Round 20: Previews and Predictions

Geelong vs. Sydney Friday, Simonds Stadium 7:50pm, AEST The talk of the week has been the suspension of Patrick Dangerfield. Not only is he now ineligible for the Brownlow Medal, but he also misses this crucial clash. Not only is Dangerfield out, the Cats will also be missing Daniel Menzel and Steven Motlop. The Swans dropped just their second game in 12 weeks last round and will no doubt be hungry to bounce back. Travelling down to Simonds and claiming a win is a very tough task. However, everything appears to be in Sydney's favour this week. Tip: Swans by 19 GWS vs. Melbourne Saturday, UNSW Canberra Oval 1:45pm, AEST Another crucial game in the run home for both teams. GWS has the chance to put themselves inside the top two, while the Dees can throw themselves back in the race for the top four. Brett Deledio is set to make his debut for the Giants and no doubt everyone will be keeping tabs on the former Tiger. Questions are being raised about the Giants and whether everyone over-estimated their quality. This is a big chance for them to regain some form heading into the final few rounds. Tip: Giants by 13 Essendon vs. Carlton Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST A classic rivalry is set to again take centre stage on the MCG in the traditional Saturday afternoon time slot. Essendon and Carlton will no doubt be fired up, so expect a tough physical contest. A week after coming under fire for his actions against North Melbourne, Cale Hooker played well below par against the Bullldogs. It will be interesting to see how he plays after what has transpired over the past fortnight. A must win for the Bombers if they are to play finals, don't be surprised if they come out accordingly. Tip: Bombers by 38 Brisbane vs. Western Bulldogs Saturday, Gabba 4:35pm, AEST You have to feel for Brisbane, they seem to play opposition teams at the worst time. They face the Western Bulldogs this weekend, who in Round 19 appeared to regain some of their mojo. Jason Johannisen turned goal-kicker last week, booting four majors and don't be surprised if Luke Beveridge persists with that move. Brisbane do have a chance of winning the midfield battle with some of their elite players finding form. We could look back on last week as the start of a Dogs' run to the finals. Tip: Bulldogs by 33 North Melbourne vs. Collingwood Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST The battle of the vertical stripes. Well hopefully they have a better name than tha for the clasht, but either way this should be a tight and exciting contest. North Melbourne is a very free flowing side, while Collingwood has shown in past weeks that it has the capability to pile the points on in a hurry. The performance of Daniel Wells will no doubt be intriguing, as he plays against his old side for the first time. Both of these sides will carry form into the game. Collingwood almost got past the Crows last week and North Melbourne beat the Demons in Tasmania. Be prepared for an upset in this one. Tip: Roos by 12 Fremantle vs. Gold Coast Saturday, Domain Stadium 7:40pm, AEST This game comes at interesting time for both sides. Neither has a real possibility of making the finals and they could easily drop even lower on the ladder. Gary Ablett and Steven May will return in a big boost for the Gold Coast. A loss would put further pressure on Rodney Eade. Home ground advantage will be massive in this game and could very well be the deciding factor in this one. Tip: Dockers by 22 St Kilda vs. West Coast Sunday, Etihad Stadium 1:10pm, AEST This is St Kilda's last chance to make a move for the top eight. Finals are still a possibility and beating West Coast will no doubt go a long way to them playing in September. West Coast have sprung back into eighth spot and will no doubt be looking to hold on tightly. Josh Kennedy has been brilliant since returning from injury and no doubt Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown will have their hands full. Playing at Etihad, and potentially buoyed by the announcement of Nick Riewoldt's retirement, look for the Saints to claim the four points. Tip: Saints by 17 Richmond vs. Hawthorn Sunday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST It seems like every week is a big test or danger game for the Tigers, and Round 20 is no different. Despite their up and down year, the Hawks are still a scary match-up as they have the potential to produce excellent performances. Keep an eye out for Richmond's Jack Graham, who will be making his debut for the club. The teenage midfielder will look to have an impact from the word go. Hawthorn should be fired up for Jarryd Roughead's 250th, however, the way the Tigers are playing at the moment, it might be too much to handle. Tip: Tigers by 23 Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide Sunday, Adelaide Oval 4:40pm, AEST Be prepared for what is shaping to be an epic Showdown. The Crows have been flying all season and sit in first place, while the Power are charging up ahead of September. A win for Port Adelaide could see them make a move inside the top four, while a win for the Crows would go a long way to claiming their second ever minor premiership. The Crows forward line is incredibly potent and the Power will definitely have their hands full. This could very well be the difference between the too sides. Tip: Crows by 11

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	COLL	18	14	4	56	133.7
2	BL	18	13	4	54	116.6
3	ADEL	18	13	5	52	139.6
4	GEEL	18	12	6	48	128.2
5	HAW	18	12	6	48	119
6	GWS	18	12	6	48	116
7	FRE	18	12	6	48	108.9
8	GC	17	11	6	44	115.5

Round 20: Previews and Predictions

Essendon vs. Carlton

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