- April 24, 2015 1:10PM
TattsBet’s AFL expert Richard Champion previews Round 4. Image courtesy of: sbs.com.au
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Friday, 7:50pm (AEST) |
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| Melbourne are showing improvement this year without doubt and upset Richmond the last time the sides met; winning by 17 points in Round 9, 2014 at the MCG. Nathan Jones picked up the three Brownlow votes with 33 possessions. Prior to 2014 the Tigers had had the better of the Demons winning the previous four contests. Recent form would have to see Richmond winning here but I don’t think there will be much in it. Jack Riewoldt struck form with 4 goals last week in the Tigers big win over Brisbane and I expect him to play a big part in this game. | |||||||||
#AFLTigersDees
($3.15) |
Saturday, 11:10am (AEST) |
($1.38) |
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| Both clubs really struggling this year and this day is a big stage. While St Kilda will be playing their third consecutive game on Anzac Day; Carlton will be playing on Anzac Day for the first time since 1993 when they also played St Kilda; that time at Waverley Park. St Kilda plays their third game in Wellington at Westpac Stadium; they are yet to win, losing to Sydney in 2013 and Brisbane in 2014. Carlton and St Kilda met twice in 2014 and the Blues won both games, winning by 32 points in Round 8 and 85 in Round 16. Mick Malthouse’s future has been assured and this is a must win for them. | |||||||||
($1.43) |
Saturday, 2:40pm (AEST) |
($2.90) |
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| The second biggest game of the year is always a great spectacle. Essendon and Collingwood clash for the 21st time on Anzac Day since the first game in 1995; the Magpies hold a narrow advantage of 11 games to eight and one draw. last year the Magpies won by 23 points despite Essendon kicking the first six goals of the game, Dane Swan won the Anzac Medal. Collingwood has been the better side on Anzac Day in recent seasons winning seven of the last nine matches including two wins by more than 60 points. Hard to get a true form line on both these teams just yet but I’ll stick my neck out here and tip the Bombers. | |||||||||
($1.42) |
Saturday, 5:40pm (AEST) |
($2.95) |
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| A much better effort by the Gold Coast Suns last week and some good news on the resigning of Gaz Ablett through the week. They defeated GWS Giants the last time the sides met; winning by 40 points in Round 6 last season at Metricon Stadium. Gary Ablett was best on ground with 30 possessions and two goals. However, no Gaz at the moment and a Giants side playing very competitively. After the Giants won the first clash between the sides in 2012 the Suns have won the last four by an average margin of 49 points. Gold Coast travels to Spotless Stadium for the first time and might be in for a surprise. | |||||||||
($2.55) |
Saturday, 7:40pm (AEST) |
($1.53) |
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| Another great game this round and Port Adelaide will be very relieved after just securing their first points last week against Nth Melbourne. The Power and Hawks meet for the first time since their thrilling 2nd Preliminary Final in 2014 at the MCG; the Hawks just held on to win by three points. Hawthorn’s recent record against Port Adelaide is impressive winning six of the last seven matches; the Power’s only win in that time was in Round 10 last season by 14 points at Adelaide Oval. I’m tipping the Hawks here but not with a lot of confidence. | |||||||||
($1.60) |
Saturay, 8:45pm (AEST) |
($2.40) |
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| After a disappointing 2014, Fremantle are officially back! Remembering, Sydney defeated Fremantle in the most recent contest between the sides winning by 24 points in the 1st Qualifying Final last season at ANZ Stadium. Since 2011 it’s three wins to two in the Swans favour; while there was a draw in early 2013, the Dockers only tie in club history. However this game is in the West and their record against the Swans at Patersons Stadium is favourable, winning six of eight contests. | |||||||||
($2.90) |
Sunday, 1:10pm (AEST) |
($1.43) |
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| Well, sad to say but the Lions are in a world of hurt…and now 3 more injuries to add to the list. West Coast defeated Brisbane in the most recent clash between the sides, sneaking home by 12 points. Luke Shuey was best on ground with 30 possessions and two goals. The Eagles have had the better of the Lions recently winning the past three matches and four of the last five. West Coast is one of the few visiting teams in the AFL to enjoy a positive win-loss record at the Gabba, 10 wins and eight losses and have won three of their last four. Too strong this time too I’m afraid. | |||||||||
($2.40) |
Sunday, 3:20pm (AEST) |
($1.60) |
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| The Cats are only just going but would be happy getting the points last round. Jimmy Bartel a big loss! North Melbourne defeated Geelong in a thriller the last time the sides met; winning a knock-out Semi Final in 2014 at the MCG by six points, ending the Cats season. The Kangaroos are one of the few teams to have been competitive against the Cats in recent seasons, its three wins each since 2010. North Melbourne has struggled at Simonds Stadium recently losing their last five games and haven’t won in Geelong since Round 5, 2007. Again, not confident but will stick with the home side. | |||||||||
($4.00) |
Sunday, 4:40pm (AEST) |
($1.26) |
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| You can’t fault either side so far this year but Adelaide in particular sit on top of the ladder. Adelaide defeated Western Bulldogs in the most recent contest between the sides, winning by nine points in Round 6, 2014 at Etihad Stadium. The Crows have won three of the last four clashes between the sides; the Bulldogs most recent win was in Round 21, 2013. However, in the Bulldogs favour is their impressive record against the Crows at Etihad Stadium, six wins from eight matches. Lets toss a coin, but I’ll go for the underdog in the Dogs! | |||||||||
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