Game: West Coast Eagles Vs. Geelong Cats (Saturday, August 17th at 7.40pm AEST - Patersons)
Market: Margin Betting (1-39, 40+) at Sportsbet
Saturday evening of round 21 of the 2013 AFL season sees the Geelong Cats head to Patersons Stadium to take on the West Coast Eagles. Before you bet, check out our analysis of the game.
Many punters will go into this game looking at the fact that the Cats have lost the last two clashes with the West Coast Eagles at Pattersons Stadium. In round 20 of last season the Cats lost by 5 points over in Perth, and the time before that they lost by 8. There was a reality check in between those games with the Cats belting the Eagles at the MCG.
So is Patersons stadium the Cats kryptonite here?
We don’t think so.
The West Coast Eagles were a much stronger outfit late last season when the Cats travelled to Perth and they just aren’t nearly that strong at the moment.
The Eagles have won the last two games, but they weren’t overly impressive against the Gold Coast Suns two weeks ago, winning by just 17 points and although they belted the Essendon Bombers last week, it was in an unprecedented situation with all the off field dramas for the Dons and so that victory needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Let’s not forget that the week before the Suns game the Eagles lost to the Bulldogs.
It would be fair for some punters to point to Geelong’s last quarter fade against Port Adelaide last week, but let’s not underestimate the Power and remember just how awesome the Cats were in that game before they let Port back in it. The Cats will also be looking to really start to get into form as the finals draw nearer.
West Coast have a distinct advantage in the Ruck, where they are ranked first in hitouts this season, while the Cats are ranked 13th. The Eagles do also get Luke Shuey back this week. It will certainly be tough in the middle for Cats, but they have the Eagles covered around the ground and that’s where the game will be won. In taking all this into account, we don’t think the Cats will be able to blow this game out. This game should be decided by two-three goals max, with the Cats being strong enough to get over the line.
Take note: The above tip is simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!
