AFL Odds: Carlton $4.20 (+28.5) / Western Bulldogs $1.23 (-28.5)
Fans of the Doggies will be pleased with how their team are finishing off the season, despite being out of finals contention.
The Dogs have two impressive wins on the trot, and a very realistic chance to make it three against a Carlton outfit in dire need of an offseason.
The Blues line-up is just too young to be competitive on a week-to-week basis. Yet after a great first half performance against the Dockers last week, they certainly have the potential to win this game.
But with the form the Dogs have been in, and especially the individual form of players like Marcus Bontempelli and Jason Johannisen, Carlton fans shouldn't- and won't- expect too much here.
Easton Wood (Dogs, likely)
None
Perfect conditions for football under the closed roof.
Key AFL Stats
Carlton hasn't defeated the Dogs since Round 5, 2014.
The Blues have covered the line in 8 of their 20 games in 2018: Carlton to cover the +28.5 point line @ $1.92
The Bulldogs have won 58% of their games at Etihad Stadium since 2016, after a win in the previous round: Western Bulldogs to win head to head @ $1.23
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to cover the -28.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: Based on what they've shown in their previous two matches, the Dogs are specials to win and win big.
AFL Odds: West Coast $1.62 (-9.5) / Melbourne $2.30 (+9.5)
Melbourne's mental demons are surfacing yet again.
A limp performance saw them go down to the Swans last week, seriously jeopardising their finals chances.
A team that looks like the best in the comp when they are putting away the struggling teams, Melbourne just seem to lack the big-game experience to triumph against top eight opposition.
They face another stern test on Sunday, and another chance to snap their woeful run against top eight teams, when they travel west to take on the Eagles.
West Coast would be on a high after their after-the siren victory over Port, which saw them all but secure a top two spot and a home final.
And with a fantastic record at Optus Stadium this year, the Eagles will be confident of winning here as well as going far this season.
Jake Melksham (Demons, likely), Michael Hibberd (Demons, likely)
None
Sunny conditions, perfect for high-scoring footy.
AFL Stats in Focus
Contrasting Styles League Rankings
Eagles
Demons
Contested Possessions
13th
1st
Inside 50
8th
1st
Effective disposal percentage
5th
14th
Marks
1st
15th
This table neatly summarises how both teams play.
Melbourne wins the ball in the contest and quickly sends it forward, whereas West Coast likes to control the tempo of the game with skilful kicking and marking.
While the Eagles composure could be enough to get the job done, don't dismiss the Dees.
With so much to prove, their tough, attacking style could stand them in good stead, provided they don't continue to choke in the big moments.
Key AFL Stat
The Demons have an 0-5 record against top 8 opposition in 2018: West Coast to win head to head @ $1.62
AFL Betting Tip: Melbourne to win head to head @ $2.30
Reasoning: The Dees will give absolutely everything to snap their terrible top eight record, and secure a finals position for their loyal fans.
On their day, they are unstoppable, and this could be one of those days.
AFL Odds: Adelaide $1.35 (-19.5) / North Melbourne $3.20 (+19.5)
Now officially without any chance of playing in September, it remains to be seen how the Crows will perform in what for them is a dead rubber.
They will either give up and gift wrap the four points for Brad Scott and his men, or they will respond with a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
The Kangaroos will be coming out prepared for the latter, as they can make no more mistakes after slipping up against the Dogs last week.
Sitting at 10th on the ladder, one win outside of the eight, the Kangas need to win both of their final games as well as hope other results go their way.
With Ben Brown's Coleman medal lead cut back by Jack Reiwoldt, he will be looking to come out and kick a bag for his team, as well as for himself.
Paul Seedsman (Adelaide, likely), Riley Knight (Adelaide, likely)
Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
Partly cloudy with very little rain forecast. The players alone will decide the outcome.
Key AFL Stats
The last 8 fixtures between these two sides have been won by the home team: Adelaide to win head to head @ $1.35
Adelaide has a 5-1 record at the Adelaide Oval after a loss in the previous round this year: Adelaide to win head to head @ $1.35
The Crows have covered the line in only 8 of their 20 matches in 2018: North Melbourne to cover the +19.5 point line @ $1.92
AFL Betting Tip: No bet
Reasoning: So much depends on Adelaide's mentality. This is too big a risk to bet with any real confidence in this game.
Aug 19, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Easton Wood (Dogs, likely)
None
Perfect conditions for football under the closed roof.
Key AFL Stats
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to cover the -28.5 point line @ $1.92
