Round 16 of the AFL season continues on Tuesday with a tasty double-header. Action gets underway at 5:40pm with the Crows hosting the Giants, followed by the Blues taking on the Swans at 8:10pm. As usual, we have a full preview and tips for the clash and remember to head to our AFL Betting Tips page for continued coverage throughout the last few weeks of the home and away season.
Adelaide vs GWS Giants
Adelaide Oval, 5:40pm (AEST)
Adelaide were finally able to break through with a win in season 2020 when they knocked over the Hawks in Round 15. It’s been an extremely difficult season for Crows fans to endure, but at least they’ll be saved the embarrassment of a winless season.
GWS were slow starters against the Blues in their most recent outing, but were able to get the game on their terms after half time to run away with the four points. The Giants have now strung two wins together and have climbed back into the top eight.
The Crows lead the head-to-head count 9-3 all-time against the Giants, although two of the Giants three wins have come in their past three meetings. Last time they met, the Crouch brothers both notched 30+ touches in a 21-point Crows win.
History between these clubs doesn’t mean much at all when you consider how poor Adelaide have been this season. Yes, they won easily against the Hawks last weekend, but that was like their Grand Final and it was against a team with plenty of problems of their own. Playing against an in-form Giants team is a completely different proposition for the Crows and we simply don’t think they’ll be anywhere good enough. With so much on the line, we expect it a pretty straightforward win for the visiting Giants.
Carlton vs Sydney
Metricon Stadium, 8:10pm (AEST)
Carlton were well positioned to make a finals push a couple of weeks ago, but have since gone on to lose some crucial matches and their season is now effectively over. Despite their recent disappointment, most fans would argue that the club has taken a couple of big steps forward in 2020.
Sydney caused a big boil over last weekend when they knocked over Melbourne by 21 points. It was the experienced guys in Lloyd, Parker, and Kennedy that led the way for the Swans who claimed win #5 on the season. It certainly hasn’t been a successful campaign for the Swans, but they’ve uncovered quite a few kids that will bring some hope to fans.
These clubs met twice during the 2019 season and the away side won on both occasions. Last time they met it was the Blues who came out on top by seven points. Ed Curnow, Patrick Cripps, and Sam Walsh collected 28 touches each, while Jake Lloyd was Sydney’s best with 34 disposals.
It feels like the Blues have had the way better season of the two, yet they’ve won just one more game than the Swans. Now that a realistic hope of playing finals is out of their minds, the Blues might just drop off a bit in their intensity, which will level the playing field here. We’re expecting a very tight game where both clubs have their fair share of chances to come out on top.
Either Team by 15 or Less
$2.25
