AFL Year of the Full Forward

The Coleman this year is likely to see a return of the spearhead full forward, particularly with Barry Hall clearly in the picture for the Western Bulldogs.

It might be a bit extreme to think that a first-year recruit will win the medal and upstage some rivals. Podsiadly will certainly be fed some good ball, but Geelong has a long list of goalkickers in its side.

Lance Franklin didn't shine last year, but expect him to be a more likely target for the Hawks this year.

Advice: Wait for three or four rounds into the competition before making a call. The favourites won't firm much, but you'll have a far better idea about who might come from behind to win it.

If Franklin or Fevola kick 10 in their first game, their odds will plummet, but it's far better getting an educated idea on shorter odds than to take a wild punt in the futures market.

PODSIADLY PRICE SLASHED IN COLEMAN MARKET

Following news that Geelong has promoted James Podsiadly to its senior list, online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au has trimmed the 28-year-old’s price to win the Coleman Medal in his debut season from $81 to $51.

This follows earlier ‘speccing’ on Podsiadly where one punter had $1000 on the Cat forward to win the Coleman at the astronomical odds of $501 for a potential $500,000 pay day.

“We stand to lose half a million on Podsiadly in one bet, let alone tens of thousands more from punters who backed him at $81 before the announcement of his promotion,” said Lane.

While Podsiadly is the bookie’s worst result, Lane said the biggest plunge had been saved for Western Bulldogs spearhead Barry Hall.

“Barry Hall has been the big firmer in Coleman Medal betting. You could get $17 about him in mid-February, now he’s the third favourite in betting at $6.50,” said Lane.

“Since the NAB Cup Grand Final, four out of every five bets we’ve taken on the Coleman have been on Big Bad Barry.”

Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin is favourite to take home the Coleman at $4, while Lions new recruit Brendan Fevola is the next best at $4.50.

Market courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au. Prices are subject to fluctuation.

2010 COLEMAN MEDAL
$4 Lance Franklin
$4.50 Brendan Fevola
$6.50 Barry Hall (in from $17)
$12 Daniel Bradshaw
$14 Jonathan Brown
$15 Matthew Pavlich
$15 Nick Riewoldt
$17 Jarryd Roughead
$21 Kurt Tippett
$26 Marc Lecras
$34 John Anthony
$41 Jason Porplyzia
$41 Justin Koschitzke
$51 James Podsiadly (in from $501)