The 120th AFL season will get under way on March 24, 2016 and that means the players, the fans and the betting experts are getting ready for another explosive season. With Fremantle topping the league in 2015, there will be hope among the Dockers fans that the side can continue where they left off last year and conquer all before them.
However, as any AFL fan knows, topping the minor league and achieving Grand Final success are two very different things. Indeed, despite an impressive run throughout the open season, Fremantle ultimately fell before the final hurdle and had to watch as Hawthorn went on to win a third consecutive title.
Of course, changes to the side in the offseason could help improve their chances of success. Indeed, for the first time in seven years the Dockers will start the season with a new captain. This year the ever-dependable David Mundy will captain the side and that could certainly give Fremantle a new edge. However, when it comes to the crunch, there’s no getting away from the fact that Hawthorn are a tough side to beat.
Hawthorn Hard to Beat
“Aussie Rules Football 7” (CC BY 2.0) by Tostie14
There’s no doubt Fremantle will be among the challengers, but what about the other end of the table? Could anyone else rise up and steal the crown from Hawthorn. In short, the answer is no. One of the least likely candidates to improve on last season’s performance and join the fight for a place in the final eight is Essendon FC.
With 12 players removed from action due to off-the-field infractions, Essendon will struggle to compete in 2016. Although the club has been granted special permission to recruit players due to the expected cull, that may not be enough. Indeed, the club struggled on the pitch in 2015 (finishing 15th in the league) and the odds don’t appear to be on their side for the forthcoming season.
2016 AFL Betting Lines
“Sportsbook at Hilton” (CC BY 2.0) by Markyboy81
From a betting perspective, a quick look at latest Aussie Rules betting odds and news has Essendon FC as the 200/1 outsiders at the time of writing for league success.
The only team in the league with longer betting odds are Carlton with a rating of 500/1. However, if Essendon can’t repair the damage caused by losing 12 players, then the odds could certainly get even worse as the season plays out.
At the other end of the betting spectrum, the weight of the market appears to be with Hawthorn at the moment. They are at odds of 13/4 for the title, with 2015 league toppers Fremantle listed back in third place behind West Coast (9/1) with odds of 7/1.
Away from the top and bottom of the betting league, clubs such as North Melbourne (16/1), Western Bulldogs (18/1) and Geelong (8/1) all have fair chances, but there’s no doubt Hawthorn will be the team to beat when the tackles start to fly in March.
