Premiership Credentials and the Race for the Double Chance
We have reached the business end of the season where the pretenders are separated from the contenders. If you are looking for AFL Round 23 2024 tips, the focus has to be on motivation and match-ups. The weekend starts with a bang as Sydney heads to Marvel Stadium. The Swans move the ball with a precision that Essendon simply cannot match, especially on that fast indoor surface. Brodie Grundy is the key here. He should have his way against the Draper and Bryan combination, providing the Swans' elite mids with first use all night.
Down on the Gold Coast, we are sticking with the most reliable trend in footy. The Suns at People First Stadium are a completely different side compared to their road version. Mac Andrew has become a genuine wildcard in the forward line, and his ability to clunk marks and create chaos is something Melbourne is not equipped to handle right now. Expect the Suns to maintain their perfect home record in what should be a physical encounter. This is a staple for most AFL multi bets this weekend.
In the west, Carlton faces a tricky road trip but the stats suggest they have the tools to dismantle West Coast. While the Blues are missing their big forwards, their midfield dominance remains. They rank significantly higher in contested ball and clearances. This allows them to trap the ball in their forward half, which will eventually break an Eagles defense that relies heavily on intercepting. Look for the Blues to use a smaller, faster forward setup to exploit the height of the West Coast backline.
Rounding out our Round 23 betting tips is the clash at the MCG between Hawthorn and Richmond. The Hawks are playing a brand of footy that is almost impossible to stop once they get their slingshot game going. Massimo D'Ambrosio and Karl Amon are generating massive drive from half-back, and the Tigers, who are ranked last for points against, will struggle to track Hawthorn's multiple goal-kicking options. Whether it is Ginnivan, Moore, or Chol, the Hawks have too many avenues to goal for a Richmond side that is limping toward the finish line. The spread looks high, but the Hawks have the scoring power to cover it with ease.