A few upsets last week and many a large margin too, except for the draw of course. This week I will also be incorporating the weekly tips.

Rankings shaper game of the week:

Saints are looking for revenge after losing in round 8

This week has a certain sort of top 8 versus bottom 8 feel to it. There are a couple of games from within the top 8 but I’d expect the top 2 teams to get through. The Saints need to reverse an earlier loss to the Bombers which probably won’t affect their ranking if they win, but a loss could see a drop and for the Bombers a win will bring out some more extraordinary glares from the coach. We know who is on our side!

Falling from grace:

No big losers this week, the rankings are pretty much locked in for the year, almost. Only some minor movement by teams being unimpressive, Fremantle and Adelaide lost games where they were expected to be competitive or to actually win (looking at you Crows).

On the up:

The Blues turned it around against the bottom of the ladder Eagles after playing some bulk ordinary football in the first half. The Bulldogs also jumped over the team they belted to reach 4th spot in the rankings.

Round 18 Tips.

Essendon v St Kilda

The Bombers had their first win in a while to relieve some of the pressure building up on the coach and the Saints somehow managed to score 2 points essentially from a sideline incident (don’t get me started on that rule). I expect the Saints to show us that they do mean business this year and they should put the Bombers to the sword, but I have this nagging thing in the back of my head saying that maybe the Saints are just not on the boil anymore. The Bombers are probably 2 to 5 years away from playing consistent, good football so based on that, I’d say the Saints will teach these youngsters a lesson.

St Kilda by 40 points.

Collingwood v Carlton

It’s fair to say that the Magpies have been playing some outstanding football recently, conversely Carlton has been playing some of the worst football ever seen, seriously how many times can a midfielder pick out the opposition’s backmen in a game? These are the sort of games that usually result in the unexpected happening. I really can’t see how the Blues will survive the tackle-fest that is coming their way. The only way the Blues will win is if the managed to import Hawthorns forward line coz they really need one.

Collingwood by 30 points.

Port Adelaide v Hawthorn

The Power host the Hawks and without any emotional additions to this game, ie Josh Carr farewell or coach getting sacked, I think the Hawks will prove to strong for the Port outfit which has been a little playing better but will struggle in this one.

Hawthorn by 45 points.

Sydney v Geelong

Oh Dear, I was expecting big things from the Swans last week and they barely even turned up. The only thing that will help the Swans in this game is that it will be played at home. My only advice to the Cats is to wear the longer stops at the ANZ Stadium, they seem to have a slippery surface there (sound familiar?) but even if they were wearing ice skates the Cats will win.

Geelong by 50 points.

Brisbane v Melbourne

Brisbane are turning into the most disappointing team of the year, so much was expected from the Top up kings but it’s just fallen apart in the last 8 weeks or so. Melbourne had a day out last week, could have won by 100 points but just lifted the foot towards the end but it was an impressive effort. This week, again, the Demons should give Brisbane a taste of what the future holds as the team of youngsters shows what the Lions missed out on.

Melbourne by 30 points.

Richmond v Adelaide

Both these teams are in need of some good news by winning a game. The home team went through a purple patch but have started the inevitable stumble as the youngsters start to look tired. Adelaide were also on the upward curve until running into the Showdown champions in Port. A poor record on the road could see Adelaide toppled by the Tigers, this is a tough on to tip. I expect it to be close.

Adelaide by 5 points.

Western Bulldogs v Kangaroos

The Kangaroos almost got past the Bombers last week, a game they really should have won. The Bulldogs on the other hand flexed some muscle and showed that they are setting themselves up for a charge to the finals. I expect another show of strength in this one too, hopefully the surface of the Docklands Stadium is up to scratch, especially after the Bledisloe match the night before (Go Wallabies).

Bulldogs by 60 points.

Fremantle v West Coast Eagles.

The Derby could be an interesting affair this round, Fremantle are stumbling, missing some key players and the door is slightly ajar for the Eagles. The Eagles had the Blues on toast at half time last week but lost their way as the Blues switched it on and blew Worsfold’s boys away. This should be a close game but I can’t see the Dockers putting in another shocker, especially at home.

Dockers by 20 points.