2017 AFL Round 16 Betting Tips

Another big round of AFL is in the books as the upsets continue to flow. Six underdogs got over the line last week, including Brisbane upsetting Essendon in one of the biggest shocks of the season. The competition is as even as ever, and we continue to see that anything can happen!

We look to secure a few solid wins this week as we preview Round 16 with our best betting tips for the week.

Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs (Adelaide Oval, Friday 7:50pm AEST)

Adelaide continue to cop their share of doubters with another uninspiring performance against lowly Carlton. However they did get the points away from home, and sit comfortable in second place on the ladder, so while their form has been patchy at times, they are getting the job done. While Rory Sloane has been down on form in recent times, the likes of Smith, Douglas and the two Crouches are stepping up, while their forward line continue to test their opposition each week with a lethal combination of talls and smalls.

They are really going to test the Bulldogs this week who have been well down on their efforts from last season. Premiership hangover it may be, but they need several guys to lift if they are to now play finals, let alone defend their flag this season. The Bont has been good without being dominant, while Macrae and Hunter have contributed, but there are plenty others that are struggling. You’d think Johannisen is going to be lucky to avoid getting dropped this week, while the likes of Stringer, Libba, Wallis, Suckling and Picken need to step up.

After a close loss to the Eagles last week, the season is almost on the line this week for the Dogs, so you would hope they come out of the gates with a bit of bark for once. However it’s a tough assignment taking on the Crows at home on a Friday night, and I think they have too much firepower to drop this one.

Tip: Adelaide win 1-39 – $2.10 at CrownBet

Hawthorn vs GWS (Launceston, Saturday 1:45pm AEST)

An interesting match here will see GWS travel to Launceston to take on the Hawks. GWS are another top team that many seem unconvinced about, yet here they are, on top of the ladder, despite some pretty savage injuries. They are still a young, developing team, so they are not always going to bring consistency, but their comeback against Geelong was a sterling effort. They probably should’ve held on for the win, and perhaps were lucky to get the draw in the end.

On paper 1st versus 13th doesn’t seem like a close contest, but the Hawks are a team that should never be discounted. They were good in getting over the top of the Pies last week, and they play the windy chill of Launceston very well. With Mitchell continuing to run rampant in the middle of the ground, if he can find a few more helpers to stop the ball-winning abilities of the GWS mids, then I think the Hawks will be right in this.

Tip: Hawthorn +16.5 – $1.92 at CrownBet

Collingwood vs Essendon (MCG, Saturday 2:10pm)

It’s cracking Saturday afternoon clash between two of the competition’s biggest clubs, but both are rocking after poor losses last week. Collingwood would’ve fancied its chances against the Hawks last week, but again they fell short to heap more pressure on Nathan Buckley. Finals now appear gone and surely now the coach must be looked at for next season. The Pies have an elite midfield but just can’t get the job done at either end of the ground. It looks a tough ask for their makeshift backline to control the dominant Essendon forwards this week.

The Bombers have at times looked like premiership contenders. Two weeks ago they should’ve knocked off the Giants in Sydney, then last week they drop a game to the bottom-placed Brisbane. Two terrible losses that have put their entire season in jeopardy. Not all is lost just yet, so the Dons will be hungry to get some momentum back this week. Zach Merrett had his worst game in forever, so he’ll want to bounce back, and along with Watson, Goddard, Heppell and Zaharakis, form a formidable midfield unit. Throw in the emerging superstar that is Joe Daniher, and Essendon are a dangerous outfit. If they play to their best, they should have too much firepower for the Pies.

Tip: Essendon to win – $1.81 at Sportsbet

Carlton vs Melbourne (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm AEST)

Another classic MCG encounter between two of the traditional AFL clubs in Carlton and Melbourne. The Blues are clearly on the rise with some solid performances this season. They may have only won five games, and sit 16th on the ladder, but the Blues have pushed some of the better teams and they weren’t far from upsetting Adelaide last week. Their young players are starting to show some good signs with the likes of Docherty, Cripps and Curnow elevating their games, while Bryce Gibbs has gone to an elite level in recent weeks. Throw in a dominant ruckman in Kreuzuer and the born-again backman in Liam Jones, the Blues have a lot to get excited about.

The Dees are probably 12 months ahead in their development and eyeing off a berth in the finals this season, but a disappointing loss against Sydney last week sees them on the edge of the top eight. The Demons have been hit by injury with Jesse Hogan out from earlier in the season, skipper Nathan Jones on the sidelines, and now joined by their best player in Jack Viney who is out for 4-6 weeks, and Tomas Bugg who will be getting a 6-week holiday through suspension. Max Gawn has also just returning and trying to recapture his best form. While this is a game the Dees won’t want to drop, I see it as a real danger game and I think the Blues might be able to cause an upset.

Tip: Carlton to win – $2.40 at Sportsbet

TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY