AFL round 6 odds, team news and early tips
Carlton will be desperate to record their second win of the AFL season when they clash with Collingwood in AFL round 6 action at the MCG on Thursday night.
The Magpies (1.45) are expected to account for the Blues (2.75 with Aussie betting sites) but any clash between these two clubs can be heated, even when they are out of the premiership window.
The Blues (1 win and 4 losses) are fresh off another loss after being eclipsed by Adelaide in Gather Round, despite a more rounded performance from Michael Voss’s team.
The Magpies (2 wins and three losses) are not faring much better after losing an arm wrestle against Fremantle in their Gather Round fixture, with the clash again punctuated by their inability to score consistently.
Magpies coach Craic McRae bemoaned their inability to take their chances when they presented, notably Dan McStay and Jamie Elliott missing easy shots.
“We didn’t take our chances, in a low scoring game in tough conditions…. even just decision making stuff late, i mean what are we doing?” he said.
“We’ve traditionally been really good at these things – managing moments – we just didn’t manage ours tonight.”
The Blues will be boosted by the inclusion of defensive pair Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean, after they missed the Crows clash with concussion.
The Magpies are likely to stick with impressive debutante Angus Anderson after he had an impact through the midfield against Fremantle, while Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury made it through the match unscathed.
The Magpies will also consider key forwards Charlie West and Jack Buller as they look for ways to bolster their forward line, following the defection of Brody Mihocek and the form woes of Elliott.
On Friday night, Geelong will host the Western Bulldogs, who could be boosted by ruckman Tim English (knee) at GMHBA Stadium, with the Melbourne-based club needing to respond after their capitulation against Hawthorn.
The Cats will be in a buoyant mood following their easy win over West Coast with this taking their record to 3-2 to begin the season and seemingly in a strong position for another finals assault.
Sydney (1.27) is a heavy favourite to defeat cross-town rival GWS (3.78) in the second game on Friday, with the top-of-the-table Swans beginning to look ominous with their multi-pronged forward line, which has been boosted by Blues recruit Charlie Curnow.
Gold Coast (1.08) is a heavy favourite to defeat last-start winner Essendon (8.00) in the early game on Sunday, with the Suns needing a victory after mixed form over the last fortnight, but they may be boosted by boom recruit Christian Petracca.
Hawthorn (1.12) is expected to account for Port Adelaide (6.40) in the twilight slot on Saturday, with the impressive Hawks fresh of a thrashing of the Western Bulldogs.
Adelaide (1.39) faces a challenging clash against St Kilda (3.01) with Ross Lyon’s team set for their second South Australian conquest in as many weeks, after eclipsing the Power on Sunday night.
On Sunday, North Melbourne (1.30) will host Richmond (3.56) at Marvel Stadium, with the Roos expected to defeat the struggling Tigers, who look far too young to be competitive against seasoned teams.
Melbourne (3.25) will host reigning premier Brisbane (1.35), while AFL round 5 will close with the Western Derby, with West Coast (7.00) heavy outsiders against Fremantle (1.10).
AFL round 6 fixtures and early tips
AFL round 6 will run from Thursday, April 16, to Sunday, April 19. Our early AFL round 6 tips are bolded.
Thursday, April 16
- Carlton ($2.71) v Collingwood ($1.47), MCG, 7:30pm AEST
Friday, April 17
- Geelong Cats ($1.52) v Western Bulldogs ($2.53), GMHBA Stadium, 7:20pm AEST
- Sydney Swans ($1.27) v GWS Giants ($3.78), SCG, 7:50pm AEST
Saturday, April 18
- Gold Coast Suns ($1.08) v Essendon ($8.00), People First Stadium, 1:15pm AEST
- Hawthorn ($1.12) v Port Adelaide ($6.40), Marvel Stadium, 4:15pm AEST
- Adelaide Crows ($1.45) v St Kilda ($2.76), Adelaide Oval, 7:35pm AEST
Sunday, April 19
- North Melbourne ($1.30) v Richmond ($3.56), Marvel Stadium, 1:10pm AEST
- Melbourne ($3.25) v Brisbane Lions ($1.35), MCG, 3:15pm AEST
- West Coast Eagles ($7.00) v Fremantle ($1.10), Optus Stadium, 5:10pm AEST
