The reigning premiers are starting to find some form in season 2023 but won’t have it all their own way as they host one of the form teams this weekend. Here, we preview the blockbuster Geelong vs Essendon Saturday night matchup and bring you our best betting tips.
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AFL Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Geelong vs Essendon
Saturday 7:25pm AEST, July 15th, GMHBA Stadium
Saturday night footy in Round 18 of the 2023 AFL season is headlined by the clash that sees Geelong take on Essendon at GMHBA Stadium. There were a few pundits annoyed with such a blockbuster being played at a ground with limited capacity, but the Cats will rightly get to play on their home deck which has been a fortress for the best part of 20 years.
Geelong fans also got to see their team in action at this venue last weekend when they made extremely light work of North Melbourne, which was to be expected. They came away from that match with a 125-63 wire-to-wire victory which made it three games in a row without a loss (2-1-0).
Essendon were also on their home deck last weekend at Marvel Stadium where they too recorded a wire-to-wire win. They got off to an impeccable start to post 81 points in the first half, and while the Crows showed some fight after the main break, the damage was done (115-97).
Although the Bombers had lost their previous two matches leading into their win over the Crows, it’s fair to say they’ve been in great touch this season and have exceeded expectations by some way.
Zach Merrett has had an incredible first season as skipper of the red-and-black, but I think it’s fair to say that most of their improvement is due to the appointment of Brad Scott as head coach. He’s been the voice this club has needed and has but the Bombers in a terrific position to fight for a spot in the finals, if not for a home final.
12 months ago, Geelong hosting Essendon at GMHBA Stadium would be a bloodbath in the making, but that certainly doesn’t look like the case at this current time. I give the inspired Bombers a punchers chance at stealing another win and am happy to be on them to at least cover the spread which seems to be a goal or two generous.
Essendon +25.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
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Jake Stringer 1+ Goals - The Package loves these sorts of occasions and will be switched on from the start. You have to expect him to hit the scoreboard at least once at some point.
Mitch Duncan 20+ Disposals – Six straight games of 20+ disposals including 30 at this venue last weekend. No-brainer.
Tyson Stengle 2+ Goals – Looked at his dangerous best last weekend albeit against North Melbourne. I like the value of him for multiple goals and am happy to back him in.
