2019 AFL team odds, tips & predictions – The Contenders
After waiting for what feels like an eternity, the 2019 AFL season is now just around the corner.
Footy fans across the country are eager to see their new recruits make an impact, while league administrators are hoping the controversial rule changes instituted over the summer have the desired effect.
Here on BettingSite.com, we will go through each team and have a look at their best chances in key betting markets for the AFL Premiership, the Brownlow Medal, the Rising Star and more.
First up are the six teams we expect to push for top honours in 2019.
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2019 West Coast Eagles betting
Not only were they the best team in the league last season, the West Coast Eagles are our choice to go all the way again in 2019.
The combination of Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy proved too powerful for all teams in 2018, winning all of the 13 matches both Darling and Kennedy started and finished on the ground together.
With the so-called ‘6-6-6’ rule allowing for more one-on-one contests inside forward 50, the tall timber for the Eagles will be almost unstoppable.
Shannon Hurn and Lewis Jetta will benefit heavily from the new kick-out rule, which allows them more distance and space, once again strengthening West Coast even further.
Ultimately, the premiers are poised to enter one of their most successful eras since joining the national competition.
2018 finish: 2nd, premiers
2019 premiership odds: $7.50 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $1.90
Top 8 odds: $1.25
Brownlow Medal: Andrew Gaff @ $26
Coleman Medal: Josh Kennedy @ $4.50
Rising Star: Jarrod Brander @ $41
2019 Richmond Tigers betting
Failing to defeat the Collingwood Magpies in the preliminary final in 2018 led to a sad offseason for the Tigers.
One thing Richmond do better than most clubs is bounce back, which is why they are favourites to win the flag in 2019.
The astronomical inclusion of free agent Tom Lynch from the Gold Coast Suns will revamp the small forward line into a three-man marking clinic.
Add his presence to the aerial strength of Josh Caddy and Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt, and the Tigers’ forward six looks extremely potent for years to come.
Otherwise, the best 22 has not changed dramatically, although the club did give up some depth across the park in order to land Lynch.
The 6-6-6 rule may be Richmond’s biggest enemy as they used that starting formation the least out of every team in the league last season – a meagre 3 per cent, compared to Collingwood’s 65 per cent.
The game plan works and the players are willing to put in the hard yards, which is why the Tigers are heavy contenders for the flag in 2019.
2018 finish: 1st, preliminary final exit
2019 premiership odds: $5 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $1.60
Top 8 odds: $1.12
Brownlow Medal: Dustin Martin @ $6
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch @ $9
Rising Star: Noah Balta @ $26
2019 Collingwood Magpies betting
Failing to achieve glory last season after losing the AFL Grand Final by under a goal, the Magpies will have been waiting the longest out of every team to get back on the winners list.
The loss has been put behind the playing group and they will have another crack at the premiership in 2019.
No team has a classier midfield than the Magpies’, especially now that Dayne Beams has returned from a four-year stint at the Brisbane Lions.
Another preseason for Rising Star Jaidyn Stephenson spells trouble for the rest of the league, as the young man will now take his game to the next level with some added midfield time due to the inclusion of a certain Collingwood favourite.
Jamie Elliot has finally got his body right and made it through his first preseason in three years, and his inclusion in the forward 50 will allow for plenty of midfield rotation between the likes of Beams, Stephenson and Jordan De Goey.
No team has a higher ceiling than the Magpies and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made their way through the finals once again in 2019.
2018 finish: 3rd, runners up
2019 premiership odds: $6.50 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $1.90
Top 8 odds: $1.20
Brownlow Medal: Steele Sidebottom @ $17
Coleman Medal: Jordan De Goey @ $21
Rising Star: Isaac Quaynor @ $21
2019 Melbourne Demons betting
The years where the Demons sit in the bottom half of the ladder are now over.
The club is rejuvenated, the team is filled with stars and the coach has a system that can take them deep into September.
Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver are one of the most damaging ruckman-midfielder combinations in the entire country, putting the Demons into premiership contention without even needing to mention the rest of the team.
Jesse Hogan departs the forward line after seeking a trade back to his home town of Perth, but Tom McDonald proved last season that he is just as potent as Hogan, if not more so.
With Jake Lever returning from an ACL injury that ended his 2018 campaign, the Demons will settle into most matches with added confidence.
Head coach Simon Goodwin has all the players buying into the system like never before at Melbourne.
With him at the helm, positive times are ahead for the Demons.
2018 finish: 5th, preliminary final exit
2019 premiership odds: $7.50 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $2
Top 8 odds: $1.25
Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver @ $24
Coleman Medal: Tom McDonald @ $10
Rising Star: Harrison Petty @ $81
2019 Essendon Bombers betting
Last season didn’t go exactly to plan for the Bombers and they finished 11th on the ladder despite a strong finish to the season.
But with the inclusion of Dylan Shiel into the midfield and the return of star forward Joe Daniher, the Dons could be in for one inspiring season.
With Daniher back into the forward six for the Bombers, far less pressure will be on the other big men to impact the match – especially the likes of Cale Hooker, who is a far more valuable commodity in the back half.
The 2017 Rising Star, Andrew McGrath, has trained well over the preseason and looks in good shape to start matches in the midfield, exactly where the Dons need more talent to blossom.
If all goes right and minimal injuries are suffered throughout the season, the Bombers could charge into September with a burst of momentum as their run home includes the Bulldogs, Dockers and Magpies.
2018 finish: 11th
2019 premiership odds: $12 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $3
Top 8 odds: $1.60
Brownlow Medal: Dylan Shiel @ $41
Coleman Medal: Joe Daniher @ $12
Rising Star: Jordan Ridley @ $34
2019 Greater Western Sydney betting
After losing a few crucial midfielders in the offseason, many bookies are offering healthy odds for the Giants.
What is evident in Greater Western Sydney is the talent that still remains.
Not having a dominant ruckman may pose a slight issue, but with Steven Coniglio and Josh Kelly sharking hit-outs for an entire match, and Jeremy Cameron kicking goals in the forward line, the Giants are still a threat to the competition.
Lachie Whitfield and Zac Williams are two of the very best half backs in the league while Heath Shaw and Phil Davis bring plenty of nous and experience, so the backline is still strong for GWS.
Expect an improved season from third-year star Tim Taranto, who could elevate into elite status over the course of the campaign.
Positivity surrounds a playing group that is unfazed by recent departures and the Giants are on track for a strong 2019 under sixth-year head coach Leon Cameron.
2018 finish: 7th, semi final exit
2019 premiership odds: $18 at Sportsbet
Top 4 odds: $4
Top 8 odds: $1.75
Brownlow Medal: Josh Kelly @ $14
Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron @ $18
Rising Star: Sam Taylor @ $19
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