AFL Round 12 continues on Saturday with three games on the slate. Here, we take a look at the night fixture that sees the Demons host the Swans at the MCG. Find our best bets for this clash right here!
As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the game and remember to head to our AFL Tips page, where you can catch our coverage of all the Round 12 action.
Melbourne vs Sydney Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 4th June 7:25pm (AEST)
Melbourne
Injuries: Blake Howes (Foot), Steven May (Concussion), Joel Smith (Ankle)
There are only three players on the Demons injury list at the moment, but one of them is Steven May who’s a crucial part of their team structure. He will miss the next 1-2 weeks as he recovers from a concussion.
After going through the first 10 rounds of the season undefeated, the Demons were finally dealt their first loss of their campaign at the hands of the Dockers. The Demons led by four goals at the main break and looked in control, but a concussion to their best defender in Steven May made all the difference and the Dockers tool full advantage. Regardless of that result, it’s been an impressive premiership defence from the Demons so far as they currently sit one game clear at the top of the ladder.
Sydney
Injuries: Harry Cunningham (Abdominal), Tom Hickey (Toe), Josh Kennedy (Hamstring), Sam Naismith (Knee), Angus Sheldrick (Knee), Lance Franklin (Suspension)
The Swans don’t have too many players unavailable for selection either, but will still be missing a couple of key personnel. Buddy Franklin will miss this match due to suspension, while Tom Hickey and Josh Kennedy continue to miss through injury.
The Swans looked on their way to their fourth loss in five matches when they trailed the Tigers by over five goals during the third quarter, but they were able to rally hard during the last quarter and a bit to run out 106-100 winners. Unfortunately, superstar Buddy Franklin has been rubbed out due to a hit on Trent Cotchin, which put a dampener on a great win. That win was the Swans seventh for the season and it keeps in inside the top eight for the time being.
Match Prediction
The Demons will obviously be looking to get straight back onto the winners list after their long winning streak was snapped last weekend, however, Steven May’s the most important player for the Demons in my opinion and his presence will be sorely missed this weekend. No Buddy Franklin certainly doesn’t even things up a bit down that part of the ground, but I still believe the Demons will be vulnerable to some of the Swans tall forwards.
This is the best chance the Swans will get to knock the Demons off for quite some time and while they may not end up getting the chocolates, I expect them to keep things close to cover the spread at a minimum.
Sydney Swans +24.5 (1.5 UNITS)
$2
Prop Bets
Errol Gulden is enjoying a strong second season in the competition and remains an important player for the Swans. He’s kicked a goal in 7/11 games this season including four of his last six. I like his value to jag one again on Saturday night.
Errol Gulden Anytime Goal Kicker ($2.35 Ladbrokes)
Luke Jackson hasn’t quite been at his damaging best over the last month or so, but he’s still been getting a lot of the footy for a big man. He’s had 15+ touches in each of his last three matches and comes up against a Swans side that are lacking in the rucks department. He should be able to get a lot of it again on Saturday.
Luke Jackson 15+ Disposals ($1.80 Ladbrokes)
Kozzie Pickett was unable to make it multiple goals in four straight games when he kicked only one against the Dockers last weekend. Still, the young star has 12 in his last six outings and comes up against a Swans defence that doesn’t have a good matchup for him. Really like him in 2+ and 3+ markets here.
Kysaiah Pickett 2+ Goals ($2.30 Ladbrokes)
