Round 12 Previews and Predictions

Sydney vs. Western Bulldogs Thursday, SCG 7:20pm, AEST Another Grand Final rematch sees last year's premiers and runners-up not where they expected themselves to be at this point in the year. The Bulldogs sit sixth and have struggled to find consistent four quarter efforts, while Sydney are 16th, a position few would have predicted they would be in. In round two the Bulldogs knocked off the Swans in what was an exciting contest. That game will remind Luke Beveridge about the importance of shutting Lance Franklin down. Earlier in the year, Buddy almost single-handedly took the game from the Dogs. Sydney are unlikely to roll over in this one, especially with what is becoming a budding rivalry. However, the Dogs have shown in the past they come off a bye very well. Tip: Dogs by 12 Adelaide vs. St. Kilda Friday, Adelaide Oval 7:50pm, AEST The Crows will be eager to hit the field after going down to Geelong last weekend. While the Saints will be hoping their batteries have been recharged after a week off. Adelaide has won an incredible eight of their past nine games against St.Kilda, with the Victorian side's only win coming in 2011. The Crows average winning margin over their past five victories over the Saints is a massive 67.8 points. Sadly it doesn't seem like this record will get any better for St.Kilda, as not only will Adelaide be out for blood, they are also on their home deck. This one could get ugly. Tip: Crows by 51 Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast Saturday, MCG 1:45pm, AEST In round three Gold Coast gave Hawks fans a rude awakening, knocking off the perennial powerhouse by 86 points. From there neither side has really gone anywhere, with both of them now fighting it out towards the bottom of the ladder. The Hawks will get the luxury of playing in front of their home fans, and on the mighty MCG. They will again need to fight hard in the midfield if they are any chance of winning, with Tom Mitchell needing a lot of help. Expect that the previous match-up between these two will fuel Hawthorn, as they were embarrassed by the Suns in that one. Tip: Hawks by 21 Brisbane vs. Fremantle Saturday, Gabba 4:35pm, AEST Maybe not too high on anybody's must-watch list, however this game has the potential to be a good contest. Brisbane have been offering up some solid football in parts, however are lacking for consistency. Fremantle on the other hand have also been very up-and-down. Playing at home will be good for the young Lions, who clearly still have a lot of room for improvement. This game offers up a great opportunity for Brisbane to claim their second win of the year. Despite all mentioned above, it's very difficult to tip Brisbane with any confidence. Form and play suggest the Dockers should take it home, however don't be surprised if they are pushed to the edge by the Lions. Tip: Dockers by 19 Essendon vs. Port Adelaide Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST This could very well be one of the most entertaining and exciting games of the round. Port Adelaide play a tough, physical brand of football, while Essendon have the ability to put scoreboard pressure on quickly. Both backlines will have their hands full, with Joe Daniher, and Charlie Dixon lining up on opposite ends of the ground. Add Jarman Impey, and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti to that equation, and we look to have an excitement packed match-up. It's tough to split these sides, with Port Adelaide having season form on their side, but the Dons have home-court advantage. At home, and getting better with every game, look for Essendon to claim this game. Tip: Bombers by 8 Carlton vs. GWS Sunday, Etihad Stadium 3:20pm, AEST On Sunday, Carlton host the red-hot Greater Western Sydney. The Giants are now clear premiership favourites, and look to be the team to beat. Carlton have lost their past four games to GWS, with the last margin at Etihad Stadium being 78 points in the Giants favour. It could be yet another game that gets out of control for the Blues. GWS will be too strong and slick across the ground, this is despite Carlton showing moments of excellence over the start of the year. Hopefully it doesn't get too out of hand for the Blues Tip: Giants by 59 Melbourne vs. Collingwood Monday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST The annual Queen's Birthday clash will add another chapter this year. Both Melbourne and Collingwood sit just outside the eight, and are looking to push up into a finals position in the second half of the year. This game is so important for both sides, and thus a big crowd at the MCG should see a great contest. It's almost a case of 'Jekyll and Hyde' with the Magpies, and the Demons, with no one really sure which version of each team will rock up. The battle of the midfield will be interesting, however Melbourne's speed could be too much for the Pies. Also tune in early to the game and support the 'Big Freeze', which raises money in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Tip: Demons by 17

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Round 12 Previews and Predictions

5. Essendon vs. Port Adelaide

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