North Melbourne added further intrigue to the AFL’s race for the Top 8 with last night’s win over West Coast and there is set to be even more upheaval this weekend if TAB’s markets are any guide.
Eight of the nine Rd 18 matches involve teams in the seventh to 14th cluster who would harbour finals hopes of varying degrees, five of which are outsiders.
Seventh-ranked Fremantle is the highest-placed of those sides, but is $2.45 against Geelong ($1.53) despite Thursday’s game being in Perth, while Richmond ($2.60) is set to start one of its longest prices in years at the MCG as it strives to snap a four-game losing streak when it plays Brisbane ($1.48).
GWS is $2.45 against Sydney ($1.53) in the ‘Battle of the Bridge at Ballarat’, resurgent St Kilda is $2.05 against Port Adelaide ($1.77), while Gold Coast’s miniscule finals hopes are expected to be snuffed out by the Western Bulldogs. The Suns are $4 with the Bulldogs $1.23.
Essendon is the shortest-priced of those battling it out for the last two finals spots, $1.34 against North Melbourne ($3.20), West Coast went up $1.60 for Sunday’s clash with the Crows ($2.30) in Adelaide, while Carlton ($1.85) shades Collingwood ($1.95) in the closest market of the round.
Fremantle $2.45
Geelong $1.53
Richmond $2.60
Brisbane $1.48
GWS $2.45
Sydney $1.53
Gold Coast $4.00
Bulldogs $1.23
Melbourne $1.09
Hawthorn $7.00
St Kilda $2.05
Port Adelaide $1.77
North Melb $3.20
Essendon $1.34
Collingwood $1.95
Carlton $1.85
Adelaide $2.30
West Coast $1.60