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AFL 2020 Essendon and Fremantle

AFL BETTING TIPS ESSENDON FOOTBALL CLUB

2019 FINISHED 8th 12 wins 10 loses

ESSENDON BOMBERS – CARETAKER COACH TO SEE THEM CLIMB?

Essendon are the X factor this year and they will likely do one of two things so get for the “Bomber Annual Rollercoaster”. A lift to make the top 4 or drop out of the top 8 entirely and we don’t see “status quo” as being an option.

For a coach that made the AFL finals “Whoosha” was under unprecedented pressure. After 2 embarrassing losses at the start of the year the Bombers regrouped to win their next 3, and were vying for September action. However back to back spankings to Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs late in the year (they conceded 21 straight goals a near AFL/VFL record) had Worsfold in the gun. Essendon made the AFL Finals but got smashed anyway, Worsfold survived but with Ben Rutten being appointed the heir apparent these dynamics will play out in a fascinating way. How Worsfold handles the “demotion” will determine the Bombers success.

Essendon retain key players – by default

Essendon did well to retain two of their attacking stars Joe Daniher (looked Sydney bound) and Orazio Fantasia (Port Adelaide) both staying with the club. This will add some positivity to the group but the up and down nature of Essendon’s game style and their lack of defense is a real issue. We call it the Bombers “rip, shit or bust” football. Rutten being a natural defender may tweak this but how much say he will have given it is still Worsfold’s group is hard to say. The uptempo style of Essendon’s game is nice to watch but when it goes pear shaped it is ugly and cannot stand in any shape or form finals football.

This is a confusing situation, no one really clear who is the kingpin in the coaching department. If Rutten is the preferred Coach then Essendon should have just appointed him and taken the consequences. That said Worsfold is no dill and just may have the temperament to make it workl. We will have a watch and see approach to Essendon this year
2020 PREDICTION – ESSENDON 12th with 9 wins

 

AFL BETTING TIPS FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB

2019 – FINISHED 13th 9 WINS 13 LOSSES

FREMANTLE DOCKERS – ROSS LYON SACKED AS COACH AND LONGMUIR IN

Four seasons in a row with no finals appearance along with fan discontent and some “off field’ issues. The result of this saw Ross Lyon sacked from the Fremantle Football Club. They also moved their CEO on at the same time so there have been some big changes at the top for the Dockers.

Ross Lyon a big change as Fremantle Coach

Lyon over the last 18 months was playing the young group with an eye to the future. Wins against top 8 teams Geelong, Brisbane, Collingwood Western Bulldogs and GWS last year you could argue Lyon was harshly dealt with. Especially after key injuries saw the Dockers form slow down to the end of the year. Lyon is a polarising character and we think it was more about his personality that saw a change as opposed to his coaching ability. It is big shoes to fill but with players back and the younger group exposed to the top level Justin Longmuir has walked into quite possibly a plumb job.

Fremantle Dockers – favourable draw

Fremantle have a nice draw playing only 10 matches against top 8 sides for AFL 2019 and they start the year playing 1 finalist (Essendon) in their first 5 matches. Fremantle get the chance for a hot start to the year. Justin Longmuir has promised a more “balanced” game plan perhaps hinting at being a little more attacking than his predecessor Ross Lyon who became maligned for his lockdown approach.

We see bright things on the horizon for the Fremantle Dockers and they are a good bet to improve sharply this season. As such we are tipping them to have 12 wins and push into the bottom part of the 8.The over total game wins for the season wins market which has the Dockers 8.5 wins is a nice investment opportunity.
2020 PREDICTION – FREMANTLE 6th with 13 wins