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.
ADELAIDE v ESSENDON
Friday 19 July @ Adelaide Oval
We are starting to get plenty of old fashioned '4 point games' as we head toward September and Friday night is another of those.
Whoever loses at the Adelaide Oval is still every chance to play finals but no one is out of making Top 4 either as they keep juggling positions. Finding your best possible spot is critical into the knock out stage.
Adelaide had a training drill on the Gold Coast. Their opposition were essentially witches hats after the first quarter.
These sort of games are not generally the best heading into a combative fixture but maybe it will work for Adelaide who were woeful before that.
One positive was that the percentage boost is necessary to obtaining the finals chances and for them a home final is compulsory for any progress.
The other is that Eddie Betts got the feelings back a bit. Six goals against Gold Coast isn't what it is against others however it can give him a buoyancy that he hasn't had all season.
At the very least 23 goals is a return that can be built upon. Once more the Rory running half backs are an element which gives Adelaide drive. They need to continue that.
Earlier that afternoon, Essendon withstood a North Melbourne examination in a see-saw battle at Marvel.
Down badly early, they quickly recovered, got four goals up, then lost the lead only to kick the winner in the last minute.
Matches at the Docklands can be that way but this was a cracker. Two desperate teams luckily playing on a firm deck indoors when it was Antarctic outside.
Similar to Adelaide, the runners from defence provide a conduit to the attackers. Since they are without Daniher, they need it badly. Saad, McKenna, Merrett and Parish are doing it well.
They are getting good return at the moment from contests with McKernan and Brown. It gives Stringer the opportunity to react when the ball hits the ground.
But the great barometer is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Basically when he kicks goals, Essendon wins. Not only did he kick the miraculous one on full time, he did the crumbing all night as well.
A big factor on Friday will be injuries. Hurley was a stable element to a defence that would only get better. If Adelaide's forward set up flows, the Bombers will need every man on deck.
Should Tom Lynch play, he provides that link that had them streaming forward two years ago. He is important.
Reckon Essendon were a huge chance but Hurley is a big out. You can easier replace midfielders than key posts. The Crows must take advantage of it. And the Bombers aren't great travellers traditionally.
Not sure Adelaide is a team that you can rely on but maybe they get conditions to suit this weekend. It will be a close affair.
Match Selection: Adelaide by 6 points
Suggested Bets: Rory Laird +30 possessions @ $1.90
