GWS Giants are ready to expose a finals pretender on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
Sydney face arguably their toughest challenge yet on the road.
While more pain is predicted for North Melbourne as they travel north.
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Below are The Sporting News’ tips and predictions for Round 9:
Odds via TAB.
Fremantle vs. Sydney prediction, tip, best bet
The Dockers have shown plenty in wins against the Bulldogs and Richmond after being stunned by rivals West Coast.
Sydney are the flag favourites but have shown vulnerabilities on the road this season with a loss to Richmond and a struggle vs. the Eagles.
With Hayden Young and Josh Treacy stepping up as stars this season, this game feels 50-50 and the Dockers represent value at home.
Prediction: Fremantle by 14 points.
Best bet: Fremantle to win ($2.20)
Essendon vs. GWS prediction, tip, best bet
After an excellent start to the season, Essendon are considered a decent chance to get home in this game.
But there is no doubt the Bombers have rode their luck in season 2024 and would actually be in the bottom four if 'expected score' results had stood.
GWS will be stinging after their loss to rivals Sydney and they can be relied open to comfortably account for an Essendon team that is still suspect defensively.
There is no doubt a line of -8.5 is definitely too short.
Prediction: GWS by 26 points.
Best bet: GWS -8.5 ($1.90)
Gold Coast vs. North Melbourne prediction, tip, best bet
While the Suns have struggled on the road, Damien Hardwick has them purring at home this season.
North Melbourne showed some signs against the Saints last week but still lost by 38 points.
It felt like the margin would have been more versus a team in better form.
Gold Coast will be ready to dine out on North's struggling defence and the home team will cover their line.
Prediction: Gold Coast by 65 points.
Best bet: Gold Coast -44.5 ($1.90)
Adelaide vs. Brisbane prediction, tip, best bet
The Lions have improved in recent weeks but they have also been crippled with injures.
Linc McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich and Noah Answerth will all be missing from the initial team picked to play Gold Coast last week.
Adelaide have shown decent form at home and they were impressive in dismantling Port Adelaide.
Taking this into account has this column leaning toward Adelaide at the line at Adelaide Oval.
Prediction: Adelaide by 22 points.
Best bet: Adelaide -6.5 ($1.99)
