Friday May 22

Geelong V Carlton

Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm (All times local time)

It’s a matter of Geelong by how much in this one. Geelong has won the past six against the Carlton, including 13 from 13 against the Blues at Etihad Stadium. Carlton has been woeful this season, coming in as the worst ranked defensive team. Geelong was impressive for the first half against Sydney last week before being overpowered by one of the best teams in the competition. Geelong will be far too strong tonight against an under siege and severely less talented Carlton side. If things were not hard enough for Carlton, Geelong welcome back James Kelly, Andrew Mackie and Tom Hawkins, who have eight premierships between.

Geelong by 50

Saturday May 23

Sr. Kilda V West Coast

Etihad Stadium, 1.45pm

West Coast has been impressive this season, most notably against Port Adelaide two weeks ago when they claimed a stunning win at Adelaide Oval. Last week they did as they pleased at the Suns. Josh Kennedy has been instrumental this season, booting 27 goals in the first seven rounds. He’ll be impossible to stop for the Saints, as will West Coast’s midfield. They welcome back vice-captain Scott Selwood, while Montagna returns for the Saints and Riewoldt is out after suffering concussion during last week’s game.

West Coast by 30

GWS V Adelaide

Spotless Stadium, 2.10pm

This is a mouth-watering clash. Sitting fourth and fifth on the ladder, both sides play an attacking style of football that is beautiful to watch when in full swing. The young GWS stars just keep believing and they keep delivering. The Giants welcome back Phil Davis to sure up their defence. We’re tipping the Giants to claim another huge scalp.

GWS by 12

Gold Coast V Collingwood

Metricon Stadium, 4.35pm

Gold Coast recorded one of the best wins of their short history in the same fixture last year, but this year will unfortunately be a different story. The Suns are not rising as many expected, with injuries and a lack of confidence playing a big part. The Pies will be keen to get back on track after two losses in a row. Sidebottom and Fasolo are notable ins for Collingwood.

Collingwood by 22

Hawthorn V Sydney

MCG, 7.20pm

John Longmire said during the week that his team is simply viewing the game as another match and not a grand final rematch. But make no mistake, Sydney was hurting after last year’s loss in the big dance and will be out for revenge. The Hawks regain Brian Lake, Jordan Lewis and Isaac Smith. Sydney has been a bit more consistent so far this season and was brilliant last week against Geelong.

Sydney by 14

Fremantle V North Melbourne

Domain Stadium, 5.40pm

North Melbourne walked away 13 point victors last time these two sides met in the West. North will take great confidence from that win, but they’ll need more than just confidence to beat the undefeated Dockers. Fremantle almost let the Dogs steal a win last week, but steadied late. Ross Lyon will ensure they play four quarters this week against the Roos. Nat Fyfe plays his 100th game, and he seems to go to another level every week.

Fremantle by 21

Sunday May 24

Essendon V Brisbane

Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm

The Lions have finally roared into action with two wins a row, including a stunning upset over Port Adelaide last week. Beams played his best game for the club, and Lewis Taylor and Josh Green were influential in the forward line. Essendon has lost the last two and desperately need to win this one. They’ve shown over the last few years that they play very well with their backs against the wall, as they will again this week against an improved Brisbane side.

Essendon by 10

Melbourne V Western Bulldogs

MCG, 3.20pm

The Bulldogs have won four of the last five against Melbourne and should get the win this one as well. Melbourne was insipid last week against Hawthorn, so expect a far better effort this week. That said the Doggies will get a comfortable win as they look to break a two game losing streak.

Western Bulldogs by 24

Port Adelaide V Richmond

Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm

Who can forget last year’s finals belting that the Power handed out to Richmond in front of a packed Portress. Port Adelaide will try to draw confidence from that win, as recent weeks haven’t gone their way as they have taken a dip in form in the early part of this season. Richmond got a win against Collingwood last Sunday and was finally something like the team that we saw win nine games in a row to surge into the finals last year. Ken Hinkley isn’t a coach who sits on his hands and he’ll be trying everything this week revitalise his side and Port will find a way at home.

Port Adelaide by 18