After a very interesting start to the footy finals last week we are back to look at a couple of Semi-Finals that will shape the rest of September. Read on for our 2015 AFL Week 2 Betting Tips & Preview.
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Hawthorn Hawks Vs. Adelaide Crows (Friday, September 18 at 7:50pm AEST)
The dominance of the Hawks over the last couple of years makes it almost alarming to see them in a do-or-die semi final against the Crows this Friday night. Will this game signal the end of the Hawthorn era? Or is there still a chance for them to shine?
The Hawks and the Crows had contrasting games in the first week of the finals with nothing going right for Hawthorn and everything going the Crows' way. The most impressive aspect of the Crows win over the Dogs is the resilience in finding a way to win even when they had their backs against the wall late in the last quarter. At the end of the day, however, we must remember the Dogs dominated the Crows in most of the key stats last week. So does that mean we give Adelaide complete credit for getting the job done or do we more lean towards the Dogs choking? The answer is likely a combination of the two. Regardless, I’m not sure this will be anywhere near as easy for them and ultimately I think the Hawks will bounce back and be far too strong.
The Hawks have won the last four against the Crows, including a stellar victory at Adelaide Oval earlier this year. They are pretty much at full strength and are known to bounce back after poor efforts. There is no doubt they are a proud team. They should come out all guns blazing here and if they do, Adelaide shouldn’t be able to get a victory. The key to Adelaide winning this game will be a fired up Eddie Betts, but I think the Hawks will be fairly focused on ensuring he isn’t let off the leash. The Hawks in a close one at the ‘G.
Tip: Hawthorn Hawks by 1-39 points (Under 39.5) - $2.20 at Sportsbet
Sydney Swans Vs. North Melbourne Kangaroos (Saturday, September 19 at 7:20pm AEST)
The Kangaroos are very lucky to be facing a decimated Swans at this stage of the finals. If the Swans were at full strength, I don’t think they would be any chance to win this game – especially in Sydney in September. But, alas, the Swans are without three pillars of their team in Kieran Jack, Lance Franklin and Luke Parker. Outside of Todd Goldstein, I truly don’t think the Roos have one player in the class of these three outs.
The last time these two teams met the Swans won by 16 points. That was earlier this year at ANZ Stadium. However, fresh on the memory will be the Swans 71-point win in last year’s preliminary final. The Roos will be super keen for some retribution after that loss, but I’m not convinced they can get the job done. They were certainly very good against the Tigers last week. The job that was done on Cotchin will need to be utilised on someone like Hannebery here, but at the end of the day I really think the Swans have a far deeper team than the Tigers. Don’t underestimate the Swans. John Longmire has been around the block in September and could easily find a way to play this one on his terms. I think the value is with the Swans in a tight contest.
Tip: Sydney Swans by 1-39 points (Under 39.5) - $2.15 at CrownBet
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
