GWS clear favourites for the 2017 flag after securing superstar

THE GWS Giants will go into 2017 as the $4.50 standalone premiership favourites at Sporsbet.com.au after a fruitful trade period which saw them acquire former All-Australian midfielder, Brett Deledio.

The Giants were also able to strengthen their hand at the draft table and will take pick two into November’s AFL draft, meaning the second best youngster in the country will be amongst their playing ranks next season.

20 per cent of the money that has been invested on the premiership market at Sportsbet.com.au has been placed on the Giants, and Sportsbet representative Ben Bulmer said punters had rallied behind the Western Sydney side once Deledio was locked in.

“Once confirmation was received that Brett Deledio was heading to GWS punters began to react, backing the Giants into clear premiership favouritism, with Sportsbet now holding three times the money on the Giants compared to the Western Bulldogs.” Bulmer said.

The Western Bulldogs, who added Travis Cloke to their playing ranks but lost premiership defender Joel Hamling (traded to Fremantle) and fringe midfielder Nathan Hrovat (traded to North Melbourne), remain second favourite at $5.

Sydney maintain their position on the third line of betting at $6.50 despite losing Tom Mitchell to Hawthorn while Adelaide’s failed pursuit of Carlton on-baller Bryce Gibbs has seen them stay steady at $7.

The team that was expected to fluctuate but stayed firm was Hawthorn.

The Hawks came in from $10 to $8 after their free agency selection of Richmond forward Ty Vickery, but after trading out four-time premiership stars Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis, many pundits believed the Hawks period of dominance may be over.

The trading out of the club stalwarts may have allowed the Hawks to clear the necessary cap salary cap space to bring in ex-Swan Tom Mitchell and former Sun Jaeger O’Meara, but it raises questions whether the cut-throat attitude will be conducive to success.

Sportsbet.com.au believe the Hawks are better placed to make the eight after their trade period however, moving Alistair Clarkson’s men into $1.53 from the $2.20 quote on offer at the beginning of the week.

Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said their plan is to stay at the top rather than fall away and rebuild through the draft.

“I think what we are saying is that we are going to be bold and we are going to keep attacking and keep being innovative and work as hard as we possibly can to get as high on the ladder as we can,” Wright said.

“I wouldn’t have thought we would have seen it as a rebuild. We see it as regeneration in a way, then we go again.”

Sportsbet opens trade week specials on the big name players

The 2016 edition of the AFL trade period saw a multitude of marquee players switching clubs like it was going out of fashion and Sportsbet.com.au have decided to capitalise on the untapped market.

The online betting agency has identified eight men that switched clubs this off-season and tailored a market for each player.

Think Cam McCarthy and Travis Cloke can have a big impact in front of the sticks in 2017? Or do you believe the Mitchells can poll some votes in the Brownlow or club best and fairest?

Take a look at what Sportsbet.com.au has to offer and get excited for 2017.

Sportsbet trade period extra markets

Cam McCarthy 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand. Includes finals
To kick over 40.5 goals $1.87
To kick under 40.5 goals $1.87

Sam Mitchel 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand
Sam Mitchell to poll the most Brownlow votes for West Coast in 2016 $2.50 with Sportsbet.com.au

Brett Deledio 2017 Special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand. Includes finals
To kick over 23.5 goals $1.87
To kick under 23.5 goals $1.87

Brad Hill 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand. Includes finals
To kick over 16.5 goals $1.87
To kick under 16.5 goals $1.87

Tom Mitchell 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand
Tom Mitchell to win Hawthorn’s 2016 best and fairest $5

Travis Cloke 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand. Includes finals
To kick over 38.5 goals $1.87
To kick under 38.5 goals $1.87

Jack Steele 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand. Includes finals
Jack Steele to average 20+ possessions a game in 2017 $1.87

Pearce Hanley 2017 special
Must play over 16 games for the bet to stand
Pearce Hanley to be named in the 2017 All-Australian team $11