AFL betting news – Coleman Medal race down to two

THE Coleman Medal appears to be a two horse race heading into the final fortnight of the season.

After a prolific weekend of scoring, the North Melbourne spearhead Ben Brown and two-time winner Jack Riewoldt surged past the competition to sit six goals clear of their nearest rival at 58 majors apiece.

The Kangaroos full forward is the shorter option at $1.75 while Riewoldt sits on the second line of betting at the $2.05 quote.

Riewoldt booted ten goals in Richmond’s 74-point rout of the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium, which left him level alongside Brown who booted four majors in a losing effort against the Western Bulldogs.

Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, who sits eight goals behind the pace, is on the next line of betting at the $26 mark, while Sydney Swan Lance Franklin ($41) is the only other man in double figures.

Round 21 was all about Riewoldt, who became the first man in 2018 to kick double figure goals in a game. It was an atypically wayward game in front of the sticks for the Richmond Tiger, who ended the game with six behinds to his name.

Riewoldt said deflected the attention away from himself in the aftermath of the match.

“I’m really proud of my performance week in, week out,” Riewoldt told Fox Footy.

“I just happened to, I was going to say kick it straight but I actually didn’t in the end.

“I’m happy to hit the scoreboard.

“I thought our midfield dominance was our real point of difference today and certainly the way it was being kicked to me, it was great to finish off the work.”

The run home

Jack Riewoldt

Round 22: Essendon Bombers at the MCG

Round 23: Western Bulldogs at the MCG

Richmond’s round 22 clash against Essendon will be make or break for Reiwoldt in terms of the Coleman Medal.

The Bombers’ defence has been solid since round 16, with 79-points the most they have conceded outside of their shootout with Hawthorn two weeks ago.

If Jack can keep the goal tally ticking over heading into the final round against the Dogs he will be a huge chance of winning a third Coleman Medal.

Ben Brown

Round 22: Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval

Round 23: St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium

Much like Riewoldt, Brown faces a tough assignment in round 22.

While Adelaide away is a tough proposition for any team, the Crows are no hope of making the finals after falling to the GWS Giants.

The opportunity for Brown will come in the final round against St Kilda, which has conceded over 100 points to three of their last four opponents.

The Verdict

Brown looks the best option heading into the last two rounds.

Adelaide have nothing to play for and St Kilda’s defence is among the worst in the league, which means big Benny will have ample opportunities to score bulk goals in the final fortnight.

Conversely Riewoldt’s Richmond faces arguably the in-form team of the competition Essendon in a must-win game for the Dons. Goals could be hard to come by and we believe Brown will be able to put a gap on Roo heading into round 23.

Back Brown in to win the Coleman Medal in 2018.