3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2021 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 PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday 1 May @ the Gabba
In a top-tier match, either resembling one of 20 years ago or just one year when you think about it, the Lions and Port square off at the Gabba.
It doesn't include the likes of Brown, Black and Voss against Cornes, Tredrea and Wanganeen as they regularly duelled for top honours in the early 2000s but the new blood is making a fair fist of the jumpers in the 2020s.
The 2021 version of Brisbane has just settled the ship post the COVID-outbreak at home while Port only have one hiccup on their register over in Perth. Both their bests should be good enough to challenge at the least for that Top 4 spot.
Since that little Victorian trip away enforced over a longer than expected period, Brisbane are three of four and holding their own.
Dominant over a putrid Bombers, they got the job done in a danger game away to Carlton. That isn't as hard as it should be but best get the four points and get out of town.
That is especially the case when they were behind a little early on but steadied and got clear by half time before never being headed again.
McCluggage played his best game for a while racking up 33 which meant it was cover for Lachie Neale. His season had not been anything like the Brownlow year and now he's spending the next few months with his feet up.
Maybe also it has taken a little time for the meshing as a partnership of Hipwood and Daniher alongside Cameron. They would be three bulls in a paddock needing their own space. You would think it would gel in time. That could be happening.
However they run into a Port Adelaide team who toyed with St Kilda. You thought maybe if they were vulnerable it might be to a desperate team but they gave nothing away.
Solid out back, their runners and mids were a force too powerful. There aren't that many faults in this Power side. And that includes missing some young bucks out with substantial injuries.
This match could sway on the way it is allowed to be played. There is quite a deal of rain forecast in the days leading up and then on Saturday as well. Even if not at the time of the game, the Gabba surface can be a slippery one.
Reckon that will suit the Lions more here. All they need to do is get enough supply to the big guys up front, even if not marked, the ball on the ground screams Charlie Cameron territory.
With more confidence he is a blue-chip stock. And with his confidence levels rising so too the team as a whole.
Remember because of the move of that Collingwood game with the virus scare, this is only their third game at home in 2021. It is where they play best and they have a pretty good recent record against the Power. It was six goals the margin last year.
Brisbane look a good price to win this playing at home even without Neale. Not often we'll get black odds them at the Gabba so they are the play.
Match Selection: Brisbane by 14 points
Suggested Bets: Brisbane @ $2.10