3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2022 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.
MELBOURNE V PORT ADELAIDE
Sunday 17 July @ Traeger Park
The big one on Sunday heads north to the Northern Territory but it is a game with far reaching implications further south.
A match in the centre of the nation with such importance is a wonderful thing. Right now would Melbourne give that up though to be at home against a Port side seemingly rejuvenated?
It is almost hard to fathom that Melbourne are not leading the Ladder so late into the season. Certain punditry had them going through unbeaten, certainly some had them running away with the year and most had them Minor Premiers.
Right now, with six and potentially seven sides so close, Top 4 is no fait accompli. They need to be on their best behaviour.
And so last week at Geelong proved to be a slight concern. The losses to Freo, Sydney and Collingwood were put down to losing May and having their game style worked out. So what was Geelong then?
Perhaps the biggest issue was the impact of Clayton Oliver's thumb injury. However long he is out, or even if not long at all, whatever the impression it has on his form, could sway their fortunes.
Gawn and Jackson were back together but that didn't even cause the angst it was supposed to. They were expected to be the trouble for the Cats not the other way around.
You can't question Jack Viney having a dip. He was not only the leading possession winner for his team but also top tackler. So he was prepared to get in and get dirty as well as being the offensive player too.
The question for the Demons is their ability to halt a Port Adelaide side who has turned the corner. After their horror start, they are coming with a rush. They may rue that loss to Fremantle recently as momentum would have been wearing plenty of teal.
The Giants certainly bore the brunt of their present play. Only 3 goals were offered for dining pleasure. It is one thing not necessarily well slated as being a Power trait.
But despite sitting 12th on the ladder, they have given up just 1135 points this year – which is only below the Top 3 teams for Points Against.
So there is some definite credibility to their form even if the wins are not in the book. That does make them dangerous for a team not at the top of theirs.
It is no co-incidence that Port's improvement since the start of the year has come at the same time as Connor Rozee has started kicking goals in addition to his disposals.
Goal kicking mids/half forward flankers set off alarm bells for opponents. If that run continues, not only will his standing improve, so too will Port's climbing of the ladder. He must do it now against the better opponents though.
But all that said, you must give Melbourne one more chance to prove a point as a loss could see them out of the Top 2 and potentially, heading out of the Top 4.
They are still a good side but must connect forward. If they do they win, if they don't, every chance they lose. Maybe getting out of Melbourne might help focus the mind.
Match Selection: Melbourne by 11 points
Suggested Bets: Same Game Multi - Connor Rozee to Kick a Goal/Melbourne to Win @ $2.60
