Essendon v Carlton

This match could turn ugly with Carlton’s claims of a ‘line in the sand’ approach in the lead up to tonights clash.

The Blues’ form has been patchy at best and coach Ratten knows it is now or never for Carlton if they are to hold on to a spot in the final 8.

Last week Collingwood thrashed Carlton to the tune of 48 points as the Blues looked totally outclassed by their tougher opponents.

The Bombers keep on fighting with spirited wins over St Kilda and North Melbourne.

Essendon’s recent record against the Blues is impressive with the Bombers winning their past 6 encounters against Carlton.

The hard running style of the Bombers should see them overcome the Blues unless they find that ‘can of toughen up’ that their coach has requested.

Essendon by 14 points

Sydney v Hawthorn

It is a must win game for both teams with 4 points being very handy for the victors as both the Swans and Hawks sit in the lower part of the top eight.

Sydney were never expected to overrun the rampaging Geelong team but now have lost their past two games and need to get back into the winner’s circle.

Hawthorn showed signs of fatigue in their stunned loss to the Power last week, after a hard fought draw against the Saints the previous round.

Hawthorn looses Cyril Rioli toe suspension, which is a huge blow for the Hawks.

Hawthorn don’t have a great record at the SCG not winning their past 3 games there, but apart from some vintage form from Adam Goodes can the Swans still put up a fight?

Hawthorn by 21 points

North Melbourne v Fremantle

The Kangaroos desperately need a win to stay in the hunt for a top eight finish after going down to the Western Bulldogs last week by 71 points, and definitely have an opportunity to capitilise on Fremantle’s patchy form of late and unlucky run of injuries.

The Dockers got back on the horse with a morale boosting over their fellow Western Australians by 75 points, but Chris Tarrant suffered a serious knee injury to add to the mounting tally of players missing for Freo.

Ruckman Aaron Sandilands and forward pocket rocket Hayden Ballantyne are also crucial outs as the rest of the Fremantle team will have to lift their game to grab a win at Docklands.

Last time they met at Etihad the Roos took the four points and for this match have some handy ins (Daniel Wells, Daniel Pratt).

That saying Fremantle need to weather the storm of injuries and should be expected to just get over the line.

Fremantle by 11 points

Geelong v Collingwood

Could this be a preview of things to come and will both teams play their hands early?

Collingwood have been on a roll since their draw with Melbourne back in Round 12 winning their past 6 matches and looked to have taken a step up.

Big ins for the Magpies are Heath Shaw and Simon Prestigiacomo as the Pies are almost at full strength for this match of the round.

Geelong have the mental edge winning a previous encounter this year by 36 points and have included a Brownlow winning Jimmy Bartel in an already strong line up.

Back in that game the forwards for the Magpies failed and the Pie’s tactic of playing ‘reactive’ rather than ‘active’ football, meant that Geelong dictated when they decided to attack.

Travis Cloke‘s form has been steadily improving and if he and his fellow forward 50 compatriots can get their game on, the result could swing in Collingwood’s favour.

In these testing occasions Geelong usually find an extra gear but it might be a lot closer than the last time.

Geelong by 5 points

West Coast v Brisbane

Forget the battle for the silverware at the top of the ladder, this match is all about the wooden variety and who wants it the least.

A wet tissue puts up more of a fight than West Coast at the moment and like Tin man the Eagles players need to get back on that yellow brick road and fight some heart.

Brisbane don’t look much better with 8 loss all in a row and a growing list of disapointing recruits to add to their injury woes.

Justin Sherman, Xavier Clarke and Brendan Fevola are out due to injuries/form as Brisbane make the longest trip in AFL to Subiaco where they don’t have the greatest record.

Who will win is anybody’s guess but playing at home might give the Eagles an advantage slightly, but even that assumption is clutching at straws.

West Coast by 4 points

St Kilda v Port Adelaide

The Saints form of late has been very average with the last 3 games ending in a loss, draw, loss with the latest being a stunning defeat by the Dons by 33 points.

St Kilda were slow out of the blocks and Essendon made them pay with quick goals and a lead that the Saints couldn’t peg back.

It is a bit of worry that defensively St Kilda are a sound team and last week may have been uncharacteristic, but a high scoring attacking team they are not.

Port had the upset of the round with a surprise 8 point win over the in form Hawks, which just adds to the unpredictability that is Port Adelaide.

The Power can turn it on when they want to and it showed with Jay Schulz leading the way with another best on ground performance with 4 goals.

But after nearly a month without a win, the Saints should have the hunger to gain the 4 points.

St Kilda by 15 points

Melbourne v Richmond

This should be a great match with huge improvements from both teams over the course of the season.

Sound wins over Essendon, Sydney and Brisbane certainly proves that Melbourne can be a force in future years to come.

The more established players like Colin Sylvia and Brad Green are starting to find their feet and are arguably having their best seasons to date.

Richmond were impressive in trying conditions to win by 20 points against Adelaide last weekend.

The Tigers are getting plenty of run out of their midfielders who all featured in their best players last round.

Ben Cousins and Shane Tuck had huge games and were supported well by Shane Edwards, Dustin Martin and Daniel Jackson.

If Richmond can keep they possession errors down we could see a nice free flowing game from both teams.

At the moment the Demons seem to have a better track record against the more challenging teams in the AFL, which should put them slightly ahead in favour of a victory.

Mebourne by 19 points

Adelaide v Western Bulldogs

Adelaide were disappointing in their loss to Richmond last week flickering on and off like a dodgy light switch for most of the game.

Their last two rounds have both resulted in two losses and have blown the Crows slim chances of playing finals football.

Inaccurate kicking in front of goals and injuries to key players does not help, but a couple positives are that the Crows will have Graham Johncock and Chris Knights back in the side.

The Western Bulldogs on the other hand have 4 wins from as many games and are starting to formulate a gameplan for success.

The risk of recruiting Barry Hall is paying dividends with an impressive 7 goal haul in their 71 point win last week over North Melbourne.

Anything can happen with Crows playing at home but the Bulldogs should be expected to win.

Western Bulldogs by 26 points

Your Round 19 Tips & Observations

So what are your tips & observations for round 19 of the 2010 AFL season? Do you agree with Johnnytruent?

If yes or no please post your tips and observations about the round in the comments section.

We will keep a running tally of the tips throughout the year, so make sure you get your tips in on time & you never know there could be a prize for the winner.

If you have not added your tips yet that is ok, please feel free to add them and what your ongoing tally is.