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TAB Betting Blog: Magpies, Giants good things for Round 1

TAB.com.au's AFL experts take a look at the best bets for the upcoming round.

Best Bets

Head to head: Collingwood @ $1.67
TAB punters are siding with the Pies to win this one at a healthy $1.67. Nathan Buckley's team boast a winning head-to-head record over Geelong, having won three out of the past five games. Collingwood will need to be wary of the Cats threats however with Gary Ablett racking up 32 disposals last year in a 21-point loss to Geelong. The return of Dayne Beams to the Pies 'midfield certainly adds some spice and it will be interesting to see how well each team will play off the back of a preseason.

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Half and full double: GWS/GWS @ $1.95
Essendon ruined Greater Western Sydney's weekend last year by beating them by six goals in Sydney. With superstar Joe Daniher out for up to six weeks with a calf strain and all-rounder Cale Hooker unavailable as well, the Giants will be looking to pounce. Despite being a $17 longshot for the Coleman Medal, Jeremy Cameron will be aiming to cause chaos for the Bombers' backline on Sunday afternoon.

Value bets

Line: Hawthorn +19.5 @1.90
Despite Adelaide being the outright favourites, punters believe Hawthorn will put up a serious fight with 42 percent getting behind the Hawks to win.

Fremantle to win @ $1.95
Joel Hamling is Freo's best shutdown defender and did a solid job on Ben Brown last season, keeping the then Coleman Medal leader to two goals. Despite Jesse Hogan not playing, punters still think Freo will be too good at home.

St Kilda to win by 1-39 points @ $2.10
St Kilda lead the head-to-head 3-2 in their past five meetings. The last game was decided by two points in the Saints' favour. In a 'should-win' game, could St Kilda find themselves in a stressful situation?

Best multi
Head to head: Melbourne @ $1.29
Margin: West Coast Eagles to win by 1-39 points @ $2.20
Margin: Sydney Swans to win by 1-39 points @ $2.20
Multi combine odds: $6.24