The struggling North Melbourne will face a rampaging Sydney this Sunday at Marvel Stadium as the Swans continue their push for a top four berth.
Many expect this one to be a blowout in Sydney’s favour, however a similar result was predicted a few weeks ago when the Kangaroos shocked Richmond under the roof.
Before the match, be sure to check out these Round 21 AFL betting tips!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
North Melbourne vs Sydney Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 7th August, 1:10pm (AEST)
North Melbourne
Injuries: Jackson Archer (out), Miles Bergman, Jack Mahony, Will Phillips, Jared Polec, Tristan Xerri
Popular veteran Ben Cunnington is nearing a return from testicular cancer, which will be a massive boost to North’s morale late in the season.
A couple of solid performances against Collingwood and Richmond have been followed by two stinkers against Hawthorn and Essendon, just about consigning the Kangaroos to the wooden spoon. It’s been a catastrophic year for the rebuilding club, which has taken several steps backward in its journey to challenge for a premiership once again. Losses in excess of 10 goals have been the norm, and injuries have stifled any opportunity to build momentum through consistency of selection.
For the final few weeks of the season North Melbourne’s task looks to be planting the seeds of next year - trialling players in different positions and determining a best 22 for 2023. Shining lights have been few and far between but growing talents Luke Davies-Uniacke, Nick Larkey and Paul Curtis can hold their heads high.
Sydney
Injuries: Peter Ladhams, Sam Naismith, Colin O’Riordan, Mark Sheather
The Swans have a remarkably clean bill of health and will be confident in their fitness heading into finals.
Sydney are hitting their straps at the right time with four consecutive wins over the last month. In that time the Swans have beaten quality opposition in Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs and have topped 110 points on three occasions which attests to their scoring power. One final push could see the ‘Bloods’ sew up a top four position and enter the frame as a true premiership contender, although there have been enough blemishes this year for opposition teams to not be hugely intimidated by this prospect.
While Sydney are likely to remain contenders for years to come given the demographics of their list, 2022 has taken on heightened importance with the recent announcement that Lance Franklin will seek a new home for 2023. As such, expect a spirited push for the flag in coming weeks. Leading the charge will be midfield heavy hitters Callum Mills and Luke Parker, as well as exciting young talents Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and Errol Gulden who have all had outstanding campaigns.
Match Prediction
If Sydney are the real deal, then this match should be a walkover, especially on the fast surface of Marvel Stadium considering the Swans love to play a high scoring brand of football. North have little to play for, except perhaps individual list positions for next year. As such, I expect Sydney to be too hungry and have too much firepower in this clash. The line is a long one, but I’ll back the Swans to kick a big score and win well.
Sydney -47.5
$2 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Heeney has been in excellent form playing as a full-time forward in recent weeks, kicking 19 goals in his last seven games. The supreme talent has a great record against the Kangaroos and should capitalise on their struggles this weekend.
Isaac Heeney 3+ Goals ($1.85 at TAB)
Chad Warner has been in blistering form heading into finals, hitting 25 disposals four times in his last five games. As such, he is fantastic value to do so again against a team which will struggle to combat his running ability across the ground.
Chad Warner 25+ Disposals ($1.70 at TAB)
