Another thriller expected in the Super 12 today as the Reds (-6.5) host the Otago Highlanders, with both teams desperate for a win to help them reach the semis. The Reds are 7-2 ATS and 3-0 ATS as home faves but have normally had smaller numbers than this to cover. The Highlanders are 6-3 ATS but 0-4 SU on the road (2-2 ATS tho). Road teams are 4-0 ATS this weekend and the Highlanders have enough class peformers to threaten the Reds here, but with Eales back the Reds pack may dominate possession. Should be a cracker but for me..
NO PLAY
AFL:
Three plays for today, briefly.
Essendon -42.5 v West Coast
A lot of wood? Oh yes. But are the Bombers two goals a quarter better than the Eagles. Yes again, undoubtedly. And off a 10-day rest and at home, the Bombers, who have yet to reach the peaks of last season, should go wild today in a match with plenty of spice.
Adelaide +24.5
Against the grain again. Certainly the Hawks have been good (5-0 SU) but the Crows have been chugging along nicely too, beating the hapless Roos last week while they also have Carlton's scalp this season. Injuries to Vardy and Johnson will hurt, while Holland's return is good for Hawthorn. It should be Adelaide's midfield v Hawthorn's attack and defence, but I think at a neutral gound in Tassie I'll take the dogs.
Carlton -5.5
Again, slightly running against the tide. But I think the Blues at less than a goal offer real value. Certainly Collingwood are an improved young team and fresh from a 10-day break and a fantastic showing v Essendon. But I still believe there's a difference in class here, with the return of Camporeale and Lappin being huge pluses for Carlton. The Blues kicked 17.23 last weekend v the Saints - a small improvement in accuracy would make them very hard to beat today.
GLTA with your plays
NO PLAY
AFL:
Three plays for today, briefly.
Essendon -42.5 v West Coast
A lot of wood? Oh yes. But are the Bombers two goals a quarter better than the Eagles. Yes again, undoubtedly. And off a 10-day rest and at home, the Bombers, who have yet to reach the peaks of last season, should go wild today in a match with plenty of spice.
Adelaide +24.5
Against the grain again. Certainly the Hawks have been good (5-0 SU) but the Crows have been chugging along nicely too, beating the hapless Roos last week while they also have Carlton's scalp this season. Injuries to Vardy and Johnson will hurt, while Holland's return is good for Hawthorn. It should be Adelaide's midfield v Hawthorn's attack and defence, but I think at a neutral gound in Tassie I'll take the dogs.
Carlton -5.5
Again, slightly running against the tide. But I think the Blues at less than a goal offer real value. Certainly Collingwood are an improved young team and fresh from a 10-day break and a fantastic showing v Essendon. But I still believe there's a difference in class here, with the return of Camporeale and Lappin being huge pluses for Carlton. The Blues kicked 17.23 last weekend v the Saints - a small improvement in accuracy would make them very hard to beat today.
GLTA with your plays
