Geelong’s premiership defence has been shambolic so far with the reigning champs sitting outside the top eight, but this weekend they have a massive chance to crack the finals places with a win over struggling North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos have fallen away after a promising start to the 2023 AFL season, so many will be expecting this to be a one-sided affair.
We bring you our preview, best bet and value Same Game Multi below!
Also, we're going to be providing previews and best bets for every game of the 2023 season, so make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly to stay up to date.
AFL Round 17 Preview & Betting Tips
Geelong vs North Melbourne
Sunday 1:10pm AEST, July 9th, GMHBA Stadium
After an awful start to the campaign, the Cats have shown some signs of life over the last couple of months. Despite a tough recent draw, Geelong have managed to chalk up wins over Melbourne and the Bulldogs, leaving them just one win shy of a spot in the top eight. The reigning premiers should only improve from here, with Jeremy Cameron set to return next week and some strong squad depth that will benefit the Cats as other teams tire. This week a pair of Irishmen come into the 22, with Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin filling the places of fellow defenders Jed Bews and Jake Kolodjashnij. Regardless of those changes, the Cats will be heavy favourites against the Kangaroos.
Incredibly, North Melbourne won their first two matches this season, but since then it has been 13 losses on the bounce. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying – the Kangaroos are definitely a better outfit than they were last year – but the quality just isn’t there at this stage. Wholesale changes have been made ahead of this game with the coaching staff looking to transition even further towards the youth – Todd Goldstein and Jack Ziebell have both been dropped, as Cooper Harvey and Flynn Perez enter the fray. Perhaps that is the tonic that the Roos need to finish the season on a brighter note. Despite the results this season, the template is there for a big jump next season if North can maintain a fit playing list and regain the services of Alistair Clarkson.
Geelong should win this, so the question is by how many? The last three matches between these teams have produced winning margins of 112, 60 and 20 points for the Cats, and the venue should help them to win well. However, Geelong have struggled to hit the scoreboard over the last month, so I can see the Kangaroos keeping this respectable.
North Melbourne +52.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Geelong 1-39 – I can’t see Geelong dropping this game at home, but the Kangaroos haven’t been as bad as their record suggests.
Harry Sheezel 25+ Disposals – With Ziebell out this week, I expect Sheezel to return to a playmaking role down back, taking the bulk of the kick ins. He thrived in this role at the start of the season, regularly collecting 30+ disposals.
Tom Hawkins 2+ Goals – Without Jeremy Cameron in the side, all Geelong forward forays will revolve around Hawkins. He has kicked 37 goals this season.
Same Game Multi odds - $4.75
