Really tough weekend for PuntingInDanger and fans in AFL betting tips last week as we hit on just one of our tips for the weekend. Shortened slate in Round 12 as the bye rounds get underway and we’ll be looking to get back on track as we kick off our AFL tips by taking a look at the Friday night clash between Port Adelaide and Richmond below.
The Tigers were fantastic in their Dreamtime at the G clash against Essendon on Saturday night. They kicked away to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked like giving it up as 10 goal kickers contributed to the 71 point win.
Shane Edwards was best on ground with 31 touches and two goals while Dustin Martin seemed to play an increased role in the midfield, racking up 28 touches, his most prolific game since Round 6.
The Power played out an extremely tight tussle with the Hawks down in Tasmania on Saturday afternoon. After trailing by 25 points at quarter time, the Hawks were able to fight their way back into the game to take a one goal lead into the final break. Port Adelaide had a chance to win when a Robbie Gray goal in the 19 minute mark of the last quarter put them in front, however, Hawthorn fired right back to score the final goal of the game and claim a three point win.
Port Adelaide’s ability to win the ball in the middle of the field was a real worry. Ollie Wines was their top disposal winner on the day with just 22 touches as Hawthorn boasted the top six disposal counts on the ground.
After two good games in a row, many thought that Tom Rockliff had finally found his groove in a teal and black jersey, however, with just 10 touches on the weekend, he was back to playing that limbo roll in between the forward line and the midfield.
The one positive for the Power is that they got through the game completely unscathed and actually have a really good looking injury list moving forward. Hamish Hartlett is only only certain starting 22 player out with injury at the moment, while Todd Marshall looks likely to return via the SANFL this weekend.
Richmond look set to get a host of players back from injury this weekend as Shai Bolton, Jason Castagna, Nathan Drummond and Dylan Grimes will all face tests through the week to prove their fitness. Jack Riewoldt suffered a concussion against Essendon but looks set to play, however, Bachar Houli will likely join Dion Prestia on the sidelines with a groin injury.
It’s make or break for Port Adelaide now. After making some big moves in the offseason, many thought that the Power were a real top four or even premiership contender. They have shown glimpses of brilliance this year with fantastic wins over the likes of Sydney and Adelaide but ultimately just haven’t been consistent enough.
Friday night will be a great chance to announce themselves against the reigning premiers and solidify a spot inside the top eight, but do they have what it takes?
Finding it really tough to pick a winner here as the Tigers start as slight 4.5 point favourites away from home. The total point line has also been brought all the way down to 139.5 due to the there being some rain about in Adelaide on Friday night and the two teams propensity to play low scoring games.
130 and 139 points have been scored in the last two games between the two teams, and with a fairly high chance of rain throughout Friday night it could be another low scoring affair. However, the 139-point line is probably the lowest we’ve seen all year and I have no doubt that punters will nudge it up by Friday night. I like the unders here but there’s potential to wait this one out.
Total points UNDER 139.5
$1.88
Either team by under 15.5 points
$2.45
