The support at TAB for Melbourne to defeat Geelong means the Demons could start favourite on Saturday night, but Demons fans shouldn’t be concerned if they don’t.
Simon Goodwin’s men have proven themselves to be the best at overcoming the odds this year, undefeated in all five games in which they have started the outsider.
Melbourne as non-favourite this season:
Rd 2: Melbourne $2.10 def St Kilda $1.70
Rd 6: Melbourne $2.25 def Richmond $1.62
Rd 11: Melbourne $2.15 def Western Bulldogs $1.68
Rd 12: Melbourne $2.05 def Brisbane $1.75
Rd 17: Melbourne $2.20 def Port Adelaide $1.65
The Demons have been $2.20 into $1.95 at TAB and might continue to shorten with the biggest head-to-head bet of the week $2000 at the current price. One punter also had $2000 at $2.15 on Melbourne to win the minor premiership, which victory this weekend would assure.
It is a mouth-watering round to finish the season with the two other teams in the top four – Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide – to also clash with money for the Power ($2.25 to $2.15) to make it eight wins from eight games in Victoria this year.
Hawthorn has been the biggest firmer this week, $1.80 into $1.53, to continue its fine recent form and send off club legends Alastair Clarkson and Shaun Burgoyne in style against Richmond ($2 out to $2.45).
TAB ODDS – AFL Rd 23
Western Bulldogs $1.68 (were $1.62)
Port Adelaide $2.15 (were $2.25)
Richmond $2.45 (were $2.00)
Hawthorn $1.53 (were $1.80)
Sydney $1.20
Gold Coast $4.40
Brisbane $1.20
West Coast $4.40
Geelong $1.85 (were $1.68)
Melbourne $1.95 (were $2.25)
Carlton $3.60
GWS $1.28
St Kilda $1.70 (were $1.77)
Fremantle $2.10 (were $2.05)
Essendon $1.28
Collingwood $3.60
Adelaide $1.95 (were $2.05)
North Melbourne $1.85 (were $1.77)