There are a lot of expats from the land down under and, apart from their beer, the one thing they do love is their sports – probably because they can combine the two. There are a lot of pubs and clubs that are preparing for the Aussie invasion as they broadcast the pinnacle of Australian football, the AFL Grand Final. If you’re looking for a bet on the final, you will have to head for the betting exchanges as most online bookmakers have shunned the event.

Collingwood, or the ‘Magpies’ as they are more commonly known, has the largest supporter base in the AFL with supporters stretching around the globe. Their rival today are last season’s runner-up, St Kilda, or the ‘Saints’. Betting has been very competitive all season with first Geelong, last season’s winners, short odds to win. The Saints firmed for awhile but over the last month, money has come in strong for the Magpies.

The Magpies will start as short priced favourites, with most quotes around the 2/5 mark. BetFair has them slightly better at 1/2. St Kilda are generally quoted at 7/4, but again BetFair has the best odds at 39/20, a fraction under 2/1. If you like Collingwood then I suggest you get on quickly – they continue to firm while the Saints are easing. You can back the draw at 40/1 – well worth a fiver I think.

I’m going against the betting in this match. The Saints have been knocking on the door for the past three seasons while the Magpies have suffered what has been colloquially called the ‘Colli-Wobbles’. Every time they get close to a finals victory they fall over. They have been one of the best performing teams all year, but again I just wonder if they haven’t peaked too early. The Saints to win at close to 2/1 – it’s a better bet than the Magpies at 1/2. Back them through BetFair, the largest online betting exchange, and for new clients, claim a free bet while you’re there.