What happened R17-R19

Fremantle (16-2) stayed clear on top after having their record 14-game winning streak snapped by GWS 109-88 at Manuka in R17. Freo responded by belting Sydney 111-73 in the R18 top-two clash at Optus, then held off Port Adelaide 103-75 in R19. Sydney dropped to second (13-5), then lost to Adelaide by 16 at the SCG in R19. Hawthorn (12-5-1) sit third after belting Carlton 103-39 in R18 and Bulldogs 105-78 in R19. Brisbane (12-6) are on a 3-game winning streak including a 149-59 belting of Essendon in R18.

Adelaide, Melbourne and Bulldogs all in the 44-48 points bracket. Adelaide belted Gold Coast 128-49 in R18 and knocked off Sydney in R19. Melbourne rolled Richmond 111-65 in R18. Bulldogs beat West Coast 86-70 in R18 then dropped to Hawthorn in R19. Collingwood (10-7-1) are quietly on a 2-game winning streak. Carlton have won 8 straight under Josh Fraser and are now 8-10, back in the mix. Essendon and Richmond both 2-16 - eliminated.

Round 20 Betting Trends

Nine games this round, no byes. The model is Overs-heavy again - five of nine totals flagged. Melbourne vs Geelong Over 176.5 at the MCG Friday night is the standout at 28.4% edge (model 194.9). Fremantle -22.0 in the Western Derby at Optus is the biggest spread edge at 22.0% (model has Freo by 27.8). GWS vs Sydney Over 184.0 at ENGIE in the Sydney Derby third at 14.9%. North vs St Kilda Over 175.5 fourth at 13.2%. Port Adelaide +21.5 at the Gabba runs a 12.0% edge - Lions are 12-6 at home but Port always shows up in a Sunday trip.