Geelong vs Essendon,
Friday 7:50, Etihad Stadium
Before the start of the season you’d have a hard time
convincing people that the reigning Premiers might miss the finals this season,
but a loss on Friday will leave their hopes dangling by a thread, with an
extremely tough run-in lying ahead. On the other hand, Essendon have been one
of the surprise packets of the season, and although they have a difficult
run-in themselves, will still be hopeful of a top 4 finish. I think the Bombers
will be too strong for the Cats in the middle of the park, and will be able to
run out comfortable winners on a ground they play well.
Bombers by 30
Collingwood vs
Hawthorn, Saturday 1:45, MCG
The two Permiership favourites meet on Saturday afternoon in
a real blockbuster at the home of football. Both teams have been in formidable
form, with Collingwood winning 11 of their last 12 games, and Hawthorn winning
9 of their last 10. The Hawks won their previous encounter in the first round
of the season, but for my money the Pies still remain the team to beat this
season. Their key players are starting to look sharp, and their pressure on the
opposition team is probably the best in the competition.
Pies by 15
Adelaide vs West
Coast, Saturday 2:10, AAMI Stadium
Adelaide go into this match knowing that a win will not only
set themselves up for a top 4 finish, but also put them in pole position for a
top 2 finish & a home final. On the other hand, West Coast will feel that a
top four spot that has looked theirs for so long will be starting to fall from
their grasp if they can’t get the win in Adelaide. The Eagles are still missing
a number of key players, but are welcoming three players back from injury, and
I have a feeling they may may do something special to keep their top 4 hopes
alive.
Eagles by 2
Sydney vs St
Kilda, Sunday 1:10, SCG
At the start of the season I was one of those who doubted
Sydney’s ability to take the next step up, but they’ve proved me & many
others wrong, by performing consistently throughout the season and looking
strong in every position. Sydney are a fiercely competitive team around the
ball, and win the majority of their games by doing the little things right.
They’re also a dangerous team from the middle, with their midfield contributing
a large proportion of their goals. The Saints are a transformed side this year,
but I think they’re struggle to get a grip on the game against a well drilled
Sydney side, who will start well & won’t let up.
Swans by 20
Richmond vs North
Melbourne, Sunday 3:15, MCG
The Kangaroos have been in scintillating form in recent weeks,
winning their past 4 of their past 5 games, and only narrowly losing the other
to the Eagles. On the other hand, Richmond appear to be stumbling just when
their first finals spot since 2001. However the loss of Jack Ziebell to
suspension for the Roos, and the return of Dustin Martin for the Tigers, might
just swing things in Richmond’s way. I think it’ll be a close game all
afternoon, but wouldn’t be surprised to see the Tigers claim the spoils and
banish their demons from last week’s shock lost to the Suns.
Tigers by 8
