AFL action in Round 7 continues on Saturday with a huge five-game slate! Here, we preview and provide our best betting tips for the first game of the day which will see Geelong host Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium.
As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the game and remember to head to our AFL Tips page, where you can catch our coverage of all the Round 7 action.
Geelong vs Fremantle Betting Tips
GMHBA Stadium, Saturday 29th April, 1:45pm (AEST)
Geelong
Injuries: Jon Ceglar (Foot), Jack Henry (Foot), Quinton Narkle (Ankle), Gary Rohan (Back and hip), Sam Simpson (Concussion)
Injuries aren’t much of an issue for the Cats at all at the moment, with Gary Rohan being probably the only player in their best 22 missing. Jon Ceglar would possibly be in their best team if fit and healthy, but he continues to rehab an ongoing foot issue.
The Cats were very disappointing in their loss against their old rivals in the Hawks two weeks back, but bounced back in style with a huge 60-point win over the Kangaroos last start. The duo of key forwards in Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins were utterly dominant in their recent win, combining for 11 goals. Zach Touhy was also impressive with his 32 touches in a role up the field, helping the Cats to their fourth win from six matches. They sit sixth on the ladder heading into Round 7.
Fremantle
Injuries: Connor Blakely (H&S Protocols), Heath Chapman (H&S Protocols), Sean Darcy (Concussion), Neil Erasmus (Concussion), Nat Fyfe (Back), Joel Hamling (Knee), Liam Henry (H&S Protocols), Matthew Johnson (Foot/ankle), Joel Western (Hamstring), Hayden Young (H&S Protocols)
Fremantle currently has one of the longest lists of players unavailable to play due to injuries or Covid. Headlining the outs is obviously skipper skipper Nat Fyfe who continues to nurse a back injury. However, Sean Darcy, Heath chapman and Hayden Young are also key players that are missing for various reasons.
Other than a narrow loss to the Saints in Round 2 that easily could’ve gone their way, the Dockers have been faultless so far in season 2022. They managed to knock off the dangerous Blues in their most recent match, running over the top of them in the second half to win by 35 points. The Dockers had an even spread of possession winners in that game, highlighting the impressive depth they currently possess. They’ve now won four on the spin and will be eyeing off an upset at the Cattery this weekend.
Match Prediction
The Dockers are one of the form teams of the competition and have caught everyone by surprise with their superb play, however, they come up against the Cats at the Cattery which is one of the toughest tasks in footy. Instead of playing the head-to-head or handicap markets, I’ll be onboard the unders for total points in this one. The Dockers are one of the best defensive teams in the competition and that’s resulted in each of their last five matches going under the line, which is a trend I expect to continue on Saturday.
Under 157.5 Points (1.5 UNITS)
$1.88
Prop Bets
Gryan Miers hasn’t been as dangerous around goals as in previous seasons, but history is on his side on Saturday. In each of the last 16 instances when the Cats have been favourites on their home deck, Miers has jagged at least one goal.
Gryan Miers Anytime Goal Kicker ($1.88 Ladbrokes)
Jordan Clark will be eager to put in a good performance in his first clash against his old side. He’s started his life at Fremantle fairly well and is arguably coming off his best game for them against the Blues last weekend. He’s now had four games of 20+ disposals from six outings and remains good value.
Jordan Clark 20+ Disposals ($2.20 Ladbrokes)
Sam Switkowski is quickly becoming one of the most damaging small forwards in the game in my opinion. He’s been amongst the goals in 5/6 games this season and has kicked two majors in each of his last two games. I like his chances of kicking at least one on Saturday.
Sam Switkowski Anytime Goal Kicker ($1.67 Ladbrokes)