3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 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.
GEELONG v ST KILDA
Saturday 16 March @ GMHBA Stadium
The rematch from the 2009 Grand Final is a far cry from those halcyon days and like all sides, this bring fresh hope to their first match of the year.
What isn't obvious, is that fair and reasonable for these two?
Geelong had a pretty quiet off season coming off what for them was a pretty quiet year. All of 2023 was spent saying would it be Sydney, the thrashed from the 2022 GF, that would falter.
Yet in the end it was Geelong who missed by two clear games with a disappointing finale losing 4 of their last 5 as the Swans were there post season.
With Joel Selwood retired the year before, it put so much leadership strain on Dangerfield, Stewart et al but reality is whenever he wasn't there, there were fewer to turn to.
As for the Saints, there are differing views on how they will go. Some think there is not that much excitement. Others view a second year with Ross Lyon coming off an excellent effort to make finals in 2023 shows things are on the rise.
They will play with pace on the ball. You most as well go fast and take pressure off defences than take it slow and make it unfold so class will tell?
The last time St Kilda defeated Geelong at Kardinia Park was would you believe 1999. Admittedly they haven't played a massive amount of times there.
Theory goes that Geelong just win at home and then look to pick off a few away to make finals every year. Using Brisbane as an example that would have been their MO but it hit a hurdle in Opening Round.
Could easily see St Kilda playing really well here. Ross Lyon has had all off season to plan for this. Reckon we take the start here.
Match Selection: Geelong by 3 points
Suggested Bets: St Kilda +11.5 @ $1.91 @ bet365
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