Geelong v Essendon betting tips, predictions & multi picks | AFL Rd 18 2023

Demons v Lions AFL R18 best bets

Essendon head down the highway to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in AFL action on Saturday night.

Two sides in the top eight, this match has season-defining implications, with both in a dog-fight to reach the finals.

Geelong hosted the North Melbourne on Sunday, winning comfortably by 62 points. Set up by an eight goal first quarter, the Cats never looked threatened, extending their lead throughout to generate some much-needed percentage.

Essendon faced off against the Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, winning by 18 points in a high scoring affair. Leading the whole game, the Bombers were particularly impressive in the first half as they took a 37-point lead into half time. Leading the way for the Bombers were the midfield pairing of Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish, who collected 39 disposals each, proving a class above on the day.

One of the toughest away trips in footy at the moment, Essendon have their work cut out for them as they face last year’s premier in Geelong. Winning four out of their five games at home this season, the Cats home form has been a constant in an otherwise unpredictable season so far.

Ruckman Andrew Phillips (suspension) will miss for the Bombers, with 21-year-old Nick Bryan set to shoulder no.1 ruck duties, with Sam Draper still sidelined with injury. Another worry for the Bombers is key defender Jordan Ridley who was subbed out with a knee injury against the Crows.

For the Cats, Jeremy Cameron is expected to return following his two week break due to concussion. While wingman Isaac Smith is also returning after being managed last weekend.

These two sides faced each other back in round seven, with an eight-goal haul from Tom Hawkins leading the Cats to a 28-point win in a high-scoring affair at the MCG.

Bombers v Cats betting Strategy

So far this season, the bombers have struggled in away games, with a record of two wins and five losses. The absence of key position players will also prove to be a major factor as they may struggle to match the Cats for height around the ground.

Coming into this one as heavy favourites, we like the Cats in this one at $1.28 with Palmerbet.

Coming off a five-goal effort last weekend, Geelong small forward Tyson Stengle looks to have found form at the right time of year. A crafty small forward, the 2022 All-Australian has struggled at times this season, but looks to build off a big performance. At his best, he is one of the top small forwards in the competition and as such, we like the value for him to kick two or more goals at $2.10 with top AFL bookmakers.

The leader of the Geelong backline, Tom Stewart has hardly missed a beat so far this season. Playing off his man regularly, Stewart, impacts contests by working alongside teammates to outnumber the opposition. Stewart also takes the majority of kick-ins for the Cats, adding easy disposals throughout a game. Expect Stewart to continue his good form this weekend as he collects 25 or more disposals at $1.95 with bookies.

Key Matchup: Tom Hawkins v Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

Tom Hawkins vs Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

Following his eight-goal haul the last time these two sides met, Tom Hawkins will be looking to implement similar damage on Saturday night. With a size and experience advantage over his direct opponent, Hawkins will be looking to get into one-on-one situations where he can out position his defender.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher had the Hawkins assignment last time and is expected to take it once again. Hopefully, he has learned from experience how to play him in order to avoid the same result happening again. Look for teammates to help kill the contest, while Zerk-Thatcher uses his speed advantage to ensure that Hawkins is unable to get space on the lead.

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