AFL - Round Six Preview

The Western Bulldogs and Richmond Tigers played out one of the most exciting draws in the game's history last weekend with both teams finding themselves on a staggering 130 points at the end of the game. In a game where supporters and players were left shell shocked after the final siren, the real winners were those that just enjoyed the game for what it was. How good is football at the moment? The crowds are huge, the competition is close and the game is in really good shape.

The great thing about AFL is that it has developed itself over the last 150 years. Administrators have been careful not to tinker with the very essence of the game and the game has righted itself on more than one occasion. A few years ago there was a real problem of flooding. There was a trend of low scoring games and a negative brand of football. Many of the experts said "leave the game alone and good teams will find a way around this problem".

I for one was sceptical and I believed that change was needed. Well they were right and I was most certainly was wrong. Good teams found a way around the strangled defence and now you have to play attractive football to win. This might change again in the future but the cyclic nature of the game's development is yet again its strong point.

Well I hope you followed my special of the week last weekend and got on the Saints who were far too good for the Bombers. There is still trouble over in the West with both the Eagles and Dockers losing again. The Dockers had the game in the bag against Adelaide when they cruised up to be only a kick away in the last quarter. Mark Harvey has some real problems on his hands with his team making simple mistakes at crucial times.

Time now for the best bets of the round. I think there are some excellent bets this weekend but I will again try and kick start the weekend and by declaring Collingwood my best bet of the round against the Bombers on Anzac day. Too big, too strong and too desperate; will easily cover the line. I also like a few underdogs with the head start. Expect Fremantle and Richmond to show some sort of form against the two best teams in the competition.

My other handicap selections are as follows. Brisbane, Carlton, Bulldogs, Sydney and St Kilda. Good luck and good punting and remember Sportsbet. has the best markets on Australian football anywhere.

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