The first Super Saturday in the AFL in over two months is almost upon us! Four big games in the AFL kick off at 1.45pm with the Lions taking on the Dockers and continue throughout the afternoon and evening!
We have a full preview and betting tips for all four games below.
AFL Round 2 Saturday Betting Tips
Brisbane Lions vs Fremantle Dockers
Gabba, 1.45pm (AEST)
Both the Lions and Dockers will be looking to bounce back from losses in Round 1 all the way back in March. Brisbane were outplayed by the Hawks at the MCG to the tune of 28 points despite a strong game from star midfielder Lachie Neale which included 26 touches, 1 goal and 10 tackles. Brisbane are looking pretty strong on the injury front at the moment, with only Marcus Adams and potentially Cam Rayner set to miss this game.
The Dockers went down by six points to Essendon at Marvel Stadium in Round 1 in a hard fought contest. They were one point winners the last time they faced the Lions, in Round 10 f last season as Nat Fyfe had 26 disposals and a goal in the win. The Dockers could be without Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce, both of whom are battling ankle injuries.
Brisbane will start as 18.5 point favourites at home, which we think is a little steep given their performance in Round 1. Both sides are almost at full fitness and the travel factor shouldn’t really hurt the Dockers given they have had the last two weeks off. Back Fremantle to cover a large-ish spread here.
Prop: Neale 30+ Disposals $2.70
Carlton Blues vs Melbourne Demons
Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm (AEST)
Another two teams who both suffered losses in Round 1 will be in action on Friday afternoon as the Blues host the Demons at Marvel Stadium from 4.35pm. The Blues were arguably the more competitive of the two teams in Round 1, as they came within four goals of the reigning premiers in the opening game of the season. They’ll be without some key players, particularly ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, who went down with a foot injury in Round 1. Charlie Curnow and Caleb Marchbank will also miss with knee injuries.
The Demons were comfortably beaten in Perth by the Eagles in Round 1, trailing by as much as 40 points at one stage before crawling their way back to a 27 point loss. Jack Viney was impressive in the loss, racking up 29 touches and a goal while Ed Langdon was also serviceable in his first game for the club.
Melbourne start as slight favourites here and we are leaning towards them, especially given the key injuries that the Blues are battling at the moment. Melbourne star ruckman Max Gawn should have a field day against a back-up ruckman for the Blues. Back the Demons to cover comfortably.
Prop: Oliver 25+ Disposals $1.83
Port Adelaide Power vs Adelaide Crows
Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm (AEST)
There will be a strange atmosphere around the Adelaide Oval with no fans in attendance for the first Showdown of the season. Usually a raucous affair, Port Adelaide won the last Showdown in Round 16 of last season as Tom Rockliff racked up 36 touches and 150 fantasy points. Just 10 weeks prior, Adelaide were winners in the first matchup of the season as Rory Sloane had an equally impressive game.
The Power could be without some key players this weekend, with Riley Bonner, Charlie Dixon, Robbie Gray and Scott Lycett all needing to prove fitness to play on Saturday. The injury front looks much better for the Crows, who will likely only be without Riley Knight from their best 22. They suffered a tough 3 point loss to the Swans in Sydney in Round 1 and will be desperate to bounce back.
The Power looked strong in Round 1 against the Suns and probably have the stronger list of the two teams. Their injury list does house some big names, but we think at least a few of them should pass fitness, and in any case, they should be too good for the Crows. Back them to cover the 13.5 point line on Saturday night.
Prop: Rockliff 25+ Disposals $1.72
Port Adelaide -13.5
$1.90
Gold Coast Suns vs West Coast Eagles
Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm (AEST)
The Eagles had a strong performance in Round 1, downing the Demons at home by 27 points. They have a really good looking injury list at the moment, having benefitted from the two months off with only Mark Hutchings missing from their best 22 this week. They will start as big favourites here against a Gold Coast side that many have predicted to finish on the bottom of the ladder this season.
Not only are the Suns battling a really under-experienced list, their injuries are stacking up at the moment. From their best 22, they’ll likely be missing at least four or five players this weekend, including co-captain David Swallow.
The Eagles are 32.5 point favourites here but we are opting to stay away from that line in favour of the total point line. At 127.5 points, we think the under could be the play here. It’s predicted to rain on the Gold Coast on Saturday night, there’s a chance the Suns score 30-40 points and the Eagles around 70 in a good win.
Total Points UNDER 127.5
$1.90
