Round 21

Friday Night: Hawthorn Hawks vs. Collingwood Magpies

Collingwood’s recent form suggests a close match. They smashed Essendon, they embarrassed Sydney but the Premiership favourite will still be the favourite in this match though they won’t win by much and both teams will be playing finals regardless of finishing position.

My tip: Hawks by 10 points.

Saturday Afternoon: Port Adelaide Power vs. Gold Coast Suns

The Suns are proving to be a difficult side to beat at the moment losing only one of their last four games. The Power know they need to win to not risk dropping out of the eight in the next couple of weeks. AAMI Stadium provides a powerful advantage but if the Suns can shut down Wingard the Power will have a difficult time producing a score. This could be an upset

My tip: Suns by 4 points

Saturday Afternoon:  Richmond Tigers vs. Carlton Blues

As an Eagles supporter it would help immensely if the Blues lost and I think I might get it. Richmond will wanting to push for top four which is just on the cards for them if the other results fall their way. The Tigers know they can win but will be playing finals regardless of a win, loss or draw.

My tip: Tigers by 30 points.

Saturday Afternoon:  Essendon Bombers vs. North Melbourne

Essendon have now lost 12 consecutive quarters over three weeks for almost three 60+ point losses. North Melbourne have proven they are capable of defeating top eight sides (beating Geelong by 4 points, flogging the Tigers by 62 points) and should go in as slight favourites given their form. The question is, will the ASADA inquiry being over (temporarily) help the Bombers get back on track? Or will Hird and other club officials being charged break what’s left of their spirit? We’ll find out on Saturday.

My tip: North by 47 points.

Saturday Night: West Coast Eagles vs. Geelong Cats

What will the umpiring be like for the game? I only ask because last time these two played there 17 deliberate out of bounds free kicks paid. Some were there, but a majority was ridiculous calls. The Cats form has been failing in the last few weeks, most recently they just held on while being over powered by Port in the last quarter to escape with a win at home. The Eagles on the other hand have had their form steadily improving beating Gold Coast by 17, then belting Essendon by 53 and now they’re lining up the Cats for a third straight win which we desperately need. The Battle of the Selwoods will also be interesting and Joel and Scott will most likely play on each other at some stage.

My tip: Eagles by 15 points.

Saturday Night: Brisbane Lions vs. GWS Giants.

Brisbane are obviously going to win. The question is can the Giants make it a close game or maybe even steal a win here. With Voss sacked and the former Fremantle coach Mark Harvey taking the reins for last three weeks, with Jonathan Brown gone it’s looking possible especially if they can’t shut down Cameron. Cameron kicked four goals against Fremantle who has some of the best defensive players in the competition at the moment. I think it will be close.

My tip: Lions by 1 point.

Sunday Afternoon: Melbourne Demons vs. Fremantle Dockers.

My tip: Dockers by 60 points.

Sunday Afternoon: Sydney Swans vs. Saint Kilda Saints

My tip: Swans by 35 points.

Sunday Afternoon: Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows.

The Bulldogs can pull out surprises this year. They weren’t expected to beat West Coast, but they did. They weren’t expected to defeat Carlton, but they did. Adelaide now looks like a target of opportunity for the Dogs as they set up a start for next season, and I think they can do it and bring a third surprise win to the 

table.

My tip: Bulldogs by 12 points.