Clipping the Crows puts Cats into flag favouritism
Just eight months after missing out on a finals berth for the first time in nine years, Geelong’s 2016 AFL premiership odds have been slashed to just $3 by one bookmaker, with the industry consensus being they are now outright flag favourites.
Patrick Dangerfield is the runaway Brownlow favourite. Photo: Michael Errey, InDaily.
Most bookies had the Cats priced at $15 during the off-season, unsure of how Chris Scott’s side would fare after finishing 10th on the ladder in 2015.
But Geelong’s bright 7-1 start to the year, including last Friday’s 26-point away win over Adelaide, has reshaped the market.
Off-season recruits Patrick Dangerfield, Zac Smith and Lachie Henderson have all played key roles in the Cats’ early-season success.
Dangerfield dominated on club debut and his form is yet to dip, with the superstar a clear Brownlow medal favourite after eight rounds.
Some betting companies have the midfielder a staggering $3.50 chance.
Hawthorn have slipped to second favouritism as they chase a record-equalling fourth straight flag.
Sydney’s Luke Parker ($6-7) and Hawks veteran Sam Mitchell ($8-9) are the only other single-figure odds in the Brownlow market.
AFL PREMIERSHIP ODDS
Geelong: $3-5
Hawthorn: $5
Sydney: $5-7
West Coast $7-8.50
North Melbourne: $7.5-8
Greater Western Sydney: $7.50-9
Western Bulldogs: $11-14
BROWNLOW MEDAL ODDS
Patrick Dangerfield (Gee): $3.50-3.75
Luke Parker (Syd): $6-7
Sam Mitchell (Haw): $8-9
Dan Hannebery (Syd): $10-14
Joel Selwood (Gee): $11-16.
-AAP
