Multi tips, bookie bonuses and value bets for AFL Round 16

IT took us 15 weeks, but finally the AFL competition has seen its first draw of the season.

Thankfully for most punters – unless you bet at WilliamHill.com.au – the dead-heat rule applied to last week’s GWS vs. Geelong match, meaning it was alive to until the final leg. Unfortunately for us that final leg was St Kilda pulling off an unlikely victory against the Dockers in the west.

Anyone using multi insurance got their stake back however, which we can use on this weekend’s matches, which promises to be an entertaining set of fixtures.

It is last chance saloon for the Dons and Pies on Saturday afternoon, The Dogs are facing the indignity of missing the finals a year after winning the grand final, while Sydney will continue their push towards an unlikely finals berth in a favourable match up.

Let’s take a look at this week’s multi.

All odds were provided by Sportsbet.com.au.

Selections for the Round 16 AFL multi of the week:

Adelaide Crows to beat Western Bulldogs ($1.32)

Hawthorn +13.5 against the GWS Giants ($1.92)

Essendon Bombers to beat Collingwood Magpies ($1.81)

Melbourne Demons to win against the Carlton Blues ($1.62)

Combined multi value: +643 @ Sportsbet.com.au

Adelaide Crows vs. Western Bulldogs

Friday, July 7 from 7.50 pm AEST, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

It is becoming desperate times for the defending premiers in 2017, and their task is not made any easier in round 16 as they face one of the hardest road trips in the AFL.

The Dogs had a chance to get their season back on track last week under the lid at Etihad but failed miserably against the Eagles, and now they face the onerous task of toppling one of the in-form teams on their home deck.

The Crows last week overcome Carlton in a tight contest that could have been disastrous for the visitors. The win keeps the South Australians within reach of top spot on the ladder.

The two teams have fought out close contests over the years. No team has put together consecutive wins against their opponents since 2013, and we expect this trend will continue given the Dogs took out the last match up.

Crows should kick us off to the perfect start on Friday night.

Adelaide Crows to win – $1.80

Hawthorn Hawks vs. GWS Giants

Saturday, July 8 from 4.35 pm AEST, University Of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston

The Hawks return to their home away from home on the apple isle as they host the ladder leading Giants in Launceston.

In what seems to be a reoccurring theme for the Giants, the men in orange will again be without star forward Toby Greene while gun pair Steve Johnson and Zac Williams will also join the large contingent on the sidelines.

The Hawks are riding high after a number of solid wins, and their season from hell could actually turn into one of the great comeback stories in the club’s history. But they cannot afford to drop any games along the way.

Hawthorn tend to dominate sides down in Tassie, and while the Giants are a different proposition, we think they will put in a solid performance. The line bet is the play here, and we think they are more than capable of covering the two and half goal margin.

Hawthorn line bet +13.5 – $1.92

Collingwood Magpies vs. Essendon Bombers

Saturday, July 8 from 2.10 pm AEST, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

If the finals chances of both sides were not already in the garbage after last week they certainly will be in defeat on Saturday for either the Bombers or the Magpies.

The Pies had their chances last week against the Hawks but ultimately could not land the killer blow. It has been a disappointing season for Collingwood, whose ladder position and win loss ratio belies how competitive they have been throughout the season.

What a difference a fortnight makes for Essendon. Had the Dons been able to close out games against Sydney and Brisbane – two matches they no doubt should have won – we could be talking about them as a genuine finals threat. Now they are languishing outside the eight looking for slip ups above to force their way back in.

The Bombers arguably have more to play for here, and we are expecting a huge game from Joe Daniher. Daniher torched Collingwood on ANZAC Day, and after a poor showing last week will be keen to atone.

The Dons should overcome their fierce rivals to take us to the fourth and final leg.

Essendon Bombers to win – $1.81

Carlton Blues vs. Melbourne Demons

Sunday, July 9 from 3.20 pm AEST, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

An interesting battle looms between the strong-on-paper Demons and the punching above their weight Blues on Sunday afternoon.

It has been a season to remember for Carlton fans thus far. Under Brendon Bolton the Blues have already covered beaten out their over wins market at Sportsbet.com.au at the midway stage of the season, highlighting just how far they have exceeded expectations.

The Demons have been injury-riddled over the last few weeks, but could potentially get Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan and Dom Tyson back for this one. That should boost the confidence of a team that lacked real leadership in their last outing, which was a heavy defeat at the hands of Sydney.

Melbourne need to win this match to keep their push towards a top-four berth rolling, and while Carlton presents a stiff challenge, if the Demons are serious about 2017 they will sweep them aside on Sunday.

Melbourne Demons to win – -161.29