Collingwood V Western Bulldogs

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Collingwood 1.22 Bulldogs 4.35

Although the Pies were upset last week against the Hawks it was a great lead in game for the finals. They played pretty good seeing that they didn’t need to win the game so will be prepared to go 100% this weekend.

The Bulldogs coming off an impressive win against Essendon last week looked polished and should put up a fight against the Pies but I think they will lack the skills Collingwood has shown this year along with the continuing list of injuries the Bulldogs have going into this game.

My prediction is the Pies by over 40 points paying at Sportsbet here

Geelong V St Kilda

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.38 St Kilda 3.10

The Cats have proven once again they are the class side this year so tipping against them would take some guts. They have the better form going into the game and look to be more composed going into the finals.

I’m tipping a close game but the Cats to be too strong and win by around about 14 points. See the latest odds for this game at Sportsbet.

Fremantle V Hawthorn

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Fremantle 2.20 Hawthorn 1.68

The Hawks look to be the surprise package this finals series and should take care of the Dockers over in WA.
The Hawks have a near full strength side where Freo have been hit hard with injury this year and it will show this weekend. I’m tipping the Hawks to win by 30 points.

Sydney V Carlton

Tip: Sydney

Odds: Sydney 1.45 Carlton 2.77

Sydney play great football at home and always step up when it comes to finals and will give Paul Roos a great final send off game as coach in Sydney.
Carlton may get the jump on the Swans with the flair that they play with but I expect the Swans to grind out the win.
I’m tipping the Swans by 18 points.

The Bulldogs V Sydney game and Richmond V Port game could go either way and will be important to tip right.

The game of round 22 is the Hawks V Pies, expect a massive game with some high skills on display.

Best bet of round 22

This week I’m taking Port Adelaide in a straight out win with odds of 2.13 at Sportsbet here. They have been playing some good footy lately and I think they will be too much for the Tigers.

Fremantle V Carlton Friday Night at Subiaco

Tip: Fremantle

A very important game for both clubs as they play for the all important home final. Things backfired for Freo last week but giving the fact half of their starting onfield players were rested they will be ready for a big game.

This may have been Freo’s plan all along setting their sights to this game so I’m predicting a big effort and win from the Dockers on Friday night.

Geelong V West Coast Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will win this game its just a matter of when they will shut the game down and look to next week. They have a handful of players that could be playing for a spot for this finals series so expect a high class game of football.

I’m tipping Geelong to win by over 40 points with short odds of 1.21 at Sportsbet

Hawthorn V Collingwood Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

This weeks game of round 22 should be a beauty. The Hawks have looked pretty flat of late but the seem to find a way to bring their game when it counts.

The Pies will be looking at this game as a start to their finals campaign and the Hawks will be playing all out to secure a home final as avoid traveling interstate next week.

It will be a great game but I predict the Pies will be too strong when the pressure is applied. I’m tipping them to win be around 24 points.

Adelaide V St Kilda Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Although Adelaide did play one of their better games of the year last week scaring the Pies I think St Kilda will be very focused on their game and get the job done.

When they play well St Kilda are near unstoppable and they will be wanting to get into that mindset leading into the massive Geelong game next week.

Western Bulldogs V Essendon Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Bulldogs

The doggies have had a disastrous few week losing key players and some massive losses. They will be out to change the trend and try and get some momentum for next week.

I’m predicting a high tackling game especially in defense where they will be concentrating allot of their game now that  handy goal kickers Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney will be out of the side for a few weeks.

If you looking for a bet for this game take the 1-39 point margin with odds of 2.20 at Sportsbet here.

Brisbane V Sydney Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Sydney

Sydney have much more to play for then Brisbane so should get a comfortable win over at the Gabba. A win here for the Swans will ensure a home final and a greta lead into the finals.

They have been playing great footy recently and could be the surprise package in the 2010 finals as they try to do it for Coach Paul Roos one more time.

Richmond V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

As I tipped a few weeks ago Port will finish off the year well and they haven’t disappointed yet. Although the bookies see North taking the win I’m sticking with the Power to end their season off on a high giving them high hopes for 2011.

I’m tipping Port to win by under 39.5 points with odds of 2.85 at Sportsbet.

Melbourne V North Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: North Melbourne

With both teams out of finals contention this will be a great opportunity for both clubs to try a few different things and play the youth. Taking that into account, I would be hesitant about betting big on this game as anything could happen here so keep the bets small and don;t include them in the multi bets.

The all important last game of the footy tipping year could be the difference of a tipping competition win or loss so depending if your a point or two down I would take Melbourne to win and hope they get up. If your already leading the competition take the safer North tip and be quietly confident of a win.

However, it’s a different story with the Coalition, with Tony Abbott favoured to keep the top job for at least a full term should the Coalition win tomorrow.

“Should Labor win the election, on the whole punters don’t think Julia Gillard will be at the helm in three years time,” said Sportsbet’s Haydn Lane.
“On the other hand, if the Coalition win, Tony Abbott will be the savior and it’s hard to see his position coming under serious threat.”
In overall election betting, Labor continues to drift on the back of strong recent support for the Coalition. Labor is now out to $1.35, with the Coalition at $3.15.
All markets courtesy of Sportsbet

IF Labor win the election, will Julia Gillard be Labor leader at the 2013 federal election?
$1.47 No
$2.50 Yes
(Bets refunded if Labor lose the 2010 Federal Election)

IF the Coalition win the election, will Tony Abbott be Coalition leader at the 2013 federal election?
$1.25 Yes
$3.55 No
(Bets refunded if the Coalition lose the 2010 Federal Election)

2010 Federal Election – Winning Party
$1.35 Labor (out from $1.24 on Tuesday 17 August)
$3.15 Coalition (in from $4.00 on Tuesday 17 August)

In outright betting, the Coalition money train shows no sign of slowing down, with the Coalition shortening even further in the past hour to the odds of $2.75 while Labor’s price has ballooned out to $1.45
“We’ve taken hundreds of bets on the overall election winner this morning and less than 10 percent of those have been on Labor,” said Sportbet’s Haydn Lane.

Markets courtesy of Sportsbet
2010 Federal Election – Winning Party
$1.45 Labor (out from $1.24 on Tuesday 17 August)
$2.75 Coalition (in from $4.00 on Tuesday 17 August)

Electorate Markets
Adelaide (SA)             $1.02 Labor, $10 Coalition
Aston (VIC)                 $1.14 Coalition $5 Labor
Ballarat (VIC)              $1.03 Labor, $9 Coalition
Banks (NSW)              $1.02 Labor, $10 Coalition
Barker (SA)                 $1.02 Coalition, $10 Labor
Barton (NSW)            $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Bass (TAS)                   $1.37 Labor, $3 Coalition
Batman (VIC)              $1.01 Labor, $21 Coalition
Bendigo (VIC)             $1.06 Labor, $7 Coalition
Bennelong (NSW)      $1.50 Coalition, $2.45 Labor
Berowra (NSW)          $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Blair (QLD)                  $1.25 Labor, $3.65 Coalition
Blaxland (NSW)          $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Bonner (QLD)             $1.50 Labor, $2.38 Coalition
Boothby (SA)             $1.50 Coalition, $2.40 Labor
Bowman (QLD)           $1.16 Coalition, $4.30 Labor
Braddon (TAS)           $1.20 Labor, $4.20 Coalition
Bradfield (NSW)         $1.01 Coalition, $11 Coalition
Brand (WA)                $1.15 Labor, $5.25 Coalition
Brisbane (QLD)           $1.31 Labor, $3.10 Coalition
Bruce (VIC)                 $1.04 Labor, $8 Coalition
Calare (NSW)             $1.08 Labor, $10 Coalition
Calwell (VIC)               $1.02 Labor, $9.50 Coalition
Canberra (ACT)          $1.03 Labor, $10 Coalition
Canning (WA)            $1.35 Coalition, $3 Labor
Capricornia (QLD)      $1.01 Labor, $13 Coalition
Casey (VIC)                 $1.07 Coalition, $7 Labor
Charlton (NSW)         $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Chifley (NSW)            $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Chisolm (VIC)             $1.01 Labor, $10 Coalition
Cook (NSW)               $1.02 Coalition, $9.50 Labor
Corangamite (VIC)     $1.50 Labor, $2.45 Coalition
Corio (VIC)                  $1.04 Labor, $8 Coalition
Cowan (WA)               $1.12 Coalition, $5 Labor
Cowper (NSW)           $1.16 Coalition, $4 Labor
Cunningham (NSW)  $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Curtin (WA)                $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Dawson (QLD)            $1.63 Coalition, $2.14 Labor
Deakin (VIC)               $1.40 Labor, $2.70 Coalition
Denison (TAS)            $1.01 Labor, $17 Coalition
Dickson (QLD)            $1.30 Labor, $3.25 Coalition
Dobell (NSW)             $1.40 Labor, $2.80 Coalition
Dunkley (VIC)             $1.17 Coalition, $4.30 Labor
Durack (WA)              $1.05 Coalition, $7.50 Labor
Eden-Monaro (NSW)   $1.20 Labor, $4 Coalition
Fadden (QLD)             $1.01 Coalition, $10.50 Labor
Fairfax (QLD)              $1.06 Coalition, $7.50 Labor
Farrer (NSW)              $1.01 Coalition, $12 Labor
Fisher (QLD)                $1.10 Coalition, $5.75 Labor
Flinders (VIC)              $1.02 Coalition, $9.15 Labor
Flynn (QLD)                $1.33 Coalition, $2.85 Labor
Forde (QLD)                $1.65 Labor, $2.15 Coalition
Forrest (WA)              $1.06 Coalition, $7.25 Labor
Fowler (NSW)             $1.01 Labor, $9 Coalition
Franklin (TAS)            $1.17 Labor, $4.50 Coalition
Fraser (ACT)                $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Fremantle (WA)         $1.06 Labor, $10 Coalition
Gellibrand (VIC)         $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Gilmore (NSW)           $1.22 Coalition, $3.90 Labor
Gippsland (VIC)          $1.08 Coalition, $6.25 Labor
Goldstein (VIC)           $1.01 Coalition, $10.50 Labor
Gorton (VIC)               $1.01 Labor, $10.50 Coalition
Grayndler (NSW)       $1.05 Labor, $11 Coalition
Greenway (NSW)       $1.22 Labor, $3.90 Coalition
Grey (SA)                    $1.08 Coalition, $6.50 Labor
Griffith (QLD)             $1.05 Labor, $8 Greens
Groom (QLD)              $1.02 Coalition, $10 Labor
Hasluck (WA)             $1.70 Coalition, $2.10 Labor
Herbert (QLD)            $1.60 Coalition, $2.18 Labor
Higgins (VIC)               $1.01 Coalition, $10.50 Labor
Hindmarsh (SA)          $1.05 Labor, $9 Coalition
Hinkler (QLD)             $1.16 Coalition, $4.30 Labor
Holt (VIC)                    $1.02 Labor, $10 Coalition
Hotham (VIC)             $1.01 Labor, $10.50 Coalition
Hughes (NSW)            $1.35 Coalition, $3.10 Labor
Hume (NSW)              $1.02 Coalition, $10 Labor
Hunter (NSW)            $1.03 Labor, $8 Coalition
Indi (VIC)                    $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Isaacs (VIC)                 $1.05 Labor, $7.50 Coalition
Jagajaga (VIC)             $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Kennedy (QLD)           $1.01 Independent, $11 Coalition, $41 Labor
Kingsford Smith (NSW)  $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Kingston (SA)             $1.06 Labor, $7.10 Coalition
Kooyong (VIC)            $1.01 Coalition, $10.30 Labor
La Trobe (VIC)            $1.80 Labor, $1.90 Coalition
Lalor (VIC)                  $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Leichardt (QLD)          $1.31 Coalition, $3 Labor
Lilley (QLD)                 $1.02 Labor, $9 Coalition
Lindsay (NSW)           $1.65 Coalition, $2.00 Labor
Lingiari (NT)               $1.03 Labor, $9 Coalition
Longman (QLD)          $1.43 Labor, 2.65 Coalition
Lyne (NSW)                $1.09 Independent, $4.50 Coalition, $41 Labor
Lyons (TAS)                $1.08 Labor, $7.50 Coalition
Macarthur (NSW)      $1.20 Labor, $4 Coalition
Mackellar (NSW)       $1.01 Coalition, $13 Labor
Macquarie (NSW)      $1.28 Coalition, $3.60 Labor
Makin (SA)                 $1.05 Labor, $8.50 Coalition
Mallee (VIC)               $1.01 Coalition, $10.50 Labor
Maranoa (QLD)          $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Maribyrnong (VIC)    $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Mayo (SA)                  $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
McEwen (VIC)            $1.23 Labor, $3.65 Coalition
McMahon (NSW)       $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
McMillan (VIC)           $1.04 Coalition, $7.60 Labor
McPherson (QLD)      $1.02 Coalition, $10 Labor
Melbourne (VIC)        $1.50 Greens, $2.40 Labor
Melbourne Ports (VIC)  $1.01 Labor, $8.50 Coalition
Menzies (VIC)             $1.03 Coalition, $8 Labor
Mitchell (NSW)          $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Moncrieff (QLD)         $1.01 Coalition, $12 Labor
Moore (WA)               $1.01 Coalition, $10.50 Labor       
Moreton (QLD)          $1.31 Labor, $3.15 Coalition
Murray (VIC)              $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
New England (NSW)  $1.02 Independent, $12 Coalition, $31 Labor
Newcastle (NSW)       $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
North Sydney (NSW)  $1.01 Coalition, $12 Labor
O’Connor (WA)          $1.01 Coalition, $21 Labor
Oxley (QLD)                $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Page (NSW)                $1.30 Labor, $3.20 Coalition
Parkes (NSW)             $1.12 Coalition, $6 Independent, $15 Labor
Parramatta (NSW)     $1.08 Labor, $6.80 Coalition
Paterson (NSW)         $1.24 Coalition, $3.75 Labor
Pearce (WA)               $1.02 Coalition, $11 Labor
Perth (WA)                 $1.02 Labor, $10 Coalition
Petrie (QLD)               $1.50 Labor, $2.45 Coalition
Port Adelaide (SA)     $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Rankin (QLD)              $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Reid (NSW)                 $1.02 Labor, $10 Coalition
Richmond (NSW)       $1.13 Labor, $5 Coalition
Riverina (NSW)          $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Robertson (NSW)      $1.12 Coalition, $5 Labor
Ryan (QLD)                 $1.22 Coalition, $4.30 Labor
Scullin (VIC)                $1.01 Labor, $10 Coalition
Shortland (NSW)       $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Solomon (NT)             $1.85 Labor, $1.91 Coalition
Stirling (WA)              $1.18 Coalition, $4.25 Labor
Sturt (SA)                   $1.22 Coalition, $3.80 Labor
Swan (WA)                 $1.40 Coalition, $2.80 Labor
Sydney (NSW)            $1.05 Labor, $6 Coalition
Tangney (WA)            $1.02 Coalition, $9.75 Labor
Throsby (NSW)          $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Wakefield (SA)           $1.05 Labor, $5 Coalition
Wannon (VIC)            $1.02 Coalition, $10.50    
Warringah (NSW)      $1.01 Coalition, $11 Labor
Watson (NSW)           $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Wentworth (NSW)    $1.05 Coalition, $8 Labor
Werriwa (NSW)         $1.01 Labor, $11 Coalition
Wide Bay (QLD)         $1.02 Coalition, $10 Labor
Wills (VIC)                  $1.01 Labor, $10 Coalition
Wright (QLD)             $1.10 Coalition, $5.75 Labor

The match of round 21 is Sydney V Bulldogs, both teams need a win leading into the finals which should make for some great football.

See the latest odds for round 21 at Betfair here

Best Bet of Round 21

This week I’m taking a bit of a punt and taking Geelong (-34.5), Pies (-54.5) and Saints (-46.5) all to win at the even money line in a multi bet. Its paying a massive $8 at Sportsbet to win so lets keep our fingers crossed the top three teams of the competition can repeat their performances from last weeks games and get some big wins on the board.

Geelong V Carlton Friday night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will dominate as they continue to build coming into the finals. Matthew Scarlett is a massive inclusion for the Cats and shouldn’t have much trouble holding Lachie Henderson to a few goals.

I predict the Cats to win by over 39 points. Its currently paying $2.25 at Sportsbet here.

St Kilda V Richmond Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

The Saints will get a comfortable win against a side that struggles with consistent footy. Nick Riewoldt will be the better of the two Riewoldt’s as Jack has gone pretty quiet of late.

Expect the Saints to go about their usual game plan and fine tune some parts before the big first final against likely against Geelong in a couple of weeks.

The Saints are paying a very short 1.70 to beat the Tigers by over 40 points so the bookies are also predicting a big winning margin.

Hawks V Fremantle Saturday in Tasmania

Tip: Hawks

The weather will be freezing for this match in Tassie which will suit the Hawks much better. They have played that ground well this year and with some good for coming from the big names at Hawthorne I expect them to take home the 4 points as they look to secure the all important home final.

Collingwood V Adelaide Saturday night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

The Crows look like they will have a tough night at the office coming up against the Pies at the top of their game. Adelaide had a tough win last week in Brisbane which could take the edge off their game so look out for the Pies to hit them from the get go.

After seeing the Pies massive win last week I think they can drag back the -54 point $2.00 line betting market and bring us home the bacon.

Sydney V Bulldogs Saturday night at the SCG

Tip: Bulldogs

Allot of clubs will be paying attention to this game and hoping for a Bulldogs win to keep Sydney away from 5 and 6 spot on the ladder and a home game in week 1 of the finals.

After last weeks very disappointment loss to Geelong the Bulldogs will be out for blood but I don’t think they will pull it off.

The bookies have started them as 1.78 favorite compared to 2.05 for Sydney. I think they may have the odds wrong. Sydney show they are a tight knit side snatching an important win in WA last week and as this match is being played in Sydney the Swans will be to stron

Take Sydney between 1-39 points paying a handy $2.75 at Sportsbet here.

Port Adelaide V Melbourne Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

I predicted Port will finish off the season well and I’m sticking with them. Although it was a pretty ugly win against the Eagles last week they took allot out of the game which will show this weekend.

Melbourne have improved over the last week but the home ground advantage will be the difference.

Essendon V Brisbane Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

This could turn out to be an ugly game with both clubs without a finals chance after a promising first half to the season.

Essendon should bounce back after the thumping the Pies gave them last week. The run and carry they have through the midfield should be enough get them out of trouble and kick a winning score.

The Lions have lost all belief to win and look doubtful for the remaining 2 games.

West Coast V North Melbourne Sunday at Subiaco Oval

North must win this game to keep any slim chance of a finals spot this year and looking at that fact I’m picking them to beat the Eagles in WA. They can play some good exciting football at times and looked to be on top of St Kilda in the early stages of last week but fell way short when the pressure was applied.

My prediction is North will rectify that problem to some degree and play the tough brand of footy they are known for.

The Hawks V Melbourne game is the game of round 20, both teams need the win to make the finals so expect a finals football game with plenty of skills on show.

Best Bet of Round 20

Congrats to everyone who cleaned up on last weeks Melbourne 1-39 point bet. This weeks bet is Geelong to win at the even $2.00 line with -10.5 points. The Cats look to strong and will be out for a big win so should cover the -10.5 points easily.

Checkout the new offer Sportsbet have giving new users up to $200 in free bets. See their site here for more details on this promo

Essendon V Collingwood Friday night at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Odds: Essendon 7.80 Collingwood 1.41

The Pies will continue their dominate ways and smash Essendon on Friday night. They are a discipline team that can and have beaten the class sides in the competition.

Essendon will likely look lost as the Pies go about their business.

Carlton V Richmond Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odds: Carlton 1.36 Richmond 3.65

Carlton need to win this match to ensure a finals spot and to get some form going into September. This alone should be enough to inspire them. They shouldn’t have much trouble beating the Tigers who have taken their foot off the pedal recently.

My prediction is a 30+ point win to the blues.

Fremantle V Sydney Saturday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Fremantle

Odd: Fremantle 1.63 Sydney 2.58

Although Freo have looked shaken since the injuries of many of their key players they will be to strong against the swans playing at home. They are currently 11 out of 13 at Subiaco and with the likely inclusion of Arron Sandilands after recovering from a foot injury should be enough for Freo to get the win.

Western Bulldogs V Geelong Saturday night at Eithad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Bulldogs 2.48 Geelong 1.62

Geelong will be out for blood after the disappointing loss to the league leaders Collingwood. They will be making sure to take advantage of the illness that has swept through the Bulldogs side this week and run them off their feet.

The very wet game last week in Adelaide would have taken a lot out of the Bulldogs side so expect them to make good use of the interchange bench as they struggle through the match.

Port Adelaide V West Coast Saturday night at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Odds: Port 1.39 West Coast 3.50

Port will win this game so get your money on them early as 1.39 seems good value and will likely drop to around 1.25 before the bounce. They have had a few surprising wins this year and my prediction is they will finish the rest of the season on a high.

The Eagles were very poor last week against the Lions over in WA. This loss will all but hand the wooden spoon to the Eagles this year, a dreaded club first.

Brisbane V Adelaide Sunday at the Gabba

Tip: Adelaide

Odds: Brisbane 1.90 Adelaide 1.92

Jonathan Brown will play his 200th game on Sunday which has leveled up the odds at around 1.90 a piece.

Adelaide have only just lost in the last few week to top sides so win here will depend if they can bring their recent good form to the Gabba.

I predict Adelaide in a close one so take the Crows between 1.-39 points paying 2.55 at Sportsbet here

Hawthorn V Melbourne Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Hawthorn 1.71 Melbourne 2.36

Melbourne will be confident they can get a win here. It will give them a realistic chance to make the finals and could see the end of the Hawks for this year as they have a pretty tough run this month.

But the Hawks are better than that and will stand up when it counts and get enough goals to keep a buffer between them and Melbourne.

It will be a great game with plenty of good match up including Franklin V Frawley, a good game here from Frawley should cement a All-Australian spot this year.

North Melbourne V St Kilda Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: North 4.60 St Kilda 1.26

St Kilda had a 104 point win when these clubs met earlier this season so Saints will be out to repeat the performance. St Kilda is back to playing Saints footy so expect pressure from them all around the ground.

If your looking at a bet with a bit of value take the St Kilda 40+ points its paying 2.50 at Betfair where they give you up to $50 cash when making a new account.

“The Saints were as short as $3.60 less than a month ago but a run of patchy form saw their odds blow out to $6.
“Clearly this punter thought the price was too good to refuse. He has had an account with us since April but this is the first bet he’s placed.”

Prior to this morning’s bet, the biggest wager Sportsbet had taken on the 2010 AFL Premiership was a bet of $50,000 placed in March on the Western Bulldogs at the odds of $6.50.
St Kilda is now into $5 to win the 2010 AFL Premiership.

Market courtesy of Sportsbet
2010 AFL Premiership

$3        Geelong
$3.60   Collingwood (out from $3.50)
$4.50   Western Bulldogs
$5        St Kilda (in from $6)
$12      Hawthorn (out from $11)
$26      Fremantle (out from $23)
$67      Carlton
$126    Sydney
$151    Melbourne
$201    Adelaide
$251    North Melbourne
$501    Essendon
$501    Port Adelaide

The toughest of all is this weeks game of round 19, Geelong V Collingwood. This result could decide who finishes on top at the end of the season so expect a finals like atmosphere and pace to the game.

Best Bet of Round 19

This week I’m taking Melbourne to win between 1-39 points. Melbourne will likely take the points but not blow the game apart. Its paying $2.28 which is pretty good odds in my eyes.

Sportingbet have just this week started giving free bets to new users. Their current offer gives you $100 in free bets. Simply make a Sportingbet account here and make a first deposit of $30 or more and your account will be credited with $100, simple as that!

See the Sportingbet site here for more details on this new offer.

Essendon V Carlton Friday night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Odd: Essendon 2.06 Carlton 1.93

It  is the first of the “must win” games for the Blues if they are going to be playing in September. I think they will be  a changed team after the poor performance they showed last week against the Pies and should bounce back against a Essendon side with a few question marks around them.

North Melbourne V Fremantle Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Fremantle

Odds: North 2.26 Fremantle 1.77

This could turn out to be a messy game with both teams lacking their top players due to injury. Freo have shown a few good signs traveling to Melbourne this year and leading into the finals they will want to be on their A game.

I’m predicting a 24 point win to the Dockers

Sydney V Hawthorn Saturday at the SCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Odds: Sydney 2.20 Hawks: 1.81

The Hawks have been equal if not the form side after the mid season break and should beat the Swans in Sydney who are having trouble stringing wins together.

Keep an eye on Jarryd Roughead, I think his poor goal conversions of late could be about to change.

Geelong V Collingwood Saturday night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

Odds: Geelong 1.91 Pies: 2.04

Its as close to 50/50 as you can get. Both clubs are at their best and it will come down to if the younger players in the Pies 22 can outplay their experienced opposition.

I think Geelong is more tolerable to pressure than the Pies and should be the difference at the end of the day.

West Coast V Brisbane Saturday night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

Odds: Eagles 1.71 Brisbane 2.38

The Lions will struggle with the trip over to WA where the Eagles are playing some alright football at some stages this year although they haven’t won at Subiaco in the past three months.

There should be plenty of scoring in the match with Brown looking to dominate an undermanned Eagles back line.

The game could go either way but its West Coast at home for me.

St Kilda V Port Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

Odds: St Kilda 1.25 Port 4.80

The Saints will be out to turn around their recent form and get their first win for a month.

St Kilda has gone out of their way to kick the ball to Nick since he has come back, maybe to get him back into some form. This week I expect them to share the goal kicking duties around a lot more which should see them get a comfortable win.

Melbourne V Richmond Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Melbourne

Odds: Melbourne 1.57 Richmond 2.72

Melbourne has finals footy on their radar and Richmond won’t stand a chance in stopping them this weekend.

I’m predicting a quiet day from Jack Riewoldt as the pressure of the Coleman Medal get larger with now equal leader (on 65 goals) Barry Hall looks the goods this season.

Adelaide V Western Bulldogs Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Odds: Adelaide 3.50 Bulldogs 1.38

The Doggies have a top 4 spot for the finals in their sights and will play out a full 4 quarters after a lackluster in the first half last week against the Kangas.

They will take advantage of the poor kicking that has crept into Adelaide’s game recently and show their dominance in attack.

Bulldogs by over 40 points with odds of $3.15 at Sportsbet here.

The weight of bets has seen the Coalition’s price shorten from $4.25 into $3.75, while Labor’s price has eased from $1.20 out to $1.27.
“There’s no doubt Labor deserve to be favourites, however, we think the election race is closer than what the current odds suggest,” said Sportsbet’s Haydn Lane.

“It seems punters think the Coalition are ‘over the odds’ and are happy to invest on them at what may prove to be an inflated price.
“We turned the Coalition into $3.85 on Wednesday but it’s clear that punters were still happy to take those odds.
“The Coalition has accounted for more than 90 of the past 100 bets we’ve taken on the election.”

The biggest bet on the Coalition in the past 48 hours was $3000 at the odds of $3.85 to collect a possible $11,550 from a new member.
“One punter opened an account on Wednesday, deposited $3000 and placed the lot on the Coalition,” said Lane.
In Two Party Preferred Swing betting, a 1% – 1.99% swing to the Coalition has replaced a 0.001% – 0.99% swing to the Coalition as the new favourite.

Market odds courtesy of Sportsbet
2010 Federal Election – Winning Party
$1.27   Labor (out from $1.20 on Tuesday 27/7)
$3.75   Coalition (in from $4.25 on Tuesday 27/7)

2010 Federal Election – Two Party Preferred Swing
$13      3% or greater swing to Labor (in from $17)
$13      2% – 2.99% swing to Labor (out from $13)
$10      1% – 1.99% swing to Labor (out from $6.50)
$3.55   0 – 0.99% swing to Labor (out from $3.50)
$3.50   0.001% – 0.99% swing away from Labor (out from $3.25 – former favourite)
$3.10   1% – 1.99% swing away from Labor (in from $6 – current favourite)
$6.50   2% – 2.99% swing away from Labor (in from $8)
$9        3% or greater swing away from Labor (in from $16)

See the Sportsbet site here for the latest odds on the 2010 Federal Election