|
|
|
|
Carlton v Hawthorn, Telstra Dome, Fri Jun 15 (7:40pm) The Odds (as at 5pm Thurs)
Results Since 2004
Key Stats & Facts
The Form Book Carlton have made somewhat of a resurgence in Rounds 10 & 11 with solid victories over the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide. However without taking anything away from the spirited Blues the form out of those games has to be questioned with neither opposition team traveling well in recent weeks. Hawthorns winning run came to end last week against a determined Sydney outfit who successfully closed down their scoring options after being 18 points down after the 1st quarter. The Footypunt View Carlton are managing to rack up some big scores and have won consecutive “shoot outs” against sides who paid the price for a general lack of intensity over 4 quarters. Hawthorn are a well drilled outfit and after last weeks loss will go into this one determined to close down the Blues goal scoring options and subsequently hold them to a manageable score, similar to what Adelaide were able to do 3 weeks ago. The Hawks should be too good here and picking them to cover the -7.5 point line reasonably comfortably. The $1.98 currently available at Pinnacle looks a very nice bet to kick off Round 12. Kangaroos v Adelaide, Gold Coast Stadium, Sat Jun 16 (7:10pm) The Odds (as at 5pm Thurs)
Results Since 2004
Key Stats & Facts
The Form Book Adelaide showed glimpses of their impressive 2006 form against the Cats last week. Despite holding their position in the 8 the Crows have already played a number of the lower placed sides this season. The Kangaroos continued their strong form last week with a spirited display against what were once again a disappointing Saints outfit. They now sit in 6th place on the ladder and are traveling very nicely, having played the vast majority of the other top 8 sides already. The Footypunt View I’m expecting Adelaide to start running into form as the season progresses and this is a game they will certainly want to win after consecutive losses to Melbourne and Geelong. On the other hand the Kangaroos will travel to the Gold Coast full of confidence after two wins on the ground already this season and feel the have what it takes to get up over the Crows here. Most bookies have the market more or less even stevens and its hard to feel a strong leaning to either side in this one. If I had to stick the neck out then would tip the Roos (maybe 52 / 48) but have had some success “labeling” the close games in recent weeks and this looks another one that falls clearly into that category. Happy to take the value odds on Either team Under 15.5 currently at $3.10 with Vic TAB. Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, TIO Stadium (Darwin), Sat Jun 16 (7:40pm) The Odds (as at 5pm Thurs)
Results Since 2004
Key Stats & Facts
The Form Book Fremantle go into this match 11th on the ladder with a 5 & 6 record while the Bulldogs lie 9th having recorded 6 wins & 5 losses. Neither team has lived up to some confident pre-season predictions of top 4 finishes although they are probably both “close enough if good enough” as they say in the racing game. The Footypunt View Remain unconvinced about the Bulldogs despite last weeks relatively convincing win at the Gabba. They do however have some pretty good results under their belts this season and certainly can’t be counted out against a Fremantle side which simply hasn’t “stepped up” as yet. I’m still holding out some expectation of a 2nd half Freo form rally and I guess this is one game where they really do need to put their hands up if that’s going to happen. The bookies have understandably opened both sides equal favourites around the $1.90 mark and while I favour the Dockers to get up don’t really feel there is a lot of value in the market. Geelong v Brisbane Lions, Skilled Stadium Sun Jun 17 (1:10pm) The Odds (as at 7pm Fri)
Results Since 2004
Key Stats & Facts
The Form Book Geelong now top the ladder after a golden run of form over recent weeks, winning their past 6 in impressive fashion. Brisbane started promisingly but have failed to win a match since beating Freo in Round 6 and don’t look likely to turn things around any time soon. The Footypunt View Not surprisingly Geelong have been installed red hot favourites and you could probably argue a case that the $1.10 on offer is pretty fair value. The Cats cannot keep winning and may be due to come back to earth in the near future but surely this won’t be the game. Brisbane are simply not playing well enough and do not have the side to provide any real challenge on Sunday. While complacency from the Cats is potentially an issue I feel it would take a lot more than that to provide the Lions with any hope whatsoever here. In fact the current confidence in the Geelong camp may well translate into a goal fest and I’m tipping the Cats to run away with this one by a big margin. The line of -41.5 points is a sizeable lead to concede but happy to take it on here at $1.94 with Pinnacle. Port Adelaide v Essendon, AAMI Stadium, Sun Jun 17 (4:40pm) The Odds (as at 7pm Fri)
Results Since 2004
Key Stats & Facts
The Form Book Port started the season impressively winning six of their first seven but have been very poor over recent weeks losing 4 on the trot and as a result have plummeted from 1st to 10th on the ladder. On the contrary Essendon started well, went through a slow patch and have now catapulted up to 4th position after 4 straight wins. The Footypunt View Another tough match this. Very hard to know where Port Adelaide are at after their topsy turvy run through the initial 11 rounds. There is no taking away the fact that they were very impressive over the first seven rounds and they do possess a dangerous looking list that despite recent performances are certainly capable of turning it on if caught in the right mood. This is an absolute crunch game for Port and the rev up from within the camp during the week will surely have them fired up to show the fans what they are capable of. Essendon have been great in recent matches but they have scraped home 3 weeks in a row and just feel this may be a difficult match for them against a side they have a poor record against. Willing to give Port one more chance to play the footy we know they are capable of and prepared to take the $1.85 head to head currently on offer at Vic TAB. Interestingly Pinnacle have Port as short as $1.82 (Ess out to $2.12) which would indicate some inspired support for the home side. Richmond v Melbourne, MCG, Fri Jun 22 (7:40pm) The Odds (as at 8pm Thurs)
|
