AFL - Round Nine Preview

Last weekend we found out that the Dogs are the real deal. I, as many others, have been waiting for them to fall over after their incredible start to the season. They play exciting football and have a list of likable personalities, but we all expected them to head on back to the bottom of the table in 2008 after an impressive and over achieving 2006 and disappointing 2007.

They certainly had a favourable draw this year with their first six games at home but in the last two games they have travelled to Sydney and Perth and have come away with hard fought, impressive victories. There is no doubt that losses will come this year but they now appear certain to return to finals football. As long as the injuries stay away and the confidence and belief remains they will be a powerhouse over the next few years. They have a tough challenge against North this weekend especially after the gruelling road trip but expect them to bring passion and commitment to the ground.

Geelong will be out to prove that Collingwood offer no fear to their near impregnable outfit on Friday night. Both teams are not going as well as when they met in the finals last year but I expect Geelong will win in more impressive fashion than last time when the Magpies pushed them to the line.

The other team on the move is Brisbane. You have to love this team with its hard backs, sharp midfield and big targets up front. They play a great brand of football and with their next three games at home we could see them deeply entrenched in the race for the finals.

Sportsbet.com.au is the home of AFL betting and here are my line bets for the weekend: Geelong, Brisbane, Bulldogs, Carlton, Port, West Coast, Richmond, and Melbourne. Good luck and good punting.

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