Red-hot Demons ready to take next step in the Red Centre
The highlight of Sunday's triple-header is the clash between third and fourth, as the Crows do battle with Melbourne in Alice Springs. Both teams will have a red-hot crack in the Red Centre, with the winner cementing themselves in the top four.
West Coast are aiming for their ninth straight win in the early game, while Fremantle will be looking to continue their impressive home form to close out the round.
Sunday afternoon's fixtures begins with top-of-the-table West Coast heading to Melbourne to face Hawthorn, who are looking to avoid three losses on-the-trot.
The Eagles have been imperious this year, with their 47-point triumph over defending premiers Richmond last week making it their eighth win in-a-row. With Jack Darling kicking goals for fun up front and the backline boosted by the return of Jeremy McGovern last week, the Eagles are looking like genuine premiership contenders.
The Hawks face a mammoth task if they are to overturn their recent form, especially considering they had their pants pulled down by the Lions last week. It is Hawthorn however, so of course it's possible, but it's hard to tip against a team who's on an eight-game winning streak.
Key Ins: Jaeger O'Meara (Hawthorn, likely), Luke Shuey (Eagles, likely)
Key Outs: Elliot Yeo (Eagles, likely)
Key AFL Stats
The Eagles are 4 from 4 in away games this year.
Hawthorn have covered the line in 6 of their last 9 games as a home underdog.
The Eagles' Jack Darling is leading AFL player stats for both Contested Marks (30) and Marks Inside 50 (34).
AFL Betting Tip: West Coast to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $2.30
Missed our preview of the early round games?Read it here
In the lead-in game to Indigenous Round next week, the Demons take this clash to Alice Springs in what's sure to be an entertaining battle between two of the AFL's best attacking teams in the Red Centre.
The Dees are coming off their biggest win in 25 years, a 106-point demolition of Carlton in Round 9. You know this game will be much closer, but if Melbourne's attack continues to flourish, Adelaide and the rest of the comp for that matter, need to be on their toes.
The Crows are coming off a big win themselves and will look to beat Melbourne and boot them out of the top four in the process. But with Adelaide star Rory Sloane still out with injury, the Demons are just going too well to tip against.
Key Ins: None
Key Outs: None
Key AFL Stats
Since Round 1, no Melbourne Demons game has been decided by 25 points or less.
The Demons have won their last 4 games, by margins of 36, 39, 69 and 106 points respectively.
Adelaide have covered the line in 44% of their games as an away underdog since 2015.
AFL Betting Tip: Melbourne to win Head-to-Head @ $1.80
The curtains close on Round 10 in the west, as Fremantle host North Melbourne in an encounter that will go a long way to determining if the Kangaroos really are a top eight team.
After using their local knowledge to capitalise on the windy conditions against the Giants in Hobart last week, the Roos are heading to a stadium where they have never played before, which could prove the difference. The Dockers have already made the new Perth Stadium feel like a real home, with an impressive record at the ground. Nat Fyfe in particular seems to flourish playing in front of his local fans and he will look to lead from the front again.
Key Ins: None
Key Outs: None
Key AFL Stats
Only West Coast have defeated Fremantle at Optus Stadium this year.
Fremantle have won 81% of their games as a home favourite from 2015.
North Melbourne have covered the line in 39% of their matches as an away team after a win in the previous round from 2015.
AFL Betting Tip: Fremantle to cover the -2.5 point line @ $1.92.
May 25, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
