It has been all about Port Adelaide and Collingwood at the top of the table in the AFL this season and race for the regular season title continues in game week 17. Elsewhere, Brisbane and Melbourne will be eager to stay in the hunt, whilst plenty of jostling for position looks on the cards in the chase for a top 8 finish too.
AFL 2023 Round 17
Richmond vs Sydney
Two sides that could do with a serious boost face off at the MCG, as Richmond host Sydney.
Inconsistency has blighted the campaign for Richmond, who have beaten the likes of St Kilda and Fremantle in recent weeks but their capitulation at Brisbane last week was chastening. Sydney, meanwhile, will rue not seeing off Geelong last week, ending up drawing a game that should have been won and they will want a response here.
This is not an easy one to call but home advantage could be enough for Richmond.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points – Under 165.5 | $1.91 | |
 | Winning Margin: Richmond 1-12 | $6.00 |
 | Richmond to win the match | $1.71 |
Predicted Squads
Richmond: Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Hugo Ralphsmith, Jack Graham, Jack Riewoldt, Jack Ross, Jayden Short, Judson Clarke, Kamdyn McIntosh, Liam Baker, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Samson Ryan, Tim Taranto, Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin.
Sydney: Braeden Campbell, Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Errol Gulden, Harry Cunningham, Hayden McLean, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd, James Rowbottom, Joel Amartey, Lewis Melican, Logan McDonald, Nick Blakey, Oliver Florent, Robbie Fox, Ryan Clarke, Tom Papley
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood
Each week that passes feels like a serious test of Collingwood’s mettle and they have another serious challenge here in the form of the Western Bulldogs.
Having won their last two, the Bulldogs look to be showing a few glimpses of form and they will look to rattle Collingwood from the off here.
The imperious record enjoyed by the Magpies however will be giving Collingwood heaps of confidence heading into this one and they are full of confidence currently.
This won’t be as one-sided as the odds suggest but Collingwood should get the job done.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Brody Mihocek – First Goal scorer | $7.50 | |
| Collingwood to win the match. | $1.53 |
| Total Points – Over 166.5 | $1.91 |
Predicted Squads
Western Bulldogs: Aaron Naughton, Adam Treloar, Alex Keath, Anthony Scott, Bailey Dale, Bailey Smith, Bailey Williams, Caleb Daniel, Cody Weightman, Jack Macrae, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Laitham Vandermeer, Liam Jones, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Hannan, Oskar Baker, Rhylee West, Rory Lobb, Taylor Duryea, Tim English, Tim O'Brien, Tom Liberatore.
Collingwood: Ashley Johnson, Bobby Hill, Brayden Maynard, Brody Mihocek, Darcy Cameron, Darcy Moore, Harvey Harrison, Isaac Quaynor, Jack Crisp, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, John Noble, Josh Daicos, Mason Cox, Nathan Murphy, Nick Daicos, Oleg Markov, Patrick Lipinski, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, Tom Mitchell, W. Hoskin-Elliott.
Brisbane vs West Coast
One of the most potentially one-sided battles in AFL history is on the horizon, as Brisbane take on the lowly West Coast at the Gabba.
For the hosts Brisbane, keeping pace with the sides above them is their priority and they absolutely hammered Richmond last time out.
For West Coast meanwhile, every game is a bit of a free hit, with absolutely no expectation surrounding them and whilst the pressure is off, they look in for a thumping here.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Joe Daniher First Goal Scorer | $5.00 | |
| Winning Margin: Brisbane 73+ | $1.47 |
| Total Points – Over 186.5 | $.90 |
Predicted Squads
Brisbane: Brandon Starcevich, Cameron Rayner, Charlie Cameron, Conor McKenna, Darcy Wilmot, Deven Robertson, Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, Jack Payne, Jarrod Berry, Joe Daniher, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale, Lincoln McCarthy, Oscar McInerney, Ryan Lester, Zac Bailey.
West Coast: Alex Witherden, Andrew Gaff, Bailey J. Williams, Brady Hough, Dom Sheed, Elijah Hewett, Elliot Yeo, Jack Darling, Jack Petruccelle, Jack Williams, Jayden Hunt, Liam Duggan, Luke Edwards, Luke Shuey, Noah Long, Oscar Allen, Reuben Ginbey, Rhett Bazzo, Ryan Maric, S. Petrevski-Seton, Thomas Barrass, Tim Kelly.
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn
Top 8 will be firmly on the minds of the GWS Giants players, who will be eager to keep their push going, as they welcome Hawthorn.
Three wins on the spin have improved the general mood around the Giants and whilst there is still plenty of footy to be played, they look to have found form at the right time.
Hawthorn meanwhile have endured a rough campaign and whilst the odd result has turned heads, they have lacked the consistency needed.
This should be an entertaining one, with GWS most likely to continue their good run of form.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points – Over 170.5 | $1.90 | |
| Winning Margin: GWS Giants 25-36 | $5.50 |
| GWS Giants to win the match | $1.22 |
Predicted Squads
Greater Western Sydney: Aaron Cadman, Callan Ward, Callum M Brown, Connor Idun, Daniel Lloyd, Finn Callaghan, H. Himmelberg, Harry Perryman, Jack Buckley, Jake Riccardi, Josh Kelly, Kieren Briggs, Lachie Ash, Lachie Whitfield, Lachlan Keeffe, Nick Haynes, Sam Taylor, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Bedford, Toby Greene, Tom Green, Xavier O'Halloran.
Hawthorn: Blake Hardwick, Cameron Mackenzie, Connor MacDonald, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Jack Scrimshaw, Jacob Koschitzke, Jai Newcombe, James Blanck, James Worpel, Jarman Impey, Josh Weddle, Karl Amon, Lachie Bramble, Lloyd Meek, Luke Breust, Mitchell Lewis, Ned Reeves, Sam Frost, Seamus Mitchell, Tyler Brockman, Will Day.
St Kilda vs Melbourne
The derby clash that stops a city will once again take centre stage in game week 17, as St Kilda welcome Melbourne.
Getting a read as to where St Kilda are at is tricky, with a range of inconsistent results in recent weeks but they still have their top 8 destiny in their own hands and they will be especially motivated for this one.
Melbourne meanwhile had their wings clipped by GWS Giants last time out and lost ground on Brisbane above them, so will want a response in this one.
This should be an absolute whopper, with both sides sure to rattle into each other from the outset but Melbourne could potentially have too much in key areas
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Melbourne to win the match | $1.44 | |
| Total Points – Over 161.5 | $1.90 |
| Winning Margin: Melbourne 13-24 | $5.50 |
Predicted Squads
St Kilda: Anthony Caminiti, Ben Paton, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill, Callum Wilkie, Dan Butler, Dougal Howard, Jack Higgins, Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele, Jade Gresham, Jimmy Webster, Josh Battle, Liam Stocker, Marcus Windhager, Mason Wood, Mattaes Phillipou, Max King, Mitchito Owens, N. Wanganeen-Milera, Rowan Marshall, Ryan Byrnes.
Melbourne: Alex Neal-Bullen, Angus Brayshaw, Bayley Fritsch, Brodie Grundy, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem, Ed Langdon, Harrison Petty, Jack Viney, Jacob Van Rooyen, Jake Lever, James Jordon, Joel Smith, Judd McVee, Kade Chandler, Kysaiah Pickett, Lachie Hunter, Max Gawn, Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Tom Sparrow, Trent Rivers.
Port Adelaide vs Gold Coast
Title chasing Port Adelaide will be desperate to stay in the mix for as long as possible, as they host Gold Coast.
It truly has been a season to remember for Port Adelaide, who are in the midst of a 12-match winning run and look to be supremely confidence, regardless of their opposition.
Gold Coast meanwhile sit 12th in the table and 3 wins and 3 losses from their last 6 played, epitomises their inconsistency this term.
Gold Coast will be up for this and will carry a threat, particularly in attacking areas but Port Adelaide look to be too strong for most currently.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Port Adelaide to be winning at HT and FT | $1.30 | |
| Winning Margin: Port Adelaide 25-36 | $5.00 |
| Total Points – Over 156.5 | $1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Port Adelaide: Aliir Aliir, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee, Dan Houston, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Dylan Williams, J. Horne-Francis, Jed McEntee, Jeremy Finlayson, Josh Sinn, Kane Farrell, Miles Bergman, Ollie Wines, Quinton Narkle, Ryan Burton, Sam Powell-Pepper, Scott Lycett, Todd Marshall, Travis Boak, Trent McKenzie, Willem Drew, Zak Butters.
Gold Coast: Bailey Humphrey, Ben Ainsworth, Ben King, Ben Long, Brandon Ellis, Brayden Fiorini, Charlie Ballard, Darcy MacPherson, David Swallow, Hewego Paul Oea, Jack Lukosius, Jarrod Witts, Lachie Weller, Levi Casboult, Mac Andrew, Malcolm Rosas, Matthew Rowell, Nick Holman, Noah Anderson, Sam Collins, Sam Flanders, Wil Powell.
Geelong vs North Melbourne
This has the makings of a big game for Geelong, who want to be in the mix for a top 8 finish but need to start picking up wins.
They take on a North Melbourne side who have endured well documented problems on and off the field and they will be desperate to try and salvage some pride from the campaign.
Geelong should be buoyed from showing serious resolve to pick up a draw at Sydney last time out, whilst North Melbourne can’t seem to string any sort of performance together currently.
This will be one way traffic at GMHBA, with Geelong sure to revel in the role of favourites.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Geelong to be winning at HT and FT | $1.24 | |
| Total Points – Under 170.5 | $1.91 |
| Tom Hawkins First Goal Scorer | $5.50 |
Predicted Squads
Geelong: Bradley Close, Gary Rohan, Isaac Smith, Jack Bowes, Jack Henry, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jed Bews, Jeremy Cameron, Max Holmes, Mitch Duncan, Sam De Koning, Tom Atkins, Tom Hawkins, Tom Stewart, Tyson Stengle, Zach Guthrie, Zach Tuohy.
North Melbourne: Aidan Corr, Bailey Scott, Ben McKay, C. Coleman-Jones, Cameron Zurhaar, Eddie Ford, George Wardlaw, Griffin Logue, Harry Sheezel, Hugh Greenwood, Jack Ziebell, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Liam Shiels, Luke McDonald, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis, Phoenix Spicer, Tarryn Thomas, Todd Goldstein, Tom Powell, Will Phillips.
Essendon vs Adelaide
Two sides going toe-to-toe in the Top 8 shake up do battle, as Essendon host Adelaide.
For Essendon, this has the makings of a must-win game, with home advantage here and some tricky fixtures on the horizon, points on the board looks to be vital for them.
Adelaide meanwhile are a plucky outfit, who will be looking to keep in the top 8 mix for as long as possible and they have plenty of tools to potentially hurt Essendon here.
This will be super tight but home advantage could ultimately prove telling for Essendon.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Essendon to win the match | $1.86 | |
| Total Points – Under 170.5 | $1.90 |
| Winning Margin: Essendon 1-12 | $6.00 |
Predicted Squads
Essendon: Andrew McGrath, Andrew Phillips, Archie Perkins, Ben Hobbs, B. Zerk-Thatcher, Darcy Parish, Dyson Heppell, Jake Kelly, Jake Stringer, Jayden Laverde, Jordan Ridley, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Mason Redman, Matt Guelfi, Nic Martin, Nick Bryan, Peter Wright, Sam Durham, Sam Weideman, Will Snelling, Zach Merrett.
Adelaide: Ben Keays, Brodie Smith, Chayce Jones, Darcy Fogarty, Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo, Jordan Dawson, Jordon Butts, Josh Rachele, Josh Worrell, Lachlan Murphy, Lachlan Sholl, Luke Pedlar, Max Michalanney, Mitchell Hinge, Nick Murray, Reilly O'Brien, Riley Thilthorpe, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker, Wayne Milera.
Fremantle vs Carlton
Fremantle take on Carlton in the concluding match of game week 17, with both sides in search of some form for a top 8 push.
Fremantle just cannot seem to find the consistency needed to sustain a play-off push but they have produced some wonderful results so far this season.
Carlton meanwhile are a side in decent nick, winning their last two but they know all too well of the task facing them if they are to climb the table in the latter part of the season.
This looks to be the toughest one to call on paper this weekend, with Fremantle perhaps most likely to edge it.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Fremantle to win the match | $1.70 | |
| Total Points – Under 164.5 | $1.90 |
| Charlie Curnow First Goal Scorer | $6.50 |
Predicted Squads
Fremantle: Alex Pearce, Andrew Brayshaw, Brandon Walker, Brennan Cox, Caleb Serong, Ethan Hughes, Hayden Young, Jaeger O'Meara, Jordan Clark, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, Lachlan Schultz, Liam Henry, Luke Jackson, Luke Ryan, Matthew Johnson, Michael Walters, Michael Frederick, Nat Fyfe, Neil Erasmus, Sam Switkowski, Sean Darcy.
Carlton: Adam Cerra, Adam Saad, Alex Cincotta, Blake Acres, Brodie Kemp, Charlie Curnow, David Cuningham, Harry McKay, Jack Martin, Jacob Weitering, Jordan Boyd, Lachie Fogarty, Marc Pittonet, Matthew Cottrell, Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman, Paddy Dow, Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty, Sam Walsh, Tom De Koning.
