AFL Betting Tips: Sunday Footy Round 8

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• Author: Alex Christodoulou
  May 10, 2019 07:01 PM
• AAP

GWS to take Giant step forward

Sunday arvo footy kicks off with the latest battle between Brad and Chris Scott, who'll both look to get the brotherly bragging rights when the Kangas host the Cats.

Then GWS will look to prove that they're a genuine premiership team, by recording a big win at a venue they've struggled at, when they take on the Hawks the MCG.

Finally, the Tigers and Dockers will do battle out west, as both teams play for their fifth win of the campaign.

To see which way we're leaning, check out our AFL betting tips.

 

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Geelong Cats

AFL Odds: Kangaroos $3.10 (+20.5) / Geelong $1.35 (-20.5)

The Scott twins meet in the latest chapter of their coaching rivalry, when the Roos host the Cats on Sunday afternoon.

These are two clubs in vastly different positions.

Geelong demolished the Dons last week to extend their lead at the top of the ladder.

North meanwhile have been very poor this campaign, although steadied the ship somewhat with a strong win over Carlton in Round 7.

 

Why Kangaroos can win

The Roos burst out of the blocks last week, booting 10 goals to 1 in the opening half against the Blues.

They've been known to stun teams like this in the past, and you'd have to think a similar first half blitz is the best hope they have of toppling Geelong.

Another positive from that game was Ben Brown's return to form.

The cult figure booted a bag of 4, to go alongside young gun Cameron Zurhaar's 5 majors.

If these two can replicate that form, then they'll keep this game competitive.

 

Why Cats can win

Geelong have been superb in 2019, surging into joint favouritism for the flag in the AFL odds market.

The form of Gary Ablett and Patrick Dangerfield have been a big part of this, regularly imposing their class and experience on the contest.

But in a big blow for Geelong, these two are both expected to miss.

Ablett is looking to have a one-match suspension overturned, while Dangerfield will likely miss a week or two with a sore knee.

But the Cats have so much depth, and even if these two miss, should scrape over the line.

• Geelong have won their previous 3 games against North Melbourne: Cats to win @ $1.35

Reasoning: With Mitch Duncan hitting form last week, and Tim Kelly performing his socks off, the Cats have plenty of midfield cover for Dangerfield and Ablett.

 

Hawthorn Hawks vs GWS Giants

AFL Odds: Hawks $2.70 (+13.5) / Giants $1.45 (-13.5)

The Giants are really starting to hit their straps in their quest for a maiden premiership.

They face a team who's had no shortage of those on Sunday arvo, in what's set to be a belter at the MCG.

Hawthorn will be furious after letting the victory slip through their fingers against the Dees, and will be out with a vengeance. 

GWS better be on their game.

 

Why Hawks can win

While Hawthorn are only one win outside of the eight, the log-jam above them means that if they don't start stringing a few wins together soon, they'll be missing out come September.

While getting the four points here is a tough assignment, it's certainly not beyond a side with plenty of premiership experience both on the field, and in the coaches box.

And besides the long-term injury to Tom Mitchell, the Hawks have close to a clean bill of health, with all of their stars fit for this clash.

Hawthorn need to up their contested possession numbers though.

Last week they lost this count by 31. A similar margin against GWS would result in a heavy defeat for the Hawks.

 

Why Giants can win

Considering that they were missing the quality of Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield and Phil Davis last week, what the Giants did was incredible.

They sped out to an early 40-point lead in the match, which they essentially maintained until the final siren.

With these three all set to return, there's only room for improvement for GWS.

And with the form Jeremy Cameron is in, there's no reason why the Giants can't go all the way.

He booted another 6 goals last week, to extend his winning margin in the race for the Coleman medal. 

• GWS have lost their last 2 games at the MCG: Hawks to win @ $2.70

Reasoning: You simply couldn't go against them based how well they played in Round 7 with three of their stars out.

 

Fremantle Dockers vs Richmond Tigers

AFL Odds: Dockers $1.75 (-5.5) / Tigers $2.08 (+5.5)

Richmond were handed a reality check last week, after they were thumped by 47 points in a game against the Dogs that many expected them to win.

Never did the absence of Alex Rance look more crucial, and against a tall Freo forward line, the Tigers will have their work cut out of them.

Talking of Freo's forwards, they'll need to lift after their side only managed a measly 34 points last round.

Back at home, look for a response.

 

Why Dockers can win

Fremantle have got the best percentage of all the teams sitting in the 4-win group on the ladder, and that has been down to their defence.

They've conceded the 2nd fewest points in 2019 with 457, just a whisker behind the Cats who have 455.

This AFL stat won't surprise those who are familiar with Ross Lyon and his tendency to put most of his eggs in the defence basket.

But kicking goals will be crucial if they want to topple the Tigers.

The likes of Matt Taberner, Jesse Hogan and Cam McCarthy will need to stand up.

 

Why Tigers can win

Richmond's defence was monstered in the air by a 19-year-old last week, which doesn't bode well for this clash.

They will be glad to see key defender David Astbury return to the side after missing the Round 7 loss.

But if they can quickly put that defeat behind them, then the Tigers have the better form leading in.

They won three straight games prior to the defeat to the Dogs, and if they bring that form over, then they'll get the win.

Especially with Dustin Martin, who is due for a big performance.

 

 Key AFL Stat

• The Tigers won both of their past 2 games against Freo by a margin of 73+ points: Richmond to win by 73+ @ $51

 AFL Betting Tip: Richmond to win @ $2.08

Reasoning: If both teams are at their best, then the Tigers will win well.

 

Check out the all the best betting promotions on offer for this weekend's games.