Round 18: Previews and Predictions

Adelaide vs. Geelong Friday, Adelaide Oval 7:50pm, AEST A blockbuster match-up for Friday night football sees first play second in what should no doubt be an exciting contest. Injuries could play a massive part in this game, with a number of stars questionable heading into the clash. For Adelaide, defender Jake Lever has already been ruled out, while star midfielder Rory Sloane is an doubt. Geelong could be missing Brownlow favourite Patrick Dangerfield. Even if both sides are fully fit and ready to go, it's tough to go past the ladder leaders on their home deck. Tip: Crows by 17 Essendon vs. North Melbourne Saturday, Etihad Stadium 1:45pm, AEST The Bombers currently sit one game outside the top eight, and will play North Melbourne on Saturday. Many would think this is a game they should win, however the Roos have played better football than their record suggests. North Melbourne have had the wood over Essendon in recent time, winning six of their past seven matches. All signs suggest Essendon in this one, and it is very difficult to tip North Melbourne with any confidence this year. The Bombers should win, but don't be surprised if the Roos pull something out of the bag. Tip: Bombers by 19 Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST It's a week of tough games to tip and this one is no different. Port Adelaide are trying to hold onto a top four spot, while the Demons are trying to push towards the double chance. A bevvy of stars could make their return for the hosts, which would no doubt boost their chances. Port Adelaide didn't disappoint in their last outing at the MCG, however the Demons are a much different task compared to Collingwood. Melbourne are priced as outsiders, however are a big chance to take the four points in this contest. Tip: Demons by 12 Western Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Saturday, Cazaly's Stadium 4:35pm, AEST This one is a home game up in Cairns for the Bulldogs. They finally got another win last weekend and will now look to build off that in an attempt to play finals. Gold Coast have been channelling their inner Dr Henry Jekyll all season long. Their form has been incredibly up and down throughout the season, showing signs of brilliance but continually recording disappointing results. The Dogs should really claim their first back-to-back win since round five in this fixture. Tip: Dogs by 31 Sydney vs. St. Kilda Saturday, SCG 7:25pm, AEST The Swans will have the chance to make it seven wins in a row against St. Kilda this weekend. They are firing on all cylinders and look to be one of the biggest threats heading into September. The Saints sit outside the top eight because of percentage and will have a big opportunity to claim a scalp in this one. They were very disappointing last weekend against Essendon and reportedly were on the receiving end of a brutal match review. At the SCG and on such a roll, you have to go with the red-hot Swans in this one. Tip: Swans by 28 Fremantle vs. Hawthorn Saturday, Domain Stadium 7:40pm, AEST Another two teams that are very hard to split in round 18. The Dockers will host the Hawks after losing against rivals West Coast last weekend. Hawthorn have shown great form recently however have struggled to get over the line. Sean Darcy has been a great find for Ross Lyon, and his battle with "Big Boy" McEvoy will no doubt be another big test. The game being played in Domain Stadium might give the Dockers the edge. Tip: Dockers by 6 Richmond vs. GWS Sunday, MCG 1:10pm, AEST Expect a good MCG crowd as Richmond host GWS. The Tigers are pushing for a top four spot, while the Giants continue to be one of the premiership favourites. The Tigers back-line will be under heavy pressure with Patton and co. looking to find their form heading into the business end of the season, although they could be without Jeremy Cameron once again with a hamstring complaint. The winner of the battle could decide who wins the game. Should hopefully be a tight contest and the Giants will want to perform well on the G' considering they want to be there on the last week of the season. Tip: Giants by 7 Collingwood vs. West Coast Sunday, Etihad Stadium 3:20pm, AEST Despite Collingwood taking the four points in their last match against West Coast, the Eagles have the better record having won the previous three games after that. It's been another week that Collingwood have been in the spotlight, with Eddie McGuire's position coming under fire this week. Each time they have solidly held the attention of the AFL community they have performed well. In saying that, West Coast are still in the hunt for the top four and will want to prove to everyone that they can play in Melbourne. Tip: Eagles by 21 Brisbane vs. Carlton Sunday, Gabba 4:40pm, AEST Despite this game being played between two sides who have little to play for in regards to finals, this has the makings of an exciting contest. Two of the best young lists in the country and both are able to put in very good performances. It will be interesting to see just how the young Brisbane forward line plays against the 'brick wall' back six from the Blues. Tip: Blues by 11

		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 18: Previews and Predictions

Fremantle vs. Hawthorn

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