Round 19: Previews and Predictions

Hawthorn vs. Sydney Friday, MCG 7:50pm, AEST This match-up has been a marquee rivalry over recent years, however, now it takes a different look. Both sides sit outside the top four. Sydney are the form team of the competition, meanwhile the Hawks are still clinging to their slim finals chances. The Swans have won 10 of their past 11 games, following their 0-6 start to the year, however, that one loss did come against Alastair Clarkson's men. The Hawthorn youngsters have impressed but this will be yet another challenge. The Swans are flying and you would be a brave person to not back them. Tip: Swans by 21 North Melbourne vs. Melbourne Saturday, Blundstone Arena 1:45pm, AEST It's been over 10 years since Melbourne beat their rivals from the North. Since Round 20 2006, the Kangaroos have won 16 in a row against the Demons. If this game was at the MCG, most people would almost give Melbourne their certainty pick given the form lines of the two teams. However, playing at Blundstone throws a spanner in the works. The Roos are excellent at this ground, they have won six of their past eight games at the venue, the highlight was destroying Adelaide earlier this year. You cannot tip North Melbourne with any confidence, however, don not be surprised if the Roos pull something out of the bag in this one. Tip: Demons by 17 GWS vs. Fremantle Saturday, Spotless Stadium 2:10pm, AEST It's been a tough week off the field for the Giants, with many questions raised about their side and the way they go about things. Hosting a somewhat depleted Fremantle serves as a great chance to return to form. The Dockers lost Michael Walters last week and Aaron Sandilands is out for the season. The loss of Walters is massive, as he has been an incredibly important player for them in 2017. You just get the feeling that this could get ugly, the Giants have a chance to remind the league just how good they are. Tip: Giants by 43 Port Adelaide vs. St. Kilda Saturday, Adelaide Oval 4:35pm, AEST Just as quickly as the Saints flew into finals contention they seemed to have dropped back out. They currently sit 11th and have a very tough run home that starts with trip to Adelaide Oval to face the Power. Ken Hinkley will be missing Chad Wingard, who is set to miss two to four weeks with an ankle injury. Apart from that, Port Adelaide have almost a full clean bill of health, which is unheard of at this point in the season. The Power at home should be too strong in this game, you never know with the Saints, but their recent form suggests they will not be able to compete for the four quarters. Tip: Power by 32 Gold Coast vs. Richmond Saturday, Metricon Stadium 7:25pm, AEST Richmond surprised many last week, putting in a brilliant display to get past GWS. They get a chance to consolidate their spot in the top four, playing Gold Coast at Metricon. The Suns have had an extremely disappointing 2017 and could be without Steven May and Rory Thompson in this one. Jarryd Lyons is still out, however, Gary Ablett is likely to return from hamstring tightness. With Gary back and playing at home, Gold Coast have a genuine chance at an upset. However, in saying that, after last week you would be a fool to go against the Tigers, who will no doubt be on a high. Tip: Tigers by 19 Carlton vs. Geelong Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST Both of these sides suffered disappointing losses last weekend and will now look to bounce back. Carlton would have headed up to the Gabba expecting a win, however, that's not the way it panned out. They will be buoyed by the possible return of Caleb Marchbank, but are still facing an up hill battle. This should be a win for the Cats as they are the better quality side around the ground. Keep an eye on Patrick Dangerfield, who still looked to be carrying that leg injury last week. Tip: Cats by 46 Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon Sunday, Etihad Stadium 1:10pm, AEST This match-up could quite easily be game of the round. It almost serves as sudden death for the two sides, with the loser in serious danger of missing the finals. Essendon weren't entirely convincing in their win over North Melbourne, but still managed to claim the four points. Keep an eye on Cale Hooker to see how he responds after being heavily criticised for his behaviour against the Roos. The Dogs claimed a big win last weekend and are now looking to build towards a finals push. They do lose Dale Morris to a broken arm, meanwhile Jake Stringer won't return for at least another week. Due to this and the potency of the Dons' forward line, Essendon have a big chance to take the four points. Tip: Bombers by 11 Collingwood vs. Adelaide Sunday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST Adelaide cemented themselves at the top of the ladder last week with a win over second placed Geelong. They now sit six points clear in first and will look to push on and be primed ahead of finals. Collingwood claimed a stirring win against West Coast last week, however, now face the difficult challenge of hosting the Crows. Once again, the Pies' forward line will be under pressure, especially without Darcy Moore out. You just cannot see Collingwood kicking enough goals to get past Adelaide. The Crows should go a step closer to the minor premiership after this game. Tip: Crows by 37 West Coast vs. Brisbane Sunday, Domain Stadium 4:40pm, AEST West Coast threw four points away last week against Collingwood, while Brisbane claimed an exciting win over the Blues. The Eagles will be glad they are heading home, as everyone knows they are a different team at Domain Stadium. Despite the victory last weekend for the Lions, they are going to be up against it in this one. Let's hope for their sake the scoreline remains respectable. Tip: Eagles by 52

		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 19: Previews and Predictions

Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon

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