Don’t know who to tip this week? Check out Zero Tipper’s expert tips for Round 15!
Last week: 7
Season total: 79
Thursday July 9
Port Adelaide V Collingwood
Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm (All times local time)
Port Adelaide will still be in shock after the sudden death of former assistant coach Phil Walsh. One of two things could happen, the Power could come out firing and win for their mate and mentor. Or they could be incredibly flat after an very difficult week. I think unfortunately it will be the latter, with coach Ken Hinkley coming out during the week and saying he has found it hard to focus on football. Collingwood on the other hand are playing some very good football lately, going down to Hawthorn by just 10 points last week and the Pies should continue their good form and continue to push for a top four spot.
Collingwood by 18
Friday July 10
Richmond V Carlton
MCG, 7.50pm
A month ago, the result would have been beyond doubt. But it is amazing what a breath of fresh air a new coach is at a football club, with the Blues looking like a completely different outfit under caretaker coach John Barker. Carlton are unlikely to beat the in-form Tigers, who now sit sixth, but expect it to be a tight, physical encounter.
Richmond by 22
Saturday July 11
Essendon V Melbourne
MCG, 1.40pm
The Bombers seem to be getting worse and worse every week, with the players performing as though have nothing left to play for. Unfortunately for Essendon fans, it will get even worse this week, with an another embarrassment on the cards against a patchy, but ultimately, improving Melbourne side. Despite Melbourne's poor record over the past decade, the Dees have remarkably won four of their past five against Essendon.
Melbourne by 20
Western Bulldogs V Gold Coast
Cazaly's Stadium, 4.35pm
The Gary Ablett inspired Suns were outstanding last week. Who knows if the same driven side will turn up this week to produce another upset, but one thing is for sure, the club appears to have turned a corner. The Bulldogs should be too strong and less willing to wither away like the Roos last week, but expect a close contest for the first half as the Suns ride a wave of confidence from last week. Ablett kicked three goals and racked 31 disposals in his first game back in three months. He will be even better this week after gaining some match fitness. Be worried Bulldog fans, be very worried.
Western Bulldogs by 18
North Melbourne V Geelong
Etihad Stadium, 7.20pm
This is a huge game for both sides as they look to push for a top eight spot. The Cats regain Brownlow Medalist Jimmy Bartel, which will be a big boost, after a disappointing loss last time they took to the field against the Demons. The Roos beat Geelong at Simonds Stadium earlier this year and the Cats will be keen to exact revenge, but North also have a lot to play for after a dismal performance against the Suns last week. Tough one to pick, Geelong just, due to North's horror show at Metricon last round.
Geelong by 10
West Coast V Adelaide
Domain Stadium, 5.40pm
The toughest trip in football has been made even harder for the Crows after the tragic death of coach Phil Walsh. Adelaide will be very keen to pay tribute to their late coach in the best possible way. Despite West Coast's great form and the fact that some Crows' players will no doubt be flat, I'm tipping an upset, with Adelaide to win. It is perhaps a tip more from my heart than my head, but it would be fantastic if Adelaide can win for Walshy. It is worth noting that the Eagles are also in deep mourning, with Walsh working as an assistant at West Coast from 2009 to 2013.
Adelaide by 10
Sunday July 12
GWS V St. Kilda
Spotless Stadium, 1.10pm
Another tough one to call here. The Giants would have been a sure thing just a few weeks ago, but injuries to key players, namely Shane Mumford, has crippled their season. However, they were very good last week against the Tigers and narrowly lost, to show that they perhaps can perform without their intimidating ruckman. The Saints' win over Essendon was good, but it probably told us more about where the Bombers are at than St. Kilda. I'm giving GWS one more chance to show their resolve and get a win without Mummy.
GWS by 10
Hawthorn V Fremantle
Aurora Stadium, 3.20pm
Tough road trip for Freo this week, traveling all the way down to Tasmania. Hawthorn was tested last week against Collingwood, but got the points for their fifth straight win and have been hitting their straps of late. It will be an intriguing battle, with Hawthorn the best attacking team in the competition and Fremantle the best defensive team in the league. The Hawks should get over the line in Launceston, as they have won their past 13 games at Aurora Stadium.
Hawthorn by 16
Brisbane V Sydney
The Swans have won their past four against Brisbane and that dominance should continue this week. Sydney was impressive against Port considering they were without Tippett and Franklin and they should be boosted by their returns this week. The Lions won't be pushovers though as they proved last week, sticking with the Dockers for the best part of three quarters before being over run in the last.
Sydney by 30
