The 2015 AFL Finals are heating up as we head into the third week of action by offering our AFL Preliminary Finals betting tips. Will it be an all west Grand Final or can one of the Victorian teams win on the road this week? Find out in our latest AFL betting tips article.
_ _ _
Fremantle Dockers Vs. Hawthorn Hawks (Fri, Sep. 24 at 6:20pm AWST / 8:20pm AEST)
When the Dockers lost the 2013 Grand Final to the Hawks by 15 points you got the feeling it was the last chance for this era's Fremantle team to claim the premiership. However, perhaps 2015 is the year they get the monkey off the back. They will once again have to get through the Hawks, this time on their home turf in a big Friday night Preliminary Final at Domain Stadium.
There is no doubt the Dockers will be somewhat fearing the Hawks after the performance they put up against the Crows last week. They kicked 21 goals which the Dockers would be unable to compete with if the Hawks were able to recreate that score. The Dockers did, however, only concede 100 points on two occasions this year - but one of those times was against the Hawks (the other was against the Eagles).
In general, the Dockers defence is what wins them games, conceding on average just 70 points this year. They will need to keep the Hawks to something around 70-80 points if they are going to win this game. That will be very tough, but the Dockers will be happy to face the Hawks without Jack Gunston.
The Hawks and Dockers have only played in the west once in the last four years, with the Dockers winning by 19 points. If they were to win again, it's going to be ugly shut-down football. Their defence is going to have to be at it's best and I just think the Hawks looked too strong last week and too hungry.
Tip: Hawks by 1-39 points (under 39.5) - $2.20 at Sportsbet
West Coast Eagles Vs. Nth Melbourne Kangaroos (Sat, Sep. 25 at 5:45pm AWST / 7:45pm AEST)
I was one of the many punters who underestimated the Kangaroos last week. But i stand by my comments that the Roos were lucky to meet the Swans with so many injuries. There is no doubt they will be found out this weekend against the Eagles at Domain Stadium.
The Roos did beat the Eagles earlier this year in Hobart. I commend them for that, but the Eagles have been at their most dominant in the later stages of the season and certainly in the west.
The key matchups in this game will be Nic Nat V Goldy and the Eagles far superior midfield against the Roos overachievers. Of the Roo mids, I do rate Jack Ziebell highly and he will be the key to success here. Apart from Goldy probably having the slightest edge over Nic Nat, I just don't think the Roos win on any other part of the ground.
Back in 2012 the Eagles beat the Roos by 96 in an elimination final and while I don't think the margin will be quite so big, I think the Eagles could cover the big line the bookies have set. I think the Roos were a better side last year when they lost to the Swans on the road by 71 points in a prelim and I think there are similarities with this Eagles team and last year's Swans.
Tip: Eagles at the line (-30.5) - $1.95 at Ladbrokes
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
