WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON

Western Bulldogs are struggling for form at the wrong end of the season to be suffering from a form slump. They have only won once in the past five outings. At one point they were beating Brisbane last week, but players that they depend on for firepower up front seem to be lacking in accuracy. It was typified by Jason Akermanis’ poor form in front of the big sticks.

Essendon could be a chance of an upset if only they didn’t have so many players out with injury. Their outs read like a casualty of war list, it is that long. With Dustin Fletcher (groin), Courtenay Dempsey (broken leg), Leroy Jetta (hip), Jason Laycock (ankle), David Hille (broken hand) all out they might have to get Matty Knights out there to play for them.

Western Bulldog’s win.

RICHMOND v FREMANTLE

Richmond were impressive last week in their upset over Hawthorn. Terry Wallace is definitely showing Tiger fans a glimmer of what is to come with a real solid effort. And they should take that kind of form into their match against the Dockers. Morton was very impressive and when combined with some older heads like Matthew Richardson , the Tigers are able to pile on the goals.

Fremantle were at their disappointing best. It just goes to show that if you tip them to win they usually don’t.

Richmond win.

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE

Since Port Power beat Adelaide they haven’t won a game, losing their last four matches. Shaun Burgoyne was their only shining light last week in a team full of non-contributers.

Melbourne beat an uninspired West Coast last week, who seem to be more interested in their end of season trips than putting up a challenge. It was a terrible game with more skill showing at half time between the auskick kids. The game is in Adelaide which I can see is the only advantage for Port.

Port Adelaide win.

BRISBANE LIONS v CARLTON

Brisbane had a hard fought win over the Bulldogs, showing some grit in their last quarter for once. Rhan Hooper and Bradd Dalziell were two youngsters that made huge contributions for the Lions and stepped up to help the likes of Black and Brown.

Carlton had a resounding loss to the Kangaroos and seem more focussed on Brendon Fevola kicking 100 goals than trying to win. I think Brisbane are a real chance playing up at the GABBA and against a vunerable, young side could just get over the line.

Brisbane win.

COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans looked old and tired against the fresh faces of the fast Cats last week. Alot of their players like Barry Hall, Craig Bolton and Peter Everitt could claim their AFL pensions but they cannot afford a cleanout with hardly any youngsters ready to take over the mantle. It would also be damaging for their support they have built in NSW as success=more fans, especially in Rugby League dominated Sydney.

Collingwood had a less than impressive win over Port Adelaide last week but should beat Sydney with more options up forward and speed across the midfield.

Collingwood win.

GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE

Geelong looked very impressive against the Sydney Swans at Telstra Stadium last week. What was surprising was that most of their attacking football was the result of rebounding out of defensive. Garry Ablett also dominated with most of his kicks being into their attacking 50.

The Kangaroos also seems to be hitting their strides with a big win over Carlton last week. At the moment they have won their last 5 games and we all know winning form is good form. Brett Harvey’s form in particular could see him take out a Brownlow medal.

I can’t see anyone stopping the juggernaut that is the Geelong Football Club. Norths seem to be having a purple patch with most of their player contributing to their wins, but they don’t have a real potent attack.

Geelong win.

ST KILDA v ADELAIDE

The Saints had a spirited win over Fremantle last week with Stephen Milne personifying their efforts. He has a face like a smashed crab after suffering from a fractured cheekbone but played on and has been named to play this week. St Kilda’s wins have come from lowly opponents over the past 5 weeks so this game should really test them.

I can’t see the Saints beating Adelaide who offer stronger opposition. Adelaide’s weakness is up front and if they can find a way to take their scoring opportunities presented, they should win comfortably.

Adelaide win.

WEST COAST v HAWTHORN

This game is a no brainer for the tipsters out there. West Coast Eagles couldn’t win a meat raffle with a second chance draw, down at the local pub. Hawthorn had a shock loss to Richmond last week so expect them to bounce back with all guns blazing.

The Hawks showed their age last week with a lack of experience leading to their defeat. poor decision making and over use of the football contributed to the upset. To top it off, ‘Buddy’ Franklin continues with his inaccuracy, which definitely could mean the difference between a Grand Final win or loss.

Will he kick his 100th goal this week? It definitely offers better odds of happening than an Eagles’ win.

Hawthorn win.

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