2017 AFL Round 2 Betting Tips

A 2-2 weekend in Round 1 got us off to a decent start given the usual uncertainty of the opening round of the AFL. We look forward to Round 2 this weekend with the action once again kicking off on Thursday night with a massive clash between Richmond and Collingwood. We take a look at the game plus the rest of the key Round 2 matchups below.

AFL Round 2 Betting Tips

Richmond vs Collingwood (Thursday, 7.20pm AEDT)
The Tigers walked over the Blues in their annual season opener last Thursday night to the tune of 43 points, but the Pies should prove a bigger test this week. Dustin Martin stamped his case as one of the most dominant midfielders in the league with an outstanding performance that saw him rack up 33 disposals and 4 goals. The additions of Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia allows Martin to play closer to goal which bodes well for the Tigers. A much more attacking style of play meant that rookie forwards Dan Butler and Jason Castanga played big roles in the win and could be a crucial part of their structure moving forward.

Collingwood were valiant in their loss to the Western Bulldogs last Friday night and showed that their midfield is one of the best in the league as they really took it to the Dogs in a lot of key midfield statistics. It’ll be a massive battle in the midfield this week and it should be where the game is won or lost, Collingwood look to have the slight edge but we think this should be a close game so we like the tri bet here.

TIP: Either team by under 15.5 – $2.70 at Sportsbet

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney (Friday, 7.50pm AEDT)
The Grand Final rematch will be played on Friday night at Etihad Stadium between the Dogs and Swans. The Swans suffered a shock defeat to the Power on Saturday in their season opener as some of the Sydney midfielders in Kieron Jack and Dan Hannebery had quiet outings. They’ll be looking to bounce back from their defeat in Round 1 as well as their heartbreaking Grand Final loss to the Dogs last year. Swan Dane Rampe suffered an unlucky broken arm in an off-field accident through the week and will be out for Sydney.

The Dogs didn’t do too much to excite last weekend against the Pies. Only time will tell whether Collingwood are a real outfit or weather the Dogs might have taken a backward step. Defender Dale Morris will miss the next couple of months due to a fractured leg suffered in the Collingwood game. We’re not too deterred by Sydney’s loss last weekend and have faith in their ability to bounce back here as underdogs.

TIP: Sydney to win – $2.45 at Ladbrokes

Hawthorn vs Adelaide (Saturday, 1.45pm AEDT)
The changing of the guard at Hawthorn didn’t exactly work out as planned as they went down to Essendon in Round 1 last weekend. We expect them to be big improvers this week though as new and returning players in Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Jarryd Roughead begin to find their feet in 2017.

The Crows proved they will be hard to beat at home all season with an emphatic win over premiership favourites in GWS last week. Their form on the road has yet to be tested, however, and in years past their ability to play well in Melbourne has been an Achilles heel. You’d struggle to find too many games over the past few years where the Hawks have started as underdogs so we’re happy taking the value as it comes here.

TIP: Hawthorn to win – $2.25 at Sportsbet

Brisbane vs Essendon (Saturday, 7.25pm AEDT)
Both Brisbane and Essendon claimed great Round 1 wins over Gold Coast and Hawthorn respectively to set their 2017 up. Essendon’s win was arguably more impressive than the Lions, who only knocked over another prospective bottom dweller in the Suns. New coach Chris Fagan looks to have the Lions going in the right direction but we think the Bombers could be too strong here.

The host of Bombers returning from suspension mixed extremely well with their 2016 stars as Dyson Heppel, Zach Merret, Orazio Fantasia and Brendan Goddard all had big games in their season opener. Essendon looked great in both the JLT Series as well as the season opener which makes us think, even in Brisbane, they’ll be far too good for the Lions this weekend.

TIP: Essendon -15.5 – $1.91 at Ladbrokes

Melbourne vs Carlton (Sunday, 3.20pm AEDT)
Melbourne claimed a great win over the Saints in Round 1 to make their case as genuine top 8 contenders. The Dees dominated the Saints in every aspect of the game to come away with a 30-point win and will have their sights set on going 2-0 this weekend against Carlton.

The Blues were valiant in their loss to Richmond in Round 1, the good sign is that they were able to kick 14 goals in the loss and the play of injury prone ruckman Matthew Kruezer was particularly promising. Young gun Jacob Weitering was impressive with 3 goals and with a fairly large 30 point line we think the Blues can cover here.

TIP: Carlton +30.5 – $1.91 at bet365

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