The 2nd game in the 1.45pm AFL timeslot this Saturday will see Geelong take on West Coast in what should be an absolute blockbuster from GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. As usual, PuntingInDanger has you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
AFL Geelong vs West Coast Betting Tips
GMHBA Stadium, Saturday 24th April 1.45pm (AEST)
The Cats and Eagles are both coming off good wins in Round 5 and both teams have a 3-2 record through the AFL season so far. This one has the makings of an early finals preview so put the Swans vs Suns on the back burner and lock into this one.
Match Prediction
The Cats bounced back from a loss to the Demons in Round 4 with a solid win over the Roos at GMHBA Stadium. They will be back at home on Saturday, where they have lost just two of their last 21 games. In that time, they have won their last 6 games on the trot at Kardinia Park against the Eagles, dating all the way back to a three point win for West Coast in Geelong in 2006.
The Eagles also lost in heartbreaking fashion in round 4, going down the Saints after leading by 33 points in the third quarter. They too bounced back in Round 5 with a solid win over Collingwood at Perth Stadium. Much like the Cats at GMHBA, they look pretty unbeatable at Optus Stadium but have looked susceptible on the road this year.
The Eagles are battling a pretty long injury list at the moment. As well as skipper Luke Shuey, they will also be without Elliot Yeo, Liam Ryan, Jack Petruccelle and Shannon Hurn this week, while Josh Kennedy, Brendon Ah Chee, Tom Cole and Josh Rotham will need to pass fitness tests to play.
The Cats were dealt a blow through the week as star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield was ruled out for 6-10 weeks with an ankle injury. Their sprits will be lifted on Saturday afternoon though as prized recruit Jeremy Cameron is set to make his debut in blue and white. Apart from Dangerfield and veteran Shaun Higgins, the Cats injury list looks pretty solid at the moment.
For me, this was always going to be a game where I pick the winner solely based on who’s name appears first on the fixture. The Cats were ‘at home’ against the Hawks at the MCG in Round 3, but even so, both of these teams are 3-0 this season at home and 0-2 on the road. The advantage of the Cats playing at GMHBA Stadium can’t be understated here and combined with the inclusion of Cameron and the superior injury list, I think they win here in a relatively close one.
Cats 1-39 (1.5 Units)
$2.20
Cats Prop
With Dangerfield back out of the lineup this week, someone will need to pick up the slack in the midfield for the Cats and Cam Guthrie has been their premier ball winner so far this season. He is averaging 29.0 disposals per game and when he last faced the Eagles in full length quarters, he racked up 33 touches, his only game with 30+ for that season.
Eagles Prop
Oscar Allen has been an absolute revelation for the Eagles this season. He showed glimpses of brilliance over the last few seasons but has taken his game to the next level this year, kicking 14 goals through five games so far. With Josh Kennedy potentially out of the line-up on the weekend, there should be more supply for Allen. Back him to kick 3+ Goals.
