Happy Sunday,
Some surprisingly exciting games yesterday in Bombers and Saints almost-wins. One of my compratiots made a start for the Saints (couldn't make it out if it was his first), #45 Holmes. It's been really fun to watch the Saints improvement and fight this year. Similarly for GWS, but with much different results yesterday. My two bets paid, but netted losses on the live plays I made. Took several large Pies margins in 1H since they were playing better than Tiges except for hitting goal. Normally that will correct itself. They improved in 3rd Q, and then fell off the planet. Recovered a little betting Tiges hugh margin late. Similarly with GWS. Not a team you expect to fully capitulate.
The long-awaited marquee matchup later today, along with hopefully a tight one in Roos and Dockers.
NM v. Freo
Line feels about right, though I'd say Freo's side at 8.5 now (Freo opened as faves (-4.5). The Roos will be looking for revenge after getting destroyed Rd 8. Otherwise, too many missing players and weird dynamics for a line play. Roos vice captain Ziebell out on ban. On the Dockers' side (Glenn, take note), don't underestimate the Hawks' loss and the extra buffer the Dockers have on the ladder now. They may choose to rest players and take chances with a loss (eg, McPharlin and Dawson). While I don't see value at the line given all of that, I love the Over here, at Ethihad once again. We know that Ethihad is a great scoring stadium. In addition, since coming out of the bye in Rd 14, the Roos scored 70 that round away at GC, then 93 home in Rd 16 vs. Bombers. The 5 other matches have averaged 119 points. Granted, lower-ranked teams, avg D etc. But all I need is a mid-80 score, minimum from them. Because Dockers love Ethihad. They've won 4 of last 5 there, and they scored 96 points there two weeks ago against the Saints (blazing 1st Q).
Play: Over 170.5
Carlton v. Melbourne
No plays for me on this game, just not that interested, frankly. Blues haven't loss by less than 18 since Rd 14 vs. the Doggies. Dees have been playing better lately, but are coming off a shellacking by Doggies. Only stats that stick out to me are the Dees' tackling, averaging 63 to 52 over the past five games and a much higher Opp Goal Accuracy for Blues.
Live plays: Dees ML or Blues >+7 goals
WCE v. WB
The narrative here is worn now, with the Doggies' level of opposition not holding much weight against that of the Eagles' since the bye. Appears to be a sizeable advantage in the ruck, especially with Nait' back. Furthermore, Eagles' have been sickly good ATS at home this season. The only one they've not covered was to Hawks recently, losing by 15 against a 10.5 spread. The no-cover before that was Rd 3 v. Dockers. In between, they have literally crushed each one to some degree. The Doggies' best chance will be a no-fear attitude and a few lucky bounces. Otherwise, this looks like a 35+ pt win for the Eagles.
Play: Eagles -23.5
Live plays: Eagles line <6.
Good luck and I hope you can actually watch the late game.
Erich