Don’t know who to tip this week? Check out Zero Tipper’s round 18 tips!
Friday July 31
Hawthorn V Richmond
MCG, 7.50pm (all times local time)
There has been a lot of talk about Richmond causing an upset and continuing their push for a top four birth. Their recent form plus the fact that they have won two of the past three against the Hawks has Tiger fans salivating. But everyone needs to relax and remember just how good the Hawks have been over the past few weeks. Over the past three games, Hawthorn has kicked 67 goals compared to their opponents' 17, which demonstrates their utter domination. What makes their form even more scary is the fact that they have beaten two sides in the top four, in Fremantle and Sydney in those three weeks.
Hawthorn by 28
Saturday August 1
Geelong V Brisbane
Simonds Stadium, 1.45pm
Geelong has won the past two games and this week is a perfect chance to make it three and push hard for September action, as they sit just two points outside the top eight. The Cats have dominated Brisbane over the past decade, winning seven of the last eight and 13 of the last 15 against the Lions. Brisbane has not won in Geelong since 2003 and are ranked last for points scored this season.
Geelong by 44
Collingwood V Melbourne
MCG, 2.10pm
Collingwood has lost its past five, its worst losing streak since 2005-06, so if there was ever time to strike, it's now. That said, Melbourne have not shown enough lately to warrant a tip here and Collingwood should break their losing streak, even without star forward Travis Cloke.
Collingwood by 18
Sydney V Adelaide
SCG, 4.35pm
Hugely important game for both sides, with Sydney desperately clinging onto a top four spot, after losing two on the trot. The Crows are just inside the eight and would dearly love a win seeing as they have a tough run home. Difficult one to pick, but I'll go with the Swans at home due to the fact that they welcome back Ted Richards, Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippet.
Sydney by 22
Carlton V North Melbourne
Etihad Stadium, 7.20pm
Prime time on a Saturday night does not get much better than this! Hang on what? This could quite possibly be the worst game of the round. Carlton had little confidence before last week and after a 138 point thumping from Hawthorn, they are sure to have almost none at all now. North should enjoy a very comfortable win against the 16th placed Blues.
North Melbourne by 70
Gold Coast V West Coast
Metricon Stadium, 7.20pm
The Suns' season just keeps getting worse, with Gary Ablett suffering a season ending knee injury just three weeks after returning from a shoulder injury. They will be no match for the Eagles who continue on their merry way this season, one game behind ladder leaders Fremantle.
West Coast by 38
Sunday August 2
Port Adelaide V St. Kilda
Adelaide Oval, 12.40pm
We seem to be saying this ever week, but here goes again...this is the final roll of the dice for Port Adelaide. Win this week and their finals chances are still alive. St. Kilda have surprised everyone with their improvement this season and sit in 13th spot just one win behind the Power. But Port should prevail in a tough contest at home with more to play for.
Port Adelaide by 15
Essendon V Western Bulldogs
Etihad Stadium, 3.20pm
Essendon has won the past six matches against the Bulldogs and seven of the past eight. But that will count for little when the two sides clash on Sunday. The Bombers are devoid of confidence but they were much improved last week against Port Adelaide. Nonetheless, the Western Bulldogs should consolidate their position inside the top eight and register their 11th win of the year. The Bulldogs have been super impressive this season and have been riveting to watch with their attacking style of play, ranking fourth for inside 50s per game this year.
Western Bulldogs by 27
Fremantle V GWS
Domain Stadium, 2.40pm
The Dockers were lucky again last week and were close to losing top spot to their cross town rivals. They face the Giants at home which will ensure that they keep top spot for at least another week, but they need to find their best form quick smart if they want to be a threat in finals. Sandilands should have a field day with no Shane Mumford in the side for the Giants.
Fremantle by 24
