We take a look at Friday nights (16/8/2019) AFL 2019 Week 22 match is between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans. The Demons take on the Swans this weekend and they go into the game at the MCG as favourites.
When: Friday August 16, 7:50pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
It’s hardly a glamour fixture on Friday night when the Dees host the Swans. Both sides are on long losing streaks, with the Dees losing five on the trot and the Swans six on the bounce.
Last round, the Pies had too much for the Demons after quarter time, prevailing by 17 points. Sydney’s good record at Adelaide Oval was dealt a blow in round 21, losing to a spirited Port side by 47 points.
The Swans have won four of their past five games against Melbourne, but in their round four match up at the SCG, the Demons earned one of their five victories this season, winning by 22 points. On that night, Melbourne came back from 14 points down at quarter time to win, kicking seven goals to three in the second half. Midfielder Nathan Jones was an unlikely avenue to goal that night, booting a game-high three majors.
Melbourne’s record against the spread has been just as bad as their win-loss tally this season – a dismal 5-15. At the MCG, that mark is at 2-9 in 2019. The Swans will play at the home of footy for just the second time this season, having lost to the Bombers by 10 points in round 16, but covering the line on that occasion. The Swans are 11-9 this season on the handicap.
A good record at the line and head-to-head against the Dees isn’t enough for The Wolf to back the Swans on the road as narrow underdogs. More often than not, Melbourne has been in with a chance in their recent games, despite losing. They will give the home fans a reason to cheer on Friday night and win.
Odds:
Tip: Sydney Swans at $2.05
Value Tip: First Goal Scorer: Tom Papley at $10.00
Teams:
DEMONS
B: Hibberd, Frost, Lever
HB: Jones, Hore, Salem
C: Dunkley, Viney, Stretch
HF: C. Wagner, Fritsch, Harmes
F: Lewis, Melksham, Petracca
FOLL: Gawn, Brayshaw, Oliver
I/C: Spargo, Kennedy-Harris, Neal-Bullen, Chandler
EMG: Preuss, Hunt, Lockhart, Keilty
IN: Hore, Stretch, Spargo, Neal-Bullen, Chandler
OUT: Baker (omitted), Hunt (omitted), May (injured), O. McDonald (injured), Petty (injured)
SWANS
B: Mills, Rampe, Aliir
HB: Lloyd, McCartin, Dawson
C: Heeney, Hewett, Florent
HF: Ronke, Blakey, Papley
F: Jack, Reid, Menzel
FOLL: McLean, Kennedy, Parker
I/C: Clarke, Fox, Bell, Rowbottom
EMG: Amartey, Melican, Stoddart, Rose
IN: Jack
OUT: Jones (injured)
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change