The first-ever AFL Wildcard Round is upon us with the Dogs taking on the Pies and the Dees facing off with the in-form and resurgent Blues.
Two elimination finals (or Round 25 if you’re Ed Richards) and we’ve delivered our expert AFL predictions, tips and best Aussie Rules bets to place this weekend.
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Predictions
The first-ever AFL Wildcard Round will kick off with a Friday night blockbuster between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at the MCG.
Despite finishing above the Pies in 8th spot on the ladder, the Dogs enter this one as $1.98 outsiders after going winless from Round 21-23. They did, however, find form at the right time with a 21-point win over Melbourne last weekend on the back of dominant displays from midfield stars Ed Richards (30 disposals and one goal) and Marcus Bontempelli (27 and 2).
Tim English is pushing to be available ahead of schedule after missing the past fortnight with an MCL injury, while Aaron Naughton is expected to be available after injuring his ankle in the win over Melbourne.
As for the $1.85 Pies, their 63-point loss to Brisbane came with added insult to injury that includes a 2–3-week hamstring injury to Scott Pendlebury. Throw in a fresh knee complaint to Brayden Maynard and it’s hard to see the Pies recovering the lost experience in a key game.
Pat Lipinski and Isaac Quaynor are likely to return for the Pies, but the price about a Bont-led Dogs outfit is too good to ignore on the big stage.
Melbourne vs Carlton Predictions
Another all-Victorian affair at the MCG, Melbourne and Carlton will lock horns in the second and final Wildcard clash on Saturday night.
The Dees, who were pushing for a top 4 spot ahead of Round 24, fell to seventh and subsequent underdogs in this clash thanks to a 21-point loss against the Dogs.
More concerningly for Steven King are the injuries to key pillars Jake Lever (toe) and Matt Jefferson (knee) which could rule them out alongside the suspended Jacob van Rooyen, leaving the Dees undersized.
The fairytale resurgence continued for Carlton in Round 24 as they upset the ladder-leading Dockers 119-82. Josh Fraser has single-handedly turned this club’s fortunes around since taking the reins from Michael Voss and they now enter a Wildcard match as the $1.70 favourites.
Nick Haynes (ankle) and Zac Williams (larynx) should both be available for selection, but the Blues Bles will put Will Hayward (ankle) through a fitness test during Thursday’s main session.
Melbourne has won seven of its last eight matches following a loss, so a win against the odds here is not out of the question.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
Melbourne To Cover (+5.5) @ $1.90
George Hewett 25+ Disposals @ $1.53
Bailey Fritsch 2+ Goals @ 1.70
Oliver Florent 95+ AFL Fantasy Points @ $1.28
Total: $5.16