Round Ten

Friday Night: Brisbane Lions versus Collingwood Magpies

Well, for the first time for as far back I can remember, Collingwood are setting foot back into Queensland. I personally think the AFL goes out of its way to keep the Magpies out of Brisbane. This should be a close game given both teams form. Even though Collingwood was handed a 47 point beating at the hands of last year’s Premeirs and Brisbane just losing to Carlton, Collingwood should be able to win. They also have made a habit of see-sawing weeks: Beaten by Fremantle, Just beating the Cats, now a bad beating by the Swans. That could foretell a victory at the Gabba.

My tip: Collingwood by 20 points.

Saturday Afternoon: Adelaide Crows versus Fremantle Dockers

After stealing a win over North Melbourne, the Crows could present a challenge for a Dockers side that’s running short on Talls. A home ground advantage could prove the difference as we saw earlier in the season when the Power reversed a 41 point deficit to defeat West Coast at AAMI stadium. Adelaide are more than capable of replicating that. Fremantle’s defence is the strongest that has the club has ever had and could 

prove to be a fortress for a relatively small Crows forward line.

My tip: Fremantle by 15 points.

Saturday Afternoon: Carlton Blues versus Greater Western Sydney Giants

After a 100 point belting at the hands of West Coast, an inexperienced Giants side could be looking at another belting this week. Malthouse, engineered a comeback against a Lions side who were threatening to take the game when they held a slim lead at half-time. No chance of that this week though. Carlton at Etihad, no problem.

My tip: Carlton by 70 points.

Saturday Afternoon: Sydney Swans versus Essendon Bombers

This one will be tough. After a draw against Fremantle, keeping Collingwood to just 55 points is a fantastic effort for the Swans. On the other end of the spectrum, after two losses to Geelong and then the Lions, Essendon earned redemption by beating Richmond. Goodes will be instrumental for the Swans while Watson will prove pivotal to the Bombers structure. Should be an excellent arm wrestle.

My tip: Sydney by 14 points

Saturday Night: Western Bulldogs versus Port Adelaide Power

This one will be interesting for a different reason. After an electrifying start to the season, the Power are back to the form everyone expected, while very few would’ve expected a Bulldogs victory over Saint Kilda. Difficult to decide, but a stronger Power midfield could prove to be the difference.

My tip: Port Adelaide by 8 points.

Saturday Night: Geelong Cats versus Gold Coast Suns

Anyone expecting an easy victory for the Cats should plan a rethink. Although sitting 12^th on the Ladder, four wins is nothing to be sniffed at for the Suns fourth season. It is also hard to ignore the fact that the Suns lead the Hawks at half-time. The Suns could produce the same against a Cats side that sits in second by percentage. The Cats should be wary, but also victorious.

My tip: Geelong by 24 points.

Sunday Afternoon: Melbourne Demons versus Hawthorn Hawks

This will be quick. The Demons season has gone from horrible to nightmare after a 90 point flogging by Fremantle at Subi (I refuse to call it Patersons Stadium). Easy win for a top of the table Hawks.

My tip: Hawthorn by 110 points.

Sunday Afternoon: North Melbourne versus Saint Kilda Saints

North have form. Saints have speed. Both come off surprising losses. North Melbourne have suffered close losses to Geelong, West Coast and now Adelaide as their win/loss ratio sits at 3/6. Saint Kilda’s isn’t much better, in fact it’s worse at 2/7. North Melbourne have the strength although their inability to put away far better sides when they’ve had the chance could prove to be detrimental as Saint Kilda will seek redemption for a Bulldogs defeat.

 My tip: North by 5 points.

Monday Night: West Coast Eagles versus Richmond Tigers

Even with our tactics under fire for “ducking” into tackles (which we are not, other teams need to learn how to tackle properly, then they will find that our supposed “ducking” will have no effect) we should win. It will be tough though. No Wellingham could prove to be dangerous against an evenly matched Tigers. Momentum will be important. The Eagles have not failed to win a game since Nic Nat’s return (despite a near loss to North Melbourne), totalling a four game winning streak. The Tigers however will be battling the demons of a Bombers defeat. A West Coast home crowd will prove influential in the game.

My tip: West Coast by 30 points.