The Mongrel Punter

Cameron Noakes

Dear Dr Mongrel,

What is going on with the Cats and Brownlow betting? According to bookmakers, not one Geelong players is given a snowflake's chance of winning. They have lost two games, and a couple of them are going OK, don't you think? 

Mr Fied, Point Lonsdale

Dr Mongrel: Let's get one thing straight. I don't usually dabble in serious punting questions, but this year's Brownlow markets seem utterly bizarre. Most bookmakers have the first Geelong players appearing at $501, a long way behind players who have no hope, such as Trent Cotchin ($101), Ryan Griffen ($81), and Daniel Kerr ($81). James Kelly has had a brilliant year, is second at Geelong for disposals, and leads it by a mile in tackles. And Steve Johnson has about five best-on-grounds and is also at $501. Place bets are the way to go here.

Hey Doc,

If I was Garry Lyon, I would be doing my best to get Norm Smith back to the club. Melbourne won't win another flag until it's made peace with him.

John Smith, East Melbourne

Dr Mongrel: Not sure if Norm is still going, John, but if he is, his experience would be invaluable. There is too much emphasis on youth these days and old, out-of-work coaches are an underutilised resource. I also think Adelaide should consider bringing Graham Cornes back. It breaks my heart all that knowledge is going to waste.

PUNTING NOTES

Collingwood is in from $1.10 to $1.04 as Freo drifts from $12 to $24 at Betfair. The betting exchange is holding bets of $23,000 and $18,000 at $1.05 on the Pies, and of the $94,000 invested in the game, $92,000 is matched on the premier.

Sportsbet reports $5000 at $2.60 on Essendon to be the highest scoring team of the round, against Port at Etihad.

Scott Pendlebury ($9 into $3.50) and Dane Swan ($10 into $4.50) have been backed in Betstar's race for the Brownlow – without Chris Judd. The Magpie pair have also moved past Marc Murphy in straight-out Brownlow betting.