The final match of AFL Round 20 will see the Bombers take on the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium. Check out our best bets for this fixture right here!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Essendon vs North Melbourne Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 31st July, 4:40pm (AEST)
Essendon
Injuries: Nik Cox, Darcy Parish, Devon Smith, Tex Wanganeen
Essendon have one of the kindest injury lists in the AFL right now with only four guys unavailable for selection. Darcy Parish is the biggest out as he continues to rehab a calf, while Nik Cox and Devon Smith are also key guys that are missing.
The Bombers had their three-match win streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion by the Magpies last week. They looked a certainty to secure another four points, but it wasn’t to be as Jamie Elliott slotted a go-ahead goal after the siren. Regardless, it’s been an excellent month of footy for the Bombers who are clearly in a purple patch. Wins against top eight sides in the Swans and the Lions show that they’re not too far away from being a good side when they get things right for four quarters.
North Melbourne
Injuries: Miller Bergman, Charlie Comben, Ben Cunnington, Kyron Hayden, Flynn Perez, Jared Polec, Will Phillips, Tristan Xerri
North Melbourne are without quite a few of their key players at the moment, which certainly isn’t helping their cause. Ben Cunnington has missed the entire season with illness, while Tristan Xerri and Jared Polec are both out for the rest of the campaign. In good news, Nick Larkey is available to play despite having a sore heel.
The Kangaroos have been a bit more competitive over the last couple of weeks but have only one win to show for their efforts. They upset the Tigers in Round 18 but were thoroughly outplayed by the Hawks last weekend. Still, the Kangaroos have shown us that they have plenty of young talent in their squad and might not be too far away from being a decent side. However, they remain on the bottom of the ladder with two wins to their name.
Match Prediction
With both teams destined to finish down the bottom half of the ladder and with not too much to play for, I imagine we won’t see any records broken in the pressure ratings in this match. On top of that, the Bombers have scored 100+ points in two of their last three matches and the Kangaroos have put up 75+ in each of their last three, which tells us we should be on for a high-scoring contest. With that in mind, I’m happy to have a small play on the overs here.
Over 170.5 Points
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Luke McDonald has shown the ability to accumulate a lot of touches when given the chance across half back. His role increases with Aaron Hall out of the side and looks to be really good value in the disposal markets this weekend.
Luke McDonald 20+ Disposals ($1.90 at Ladbrokes)
Goal scorer markets are well and truly in play in this fixture and one that I really like is Nic Martin for 2+ goals. He’s averaging over a goal a game this season and is sure to get a couple of looks at the big sticks against the Kangaroos.
Nic Martin 2+ goals ($3 at Ladbrokes)
Peter Wright is enjoying his best season in the AFL and is averaging 2.5 goals per contest. He’s in rare form at the moment having bagged 20 goals from his last six matches and is good value to kick at least three on Sunday.
Peter Wright 3+ goals ($1.98 at Ladbrokes)
