West Coast v Richmond

West Coast at home have nothing to play for but pride after suffering another terrible defeat away against a finals bound Adelaide team.

Meanwhile the Richmond players will be looking to impress the new coach Damien ‘Hitman’ Hardwick in this game.

And an interesting fact is that Richmond haven’t lost a game at Subiaco in two years and last time these teams met at Eitihad Stadium, the Tigers were the victors.

The way the Eagles have been playing at home in recent weeks coupled with a send off match for ‘The’ Chad Fletcher should see the Eagles take honours.

West Coast by 24 points

Geelong v Fremantle

Fremantle had a satisfying 54 point win against the Bombers last week, but still coach Harvey had his grumble pants on about Freo getting the raw prawn when it comes to traveling and short breaks between games.

And he might have some merit as to win a Premiership you need the talent, hard work, small injury list and a very nice draw to make it all the way.

But hey coach Harvey really can’t excuse some of the Docker’s pathetic performances this year, and excuses don’t get you coaching extensions.

This week they face a well rested Geelong down in Catland, who are licking their wounds after a 14 point loss to the Bulldogs.

After their loss the Cats need a ‘pep me up’ and this could be just the tonic.

Geelong by 42 points

Hawthorn v Essendon

An interesting game with a lot up for grabs as both teams are trying to nail down that final eight spot on the ladder in the last round of the season.

Essendon had a disappointing loss to Fremantle and just seemed to be outplayed in all areas for all of the game.

Meanwhile the Hawks had a solid 42 point win over Richmond and would be licking their lips with anticipation if it weren’t for the suspension of their most influential player ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

Last week he had a 21 possession, 5 tackle 5 goal 6 point game, but showed a bit too much vigour towards Benny boy and suffered at the hands of a very inconsistent AFL tribunal.

If only he played at Collingwood and had the surname Maxwell….

With Buddy gone and the rest of the of the forward line either under injury clouds ( Roughead, Williams ) or just out of form it is looking a tough game for Kennett’s troops.

Essendon tend to lift for these type of games and I’m expecting them to say bye bye to last year’s premiers.

Essendon by 12 points

Carlton v Adelaide

This could be an interesting gauge for both teams as their form in past weeks has been a little deceiving. Both have suffered a soul searching defeat against Collingwood.

After the Crows lost a tight energy sapping contest against Geelong they had their loss to the Magpies.

Meanwhile Carlton seemingly benefited from the Crows grind out against Geelong, after they upset the Cats to win by 35 points.

Since then both teams have won their past two games albeit against much weaker opponents and both go into this round 22 clash with near full strength teams.

Carlton have imposed a suspension on Eddie Betts, Cameron Cloke and Jeff Garlett which could of been damaging to their chances but the Blues have a strong enough list to cover these players.

Adelaide have been able to maintain a settled line up for most of this season and it shows with such consistent performances.

I think Adelaide’s backline holds the key and if they can stem the flow of goals from Fev as well as counter attack, they should take out the match in a close one.

Adelaide by 8 points

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne

A very winnable game for the Kangaroos especially after a shock 5 point victory against premiership contenders St Kilda last week.

The Kangaroos really started out of the blocks strong last week with a quick 5 goals and it was enough of a start in a low scoring game, to be a great advantage to the Shinboners.

Meanwhile Port Adelaide have mastered the art of choking with a fine reversal of fortune performance against Brisbane.

The Power had a 10 goal first quarter to lead by 47 points at the first break!

And then ended up taking an early vacation to Surfer’s Paradise as they set up their umbrellas while the Lions clawed back to win by 15 points.

Port’s final eight chances are slim to none with too may impossibles and not enough probables.

Judging by their inconsistent yo yo form though, at home the Power should win against the Kangaroos.

Port Adelaide by 36 points

Sydney v Brisbane

Sydney have missed out on competing for the final spot in the top eight, but still proved to many that they can play competitive football in recent weeks.

At home Sydney seem to fair very well and nullify the game plans  of more successful teams so it will be interesting to see how they tackle the Brisbane Lions.

Brisbane will be full of confidence after their 15 point win against Port after coming from 47 points down ( a 62 point turn around ).

Bradshaw and Brown dominated with 9 goals between them and plenty of delivery from a more than competent Lion’s midfield.

But I’m expecting Sydney at the SCG to be able to lock down the effects of the Brown and Bradshaw show.

Sydney by 15 points

Melbourne v St Kilda

The Saints are looking a little shaky with 2 losses in a row against the Kangas and the Dons.

If there was ever a time for the Dees to have a crack at winning now would be it.

The Saints may be treading water until the start of finals but need a reassuring boost for their long suffering supporters that they aren’t the Saints of old.

Luke Ball and Lenny Hayes are handy ins for the Saints and surely they can’t lose this one.

St Kilda by 43 points

Collingwood v Bulldogs

Match of the round for me as the 3rd placed Collingwood take on the 4th placed Western Bulldogs.

Both are safely in the top four and this will be another game for both teams to feel each other out as a warm up for finals preparations.

Last time these two teams met the Magpies came away with a 1 point win in Round 15 and Collingwood have been quietly impressive with 12 wins from their past 13 games.

For the Westen Bulldogs it looked rocky with losses to St Kilda then West Coast within a space of a few weeks.

But the Bullys showed their class to bounce back with stellar victories against Brisbane and Geelong.

The boys from the Western suburbs should have some handy inclusions with Daniel Cross and maybe Ryan Griffen and are starting to gather momentum at the right time of the season.

I’m expecting a high scoring game with both teams using a healthy spread of goal kickers but at the moment Collingwood to me are looking the goods.

Collingwood by 7 points

Your Round 22 Tips & Observations

So what are your tips & observations for the 22nd round of AFL in 2009? Do you agree with Johnny? if yes or no please post your tips and observations about round 22 in the comments section.

We now include the total correct tips of the Kick2Kick writers & readers, so here they are (updated every week). If your doing better than any of us, let us know and include your own tips and score and we will be continuing the tipping count into the finals.

1. Geoff: 120
2. Craig: 120
3. Princess: 115
4. JohnnyTruent: 114
5. Martynkai: 113
6. Jermayn: 109

Related K2K Posts

• 2009 AFL Grand Final Tips (9)
• 2009 AFL Preliminary Finals Tips (8)
• 2009 AFL Semi-Finals Tips (9)
• 2009 AFL Finals Week One Tips (11)
• 2009 AFL Round Twenty Two Wrapup (18)