2019 Multicultural AFL Football Show - Round 15

The Multicultural AFL Football TV & Radio Show – Round 15

By Fiv Antoniou

26/6/2019

Last week the AFL dished its harshest penalty ever that was not play or drug related to the Magpies’ Jaydin Stephenson for having a punt on Collingwood games. A $20,000 fine and 22 weeks suspension -10  weeks out now and the rest suspended for his playing life.

Yes, there have been enough messages in the past warning players, coaches and officials not to bet on footy or it will be harshly dealt with. I don’t have an objection to that, BUT seriously, the AFL should take a good hard look at what is happening in the advertising world where a multitude of gambling companies are competing for the punter’s dollar through commercial advertising on AFL live games and TV shows.

The AFL should set an example and ask our legislators for a media ban on gambling ads during game day TV and radio broadcasts. The AFL should reject sponsorships and cut ties with gambling organisations full stop, or else the warnings and hefty penalties are useless in changing the betting culture and limiting the proliferation of gambling – It’s not ok to have a punt!

Round 14 was the last of the bye rounds, however, the fall out will continue into next week in round 15, as teams who were on a bye and teams which were not last week clash head to head. Last Thursday night footy in Perth took prominence again, where the Eagles put Essendon to the sword and on Friday night Sydney did the number on the Hawks, while the Melbourne Demons surprised punters at the “G” last Saturday with a 14 point win over Fremantle.

Brisbane thrashed the Saints by 56 points, while the Cat’s hoodoo of losing after returning from a bye continued, allowing Port Adelaide to move in for a big win and the Bulldogs gave Collingwood a short lived scare as the Magpies eventually won, securing second spot on the AFL ladder.

Round 15 commences this Thursday evening coming from Marvel Stadium where Essendon host the GWS Giants. If Essendon fields their top team and they won’t because of injuries to Daniher and Stringer, they may have had a chance to go close. The Giants are firmly entrenched in the top four now and will fight tooth and nail to keep their position. Even if the Bombers talismen, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Orazio Fantasia kick a bag-full, it will not be enough to stop the Giants from claiming victory by at least 19 points.

Geelong smarting from their loss last week will be out to keep their one game buffer on top of the ladder intact. The Cats at home will face the Adelaide Crows on Friday night. Geelong at home will be very difficult to defeat and there is very little chance the Crows are up to creating an upset. The Cats will prevail.

Saturday will see the Hawks take on the West Coast at the MCG. Although the Eagles will have to travel to Melbourne, I don’t think playing away will affect their game too much and they should win easily over a lacklustre Hawthorn. The Sydney Swans from the SCG will easily defeat the Gold Coast Suns while Collingwood, in their second game in as many weeks at Marvel, will take on North Melbourne. No joy for the Roos as the Magpies swoop on another scalp!

On Saturday night from Adelaide Oval, Port Power will meet the Western Bulldogs. The Dogs lost a scrappy, boring game against the ‘Pies last week and will be out to prove to their supporters that their spirit is still alive. Port Adelaide will have to weather the early storm, but in the end, their home ground advantage and parochial supporters will carry the Power to victory.

Sunday from Marvel Stadium, St.Kilda play the Richmond Tigers. If the Sainters lose, it may be the end of the line for their coach, Alan Richardson. The Tigers look too good on paper and the Saints have a lot to play for in this game. It will be a close battle - I think the Saints will save face, but the Tigers will take the spoils.

The Brisbane Lions at the Gabba will go toe to toe with the Melbourne Demons. Brisbane did exceptionally well against the Saints at Marvel last week, as did Melbourne in defeating Freo at the MCG. The Demons' narrow win last week wasn’t convincing enough to say they have turned the corner. I am tipping the dangerous Lions at home to overwhelm Melbourne and take the game out.

Fremantle in Perth play Carlton. Freo at home are a very good side and this week they will be out to play well and cement their spot in the 8 with a percentage boosting performance. Carlton over the last 20 years have won more games in Perth than any other team in the league, but that is falling on past reputation. These days the Blues are struggling….Unless it’s raining heavily, they play out of their skins and with a large slice of luck, pip the Dockers at the post – Believe it or Not, Carlton by 2 points!

That’s it from me this week, catch you next week back, with more comment and tips.

Round 15, I am picking: GWS Giants, Geelong, West Coast, Sydney, Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Brisbane and Carlton

(Progressive tip score: 76)

Top AFL tipster(s) form the AGE have 76 and from Foxtel 74

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