Sydney and Melbourne are both locked in to play finals football in 2023, but there is still plenty to play for in this final home-and-away match on Sunday. For the Swans, the opportunity to host a home final beckons with a win, while the Demons will be eager to head into September in winning form. We bring you our preview, best bet and value Same Game Multi below!
Also, we're providing previews and best bets for every game of the 2023 season, so make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly to stay up to date.
AFL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney vs Melbourne
Sunday 3:20pm AEST, August 27th, SCG
Sydney are arguably the form side of the competition at the moment, with six consecutive wins to their name. While none of the victories have been dominant by any stretch, each has come against decent enough opposition to suggest that the Swans are capable of doing some damage in the finals series. It’s hard to identify exactly how Sydney have turned things around – player availability has remained relatively steady and it could even be argued that the Swans have played their best football without some of their biggest stars. Although the Bloods are without Buddy Franklin who has retired, the line-up is nearly at full strength heading into another finals campaign and the players from last year’s losing Grand Final side will be determined to right some of the wrongs of 2022. Personally, I can’t see this team challenging the likes of Collingwood, Brisbane and Melbourne come September, but you can’t deny the character they have shown to end up in this position with one round to play.
Melbourne are also in great touch heading into the finals, with four wins from their last five outings. Like the Swans, the Demons haven’t come up against elite opposition in a while but they have beat whoever has been put in front of them, and will attack another premiership tilt with a coveted double chance. The return of stars Clayton Oliver and Bailey Fritsch from injury will only bolster the hopes of Dees fans, while also taking pressure off the likes of Petracca, Viney and Van Rooyen who have had up their output over the last month or so. Melbourne definitely appear to be travelling better now than they were at this point last year, demonstrated by their sustained attacking threat and victories with big players missing. Given the stutters of Collingwood and Port Adelaide over the back half of the season, Melbourne will definitely be confident that they can go all the way again in 2023.
This match is a tricky one to pick, especially without the knowledge of other Round 23 results. In all likelihood, the Demons will have little to play for in this one, with fourth place likely their ceiling. On the other hand, Sydney could be vying for a home final, which would position them as the more motivated outfit. As such, I can see the Swans prevailing, despite their inferiority on paper.
Sydney to Win
$1.78 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Errol Gulden 30+ Disposals – Gulden has had an incredible season and I expect him to continue in that vein against the Dees. The Swans wingman has chalked up 30 disposals in 3/4 recent matches and Melbourne tend to give up big numbers to players in Gulden’s mould.
Joel Smith 1+ Goal – Smith has been a Mr Fix-it type player for the Dees this season, but with Daniel Turner coming into the side I expect him to play as a full-time forward against the Swans. In that role, against an undersized backline, Smith is a great chance to find the big sticks.
Sydney +6.5 – Just like last weekend, I’m backing the Swans in a tight one.
SGM Odds: $6 at BoomBet
