AFL Betting Tips: Sunday footy Round 1 Season 2019

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• Author: Alex Christodoulou
  Mar 22, 2019 07:01 PM
• AAP

GWS to defuse the Bombers

Sunday's selection of AFL matches is highlighted by Essendon's trip up to Western Sydney, where they face a tough ask to get the win.

Before that, two teams slated to be battling out for the wooden spoon at season's end go head-to-head, when the Saints host the Suns.

The round concludes in Perth, where the Dockers will be trying to start their 2019 campaign on a high against a new-look Kangaroos side.

 

St Kilda Saints vs Gold Coast Suns

AFL Odds: Saints $1.25 (-24.5) / Suns $3.70 (+24.5)

Two of the favourites for the wooden spoon line up in a game that will provide a good indication of who is going to have the worse year.

While Saints fans are growing inpatient with their team's lack of success, it's the Suns who look set for a disaster campaign.

However, with little pressure to perform, the Suns might pull off something special.

 

Why Saints can win

The recruitment of Dan Hannebury was a smart move for the Saints. He will provide some experience to a team that's lost its way.

However, Hannebury will miss this clash through injury, so St Kilda will need to rely on their usual suspects.

Seb Ross is at the front and centre, and is easily the best player on the park from either team.

He'll need some support from his forwards though, who have been goal-shy in recent seasons.

 

Why Suns can win

The Suns won't win many games this campaign.

But against St Kilda, who have been far from impressive in previous seasons, the Suns will get their chance.

Their problem is that they are lacking in both talent and experience all over the park.

Every player would need to perform near their best, and that rarely happens in the first game of the year.

• St Kilda have won their last two games against the Suns: Saints to win @ $1.25

Reasoning: You don't want to rely on the Saints at the short AFL odds being offered. 

 

GWS Giants vs Essendon Bombers

AFL Odds: GWS $1.58 (-8.5) / Bombers $2.29 (+8.5)

GWS start their 2019 premiership push at home against the Bombers in Sunday's feature game.

Former Giant Dylan Shiel will line up for the Bombers for his first game against his old club here.

He will provide spark in the midfield, and give Essendon every chance of starting their season with a win.

 

Why Giants can win

Despite letting the likes of Rory Lobb, Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully go in order to meet salary cap requirements, the Giants still have a star-studded team.

The midfield duo of Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly are ready to have their best season yet for the AFL's newest club.

And with Jeremy Cameron and the AFL's favourite villain Toby Greene in the forward line, GWS are jam-packed with superstars.

At home, and with a full-strength team, the Giants have too much quality.

 

Why Bombers can win

Essendon aren't without a shot though.

With Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Orazio Fantasia, the Bombers would have to have the fastest forward line in the AFL.

Their speed will be key to this clash, against a GWS defence that has been exposed by quick men in the past.

If they can get out the back, the Giants could be exposed on the counter-attack.

• The Giants have won 4 of their past 5 games against the Bombers: GWS to win @ $1.58

Reasoning: GWS have been very strong at home in recent campaigns. Look for another big performance here.

 

Fremantle Dockers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos

AFL Odds: Dockers $1.83 (-1.5) / Kangaroos $1.98 (+1.5)

Round 1 concludes with a match up that has punters and bookies scratching their heads as to who will come out on top.

Both the Dockers and Kangaroos are two of the biggest unknowns coming into the 2019 season, with this game sure to shed some light on how both teams are travelling.

 

Why Dockers can win

Quite simply, because they have Nat Fyfe.

One of the Brownlow favourites, no player in the league is as important to their team as Fyfe is to Fremantle.

Fyfe can do it all from the middle of the park, and is known to drift forward and kick goals too.

He just needs some support and the Dockers will get the win in front of their home fans.

With new recruit Rory Lobb, there is enough quality in the Dockers' list.

 

Why Kangaroos can win

After spending much of the past two campaigns searching for some midfield reinforcements, the Kangas finally found what they were looking for.

Jared Polec, Dom Tyson and Aaron Hall all come in, forming a new-look Kangaroos midfield.

While the old hands are still there, this trio will breathe some fresh life into the Roos, who are set for a big season.

That's because full forward and fan favourite Ben Brown is set for another huge year. With midfield service, Brown can kick enough goals to get the win for the Roos here.

 Key AFL Stat

• The previous 2 matches between these sides have been won by the away team: Kangaroos to win @ 1.98

 AFL Betting Tip: North Melbourne to win @ $1.98

Reasoning: They are a more balanced team, with less of a reliance on just one player.