Round 21: Previews and Predictions

Western Bulldogs vs. GWS Friday, Etihad Stadium 7:50pm, AEST Who could forget the 2016 preliminary final between these two sides. It was marked as potentially the greatest preliminary finals ever played, and here's hoping that this edition can somewhat live up to those lofty standards. The Bulldogs appear to have some of their "mojo" back, while the Giants have recorded two wins in a row after a poor run of form. The loss of Easton Wood will hurt Luke Beveridge's side, especially considering the potential power of the Giants' forward six. The fact the game is at Etihad will no doubt play in the Dogs favour, however, it seems like too much is stacked against them. Tip: Giants by 22 Sydney vs. Fremantle Saturday, SCG 1:45pm, AEST Sydney bullied the Cats last week and made them look like a second rate side. This week they host Fremantle, which should be an easier task than heading down to Simonds Stadium. The Dockers did claim a win against Gold Coast last week, however it was less than convincing. They don't have a terrible record against the Swans, winning four and drawing one of their past nine games against the powerhouse. When you look at where the two teams are at in 2017, the Swans should really claim the win. The four points could move them to just half a game outside the top four. Tip: Swans by 42 Geelong vs. Richmond Saturday, Simonds Stadium 2:10pm, AEST It will be all there to play for in this third vs. fourth match-up. However, sadly some of the excitement of the game has been drained due to a number of outs for Geelong. Dangerfield will return, however Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan will all miss the match. Expect the reigning Brownlow Medallist to have a massive game after his suspension, but it will likely not be enough to cover all of those omissions. The Tigers should take the win in this one and put Geelong even closer to dropping outside the top four and losing their double chance. Tip: Tigers by 24 Brisbane vs. Gold Coast Saturday, Gabba 4:35pm, AEST The Q Clash will take a slightly different tone this time around, as during the week we saw the sacking of Rodney Eade. Normally you see teams come out ready to play and inspired because their is someone new at the helm. However, with Ablett, Witts, Tom Lynch, and Jarryd Lyons all expected to miss, the Suns will be up against it. Playing at the Gabba and with most things seemingly in their favour, this is a great opportunity for the Lions. They can stake their claim to being the best side in Queensland, while also taking four points over their rivals. Tip: Lions by 27 Essendon vs. Adelaide Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST Will the announcement of Jobe Watson's retirement spur on the Bombers to a win over the Crows? Looking back at Adelaide's performance last week, you would think it would take a mammoth effort from Essendon to get past them. Playing the game at Etihad will suit John Worsfold's men, but it may not be enough. Look for the Crows to dominate the midfield and that should give them the advantage. The pressure will again be on Essendon after this weekend, as a top eight position will still be up in the air. Tip: Crows by 35 West Coast vs. Carlton Saturday, Domain Stadium 7:40pm, AEST Despite still being a chance to play finals, 2017 has been a disappointing year for West Coast. Luckily they get the chance to host Carlton, and propel themselves back inside the finals picture. The Blues' defenders will have their hands full, as Josh Kennedy has been playing well since returning from injury. It will need to be a big group effort if they are to slow down the beast, or perhaps Liam Jones will go solo and again impress us all. Considering their opposition and that the game is being played at Domain, it would be foolish to go against the Eagles. However, don't be surprised if the Blues pull something out of the bag. Tip: Eagles by 19 Melbourne vs. St Kilda Sunday, MCG 1:10pm, AEST Another game with huge implications for the finals. Both Melbourne and St Kilda sit outside of the top eight on percentage. The winner of this game will look very likely to book a place in September, while the loser could very well be out of the race. Both sides should carry mostly unchanged line-ups into the game, however, look for Mitch Hannan to return after being rested last week against the Giants. A tough game to split, however, it was a massive seven days for the Saints last week, so they could potentially be sapped of some energy this time around. Look for the Demons to push up inside the top eight once again. Tip: Demons by 11 Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne Sunday, University of Tasmania 3:20pm, AEST This is a must win game for the Hawks, who are still within touch of the top eight. If they drop this game against the Roos their final aspirations will be all but over. Their will be intrigue as to how North Melbourne play at a Tasmanian ground that is not their own. Expect the crowd to be 50/50 in regards to which team they will be supporting. Hawthorn have a lot more to play for in this one, and it would be foolish to go with the Roos after their performance last week. Tip: Hawks by 31 Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood Sunday, Adelaide Oval 4:40pm, AEST The Power were insipid against Adelaide and will be under heavy pressure from their supporters heading into this game. The Pies on the other hand are on somewhat of a roll and are a still a mathematical chance of making the finals. You would have to assume that Ken Hinkley will have his players fired up and ready to go after the week they have had. Expect to see a clinical Port Adelaide side, that will be back and be t their aggressive and physical best. Tip: Power by 39

		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 21: Previews and Predictions

Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood

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