Thank you, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera!
Without him, Round 20 on the field would have shot to the podium of being one of the worst we have ever seen.
Some individuals lit up as well, Nick Daicos (42 and 3), NWM (34 and 4), and Jezza (21 and 11), took the cake in another dull weekend of action.
On the punt, we went 5/9 on best bets with Zach Merrett into Sam Darcy and Josh and Nick Daicos SGMs the highlight.
Onto Round 21… where the top nine cannot afford to slip up...
For the latest analysis, news, odds, and betting tips for all this week’s action, check out my AFL round 21 tips and predictions below, or follow me on the feed and see them there!
Western Bulldogs vs GWS Giants Prediction
Thursday, July 31, 7:30pm AEST - Marvel Stadium
We’ve had to cop plenty of rubbish Thursday night games - hopefully this makes all those worthwhile.
The Dogs have been dominant against anyone beneath them on the ladder but unable to do the job against everyone above them - except GWS.
Back in Round 7, the Dogs comprehensively took care of the Giants in Canberra with a 32-point win.
James Harmes and Rhylee West combined for seven goals whilst Libba, Richards, Freijah, and Kennedy were in full force.
Toby Greene misses, thanks to a careless and silly elbow, whilst Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly have done calves.
It’s a mammoth clash - for both teams - but especially for these Doggies who need to prove to the world they can beat the top eight teams more consistently
Head-to-head prediction: Dogs by 11 points
Betting tip: SGM - Tom Green 29+ disposals, Jesse Hogan 3+ goals, Tim English `7+ disposals
Adelaide vs Hawthorn Prediction
Friday, August 1, 7:40pm AEST - Adelaide Oval
The Crows are properly airborne.
A record-breaking smashing in the Showdown franks their form, despite Port’s abysmal ending to this season.
The Hawks did enough against the Blues and are closing in on some September action.
The forward trio of Gunston, Lewis, and Dear looked good last week, with Mabior Chol deserving his place back, too. It’s a good problem to have for Sam Mitchell.
Josh Battle and Tom Barrass will tackle Thilthorpe, Walker, and Fogarty, who kicked another 7 between them in wintry conditions last week.
Nash is most likely going to Dawson, meaning Soligo can get loose again.
Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 13 points
Betting tip: Taylor Walker 2+ goals
Melbourne vs West Coast Prediction
Saturday, August 2, 1:20pm AEST - MCG
The Dees might need more than a week to recover from that howler under the roof last weekend.
Coughing up the game’s largest ever deficit in the fourth term will give any footy club nightmares.
But they’ve got to front up.
The Eagles have bugger all to play for as well. So this has all the hallmarks of a low-pressure, circle-work-type clash.
Head-to-head prediction: Dees by 21 points
Betting tip: Max Gawn 25+ disposals
Gold Coast vs Richmond Prediction
Saturday, August 2, 4:10pm AEST - People First Stadium
Just win, baby.
In the words of former NFL owner Al Davis, just win.
The Gold Coast will likely have a dip in form and intensity after that amazing win over their rivals, Brisbane, but there simply cannot be a world where they get upended by Damian Hardwick’s former charges.
With Anderson and Rowell leading the way, and Miller’s absence being filled by Fiorini and Flanders.
They get it done here, and they’re almost there..
Head-to-head prediction: Suns by 48 points
Betting tip: Noah Anderson 31+ disposals
Sydney vs Essendon Prediction
Saturday, August 2, 4:15pm AEST - SCG
The Swans’ season is all over red rover. But they still get an opportunity to kick a big score against a hapless Essendon squad.
Isaac Heeney has already played some monsters this season, but he may again go big. Brodie Grundy is gunning for All-Australian glory, and captain Cal Mills will want to keep playing good footy after long layoffs.
The Bombers are still trying to work out who will go on and help them climb the table in years to come.
Head-to-head prediction: Swans by 38 points
Betting tip: Brodie Grundy 21+ disposals & Isaac Heeney 2+ goals
Collingwood vs Brisbane Prediction
Saturday, August 2, 7:35pm AEST - MCG
The 2023 AFL Grand Final combatants square off in a clash with all types of scenarios at play.
Brisbane, despite at times looking as good as anyone in the competition, is precariously placed with a difficult run home.
The Pies regained some power in bashing up Richmond, but their stranglehold on top spot is gone, with the Crows sailing by.
The Lions have the midfield edge, despite getting hammered last week by Rowell, Anderson, and the Suns. Neale, Berry, McCluggage, Dunkley, and Bailey will need to fire whilst Logan Morris and Charlie Cameron need to strike the scoreboard ahead of the ball.
This has epic written all over it!
Head-to-head prediction: Lions by 5 points
Betting tip: Hugh McCluggage 27+ disposals & Logan Morris 2+ goals
St Kilda vs North Melbourne Prediction
Sunday, August 3, 1:40pm AEST - Marvel Stadium
There has to be some type of emotional dip for the Saints after an unbelievable win from nowhere last week.
And conversely, the Roos must show some life after an embarrassing display against Geelong, where Jeremy Cameron kicked 11 of the easiest goals you’ll see.
The Saints have a nice run home, meaning they can gather some steam heading into the 25/26 off-season.
Head-to-head prediction: Roos by 4 points
Betting tip: Harry Sheezel 28+ disposals
Geelong vs Port Adelaide Prediction
Sunday, August 3, 3:15pm AEST - GMHBA Stadium
Geelong needs to handle business at home against a woeful Power squad fresh off a Showdown smashing.
When Miles Bergman kicked the ball 55m the wrong direction from the opening centre bounce, you knew there was pain ahead.
The Cats will look to keep charging toward a top-two spot with news that Chris Scott will be extending his stay as Geelong boss.
Look for Gryan Miers around the ball more and Shaun Mannagh continuing to be a pressure and contest-winner as a half forward rolling up.
Head-to-head prediction: Cats by 31 points
Betting tip: Shaun Mannagh 17+ disposals
Fremantle vs Carlton Prediction
Sunday, August 3, 5:10pm AEST - Optus Stadium
Another banana peel game for one of the teams that will have eyes on the major prize.
The Blues are out on their feet and have few punches left to throw.
Whilst Freo keep rolling as one of the form teams of the past 2-3 months.
The double-ruck tandem is going nicely, and Hayden Young has reminded us all how phenomenal he is as a damaging, goal-kicking mid.
Should be no problems here for the men in purple.
Head-to-head prediction: Freo by 28 points
Betting tip: Jordan Clark 24+ disposals