The Saints will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face off against the Power from Marvel Stadium in the Round 7 opener on Friday night! PuntingInDanger is back on deck to preview the game and provide his betting tips below.
Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for regular updates throughout the 2023 season.
AFL Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
St Kilda vs Port Adelaide
Marvel Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (AEST)
The Saints are absolutely rolling at the moment, recording a strong win over the Blues in Round 6 to remain atop the ladder with a 5-1 record. Their only loss this season came against the Pies in Gather Round in a game where they were competitive against what many are calling the benchmark of the competition.
The Saints have built their new look system around pressure and fitness, and they currently maintain the best defence in the league. They have allowed just 357 points through six games this season, more than 110 points better than the 2nd ranked team in that category. They have already built up a healthy 142.9% points, which is as good as an extra win given how tight the top half of the ladder is shaking out to be this season.
In a game that had 11 lead changes throughout the first three quarters, the Saints began to kick away midway through the third, piling on six goals to two in the 2nd half to record a 22 point win. Carlton had the top six disposal getters on the ground, but the likes of Jack Sinclair Mason Wood, Brad Hill and Josh Battle were far more influential.
After a couple of disappointing losses to Collingwood and Adelaide earlier in the season, the Power have won three on the trot to force their way back into the top eight. They were far too good for the Eagles on the weekend, running out 40 point winners at home on the back of strong games from youngsters Connor Rozee and Zak Butters. Defender turned ruckman turned forward Jeremy Finlayson also had a breakout game, booting five goals in the win.
While many were calling for the head of coach Ken Hinkley after their Round 3 loss in the Showdown, pressure has eased slightly now with three wins on the trot and the discoverance that Adelaide is a genuine top eight team.
While Port Adelaide are certainly looking like an improved side from the one that disappointingly missed out on finals last season, there are a few issues that still remain. The first is their extensive injury list, which currently sees Todd Marshall, Mitch Georgiades, Kane Farrell, Orazio Fantasia and potentially Charlie Dixon missing this match. Skipper Tom Jonas has also been ruled out through suspension.
Ont thing trending in the Power’s favour is their fantastic record at Marvel Stadium. For a team that only plays under the roof a few times a year, they have made it a bit of a stomping ground in recent history, winning their last seven straight games there by an average margin of 34.2 points.
Over those seven games, however, they haven’t faced a team in the form that St Kilda is currently in, with the majority coming against the likes of North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Essendon.
The Saints play Marvel Stadium so well. The smaller ground is conducive to their restrictive defence, allowing them to corral their opposition into corners of the ground much easier. They start 12.5 point favourites here but I’m going to steer away from that and look at the unders instead.
The Saints have kept their opposition to just 59.5 points per game this season and Port Adelaide might already been struggling to find avenues to goal in the absence of Marshall, Fantasia, Georgiades and (potentially) Dixon. Think the Power score around 55-70 here.
Total Under 158.5
$1.88 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare banner below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Brad Hill 20+ Disposals - Hill was arguably the hardest working player on the ground in the Saints win over the Blues. He led the game in pressure acts with 27 and also had 21 touches as he patrolled up and down the wing. Has had 20+ in 5/6 games this season.
Tim Membrey 2+ Goals - Membrey slotted straight back into the Saints forward line against Carlton, after missing the first five games of the season. He booted just the one goal but had plenty of opportunities as the Saints most targeted forward. Should get better week on week.
Under 158.5 Points - See our match preview for the extended breakdown of this selection.
Same Game Multi Price: $6.25
