collingwood and their runners up in St Kilda.
I like the Saints a lot in this match. I’m not sure they will win it but the +37.5 point line bet for St Kilda is quite generous.
Keep in mind this game will be played at Etihad Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground. The Saints have won the past two encounters with the Magpies at this stadium including a 28-point win last season.
St Kilda suffered a shaky start to the season but to their credit they have worked their way out of the well publicized form slump and are now what some people consider to be a serious threat come finals.
The next game I like is in Perth on Saturday afternoon where Fremantle host Carlton in an important clash. The Dockers are trying to fight there way into a top 8 position while the Blues must win to keep any top 4 chances alive.
Fremantle have dominated the Blues in recent history winning 12 of the past 14 games against the Victorian-based side.
Aaron Sandilands has been named to make an unexpected return. Doubts still loom over whether the 211cm giant will line up on Saturday but he is cause for concern for Ratten’s men who have struggled containing the All-Australian ruckman.
Regardless of his selection I like the Dockers +17.5 point line over a team that has struggled to beat them in recent years.
*Odds & lines were current at the time of publication, they are subject to change.
Please gamble responsibly.
