Brisbane vs Richmond

Friday May 12, Gabba, 7:50pm AEST

Team News: The Lions will lose Darcy Gardiner in a blow to a defence tasked with stopping Jack Reiwoldt and Tom Lynch. The Lions will take confidence out of their 2020 qualifying final win where they mauled the Tigers at the Gabba.

Richmond are not to be doubted or questioned. They know how to time their run to perfection, however, they can't afford too many more losses in the pursuit of a top-four spot. Their win last week showed real character as they stormed over the top of the Giants.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Dylan Grimes of the Tigers and Charles Cameron of the Lions in action during the 2019 AFL round 23 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Shai Bolton is still unavailable for selection this week with a broken wrist suffered in a night club incident.

Prediction: Massive game but it may mean more to the Tigers. Richmond by 18 points.

Carlton vs Hawthorn

Saturday May 13, MCG, 1:45pm AEST

Team News: The Blues will be keen to welcome back Jack Silvagni and possibly Jack Martin for a must-win clash. The Blues have lost two on the bounce and can't afford to lose touch with the top eight more than they already have.

The Blues lose David Cunningham to a season-ending knee injury while ruckman Tom De Koning may be in-line for a recall. Hawthorn also need a bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Kangaroos last week.

The Hawks will again test Shaun Burgoyne's ankle but he has failed that test a few weeks in a row now. Improvement needs to come from within at Hawthorn and they may turn to another Alastair Clarkson masterclass to shock the Blues.

Prediction: Hawthorn are the Blues' bogey team and come around at the worst possible time. Carlton by 38 points. 

Geelong vs Gold Coast

Saturday May 13, GMHBA, 2:10pm AEST

Team News: Geelong could be boosted by the return of a handy pair given they pass tests later in the week. Jake Kolodjashnij and Luke Dahlhaus could all be available in a massive boost to an already strong Cats lineup.

The Cats arguably got out of jail against the Saints last week after hitting some serious form in the weeks prior. The Suns need an immediate response after a smashing in the Q- Clash but the opposition doesn't get easier. They lose Jack Bowes who has been arguably their best player this season.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats handpasses the ball during the round 13 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Geelong Cats at Domain Stadium on June 15, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Suns have been as up-and-down as a Movie World roller-coaster and it's hard to know what to expect from them. Pressure may be starting to build on the Gold Coast should they get belted again.

Prediction: The Cats will be looking to find some of their best form again. Geelong by 47 points.

Adelaide vs Melbourne

Saturday May 13, Adelaide Oval, 4:35pm AEST

Team News: The Crows have tailed away since their stellar start to 2021. They were gallant against the Eagles but never really threatened to challenge, which means they maybe weren't as close as the score suggests.

Melbourne keep on going and are still undefeated after nine rounds. There seems to be no stopping the Dees at the moment, they don't need to play at their best to win well which is a strong trait.

Luke Jackson may still miss this week with the Demons in no rush to bring the young ruck back in the team. Melbourne have to lose eventually and a trip to the Adelaide Oval is never an ideal place to go.

Prediction: Another test for the Dees. If they're legit, they win this. Melbourne by 17 points.

Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda

Saturday May 13, Marvel Stadium, 7:25pm AEST

Team News: The Bulldogs confirmed their premiership credentials with a very impressive win on the road against the Power. They have put the Richmond loss behind them and they are charging towards a serious finals push.

Tim English may miss a fourth-week with concussion symptoms which is a blow for the Dogs but their focus will be on getting him right. St Kilda blew a massive opportunity against the Cats as they did everything they could to not kick goals.

AFL Rd 7 - Essendon v Western Bulldogs
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Tim English of the Bulldogs (right) celebrates a goal with team mates during the round 7 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on July 17, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Brad Crouch underwent surgery this week but will be fit for Saturday night. Jack Carlisle will likely miss again as the Saints look to cling on to their faint finals hopes.

Prediction: The Dogs are the real deal and the Saints can't be trusted. Western Bulldogs by 26 points.

GWS Giants vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday May 14, GIANTS Stadium, 1:10pm AEST

Team News: The Giants lose Toby Greene in a cruel body-blow. Harry Perryman is another big loss but he is set to be replaced by the returning Nick Haynes, who has overcome a hamstring injury.

The Eagles have struggled on the road this season and need to find more consistency on their travels. Oscar Allen faces a test after training in an arm brace earlier in the week. Shannon Hurn, Liam Ryan and Jeremy McGovern all face tests later this week to prove their fitness.

The above names would handy inclusions for the Eagles who may have doubts about their away form.

Prediction: The Giants are finding their feet this season and the Eagles are vulnerable away from Optus Stadium. Giants by 11 points.

Collingwood vs Port Adelaide

Sunday May 14, MCG, 3:20 AEST

Team News: Port Adelaide are being labelled flat-track bullies after they fell to another flag contender last weekend. Their best seems to be reserved for teams struggling and Collingwood are just that.

Tom Clurey goes out after injuring his jaw in the loss to the Dogs, Dan Houston may be a handy inclusion as he faces a test later in the week. His ball use would be a very valuable addition to Port Adelaide's arsenal.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies handballs during the round seven AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on May 03, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Collingwood were ok against the Swans last weekend but looked out of their depth, this is another stern test and if they let the Power get a fast start they may find themselves a long-way back before too long.

Prediction: The Power love beating up the teams below them and they will want a response. Port Adelaide by 37 points.

Essendon vs North Melbourne

Sunday May 14, Marvel Stadium, 4:40pm AEST

Team News: The Kangaroos consider this a genuine rivalry. They do not like Essendon and have made that known in recent years. Expect them to come out firing, especially after a big breakthrough win last weekend.

The Bombers on the other hand apparently don't see this match the same way. Devon Smith last year said "it was just another game" for the Bombers. They were good against Fremantle last week but a win against them in Melbourne isn't hot form.

Smith will likely miss this week in a blow for the Bombers who will need to be on to counter an excited and confident North Melbourne.

Prediction: Could the flood gates be about to open at Arden Street in a good way? North Melbourne by 4 points.

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.