AFL / Jake Norton / 07 May 2008 / Leave a comment Bet Now

You can throw the head-to-head formbook out of the window for the Hall of Fame Tribute Match - it's been 10 long years since the last state-of-origin game was played.

The AFL have decided to bring back a bit of state versus state rivalry, even if it is "watered down".

Celebrating 150 years since its inception in 1857, the game is a one-off affair between the best of Victoria and the Dream Team from the rest of Australia. There is plenty AFL betting interest in this game and the crowd should be more than 50,000 at the MCG.

Brisbane spearhead and captain of the Victorian Team, Jonathan Brown, is fighting to be fit after not playing against Geelong on the weekend. Coach Leigh Matthews does not want to risk his key forward to further injury by playing in the Tribute Match, but he is likely to come under pressure from Kevin Sheedy, assistant coach of Victoria, who has stated he will be disappointed if Brown does not play.

Luke Hodge was left out of the Vics' final 30 after pulling a hamstring against Collingwood on the weekend, and Gary Ablett may be a late withdrawal after pulling up sore before his team's defeat of Brisbane.

Meanwhile, the Dream Team will miss the presence of St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt, who will be out of action for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.

In what has been bad publicity for the AFL, players who have been suspended will be able to play in the match. It means West Coast's Daniel Kerr will be allowed to play, even though he will miss three games after head-butting Scott West.

West Coast Eagle Dean Cox has declared himself fit for the Dream Team, despite still recovering from a broken bone in his foot.

The Dream Team's forward line may be enough to get them over the line, with the likes of Matthew Pavlich, Lance Franklin, Cameron Mooney and Matthew Richardson all on fire in season 2008. Overall on paper, the Dream Team looks to have more depth and skill, but the added element from the Victorian side is determination. To the Vics, a loss at "their" game is the ultimate defeat.

The passion shown by the Victorian team will be a factor, and they do possess two of the men to have kicked 30 or more goals this season - in Brendan Fevola and Daniel Bradshaw - but that surely not be enough.

The Dream Team to win by under 39.5 points with Betfair looks most appealing. While the six leading goalkickers of 2008 should play, neither side looks to have a particularly strong back six, which could well see a high scoring game.

AFL Betting is available on the total number of match points, and with so much scoring potency on display, the over-185.5 points selection will find plenty of backers.