Yes, folks, we’re back again with some AFL tips & predictions for round 16.
Despite the persistent and highly irritable bye rounds continuing, we found a few winners across Round 15.
Only the Suns missed on our head-to-head picks, whilst we landed a few nice best bets as well. Josh Treacy and Josh Daicos spring to mind.
Here’s hoping even more go our way this week…
On we go. Here are my thoughts and tips ahead of round 16. For the latest analysis, news, odds, and betting tips for all this week’s action, check out my AFL round 16 tips and predictions below, or follow me on the feed and see them there!
Port Adelaide vs Carlton Prediction
Thursday, June 26, 7:30pm AEST - Adelaide Oval
This one is built perfectly for those who love a horror film.
Port had found some form but were rolled comfortably at home by Sydney last week and now find themselves two games outside the eight with an appalling percentage.
For the Blues, last week might’ve been the beginning of the end of the road. Whether it’s Michael Voss, high-profile players, or others behind the scenes, it feels like mass change is coming at Carlton.
Patrick Cripps needs to lift - quickly. Charlie Curnow, despite injury issues, also needs to fire.
You simply do not want to be the loser of this one.
Head-to-head prediction: Port by 10 points
Betting tip: Kane Farrell 20+ disposals
Sydney vs Western Bulldogs Prediction
Friday, June 27, 7:40pm AEST - SCG
In a weekend where we must face a few games of little consequence, this is one we should all look forward to.
The Dogs - unfairly - have built a reputation as bullies. All you can do is pummel what’s placed in front of you, and that’s what they’ve done.
But a real challenge awaits them here. The Swans are far from the competition’s best, but they’ve been lifted by the return of Papley, Gulden, and Amartey.
Should the Dogs win this, many will again talk them up as premiership contenders. A loss will see them keep that flat-track bully tag.
Head-to-head prediction: Dogs by 13 points
Betting tip: Sam Darcy 3+ goals (how can you not)
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Prediction
Saturday, June 28, 1:20pm AEST - People First Stadium
Some are pressing the panic button on Gold Coast - I’m not one of them.
The Suns are outside the eight, so I can understand the nervousness, but they’ve played 13 games when many have played two more.
They face the Dees here, then Essendon, before a massive few weeks ahead against fellow contenders.
The Dees will be keen to atone for a poor loss leading into their bye. But what else can be dredged from a wayward season? I doubt much at all.
Head-to-head prediction: Suns by 22 points
Betting tip: Ben Long 2+ goals
Hawthorn vs North Melbourne Prediction
Saturday, June 28, 4:15pm AEST - UTAS Stadium
The Hawks have back-to-back Launceston games overlapping their mid-season bye.
This is one they simply must win, despite some improved form from the opposition Roos.
Paul Curtis, Cam Zurhaar, and Nick Larkey are seeing a constant supply are creating headaches for opponents, whilst Colby McKercher’s move back to half back is the right one.
I loved Dylan Moore’s move higher up the ground, even attending some centre bounces. His tenacity and pressure bring a spark the Hawks' on-ball brigade needs.
The Hawks will continue to need goals from various sources until some troops return.
Head-to-head prediction: Hawks by 31 points
Betting tip: Dylan Moore 20+ disposals
Collingwood vs West Coast Prediction
Saturday, June 28, 7:35pm AEST - Marvel Stadium
The Pies did the job under the lid last week and will surely do the same this week.
The Eagles arrive without much to play for and without much to gain. But they must continue to fight and continue to aim to build a culture and game style that serves them well in the years to come.
And the Eagles need to keep discovering young talent. For Collingwood, it’s about continuing to play their way, continuing to roll young players in and out of the team and - above all - keeping healthy.
Head-to-head prediction: Pies by 61 points
Betting tip: Nick Daicos 35+ disposals & anytime goal
Richmond vs Adelaide Prediction
Sunday, June 29, 3:20pm AEST - MCG
The Tigers had a go for as long as possible last week, before the Dogs' will and skill took control.
Back at The ‘G, they’ll be able to hang in for longer, but the Crows should be far too powerful.
With some kind weather and clear skies, it’ll be good to see this tall forward line function again. It’s been the smalls in Keays, Rachele, and Rankine doing more damage in games impacted by poorer weather.
Jordan Dawson will keep pushing. Hopefully, more votes for his Brownlow backers.
Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 31 points
Betting tip: Darcy Fogarty 3+ goals
Fremantle vs St Kilda Prediction
Sunday, June 29, 5:10pm AEST - Optus Stadium
We end things out west, with the Saints needing to keep showing up.
Freo has strung some form together and must keep things rolling. Jackson has been enormous in the ruck, as have Serong and Brayshaw at ground level. Shai Bolton continues to improve as a Docker as well.
The Saints will hang tough, but ultimately, the Purple Power should be too much.
Head-to-head prediction: Freo by 22 points
Betting tip: Andrew Brayshaw 30+ disposals
Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Geelong, GWS Giants - BYE
Thank heavens it's the last week of these bye rounds. What a buzzkill to the season they have been.
The Lions got their steadying win in a big way to launch into the final stretch of their season and knuckle down for their title defence.
The Dons get a chance to finally hit pause again and cross their fingers they get some troops back after the bye.
The Cats will be ruing letting one slip at home, but have the quality and the home games in the back end of the season, so really, there’s not much to worry about here; you’ll be seeing them in September.
And the Giants have gotten themselves rolling again after a barnstorming expansion cup win. Let's see just how high they can rise as they get their full complement back together.