It’s been an exciting Round 1 in the AFL so far and the action continues on Sunday with another three big games. Kicking off the action is the Roos and Power at Marvel Stadium from 1.10pm, but the game we are focusing on for this preview is the clash between the Giants and Saints at Spotless Stadium from 3.20pm!
Remember, you can check out our preview and tips for every game in Round 1 and beyond of the AFL season, just be sure to head to our AFL Betting Tips page for regular updates.
AFL Round 1 St Kilda vs GWS Betting Tips
Spotless Stadium, Sunday 21st March 3.20pm (AEDT)
2021 will no doubt be an interesting season for these two teams. The Giants are seemingly on the way down after a period of sustained success while the Saints look to be on the way up with an emerging list led by exciting youngsters.
Match Prediction
The Saints have one of the most exciting lists in the league but will be without a host of key players in Round 1 through injury. Brad Crouch, James Frawley, Jarryn Geary, Dan Hannebery, Max King, Rowan Marshall, Ben Paton and Paddy Ryder will all miss the clash, giving opportunity to some of the new players on the Saints list in the likes of Shaun McKernan, Mason Wood, Paul Hunter, Jack Higgins and rookie Thomas Highmore.
The Giants are blooding some youth of their own on Sunday as touted youngster and No.12 pick in the draft, Tanner Bruhn will make his debut alongside Matt Flynn. GWS had their fair share of departures in the off-season, headlined by star forward Jeremy Cameron who opted to head to Geelong. They also lost Jye Caldwell, Aidan Corr, Heath Shaw, Zac Williams and Jackson Hately.
Going to Sydney to take on the Giants is a tough assignment regardless of how many players they lost in the off-season, however, the game between the Saints and Giants in Sydney last year is really telling to me. In the final round of the year, with the Giants season on the line, the Saints travelled to Sydney and gave their opponents a 52 point thrashing, dominating the game from start to finish with their skill and pace.
Hard to believe the Saints are starting as underdogs here. At most I thought this would be a pick’em or the Saints would be slightly favoured. Despite their injuries they still have a super talented and experienced team, back them to win on the road.
Saints H2H (1.5 Units)
$2.31
Giants Prop
Jeremy Cameron was a Coleman Medal winner and booted 427 goals across just 171 games at Greater Western Sydney. With him gone, those goals have to be replaced if they want to be competitive and I think his absence could create a larger role in the forward line for Toby Greene. Greene booted 17 goals in just 13 games last season and in his last season with full length quarters he kicked 27 in 19 games. Back him to be the focal point of the Giants attack on Sunday.
Saints Prop
Mason Wood should play a pivotal role in the forward line in his first game in a Saints uniform. With Max King, Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder all out through injury, the Saints will be desperate for a solid lead up forward so Wood will likely spend more time deep. Played well in the Saints practice match against his old side, booting four goals. Back him to kick 2+ on Sunday.
