Multi tips, bookie bonuses and value bets for AFL Round 20

THE 2017 AFL season continues to throw up crazy results and unpredictable scenarios.

Last week the Bulldogs jumped back into the eight after a classy win against the Dons, the Crows and the Magpies played out a thrilling draw while West Coast’s faint finals hopes remain alive after a powerful win over Brisbane.

This weekend presents a number of interesting contests that have finals ramifications attached, which means there is plenty of value around for our multi.

Let’s get stuck in.

All odds were provided by Sportsbet.com.au.

Selections for the Round 20 AFL multi of the week:

Sydney Swans to beat Geelong Cats ($1.85)
Essendon Bombers to win against the Carlton Blues ($1.24)
Collingwood Magpies to beat the North Melbourne Kangaroos ($1.52)
Richmond Tigers to win against the Hawthorn Hawks ($1.72)

Combined multi value: +499 @ Sportsbet.com.au

Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans

Friday, August 4 from 7.50 pm AEST, Simonds Stadium, Geelong

The Swans travel down to Geelong to face the Cats in the first leg of our AFL multi, and the harbour-town boys have a point to prove after their disappointing loss last week.

Sydney lost to Hawthorn for the second time this season despite being the vastly superior team on paper. Last Friday night’s defeat halted their strong push towards a top-four position.

The Cats are coming in off the back of a strong win against the Blues, but will be without reigning Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield, who felt the MRP’s wrath following a strong tackle on Matthew Kreuzer.

Danger’s omission swings the pendulum in Sydney’s favour and we believe they will bounce back to kick our multi off the right way.

Sydney Swans to win – $1.95

Essendon Bombers vs. Carlton Blues

Saturday, August 5 from 2.10 pm AEST, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Traditional rivals meet at the MCG in the second leg of our multi as the Dons and the Blues lock horns on the home of football.

Essendon cannot afford to lose this match if they are to keep their faint finals hopes alive. Last week they were disappointing under the roof at Etihad, squandering a number of chances to consolidate their position inside the eight against the Dogs.

Carlton were never in the hunt against Geelong last week and look to be treading water until the end of the season. It is unlikely key ruckman MAtthew Kreuzer will take his place in the side after getting concussed in a brutal tackle from Patrick Dangerfield.

This is Essendon’s match to lose. We believe the Bombers will bounce back to keep the pressure on the teams above.

Essendon Bombers to win – $1.24

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs. Collingwood Magpies

Saturday, August 5 from 7.45 pm AEST, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

The Roos host the Pies under the lid in an interesting contest between two sides whose ladder position belies how well they have been playing as of late.

North Melbourne stunned the Demons in Tasmania last week in blustery conditions. The Roos outworked their opponents and delivered one of their finer performances of the season.

Collingwood was left to rue a missed opportunity after leading Adelaide by over 50 points, only to concede a mark on the full-time siren which ultimately led to the match-tying goal. The game did signal the return to form for former Roo Daniel Wells, who was clearly best afield in the drawn match.

The Pies played arguably their best half of football for the season but ultimately succumbed to one of the best teams in the competition, so we think they should have no issues in defeating the Roos.

Collingwood Magpies to win – $1.52

Richmond Tigers vs. Hawthorn Hawks

Sunday, August 6 from 3.20 pm AEST, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
The top-four aspirant Tigers host the bottom ten side Hawthorn in the final leg of our AFL multi.

Richmond were the consummate professionals last week, sweeping aside the Suns despite missing a host of players. Again Dustin Martin did the damage for the visitors who moved themselves back into the eight.

Hawthorn recorded its second win this season over the Swans in an upset win at the MCG. The Hawks are a totally different side to the easy-beats they were earlier in the year and will present a challenge to any team that encounters them in the final month of football.

Pressure usually gets to the Tigers when push comes to shove but they really cannot afford to lose here. The Tigers are a much better team and should round out our multi in the right way.

Richmond Tigers to win – $1.72