Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne
Adelaide Oval, 7:50pm (AEST) Friday April 26
Team News: After their big win in the west last weekend, Port Adelaide have gone in unchanged on Friday night. However, their youngsters have slowed down a little bit and one or two could be due for a rest soon.
North Melbourne came thudding back to Earth quickly on the weekend and have made a few changes. Luke McDonald and Tarryn Thomas will return from suspension and a rest respectively. Bailey Scott, Jy Simpkin and Paul Ahern struggled against the Bombers and have been sent back to the VFL.
Prediction: Port Adelaide should be a class above, especially at home. Port Adelaide by 45.
Gold Coast vs Brisbane
Metricon Stadium, 1:45pm (AEST) Saturday April 27
Team News: Joshua Corbett will debut after a couple of good weeks in the NEAFL, replacing the struggling Chris Burgess.
Brisbane have made four changes, with Harris Andrews and Rhys Mathieson suffering hamstring injuries in the loss to Collingwood, while Allen Christensen and Nick Robertson have been dropped. Tom Cutler, Lewis Taylor and Ryan Lester return to the senior team, while Noah Answerth comes in for his debut.
Prediction: Brisbane to get their season back on track. Brisbane by 23.
St Kilda vs Adelaide
Marvel Stadium, 4:35pm (AEST) Saturday April 27
Team News: Jarryn Geary will miss an extended period of time after having surgery on his badly corked thigh as Dan McKenzie (concussion) returns after a week off.
Wayne Milera (AC joint) has been replaced by Myles Poholke, who gathered 30 disposals and kicked four goals in the SANFL last week.
Prediction: Adelaide to build on the momentum gained in Eddie’s 300th. Adelaide by 20.
Sydney vs GWS
SCG, 7:25pm (AEST) Saturday April 27
Team News: Ben Ronke has had a quiet start to season 2019 and will have a spell in the NEAFL and Kieren Jack is out injured. Nick Blakey and Lewis Melican come into the side.
Phil Davis is still struggling with a minor ankle injury suffered in the loss to the Dockers but has been named. Jackson Hateley has been omitted despite racking up 22 disposals on debut last week, along with Matt Buntine. Toby Greene and Adan Corr come in.
Prediction: GWS to bounce back against the out of form Swans. GWS by 30.
Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs
Optus Stadium, 8:10pm (AEST) Saturday April 27
Team News: Defender Taylin Duman is unavailable for Fremantle due to a one-week suspension. Cam McCarthy is back in the side after being a late out with an illness on the weekend. Ryan Nyhuis has also come in for Brennan Cox.
For the Bulldogs, Bailey Williams only had nine disposals in the loss to the Blues and has been dropped for forgotten defender Jackson Trengove. Josh Dunkley has had a quiet start to the year but nine tackles on the weekend helped him retain his spot. Pat Lipinski will get his chance sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Fremantle should be too strong at home coming off of a huge win. Fremantle by 24.
Hawthorn vs Carlton
UTAS Stadium, 3:20pm (AEST) Sunday April 28
Team News: Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton is back after being a late out with a concussion on the weekend, while Liam Shiels is a strong chance to take his place in the line up after a few weeks off with a hamstring complaint. Conor Nash needs to regain some confidence in the VFL after only gathering two touches on Monday, while late in David Mirra will likely be replaced by his captain.
Cam Polson only had four touches and two tackles in his return to the senior line-up and may be omitted straight away. Lachie O’Brien has also been quiet to start the year and might need a few weeks back at the lower level. Charlie Curnow and Matthew Kennedy will be pushing their cases for senior selection at training this week.
Prediction: The Hawks do not lose in Tasmania too often. Hawthorn by 31.
Geelong vs West Coast
GMHBA Stadium, 4:40pm (AEST) Sunday April 28
Team News: Charlie Constable will return and replace the injured Brandon Parfitt after being rested on Monday. Jordan Clark looks tired and will have a rest, opening the door for the experienced Zach Tuohy to return after an interrupted preseason.
Even after a horror loss to the Power, there are no obvious changes to the Eagles line up. Nathan Vardy could be be omitted as the dual ruck line up continues to struggle, which may give Jarrod Brander a chance to return after debuting in round one.
Prediction: The home ground advantage should play a role in the outcome of this contest. Geelong by 15.
