Port Adelaide betting investigation

Port Adelaide is under investigation over a $20 bet placed 14 months ago.

Surely, they can't be serious. While I understand the implications of match fixing, a multi-bet containing two Premier League games and an AFL match can hardly be regarded a serious breach.

Must be a slow news day.

Read about it here

Richmond already wins wooden spoon

Good news if you're a punter - tragic if you're a Tigers fan.

BOOKIE PAYS OUT ON RICHMOND FOR THE SPOON AFTER ONLY FOUR ROUNDS!

Online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au has paid out on Richmond to collect the wooden spoon after only four rounds.

With 18 rounds to go in the 2010 AFL Premiership Season, the bookie has paid out more than $100,000 to punters who backed Richmond to finish on the bottom of the ladder.

“Unfortunately for Richmond fans we think we’ll be paying out on the Tigers at the end of the season, so our punters may as well collect their cash now,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“There are 18 rounds to go so it’s a definite gamble.”

Richmond, who were paying as much as $5 in early Wooden Spoon markets, are now $1.25 favourites to take home the dreaded prize.

The payout applies to all bets placed before 12noon Monday 19th April.

Sportsbet.com.au is also offering odds of $5 on Richmond not winning a game this season, although one big punter has faith and has placed $10,000 at $1.16 on the Tigers winning at least one match this season.

Sportsbet.com.au is generating a reputation for paying out early on big sporting competitions. In November last year, the bookie paid out early on Tiger Woods to win the Australian Masters after two rounds when he was three strokes ahead. Woods faltered in the third round to share the lead with two others, before he shot clear on the final day to win the tournament.

Updated Wooden Spoon Market
$1.25 Richmond
$7 North Melbourne
$12 Adelaide
$17 Melbourne
$17 West Coast
$26 Essendon
$41 Port Adelaide

More markets on Richmond's woes

Sportingbet was offering $8. Either the market has tumbled in a couple of hours, or Sportsbet is a little ahead of its time with the $5 line for Richmond to remain winless.

Either way, here's their statement:

RICHMOND $5 TO GO WINLESS IN 2010

Leading online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au says Richmond is a $5 chance to go winless throughout the 2010 AFL Premiership Season.

“Given their current form it’s hard to see where the Tigers are going to find an easy kill this year,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“We’re offering odds of $5 to punters who think Richmond will not win a match in 2010.”

With at least four omissions from the side that lost to Sydney by 55 points, Richmond has had little support ahead of their Round 4 fixture against Melbourne.

“We cannot lay a bet on the Tigers to beat the Demons this week, which they would normally pencil in as a possible victory,” said Lane.

“They’ve drifted from $2.55 out to $3.35 to defeat the Dees, while Melbourne has firmed from $1.52 into $1.33.”

Richmond has also firmed as the outright favourite in betting for the dreaded Wooden Spoon.

“The Tigers were $5 in pre-season betting for the wooden spoon, now they’re the hot favourite at $1.45,” said Lane.

“We have taken bets of $5000 at $3.75, $3000 at $3.50 and $10,000 at $3.25 on the Tigers for the spoon.”

Richmond to remain winless for AFL season

On form, the $8 might be well worth an investment. However, remember Melbourne last year, and their late-season surge of form to win two games.

TOOTHLESS TIGERS BACKED TO REMAIN WINLESS IN 2010

Richmond’s terrible side to the season has led Sportingbet Australia to open a market on when the Tigers will win their first game in 2010, if in fact they do win one.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the majority of early money had been for the Tiger’s to go through the season without recording a win.

“There have been no huge bets yet but punters are certainly keen to take the $8.00 about a winless season at Tigerland,” Sullivan said.

“They have really struggled to compete in any of their games and it is a little hard to see where a win is coming from.”

Sullivan said the favourite in the market was this weekend’s clash against fellow strugglers Melbourne at $3.10.

“Melbourne have been much improved over the past fortnight with the heartbreaker to Collingwood and the win over Adelaide, so Richmond will certainly need to lift if they are to break their duck,” he said.

“The danger for the Demons might be coming down from the high of that win and backing up for consecutive victories is not something they have a good record of in recent times.

“But punters have already backed the Dees in from $1.50 to $1.33 after Richmond suspended four players after their Sydney hotel shenanigans.”

RICHMOND’S FIRST WIN OF 2010
Sportingbet Australia Market
Rnd 4 vs Melbourne 3.10
Rnd 5 vs Fremantle 4.00
Rnd 7 v Adelaide 7.00
Richmond Remain Winless For 2010 Season 8.00
Rnd 9 vs Essendon 11.00
Rnd 8 vs Hawthorn 13.00
Rnd 6 vs Geelong 18.00
Rnd 10 vs Port Adelaide 18.00
Rnd 15 vs Fremantle 19.00
Rnd 12 vs West Coast 23.00
Rnd 19 vs Melbourne 26.00
Rnd 16 vs North Melbourne 31.00
Rnd 14 vs Sydney 41.00
Rnd 11 vs St Kilda 51.00
Rnd 13 vs Brisbane 61.00
Rnd 18 vs Adelaide 101.00
Rnd 17 vs Collingwood 126.00
Rnd 22 vs Port Adelaide 151.00
Rnd 20 vs Carlton 201.00
Rnd 21 vs St Kilda 501.00

Coleman medal update

While Brown is still my pick, there are a couple posting odds well over their potential. Roughead is at $17 and Bradshaw at $29. Both are capable of kicking a bag.

And if you're looking for something really long, Paul Medhurst is at $251. If he finds his best and kicks a couple of five-baggers in the next few weeks, he'll come well into double figures. It's a long shot, but more plausible than the others around him doing something similar.

Sportingbet Australia odds:
Brendan Fevola [BRIS] 4.25
Lance Franklin [HAW] 4.75
Jonathan Brown [BRIS] 5.00
Barry Hall [WBD] 7.00
Nick Riewoldt [STK] 9.00
Jarryd Roughead [HAW] 17.00
Matthew Pavlich [FRE] 26.00
Daniel Bradshaw [SYD] 29.00
Cameron Mooney [GEE] 31.00
Kurt Tippett [ADL] 51.00
Adam Goodes 51.00
Jason Porplyzia [ADL] 67.00
John Anthony [COL] 67.00
Mark Lecras [WCE] 101.00
Tom Hawkins [GEE] 101.00
Justin Koschitzke [STK] 126.00
Steve Johnson [GEE] 126.00
Warren Tredrea [POR] 151.00
Leon Davis [COL] 151.00
Josh Kennedy [WCE] 151.00
Stephen Milne [STK] 201.00
Taylor Walker [ADL] 201.00
Daniel Motlop [POR] 251.00
Cyril Rioli [HAW] 251.00
Brett Burton [ADL] 251.00
Alan Didak [COL] 251.00
Mark Williams [ESS] 251.00
Paul Medhurst [COL] 251.00
Brett Ebert [POR] 251.00
Mitch Morton [RICH] 251.00
Paul Chapman [GEE] 251.00
David Hale [NTH] 251.00
Shannon Byrnes [GEEL] 251.00
Matthew Bate [MELB] 251.00

AFL premiership market update

Below is the latest AFL premiership market. On current and potential form, Hawthorn for mine is over the odds. The other two which seem to be over the odds on current form are Sydney and Fremantle, both outside $30.

Adelaide is the big drifter, and if they are beaten by Melbourne this weekend, expect that to plummet even further.

St Kilda 4.00
Geelong 4.25
Western Bulldogs 5.00
Collingwood 7.50
Hawthorn 9.00
Brisbane 12.00
Adelaide 19.00
Carlton 31.00
Sydney 31.00
Fremantle 34.00
Port Adelaide 41.00
Essendon 81.00
West Coast 126.00
North Melbourne 251.00
Melbourne 301.00
Richmond 401.00

AFL Adelaide vs Sydney preview

Sydney was terrific against the Saints last week on their home turf, but this week they travel away to Adelaide who were woeful against Fremantle. Expect Adelaide to improve considerably on their 157 possessions last week. Sydney was also low with 171, but have a high tackle count.

O'Keefe vs Vince vs Goodes

The temptation here is to look towards Vince and Goodes as the class midfielders, but O'Keefe's work-rate is a sign of his form - 123 points last week, including 18 kicks and 15 handballs, 7 tackles and a goal. Vince was poor with 22 touches (69 points) in a poor side and should lift. Goodes is an impact player and can do some freakish things, but he's not one to mount up extraordinary numbers of possessions due to his tag. He kicked three goals last week for 86 points (16 touches).

Tip: It's hard to argue against form, and O'Keefe's role on the ball should help him win this.

Thompson vs Edwards vs Bolton

Form here is tough. Expect Adelaide to lift its possession rate, and one person who should help do that is Tyson Edwards. His 99 points last week included 16 kicks, 9 handballs and 8 marks. Thompson played towards the forward line and kicked two goals, and racked up 23 possessions in his 85 points, while Bolton scored 94 (23 possessions) but was more inclined to handball (16).

Tip: Based on the theory that Adelaide needs to lift its workrate, we'll go with Edwards, but this trio is a tough call.

Goodwin vs Bock vs Rhyce Shaw

If we're to go purely on form, this trio is sadly out of form. Simon Goodwin scored 70 points from his 24 touches (17 handballs) last week, Bock had 17 touches, 3 goals and 3 tackles, and a goal for his 76 points, while Shaw was ordinary with 10 kicks and 10 handballs for 64 points. Shaw will normally take more than 5 marks at half back, so if he's more of a go-to man from the kickouts, that could improve his score. Just one tackle was a let-down for him.

Tip: I'm nervous to tip anyone here, but I'd expect the Swans to look for more run out of halfback from Shaw. On the larger ground, he should lift, but Goodwin's a real threat here.

AFL West Coast vs Port Adelaide preview

This is a tough game to call, particularly given that West Coast will have the home ground advantage. Both put in decent performances last week, albeit in a fashion one could expect from round 1, ie a little scratchy.

Kane Cornes vs Priddis vs Cassisi

Cassisi's 19 touches and 5 tackles last week was okay (72 points), but Kane Cornes has been everywhere this year. His 131 points last week was made up of 16 kicks, 23 handballs, 6 marks and 5 tackles. He's prepared to make space, but equally willing to tough it out in the packs. Priddis had 11 kicks, 18 handballs, 3 marks and 4 tackles (95 points) and is a key for the Eagles, but the question will be whether he can out-run Kornes and whether he'll be more of a go-to man this week without Ben Cousins in the side.

Tip: Kornes should win this, but expect Priddis to score more than 100 points as he takes some of the ground left by Cousins.

Boak vs Adam Selwood vs Embley

This is tricky. Boak's 98 points was made up of 17 kicks and 6 tackles last week, but Selwood will be expected to lead the way for the Eagles in this contest. His 16 kicks and 15 handballs last week (108 points) was good, and his club will be hoping it's average by his standards. Embley plays more in the forward line and can be boosted with a goal or two, but he'd have to lift his tackle count to upset the other two.

Tip: On form and expectation, we'll go with Selwood to pip Boak in this one.

Banner vs Swift vs Natanui

The bookies have put the new boys together, and each of them performed okay last week. But Banner is the class outfit with 18 touches and notably 1 goal 3 behinds. His 79 points was average by his pre-season standards, so he has room to improve. Swift would have to improved considerably upon his 11 touches last week (32 points) and Natanui - while doing some outstanding things with the ball - is not one to rack up high fantasy numbers (54 last week, including 16 hitouts and a goal)

Tip: Banner is more inclined to be near the ball, and should get enough points here.

AFL St Kilda vs North Melbourne preview

St Kilda should win this game, but that doesn't mean the Kangaroos' key forwards won't touch the ball. It'll be interesting to see whether the Saints put a hard tag on Liam Anthony.

Anthony vs Goddard vs Dal Santo

Anthony has been a ball magnet throughout the pre-season, and that form continued last week with 14 kicks, 12 handballs and 10 marks. Goddard is generally used as an impact player for the Saints, while Dal Santo's strength is the hard ball gets. Despite being on a losing side, Liam Anthony's fantasy score of 132 was well ahead of Goddard (88) and Dal Santo (77).

Tip: Liam Anthony is likely to be on a losing side, but his work-rate is outstanding. He should win this on form.

Montagna vs Riewoldt vs Hayes
This is a tough one. Montagna (100 points last week) is consistently the highest ball-winner for the Saints, while Riewoldt (111 points last week) will score high due to his leading and marking ability, combined with goal-kicking power - a bit like Jonathan Brown for Brisbane. Hayes (99 points last week) is consistent, but it would surprise if he was the leader of this contest.

Tip: The Saints spread the ball around a lot among their high class midfield. If Riewoldt can kick 6 goals, he should win this match-up.

Harvey vs Ray vs Armitage

Harvey consistently proves why he's a champion, and last week added three goals to his 23 possessions (16 kicks), driving his fantasy score to 93. Farren Ray plays a role for the Saints and can at times rack up plenty of possessions - 76 fantasy points last week was below par for him. David Armitage only managed 10 possessions and 49 fantasy points. He'd have to lift considerably to challenge the other two.

Tip: Harvey should have more time in the midfield which should help him rack up enough points to win, but expect Ray to lift.

AFL draft system gone wrong

A quick scan through the coming weekend's AFL match odds reveals that the Western Bulldogs are at $1.06 with Sportingbet against Richmond, while Collingwood are at a marginally healthier $1.07 to beat Melbourne.

While that might be good news for anyone looking to remain in a "Last Man Standing" competition, it's sad news for the AFL competition.

Many were hoping that a long list of top 10 draft picks would help both sides make their mark on the competition. But reality is that poor draft management has hurt both clubs, and will for a while yet.

Later in the season, perhaps as classy draft picks mature, either of the sides might start to be competitive. But that won't happen for a couple of months yet.

To take odds as short as those mentioned above, along with the $1.15 on offer for St Kilda against North Melbourne, would seem somewhat pointless and dull for most punters.

A far better option is to delve deeper into your knowledge of the sport with a wide range of exotics now available. The problem for most people is that exotics take time to explore, to find the better options and increase your chances of winning.

I'll go through a few as they're posted, but feel free to help your punting brothers and sisters by sending me a few of your preferred options!

Carlton vs Richmond preview

We can dig deep into analysis of this game, but it’s a case of the under-performing knowns (Carlton) up against the under-performing unknowns (Richmond).

That might at first sound like some sort of cellar science experiment, but the theory is really simple. Carlton has a solid lineup which should now be consolidating a place in the finals.

But it look seriously like 2010 will be another season teetering on the edge of the top 8. It might be that if they win tonight, they’ll sneak into the finals. If they lose, after just one round, their season is almost gone.

Waite, Scotland, Thornton, Murphy, Simpson, McLean, Kreuzer, O’Hailpin. This list is an accomplished one and should pull the Blues through the game without the services of star performer Chris Judd. The absence of Judd probably accounts for the generous $1.45 being paid by some bookmakers.

Richmond on the other hand has a list still unknown to most AFL watchers. All eyes will be on star draft pick Dustin Martin. Mitchell Farmer is another one. Ben Cousins is always an unknown and given he’s been suffering flu symptoms, that just increases the mystery. Nahas, Morton, and others have had games and performed okay in the big-stage environment. But will they stand up enough to win games?

The bottom line here: Expect a bold showing from the Tigers, but Carlton – even without Judd, should be able to find enough cohesion to take the points, by 20.

Fantasy team bargain: Watch for Mitch Robinson to pick up a mountain of possession, drawing from last year’s experience to become a key player in the Blues lineup.

AFL season preview

I enjoy the rugby league, rugby union, soccer (football), winter sports and pretty much any other sport which makes its way onto my television screen.

But let’s face it, the AFL season can’t start soon enough, so thank goodness it’s almost Thursday when the fun begins.

And while all the talk is about the Bulldogs, there might be a few other teams raising their heads in contention.

Here’s a brief look at how I see the season finishing:

1. Bulldogs
The Dogs have pretty much the same midfield and forward line penetration they did last year, with the obvious and much talked-about inclusion of Barry Hall at Full forward. It will be interesting to see how Johnson works with Hall, and it will be interesting to see how teams treat them once they get their heads around the modified structure. The Bulldogs are the hope of many fans and a real chance at the flag.

2. Collingwood
Mick Malthouse is right when he says the Pies have snuck under the pre-season radar. Take a look at the midfield and try to find one better – Swan, Ball, Pendlebury, Jolly, Didak, Davis, Thomas and others. It’s got great depth and versatility. The key to their success, however, will be the forward line – a similar one which let them down at the pointy end of last season. If the forwards fire, Collingwood will be hard to stop.

3. St Kilda
Some are suggesting the Saints blew their chance in last year’s grand final. If you believe that, you need a reality check. A good mix of smalls and talls, with Reiwoldt as a focal point is a terrific forward line, and their midfield should lose little with the absence of Ball (who didn’t want to be there anyway). The Saints backline is probably the best in the business, so if they can score 15 goals a game, they’ll win most of them.

4. Hawthorn
A bad season was largely due to injury last year. And while the Hawks still have their problems, they’ll be better off when Sewell, Rioli and co can gel. If they get their midfield right and have to rely less on Luke Hodge as a playmaker, they’ll be able to get better delivery to powerhouse forwards Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughhead. Expect considerable improvement from the 2008 premiers.

5. Geelong
Many seem to have forgotten about Geelong. They remain to be a team of stars, none moreso than Gary Ablett Jr. Add him to Enright, Bartell, Selwood, Chapman, Ling … the list goes on. Add that to a slightly restructured forward line and they’ll continue to be a force into 2010.

6. Brisbane
There’s no need to become hooked on the Fevola line if you’re looking for improvement in the Lions’ den. They have a terrific young line up led by rising star from last year Daniel Rich. Expect the addition of Fevola to free up Jonathan Brown who can no longer be safely double-teamed. Power, Black, Johnstone and star ruckman Mitch Clark make a formidable midfield. They’ll be in the mix come finals time.

7. Adelaide
Injury played a small role in their demise last year, but they still have the core of their powerhouse, including Burton up front. Bernie Vince has over the last two years become one of the competition’s leading midfielders, and van Berlo is there to lend a helping hand. McLeod will continue to bounce off the backline. They are a solid proposition and will cause plenty of opposition headaches.

8. Fremantle
Two years ago, the Dockers took on a good rookie list, and now it’s time for them to perform. Duffield, Headland, recruit McPhie and Pavlich will show leadership, but there are a bunch of young players who can help propel the Dockers into the 8 for the first time in a while. They’ll need a good home record if they are to shut out Essendon, West Coast and others with similar ambitions.

9. Essendon
Bombers fans are talking up their hopes this year thanks to some young recruits. Their side is full of speed, bolstered by solid midfielders such as Jobe Watson and Winderlich. While they will cause some sides some headaches with their run and carry, they’re probably one or two seasons away from serious finals contention.

10. West Coast
All the talk is about Natanui. He’s a good player and as he develops will be a real star of the game. But we need to look around him. Dean Cox has been the backbone of the side and needs some others to stand up around him. Lecras is becoming a star forward, Ben (who?) Cousens and Daniel (who?) Kerr seem to have been forgotten. Expect some upsets from the Eagles as they try to rebuild as the force they once were.

11. North Melbourne
Early in the season, the Roos have some injury concerns including Petrie and Lower, which is exposing their depth. They’ve at times over the past couple of seasons shown signs of improvement, but it’s really time for their star signings Anthony, Thomas, Campbell and co to stand up.

12. Carlton
On paper, it would seem the Blues have a terrific side, and on their day they can beat almost anyone in the competition. The question mark is how they will do without Fevola, but a look at the likes of Bryce Gibbs, young Mitch Robinson, Kreuzer and a strong backline, and it would seem they might be the ones to spring a majority of upsets. We have them in 12th, but don’t be surprised if they threaten the 8, pending some of their second and third-year players standing tall.

13. Sydney
They’ve lost Barry Hall, Micky O, and Darren Jolly, and despite still having Adam Goodes and a gutsy midfield, it’s difficult to see how they’ll create a force powerful enough to score enough points to threaten the top sides.

14. Port Adelaide
Again, on paper, the Port side is full of experience. But if they haven’t got it together by now, it’s hard to see how their ageing pack will make inroads into emerging teams. Travis Boak, the Cornes brothers, Ebert, and Tredrea make good reading, but do they make good football? Expect a bolder showing than 14th if the likes of young Mitch Banner and Justin Westhoff can perform beyond their experience.

15. Richmond
Sadly, this is again a rebuilding year for the Tigers. They have some young stars who they will bleed into the competition. While they hope to be more competitive than last year, they’ll need dramatic improvement to win more than a few games.

16. Melbourne
Trengove and others are star rookies who the Demons will be hoping can take them away from the bottom of the table. They showed signs of again becoming competitive last year, but they’re probably a couple of years away from being a legitimate threat to other sides in the competition. Sadly, they are likely to again be up against Richmond for the wooden spoon.

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)

Early Brownlow Medal tips

It's still in the pre-season, but some punters are already lodging speculators on the Brownlow medal, at least one which stands to make someone a millionaire.

The first is from Sporsbet:

One punter is hoping AFL number one draft pick Tom Scully will have a standout debut season – and then some.

Scully has been backed to win more than a million dollars to win the Brownlow Medal with leading online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au.

“We’ve just taken a bet of $700 on Tom Scully to win the Brownlow at the astronomical odds of $1501 to win $1,050,000,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“There’s no doubt he’s a star and will get plenty of game time in Melbourne’s midfield, although it’s a pretty big ask to take Charlie home in your first season.

“We’re still happy to take him on, yet we’ve had to shorten him into $501 on the back of this bet.”

Another youngster to shorten in Brownlow betting is West Coast’s Nic Naitanui, who has tightened from $301 into $81 following his best on ground performance in the NAB Cup opener.

The big move for Scully follows a bet of $1000 to win $500,000 on 28-year old rookie James Podsiadly to win this year’s Coleman Medal.

The next is from Sportingbet and focuses on young superstar Nick Natanui. While he'll be part of my supercoach team, I can't see him doing quite enough to pick up the prized gong.

Take a sneaky look, however, at a couple on the $67 line, notably Brad Sewell and Scott Pendlebury:

NATANUI BACKED FOR BROWNLOW

Exciting West Coast Eagles youngster Nick Natanui has been backed to win the Brownlow Medal at big odds to win the Brownlow Medal at Sportingbet Australia.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Natanui represented one of the worst results in the book at this stage.

“There was solid support for him at odds as long as $251 before Friday night’s best on ground performance and there’s been steady support at $101 since,” said Sullivan.

“We have several punters on to win over $10,000 and it’s fair to say he’s generating plenty of interest with us holding more money on him than we are on favourite Gary Ablett.”

2010 BROWNLOW MEDAL
Sportingbet Australia Market
Chris Judd [CARL] 10.00
Dane Swan [COLL] 13.00
Sam Mitchell [HAW] 14.00
Joel Selwood [GEEL] 19.00
Jonathan Brown [BRIS] 19.00
Nick Dal Santo [STK] 19.00
Adam Goodes [SYD] 23.00
Lenny Hayes [STK] 23.00
Nick Riewoldt [STK] 23.00
Lance Franklin [HAW] 26.00
Simon Black [BRIS] 26.00
Marc Murphy [CARL] 31.00
Adam Cooney [WBD] 34.00
Brendon Goddard [STK] 34.00
Jimmy Bartel [GEEL] 34.00
Alan Didak [COLL] 41.00
Leigh Montagna [STK] 41.00
Paul Chapman [GEEL] 41.00
Steve Johnson [GEEL] 41.00
Bryce Gibbs [CARL] 51.00
Cyril Rioli [HAW] 51.00
Daniel Kerr [WCE] 51.00
Daniel Rich [BRIS] 51.00
Luke Hodge [HAW] 51.00
Matthew Boyd [WBD] 51.00
Matthew Pavlich [FREM] 51.00
Bernie Vince [ADEL] 67.00
Brad Sewell [HAW] 67.00
Scott Pendlebury [COLL] 67.00
Aaron Sandilands [FREM] 101.00
Ben Cousins [RICH] 101.00
Brent Harvey [NTH] 101.00
Brent Stanton [ESS] 101.00
Brett Deledio [RICH] 101.00
Dean Cox [WCE] 101.00
Justin Koschitzke [STK] 101.00
Leon Davis [COLL] 101.00
Nicholas Naitanui [WCE] 101.00
Paddy Ryder [ESS] 101.00
Ryan Griffen [WBD] 101.00
Ryan Okeefe [SYD] 101.00
Shaun Higgins [WBD] 101.00
Others 126.00 Plus