Welcome to HAT Footy Tipping 2024

Weekly Blog Round 10 back after a week in hiatus

Upsets were littered through round 9, headlined by Port hanging on to win by one goal after a late comeback (be it too late) by the Cats. After upsets included the Giants-Dons and Hawks-Saints games. Is the Dons the dark horse of 2024?! Our Hot Tips comp continues on with only 5 remaining (after 9+Round 0 round – note to AFL: please do not have round 0 next year!). SO to Andrew, Mark, Trent, Callum and Peter Goodluck as it continues to get harder each week.

Round kicks off on Thursday night with the ‘traditional’ game between the Suns and the Cats in downtown Darwin. Cats will be looking for a rebound after 2 weeks with no wins, but with Jezza and Hawk out – who will kick the goals? Some inventive coaching moves is required by Scotty. The Suns have relished the hot conditions up north for the better part of three years, and with a handy 4-2 record as the home underdog against Geelong, there’s value on Gold Coast to keep their streak alive.

Friday night would have to be game of the round when the Blue Baggers head to the Sydney version of the MCG and take on the 1st place Swans at the SCG. This should be an equally tight battle between two sides averaging 14 goals apiece. With Carlton’s last win at the SCG dating all the way back to 2019, this feels like another statement game for the flag favourites.

Saturday sees 4 games played with the Pies v Crows, Giants v Dogs, Saints v Freo and Lions v Richmond. The pick would have to be the Giants v Dogs out western Sydney at the well-known stadium, ENGIE Stadium aka where they played Baseball in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Giants will want to win at home, after going down last week, but Bevo’s troops will want to keep the winning feeling going. GWS does hold a tidy 5-3 record at the line, but if the Dogs can disrupt the Giants’ ability to control the game with sharp, accurate kicks, this could turn into a genuine arm wrestle. Also, let’s hope Riely Sanders gets a recall to the side after his last week’s VFL stats!

Lions, Pies and Freo should win the other games. Don’t know?!?!

Sunday has 3 games to complete Round 10 with an easy win locked in for the Dons over North (sad to say). Port and Hawks could be a smokey for the upset game of the round. Recent results have blown the line in favour of Port way out of proportion, but if Hawthorn can start this game on the right foot and bring intense pressure from the onset, they might be a chance at keeping the margin respectable.

Weagles and Demons close out Round 10 in the West. Boasting an impressive 6-2 record as the away favourite over the last 12 months, this should be a cruisy win for visiting Dees.

Good luck and happy tipping for R10. cheers Gerard