After hitting on just two of nine bets in the Anzac Round of footy, PuntingInDanger fans had a big bounce back weekend in Round 6, hitting on seven out of nine tips. We’ll look to continues that momentum here as we take a look at the Round 7 Friday night blockbuster between Geelong and Greater Western Sydney below.
Geelong are coming off a disappointing loss to Sydney at home in Round 6. After leading by almost four goals at three quarter time, the Swans kicked seven goals to two in the final quarter, without marquee centre half forward Lance Franklin, to snatch a 17-point victory. Geelong’s midfield will be particularly unhappy with the loss, as Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield managed to accumulate just 47 touches between them, well down on their average output, and allowed Josh Kennedy to dominate the game.
The Giants dealt with the Brisbane Lions as expected in Round 6, kicking 10 goals on the way to a 34-point win. Brett Deledio continued his stellar season to date while running man Lachie Whitfield finally found some form, racking up 33 touches and a goal in the win. Josh Kelly is still a big concern for the Giants, and there are rumours that he could be out for an extended period with Osteitis Pubis. The Giants have enough cover in the midfield, however, especially with Deledio finding some great form and Ryan Griffen returning to the line-up with a bang.
In big news for the Cats, coach Chris Scott said Gary Ablett would be considered for the clash against the Giants after training strongly through last week. However, with the game being on a Friday night and Gary’s long history of taking extra time to ensure fitness, I highly doubt we see him this weekend.
Geelong will get their second game at GMHBA Stadium in a row on Friday night. While they did lose their just their third game down in Geelong in their last 16 tries, it probably says more about the Swans ability to win there than it does about Geelong’s potential downfall as Sydney are responsible for all three of those losses.
GMHBA Stadium is definitely still a fortress for the Cats, and the fact that they start as 9-point favourites here even after a tough loss is testament to that. It will be interesting to see if GWS stick with Jonathon Patton as their first-choice ruck but with the potential return of Rory Lobb this week, it’s unlikely. Toby Greene will likely be back for the Giants as well.
Tough game to call here but the Cats should come out ultra-hungry after losing their Round 6 clash at home. Their defence is still a massive issue though, and with the dynamic forward line of Patton, Cameron and Greene to worry about, it could be too much too handle. I think the Giants win this one as underdogs.
TIP: Greater Western Sydney +9.5 - $1.92 at Sportsbet