3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2023 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.
BRISBANE v FREMANTLE
Saturday 29 April @ the Gabba
The opening gambit of the Saturday card could be a bit of a fizzer if form is to be taken seriously.
That said form doesn't always work out but not much makes you want to sway the way of the visitors at the Gabba on Saturday.
Brisbane seem to have found the methods and style which best suits their current team. Plenty of strength around the contest via Neale, Dunkley and now Ashcroft with a main ruckman in McInerney and Joe Daniher getting involved around the ground too.
By clearing out the forward line more, it provides Bailey, Rayner and mostly Charlie Cameron room to move and boy does he love that.
He landed 7 against the Giants but in truth he could have racked up double figures. Being able to rely on Gunston for assistance, it means Hipwood and Daniher can roam more. Accuracy is not their forte.
They are almost unbeatable (bar some finals) at the Gabba. Post Covid rescheduling, they've played 14 times in Brisbane for 12 wins. Now you combine that with facing an opponent who has lost their way.
Much was hoped and expected of Fremantle after a bit of a breakthrough last year. They made finals in 2022 including a win over the Dogs and a pretty competitive loss to Collingwood.
But 2023 has not begun with anywhere near that form of enthusiasm. Losing 4 of the first 6, and some not in a pretty way, does nothing for confidence. Tack on that their opposition so far has been St Kilda, North, West Coast, Adelaide, Gold Coast and the Dogs – the latter the only finalist last year.
You can't help but believe once they hit the big boys, carnage will occur. That feeling begins on Saturday.
The lack of speed on the ball and flow from backs to forwards means rivals can flood back and make transitions so slow and easily defendable.
Serong and Brayshaw try hard but they aren't Dangerfield and Selwood. Imposing their wills on the game aren't that easy.
A warm Brisbane day could lead to a fast game and big scoring. Should that prevail, it might mean the Lions rack up a big score.
Match Selection: Brisbane by 45 points
Suggested Bets: Brisbane 40+ @ $2.10
