3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2019 AFL Season.

We’ll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won’t always just be who will win.

ST KILDA v ADELAIDE

If we said at the start of the season one team would be 2&3 and the other 4&1 you’d take long odds about the record being attributed to them accurately at this very moment.

St Kilda has achieved more than most would consider already. They are playing as the team that some media types did not believe was possible.

Suddenly Alan Richardson can coach according to them too. It’s a fluid game this punditry.

But full credit to them. Without some names they had hoped to help the younger players along, they have held firm. It also helps when the forward line, including the power contributors, are functioning.

Bruce and Membrey playing well then gives the likes of Billings, Kent and Lonie the chance to be what they are – small forwards and not anything else.

Of course they are a work in progress but there are flickers of what might be for their long suffering fans.

Adelaide did what many thought they would in Eddie Betts milestone match.

They gave Gold Coast the pummelling that many thought was going to be a much more prevalent occupational hazard for Stuart Dew.

What is a much better purveyor of form traditionally for Adelaide is how they play in Melbourne.

They seem to play mostly at the MCG so this could be a different scenario. Still a decent side, they do have to address a few issues.

While they ended up 12 goal winners over Gold Coast, neither side was in double figures, in terms of points, at quarter time. Better sides will punish that initial urgency.

Like most teams, it needs to be about the source. Few win when the midfield doesn’t get hold of it and Crouch, Crouch and Sloane drive that for the Crows.

Their DNA has been all about the forward set up but that hasn’t served them as well in 2019. They should love the 6/6/6 rule but so far it hasn’t played out that way. Time can see adjustment though.

Hard not to think St Kilda will have a hiccup. They are really doing well but if Adelaide is the team most thought they would be, this could be the game to show it.

They will miss Milera but tipping the Crows might flex some muscle after blowing out the cobwebs last week.

Match Selection: Adelaide by 25 points

Suggested Bet: Adelaide @ $2.10