Round 16: Previews and Predictions

Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs Friday, Adelaide Oval 7:50pm, AEST The Western Bulldogs are set for a massive test on Friday night travelling to Adelaide to take on the Crows. It's been another week fuelled with media talk discussing the Dogs. Once again their performance this year has been on the agenda, while Luke Beveridge spoke strongly about the treatment of Jason Johannisen. Adelaide sit in second, wedged between the Giants and Geelong. They will continue to try and lock up a top four spot, and despite the Dogs being placed 10th, they will be very wary of the reigning premiers. These two have shared some excellent battles over recent time, and the head-to-head stands at 4-4 over the past eight games. Hopefully it lives up to the hype of years gone past, but Adelaide at home should take the four points. Tip: Crows by 21 Hawthorn vs. GWS Saturday, University of Tasmania Stadium 1:45pm, AEST Mid-way through the year many would have tipped GWS to dominate Hawthorn, however now it is a different story. The Hawks have been in some good form, since starting 1-5 they have won five of their next eight games. The Giants injury woes continue with Toby Greene, Steve Johnson, and Zac Williams all potentially out for this weekend's clash. Things aren't great for Hawthorn either with Ben Stratton expected to miss the rest of the season, and Grant Birchall set to be out for at least another week. Although Tasmania was once a fortress for the Hawks, the spell seems to be wearing off. Expect this trend to continue with the Giants expected to take the win despite their injuries. Tip: Giants by 11 Collingwood vs. Essendon Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST Two of the oldest clubs in the game will play each other yet again at the MCG. Neither side has clear bragging rights over the other in recent time. Essendon are two games outside of the eight, and dropping another would almost end their finals hopes. Collingwood's season is basically all but over as they sit another further game back. The battle of the forward lines should be interesting, as both tell a very different story. Collingwood has struggled up front, although Mason Cox managed to bag three majors last week, whereas when the Bombers have got it up there they have had an array of goalscorers. Tip: Bombers by 18 Sydney vs. Gold Coast Saturday, SCG 4:35pm, AEST The Swans are flying at the moment, and have almost made everyone forget about their horrendous start. Since going 0-6 the Swans have won an incredible seven out of eight games. Hopefully for the fans we get to see Steven May lineup on Buddy Franklin. The two should have an epic battle, with the winner giving a big advantage to their side. At the SCG, and on an incredible run, the Swans should take this game. They are looking like the side we all remember from past years. Keep an eye on Luke Parker who has been a big reason for his sides return to form. Tip: Swans by 34 Brisbane vs. Geelong Saturday, Gabba 7:25pm, AEST Joel Selwood will most likely return for Geelong as they make the trip up to the Gabba to play Brisbane. It's going to be a tough game for the Lions who may be up against it in regard to the overall quality of the Cats. Brisbane managed to come up with a terrific win against Essendon last week, however their recent record against Geelong is not pretty. They have lost 10 of their past 11 games against the Cats, with the only win coming on the back of Ash McGrath's goal after the siren in 2013. If we have learnt anything from this season it's that any side can beat anybody on any given day. However, it's almost impossible to go against Geelong in this game. Tip: Cats by 37 St Kilda vs. Richmond Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST In potentially the game of the round, Richmond and St Kilda will do battle at Etihad on Saturday night. The Saints are battling to stay inside the eight, while Richmond will want to hold onto their top four position for the rest of the year. Martin, and Cotchin could be a handful for the Saints, especially if they decide to go head-to-head with the pair. Rance and Astbury will also need to put in a good effort, with plenty of options for the Saints up front. Richmond have too much to play for here, and need to keep clear of the chasing pack behind them on the ladder. Tip: Tigers by 25 North Melbourne vs. Fremantle Sunday, Etihad Stadium 1:10pm, AEST North fans won't want to remember the last time they played Fremantle. Shane Kersten snapped the game winning goal in the dying seconds to break the hearts of the Roos. This time out they will be looking for revenge. Aaron Sandilands has been ruled out for the rest of the season and is a massive loss for the Dockers. Without the big man in the middle, Todd Goldstein could be locked in for a big game. At home and continually putting in good performances, the Roos could finally get their fifth win of the season. Tip: Roos by 16 Carlton vs. Melbourne Sunday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST It's been an interesting week for the Melbourne Football Club, with Tom Bugg's punch putting his side firmly in the media spotlight. They will look to get back on track against the Blues on Sunday. Carlton have performed better than many expected, with their back-line and defensive setup being particularly impressive. Melbourne can at times be a very free flowing and high scoring side, thus this match-up should be interesting. Watts, Tyson, Garlett, and Hogan are all a chance to return for the Demons and on the back of this they should claim the four points. Tip: Demons by 15 West Coast vs. Port Adelaide Sunday, Domain Stadium 4:40pm, AEST The final game of the round sees West Coast host Port Adelaide. Although this contest may not excited Victorian fans, it should. Both sides have the capability to play attractive football, and are also poised to make finals runs. West Coast are a tough side to beat at home, but still have question marks over a number of players. This may mean that the Power sneak over the line in this contest. Tip: Power by 8

		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 16: Previews and Predictions

West Coast vs. Port Adelaide

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