St Kilda vs Geelong
Friday May 14, Marvel Stadium, 7:50pm AEST
Team News: The Cats showed last Friday night they are a true premiership contender as they took care of the Tigers in alarming fashion, putting to bed many of the queries they had rightfully been asked.
Sam Simpson is unlikely given a hamstring injury, but the rest should remain unchanged. Jeremy Cameron has hit the ground running in his new colours and hasn't taken away from Tom Hawkins which has been a massive boost.
"This isn't a stay at home forward. This is a guy that has an unbelievable aerobic capacity and runs players into the ground."@matthewlloyd18 believes Jeremy Cameron is playing in the form that put him on the map.#9FootyClassified | Watch @channel9 pic.twitter.com/qd5507IQpk
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 10, 2021
The Saints got an impressive come-from-behind win in the Gold Coast, it wasn't the fix the Saints are after but it was a crucial win. They will need to show they can be competitive with the best teams this week. Jake Carlisle will face a test for his back which has kept him out while co-captain is still little bit away, while James Frawley is in the mix.
Prediction: The Cats flexed their muscles last week and the Saints haven't handled it well when teams do that. Geelong by 37 points.
Sydney vs Collingwood
Saturday May 15, SCG, 1:45pm AEST
Team News: The Swans were super against the Demons away from home. After a minor blip a few weeks back they have found some good form again and will be thrilled to be back on their home deck.
Isaac Heeney faces a test on his ankle to be right for the weekend after he missed the loss to the Demons. George Hewett looks set to return from concussion and ruckman Sam Naismith looks set for a return via the VFL.
The Pies got a win they desperately needed against the Kangaroos but the jury is still out on them. Beating North Melbourne isn't a giant step forward if at all, they are a team that travels well and enjoys getting away. Levi Greenwood will likely miss again with concussion symptoms.
Prediction: The Swans are looking more genuine as the weeks go on and the Pies beating the Kangaroos proves nothing. Sydney by 26 points.
Hawthorn vs North Melbourne
Saturday, May 15, University of Tasmania Stadium, 2:10pm AEST
Team News: The Kangaroos are hunting for their first win and get presented a great opportunity here. Dom Tyson, Jaidyn Stephenson and Aidan Corr are unavailable for the immediate future which is a blow to an already long injury list.
Hawthorn look set to welcome back Jaeger O'Meara with Shaun Burgoyne and Jon Ceglar to undergo tests in the lead up. The Hawks have been heavily criticised this week which means Alistair Clarkson will likely have a point to prove and come out with another Clarko masterclass.
The Hawks on paper look the stronger of the two, especially given the possible inclusions.
Prediction: The Hawks will be too strong, just. Hawthorn by 11 points.
Gold Coast vs Brisbane
Saturday May 15, Metricon Stadium, 4:35pm AEST
Team News: The Suns would be crushed after surrendering the final four goals last week to lose to the Saints. They seemingly had the game in their grasp and let it slip. Nick Holman will go out after suffering a concussion while Jacob Townsend looks set to return via the VFL.
The Lions are building incredibly well and look the force we all thought them to be at the start of the season. They have found their groove in time for the QClash. These sides would be just about be sick of each other after they met twice in pre-season.
Ely Smith and Cam Ellis-Yolmen are likely to return via the VFL this weekend as well.
Prediction: The Lions are humming now. Brisbane by 42 points.
Richmond vs GWS
Saturday May 15, Marvel Stadium, 7:25pm AEST
Team News: The Tigers will be looking to bounce back after a thumping at the hands of Geelong last Friday night. They were well off the pace in the second half and would be disappointed with their efforts.
Shai Bolton is out for 2-3 weeks after a nightclub incident saw him break his wrist, while Daniel Rioli - who was struck in the face in the same incident looks to be given the all-clear. Dylan Grimes will be a test after suffering delayed concussion ahead of last week's loss.
The Giants lose Jeremy Finlayson after he was suspended for a strike on Bomber Zac Merrett, while Lachie Keefe will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. Jesse Hogan will battle to be fit after he was ruled out last week with a tight calf.
Prediction: The Tigers rarely play two bad ones in a row. Richmond by 26 points.
Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday May 15, Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm AEST
Team News: The game of the round this one. The Bulldogs kicked eight straight goals to overrun Carlton last week in a display that showed how deep their midfield runs and proved that they can't be given an inch.
Tim English faces a test after he missed a second week with concussion while Lachie Hunter may still play despite breaking his hand last week. There will be no debut for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan this week after he suffered a concussion in the VFL.
Port Adelaide cruised home in the showdown and looked the side many believe can win the premiership.
Prediction: The Power are a different beast at home but have failed the test against some fellow contenders. Port Adelaide by 4 points.
Essendon vs Fremantle
Sunday May 16, Marvel Stadium, 1:10pm AEST
Team News: The Dockers have been on a rollercoaster this season and their form in Melbourne as been the low-point of that ride. Their best is usually reserved for Optus Stadium and they tend to leave it there.
Adam Cerra may return this week in a much-needed boost for the Dockers midfield, with Alex Pearce likely to come back through the WAFL. The Bombers will be hoping they can keep their decent form up and hopefully convert that form into wins.
Jake Stringer goes out with a hamstring injury and Alec Waterman looms as a likely replacement after recovering from an ankle injury.
Prediction: The Bombers will be grateful this game is at Marvel. Essendon by 12 points.
Melbourne vs Carlton
Sunday May 16, MCG, 3:20pm AEST
Team News: The Blues showed their best is good enough on the weekend, but they showed their best doesn't go for four quarters. They conceded another string of goals to give up a 27-point lead to the Bulldogs.
They lose the luckless Jack Silvagni with concussion but expect Marc Murphy to return. Zac Williams and Patrick Cripps both looked sore in the loss to the Dogs but will be right for Sunday. Tom De Koning and Nic Newman are chances after strong fortnights in the VFL.
The Demons just keep rolling and they took another step forward winning against the Swans despite not being at their best. Not much has changed on the injury-front for the ladder leaders as they look to go 9-0.
Prediction: Melbourne have to lose at some point, don't they? Well it won't be this week. Melbourne by 23 points.
West Coast vs Adelaide
Sunday, May 16, Optus Stadium, 4:40pm AEST
Team News: The Eagles were in cruise control against the Hawks last week and put to bed some of their road form worries. They'll be glad to be home and boosted by the returns of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass, while Liam Ryan and Shannon Hurn appear at least a week away.
The Crows have had a reality check after a terrific opening to the season thanks in large part to a soft draw. They need to find a way to remain in games and give themselves a chance against the better sides.
Lachie Murphy will miss a chunk of football after opting for surgery on a syndesmosis injury which is a blow for the Crows.
Prediction: The Eagles won't be too challenged here. West Coast by 39 points.
