Sunday in AFL Round 9 offers a tasty little three game slate, headlined by a monster clash at the MCG between the Tigers and the Hawks! We take a look at all three games and give our betting tips below.
AFL Round 9 Sunday Betting Tips
Port Adelaide vs Gold Coast (AO, 1.10pm AEST)
The Power have lost their last two games in a row and will be thankful to be back on Adelaide Oval against a very beatable team in Round 9. They went down to the Crows by 20 points in Showdown 46 last weekend and now sit in 11th place on the ladder with a 4-4 record. Finding a reliable avenue to goal has been a major issue for the Power over the last three weeks, where they have averaged just 75 points per game.
After a hot start to the season, the Suns have lost their last four games on the spin and slid to 14th on the ladder. They were competitive against the Demons at Metricon Stadium on the weekend, eventually going down by just one point in a low scoring game. The Suns have also really struggled to kick high scores this season and are averaging just 56.6 points over their last 5 games.
The Power should win this one at home and move back to within striking distance of the top eight. We think the line of 35.5 points is a touch high given both teams inability to kick high scores. Only two of the Suns eight games so far this season have been decided by more than 23 points.
Richmond Tigers vs Hawthorn Hawks (MCG, 3.20pm AEST)
The Hawks captured what could be a season defining win over the Giants at the MCG on Sunday. They kicked out to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back as midfielder Ricky Henderson racked up 36 touches and 10 marks in the 33 point win. The Hawks are 4-4 on the season and sit outside the top eight on percentage alone.
The Tigers had a fantastic win over the Dockers in Perth in Round 8. Youngster Shai Bolton was dominant, kicking four goals as the Tigers cruised to a 25 point win. The Tigers will bring in some key players for the game on Sunday including Nick Vlaustuin and Daniel Rioli while Toby Nankervis and Jack Ross both come out through injury.
Both Richmond and Hawthorn have been on the lower end of the scoring spectrum in 2019 so far but they have allowed the 1st and 4th most points respectively. Both teams like to play a fast style and all of their last six games have resulted in at least 157 points. We think this match goes over.
Total points OVER 164.5
$1.88
Greater Western Sydney Giants vs Carlton Blues (GS, 4.40pm AEST)
The Giants will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Hawks in Round 8. They’ll be thankful to be back at Giants Stadium this weekend and will be boosted by the return of Shane Mumford, Lachie Whitfield and Brett Deledio, who makes his season debut this weekend. Jeremy Cameron was held goalless in the loss to the Hawks, but still leads the Coleman Medal by 9 goals over his nearest opponent.
Although it was another loss for the Blues in Round 8, it was arguably their best performance of the season. They took it right up to the Magpies, leading for the majority of the game before Collingwood kicked away late in the last quarter. Patrick Cripps continues to stamp himself as the best midfielder in the competition as he racked up another 35 disposal, 1 goal game in the loss.
One thing that the Blues haven’t done well this year is travel interstate. They have losses to both Port Adelaide and Gold Coast on the road and on the contrary, GWS thrive on playing at Giants Stadium. They have won their three home games by an average margin of 55 points this season, we think this one could get ugly as well.
