Go to Rio with the Tigers and Freo – AFL Round 17 Tipping Preview

Huge week of AFL this week kicking off on Friday night with the clash everyone has been waiting for all season – the Cats and the Hawks. Will the Cats continue on their merry way or can the Hawks put them in their place as the Pies did earlier in the season?

Let’s take a look at the DieHard Footy picks for Round 17:

($3.45) Hawthorn v Geelong ($1.30)
SB’s Tip:Geelong
SB’s Line:Take the -17.5 Geelong

A big factor to this game could happen before the ball is even bounced as if Luke Hodge’s partner goes into labour he has stated he won’t play which would be a massive omission for the Hawks. There is also some doubt over the fitness of Sam Mitchell. The Cats will once again be without Cameron Ling and Gary Ablett but they showed last week they are more than capable of beating a quality side without them.

Many of the so called experts are pointing to the fact that last time these two sides played each other that the Hawks won. This game was in Tassie and the Hawks only won by 4 points after some inaccurate kicking from the Cats. The Cats are a different side now and on the recent form of both teams it’s hard to see them dropping this one, they should run out comfortable winners for mine.

($4.00) Essendon v Collingwood ($1.22)
SB’s Tip:Collingwood
SB’s Line:Take the -22.5 Collingwood

Old rivals Essendon and Collingwood square off for the second time this season at the MCG on Saturday. Collingwood smashed Essendon by 73 points in their first meeting on Anzac Day and have won the last three encounters. Both teams are coming off a loss with Collingwood going down to North Melbourne last Friday night and the Bombers losing to Richmond in a tight one.

The Bombers are in a midst of an injury crisis with only 26 fit men to pick from, however they retain the services of Dustin Fletcher. Collingwood have dropped Tyson Goldsack after an ordinary performance last week and regain the enigmatic Leon Davis.

As much as it pains me to say this the Pies just look stronger all over the park and will be up for this one after last weeks loss and a top 4 spot on the line. The Bombers have been gallant for the past couple of months but if they let the Pies get out to an early lead in this one it wouldn’t surprise me to see the floodgates open just like in their previous clash.

($1.60)Richmond v Brisbane($2.25)
TH’s Tip: Richmond
TH’s Line: -9.5 Richmond looks the goods

These two teams drew last year at the Dome, and the year before Richmond won by 80 odd points, after also beating the Lions at the Gabba. Convinced yet?

Ok how about the Lions last 3 in Melbourne. Beaten easily by Essendon. Beaten by the Demons. Flogged by the Dogs. Only beat the Eagles last time by 46 – a worrying stat in itself.

Expect the Tigers to run rings around the Lions midfield on the notorious flat Telstra Dome track – they’re my best of the round.

($1.33) Sydney v Adelaide ($3.25)
Tip: Sydney
Line: Take the -15.5 Sydney

Adelaide travel to the SCG to face Sydney in a game that looks as though it could turn into one of the ugliest of the year. The Crows are in free fall after five straight loses and have fallen out of the top 8, whilst the Swans are still battling it out for a top 4 spot. The last time these two sides met was last year and Adelaide defeated Sydney in a low scoring contest at AAMI Stadium.

Both teams have made changes with Sydney bringing back Big Bad Bustling Barry Hall to see what damage he can do this week. Adelaide have dropped Graham Johncock following some poor form and off field incidents.

The Swans really should be winning this with a top 4 spot on the line. They are playing at home and the Crows are in very ordinary form.

($1.53) Port Adelaide v Fremantle ($2.40)
SB’s Tip:Fremantle
SB’s Line:Take the +15.5 Fremantle

Port Adelaide and Fremantle meet for the ‘Fat Rats Clacker’ Cup on Sunday at AAMI Stadium with both teams playing for pride or draft picks whatever way you are inclined. Port are coming off a win against Adelaide in the Showdown in what was declared as their Grand Final whilst Freo overcame a slow start to easily account for Melbourne at Subiaco.

Fremantle defeated Port Adelaide when these two teams played earlier in the year at Subiaco, however they have an ordinary record against the Power at AAMI Stadium. Both teams have made plenty of changes with most noticeably Chad Cornes (injured) and Brendon Lade (dropped) missing from the Port lineup.

You would expect Port to have some kind of let down this week coming off the Showdown win. Earlier in the year Port were beaten at home by Brisbane following the Showdown so this is something to definitely keep in mind. I expect Freo to be keen to grab another win and continue on from last week and look value in what I expect to be a close contest.