Port Adelaide v Essendon tips & best bets – AFL Rd 11 Preview

Port Adelaide will enter their clash against Essendon as an overwhelming favourite in AFL round 11 action on Sunday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval.

The Power have been backed into $1.17 to defeat the Bombers, who have struggled for any impetus in 2022, despite there being high expectations surrounding them.

After a horror start to the season Port have shown solid signs of improvement in recent weeks. They strung four tidy wins together before making the trip to the fortress of Geelong and coming up short against the Cats. We have the Power pegged as a mid-table side at this stage, who will be tough to be beat at home but won’t trouble the better sides on the road.

This game looks like a gimme for the Power and a chance to keep pushing towards seventh or eighth spot on the ladder. They should have the wind in their sails, and we are expecting a big performance at short odds with Aussie bookies.

The Bombers languish at 2-8 and pressure is building on them to demonstrate improved effort and execution. They sit above only North Melbourne who were not expected to win many games in 2022, and West Coast, who have been ravaged by injury and health protocols.

The Bombers are a marque club with a huge membership, hence the pressure to perform. For losing teams an away game becomes like a break from the anger of their fan base. Players can take more risks and new talent can be introduced away from the glaring spotlight. The Bombers are being coached to take the game on, but that might backfire here.

Key Match-up: Wines v Parrish
With his recent health scare now hopefully behind him, Port midfielder Ollie Wines had a solid hit-out against the Cats in round 10, grabbing 29 disposals in a losing side. His confidence appears to be returning, and it his Brownlow winning best, Wines is an unstoppable wrecking ball. He might be ready to recapture his 2021 form.
Darcy Parish grabbed an astonishing 43 disposals in round 10, winning six clearances, making eight tackles, and has been a revelation this year. I never bet on Brownlow Medals during the season but are shocked at his current price. Perhaps the umpires are too focussed on crushing dissent to notice his brilliance. Parish is 24 years old, and we can only hope the Bombers are working to secure his long-term tenure. A fit Wines versus a dominant Parish is our key match-up here.

Port Adelaide v Essendon tips and betting strategy

Port is short here as you might expect, and self-funded retirees chasing bank interest might be tempted by the 17% available. The line is a very healthy 34.5 points, and total points low at 142.5. Essendon is expected to be soundly beaten and post a small total. The Power have had their goal kicking issues this season but might be ready to click. We will take Port -34.5 points and trust they are in a ruthless frame of mind and are wearing their kicking boots. Port -34.5 is available at Ladbrokes Australia, returning $2.00.

Same Game Multi – Power v Bombers

For those uninterested in 17% bank interest and unexcited by even money bets, we have constructed a combo to add some value to your bankroll. We will link Port -34.5, into Todd Marshall 2+ goals, into Charlie Dixon 2+ goals. We are hoping that the Power can kick truly and put on a show in front of their home fans. This wager will return an exciting $4.89 courtesy of Ladbrokes.

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