3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 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.
PORT ADELAIDE V GWS
Sunday 12 July @ Metricon Stadium
Best game of the ground I think is the Port v Giants contest on the Gold Coast. Bet we never thought we'd ever say that on so many levels.
Top plays equal third in a game of somewhat contrasting styles.
Port Adelaide like the speed of play, getting it into their forwards quickly allowing the big men like Dixon, Westhoff and Marshall a chance to contest and mark or bring it to ground.
That is where Robbie Gray and Connor Rozee get to business and do their best work.
They got away from that plan a bit last week though had they taken chances early rather than kicking so many behinds, the scoreboard pressure could have changed the momentum.
It was a tight early battle at the Gabba and then the afterburners went on for Brisbane. Nothing could be matched after that.
No matter how hard Travis Boak tried, he didn't have enough soldiers coming with him. Their midfield was a bit off for the first time all season and things dried up up forward.
We now get to see how they will react to a loss and if any teams have a semblance of method to control them.
One thing is certain – their consistent and solid backline will get quite a work out and full test on Sunday. All the GWS bigs would be taller than their rivals.
Himmelberg, Finlayson and Cameron pose a threat but there is one caveat here. While this is a good drying ground, there is a bit of weather predicted for the weekend.
Add to that that this ground has had plenty of traffic over the last month and it might be more a ground ball battle.
The Giants have been having their way with Port in recent times. That can give them some confidence heading into the match.
But also their game might well be clicking a little bit more. There was more a possession focus against Hawthorn rather than bombing it in.
They had a ratio of one goal every two entries which is remarkable. You'd want more than that but it says there was no panic.
GWS also did not need to rely solely on Toby Greene for the impact. He only contributed 1 of the 13 they scored. 10 came from those big boppers.
A dry game played in a similar fashion would suit that set up. Matt de Boer probably goes to Boak and they let Kelly, Whitfield, Coniglio and Hopper go to work.
Best to bet in this game on the day when you know the conditions. It's got quality written all over it but the flow of the play will be affected by the overhead and under feet circumstances.
Suggesting GWS have struck a little purple patch which granted in this season possibly lasts about three games. Cannot see it being anything but a 11 goals to 10 type fixture. Take the unders.
Match Selection: GWS by 9 points
Suggested Bets: Total points Over 126.5 @ $1.90
