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.
ESSENDON v GWS
Thursday 27 June @ Marvel Stadium
Essendon go back to back Thursday nights playing a team that doesn't always play its best at the Docklands.
This is a big game for both teams two months out from the finals. Essendon are a game out of the eight but for some reason it feels more. GWS are in the top four but once more getting hammered by injuries to vital players.
The Bombers simply can't get any consistency on the field and are hampered off it.
They've been losing their attacking options regularly meaning kicking a winning score is tough. Scoring hasn't traditionally been their issue so that is the worry.
Right in the match against West Coast midway through the second quarter, it fell apart in 30 minutes and they never recovered.
All the statistical categories were near level bar for the domination of inside 50s. That told in the end. It's never easy to beat the Eagles in Perth anyway but you can't give them a concentration of ball in the attacking third.
Hooker and Hurley were no hope to defend with that much attack however had WC kicked straight, it would have been a thrashing.
It will take something special this week (with Stringer out) to turn that around. It is at home though.
GWS had the week off. Some teams do well off it – some don't as the Cats well know.
Their last performance was strong in Hobart. Dead level at halftime, they powered away from the Kangaroos. Now beating them isn't a huge statement but their spread of goal kickers is very important.
Jeremy Cameron hasn't had to kick six to win which is great. Greene back to complement him makes them far more dangerous.
On the down side, the loss of Matt de Boer is a big shame to them setting up their season for a real crack. For so long they were seen as the one way runners with not as much tough defensive focus.
De Boer has tagged brilliantly this season. We've seen somewhat of the rebirth of the tagger and he has been one of the best. For the next eight weeks as he recovers from the fractured shoulder, an A-grade midfielder in the opposition can get off the chain.
The other matter going forward is can Mumford maintain his presence for a whole season? Physically he would but form wise could be another issue.
GWS should be winning this match. They are a better team than Essendon. They have more 'better' players to rely on for longer. That should hold them well enough even without a defensive player.
But something says Essendon may see this as their last hurrah. A loss is essentially the end of the year. That can be an uplifter OR it can be a burden.
GWS to win this game but it might be closer than people expect. The start appeals.
Match Selection: GWS by 8 points
Suggested Bet: Essendon +11.5 @ $1.90
