West Coast v Geelong

Heading into this match West Coast last week had a bye after previously causing an upset and beating Carlton convincingly by 36 points. Geelong were on the receiving end of an upset 4 point loss to Essendon to suffer their first defeat of the season.

Nic Naitanui doing what he does best

Wow a blockbuster on a Friday night after having a few uninspiring matchups in recent weeks, we see Geelong (1st) coming off an unexpected loss take on West Coast (5th) who are unexpectedly are in the top eight and are thriving.

A mouth-watering clash when you think of all the elements leading up to this game tonight.

West Coast’s last match was an impressive display of tactics in their surprise 36 point win over a Carlton team that had until that stage, looked like the best challengers to the Geelong-Collingwood duopoly.

Geelong last round were on the receiving end of a surprise loss to Essendon to break coach Chris Scott‘s unbroken win record in his first year. More importantly it showed everyone else the impossible is possible and with the game at West Coast headquarters the Cats look slightly vulnerable.

The Cats need to lift especially without the class of Joel Selwood missing from this match but there is plenty of depth with Joel Corey and Travis Varcoe back in the side.

Quinten Lynch will be missing due to suspension but the Eagles still have a tall line-up that includes Dean Cox, Nic Naitanui, Josh Kennedy and Jark Darling.

Defensively it will be interesting to see how both teams hold up and this is definitely West Coast’s best shot at a win, but my head is sticking with Geelong.

Geelong by 4 points

Hawthorn v Brisbane

Hawthorn were resoundingly beaten by Collingwood to the tune of 41 points last week. Brisbane snapped their losing streak to record a 11 point victory over Port Adelaide last round.

Hawthorn are suffering under the weight of injuries and it is taking its toll with a thumping by the Magpies last round. With 14 on the injury list an doubts over the fitness of Buddy and Bateman, the Hawks will be looking to consolidate a top four finish with a strong win over the Lions.

Brisbane finally got a win on the board after a fruitless month of footy but it will be a tall order if they can challenge even a depleted Hawks side.

Hawthorn by 36 points

Gold Coast v Sydney

Gold Coast suffered a 50 point defeat by Fremantle last round at Subiaco Oval. Sydney made it a hat-trick of losses with a nail-biting 7 point loss to Adelaide on the road.

Gold Coast weren’t disgraced against Fremantle last week and for much of the match it was a tightly held contest, but in the end their young bodies started to get tired a full AFL season is taking its toll with the Suns looking battle weary.

For Sydney it is a must win to remain in the eight with 3 losses in a row and the latest being a disappointing loss to Adelaide. It was a game they really needed to win and now this weekend they face a Gold Coast team who don’t play too bad at their new home ground. For Sydney they will be hoping the inclusion of Kieren Jack, Shane Mumford and Nick Malceski can get them over the line, but quite smply they need a lot more from their ‘B Grade’ players and have to stop being so reliant on their stars.

A real danger game but I think the Swans can just get over the line.

Sydney by 7 points

Essendon v Richmond

Essendon stunned Geelong to win by 4 points and will be full of confidence leading into this match. Richmond had a disappointing 103 point loss to Carlton and will be looking to redeem themselves with a much improved effort this weekend.

Essendon had a miraculous win over Geelong and will be looking to carry that momentum into this match against a Richmond side that has somewhat lost its way mid-season after so much promise early. What did the Bombers do right? Well a lil bit of belief goes a long way and when one of your assistant coaches was the coach of Geelong last year that helps too. Patty Ryder played himself into form a a few others like Jake Melksham stood up to be counted when needed.

Its not looking good for the Tiges but this is a winnable game for them, they just need to find the form that beat the likes of the Bombers earlier in round 9 this year.

Essendon by 15 points

Collingwood v North Melbourne

Collingwood made light work of Hawthorn in their 41 point win last weekend. North just fell at the final hurdle by 9 points to end their winning streak.

North Melbourne hit a bit of a hurdle just falling to a persistent Saints outfit but are still a much better side then the one Collingwood took on in round 2 this year.

Collingwood are continuing to build a pressing case for another GF appearance with a number of wins most if not all with a healthy scoring margin (1st for points per game). It seems like the Magpies are taking the Geelong approach and blooding a few young players (Lachlan Keefe, Tom Young) in a game in which they should win.

Collingwood by 42 points

Port Adelaide v St Kilda

Port Adelaide made it 3 straight losses after the bye with an 11 point defeat to Brisbane. St Kilda managed to graft a 9 point win over North Melbourne last week and look to be steadily improving.

Port Adelade had their best opportunity for a win but couldn’t managed to finish off Brisbane in a disappointing goalless last quarter. And that pretty much sums up the Power’s season while the Saints look rejuvenated with  2 wins and 1 loss in their past month of football.

St Kilda should win this one.

St Kilda by 52 points

Western Bulldogs v Carlton

The Bulldogs found some bite with a 64 point win over Melbourne to make it 3 in a row. Carlton rebounded with a strong 103 point win over Richmond.

The Western Bulldogs played brilliantly last weekend against a Melbourne team coming off a win and have healthy wins over lesser opponents but how will they fare against the Blues?

Carlton meanwhile have bounced back from their hiccup against West Coast and it should be a great battle in the midfield but the Blues still look a much better side overall.

Carlton by 28 points

Adelaide, Fremantle and Melbourne all have byes

Your Tips and Opinions

While we do have an official Tipping Competition this year but feel free to add your tips in the comments section instead or as well. You can see our tipping leader board on the right which sees me equal first.

What do you think of Kick2Kick’s tips for the Sixteenth round of the 2011 AFL season? Have we missed anything? Got a tip wrong? Please write your thoughts in the comments section and join in on the banter.

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