Opinion
Some great results last week and as much as I would love to say it was never in doubt, the Sharks blowing a halftime lead of 32-0 to win by just 12 was great turn of luck.
The Broncos also managed to overcome some early adversity against the Dogs, eventually scoring five late tries to run away with a win that looks convincing on paper.
Western Bulldogs were extremely disappointing in their loss, but the Swans surged home in the fourth quarter to come from 32-0 down after the first to pull off a 41-point victory.
Overall, a very profitable week. Turning to this week, we have another full slate of footy, plus a few golf picks. As usual, do your own research and follow at your own risk.
All odds sourced from PlayUp. Best of luck, punters!
West Coast vs Richmond, Optus Stadium, Friday 8:10pm
Another Friday night clash, and this one is pretty straight forward. West Coast have struggled to both score and defend this year, largely due to their extensive injury list. Meanwhile, Richmond have been up and down so far this season, sitting at 2-4, coming off a tough loss to the league-leading Demons.
The Tigers fought hard, and their defence managed to hold the high-flying Dees to just 74 points and even held a lead at halftime. But as has been the case this season, they struggled to keep their momentum going in the second half and were punished by the best team in the league.
This week, they get a perfect rebound opportunity against an Eagles outfit that was thoroughly pummelled by the only winless team in the league, Port Adelaide. This game shouldn’t be close, and I predict the Tigers to run away with it.
Bet: Richmond HTH $1.55, ML -9.5 $1.90, Margin 40+ $4.10.
Collingwood vs Gold Coast, MCG, Sunday 1:10pm
Coming off a much-needed win against the Bombers on Anzac Day, the Pies will look to keep the momentum going as they host the Suns at the MCG on Sunday. Sitting at 3-3 on the fringe of the top eight, this is a match-up that has been heavily skewed in their favour over the last few seasons, winning six of the last seven contests against the Suns.
Their nine-point loss to the Lions up in Brisbane highlighted Collingwood’s ability to hang with the top teams in the competition and will see this week as an opportunity to cement themselves in the top half.
The Suns, on the other hand, have showed very little firepower and aside from a surprise victory over the Blues, don’t look very threatening to the top sides, averaging just 77.6 points per game so far this season. Look for the Pies to dominate the midfield battle and cover the line.
Bet: Collingwood ML -11.5 $1.90.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers, WIN Stadium, Sunday 4:05pm
After a horrendous start to the season, most fans had written the Tigers in for the wooden spoon. However, the inclusion of Jackson Hastings has breathed life into the club and seen them rattle off two consecutive wins against the Eels and the Rabbitohs.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
My argument is simple: why can’t they make it three? They have won their last four matches against the Dragons, and despite the Dragons pulling off an upset of their own on Anzac Day, I think the Tigers just offer too much value to turn down in their current form.
On top of this, David Nofoaluma is paying a wild $2.29 to score anytime. Add this to your same-game multi for even more value.
Bet: Tigers HTH $2.45, Margin 1-12 $3.60, Nofoaluma ATS $2.29.
The Mexican Open at Vidanta
A rather thin field that contains just one top-ten-ranked golfer, Jon Rahm, provides a great opportunity to find value among some of the less well-known golfers. While Rahm is a clear and obvious pick to win here and take home his first trophy for the season, he is priced at a ridiculously short $5, which does little to tantalise the tastebuds.
A more fitting selection would be the hometown hitter, Abraham Ancer, a player who has been a little underwhelming this season with just two top-ten finishes in his 12 starts. He recently finished fifth at the Dell Matchplay tournament before missing the cut at the Masters.
Taking a short break since those outings, I believe Ancer has his eye set firmly on winning his national open tournament this weekend. Rahm has done very little recently to convince me that a victory for him is a certainty so therefore back Ancer to win, along with a top five and ten finish.
Bet: Ancer to win $21, Top-5 $5, Top-10 $2.80.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
On the scoreboard, it looks like a creditable St Kilda performance. A loss to a Port Adelaide outfit many see as a premiership contender…
Was this Darcy Byrne-Jones mark correctly paid or not?
Did Darcy Wilson milk this free? Luke Hodge certainly thought so!
Eddie McGuire's latest bold idea has dropped - for North Melbourne to take over the outskirts of Melbourne and use it to rejuvenate the…
