Friday May 1

Carlton V Collingwood

MCG, 7.50pm (All times local time)

The Blues got their first win of the season last week against St. Kilda with a much improved performance. However, Collingwood will be a much tougher challenge. The Pies have been better than expected so far this year and despite the Blues trying to win for Mick in his record breaking 715th game as coach, Collingwood should outclass the Blues in the end.

Collingwood by 20

 

Saturday May 2

Richmond V Geelong

MCG, 1.45pm

Recent history suggests Geelong by a country mile. The Cats have won the past 10 games against Richmond. However, current form suggests it will be very close time around. The Tigers are 2-2, however, are coming off a disappointing loss to Melbourne last weekend. Geelong’s recent poor form can be excused due to injuries and a tough draw to the start the season. It’s too tough to tip against the Cats due to their recent dominance over Richmond, plus their ability to consistently win when the chips are down over the past decade.

Geelong by 18

Sydney V Western Bulldogs

SCG, 2.10pm

Sydney will be far too strong for the Doggies here, but expect the young pups to be super competitive. The Bulldogs showed last week against Adelaide that they don’t fear anyone. Sydney welcome champion Adam Goodes back into the squad, as well as Tom Mitchell and Dean towers.

Sydney by 24

Gold Coast V Brisbane

Metricon Stadium, 4.35pm

It has been branded as the battle for the wooden spoon. It may be slightly premature given it is only round five, but with the way these two are playing it’s difficult to see the loser getting off the bottom any time soon. Both sides are suffering from several injuries and devoid of confidence. It’s a flip of a coin in this one.

Gold Coast by 10

North Melbourne V Hawthorn

Etihad Stadium, 7.20pm

North Melbourne was impressive in the final quarter against Geelong last week pulling away for an important victory. However, Hawthorn proved against the Bulldogs in round three that they will come out firing after a loss. The Hawks don’t lose two in a row very often.

Hawthorn by 27

West Coast V GWS

Domain Stadium, 5.40pm

Both sides had big wins last week, but they played the bottom two sides in Brisbane and Gold Coast. GWS may have only beaten Gold Coast, who are struggling big time at the moment, but their ball movement has been exceptional this season. The Eagles have been solid in their wins without setting the world on fire. We’re tipping GWS to break through with a hugely important upset win.

GWS by 12

 

Sunday May 3

Melbourne V Fremantle

MCG, 1.10pm

There’s no doubt Fremantle will outclass Melbourne on Sunday at the G. The Dockers have been in sublime form and are the only undefeated team left in the competition. Melbourne has been one of the big improvers this year and they have found a star tagger in experienced midfielder Bernie Vince, who will try his utmost to stop Freo’s Nat Fyfe. It will be an intriguing battle between the up and comers and the established Fremantle stars. Melbourne’s new found hardness will test Freo early but the Dockers will run away with it in the end.

Fremantle by 30

St.Kilda V Essendon

Etihad Stadium, 3.20pm

Both sides are coming off losses but Essendon will not let the disappointing second half fadeout against Collingwood happen again. The Saints have been impressive this year, but won’t be able to match Essendon’s talent at either end of the great. Hurley, Carlisle and Daniher have all been impressive, while Watson continues to get the job done in the middle most weeks.

Essendon by 24

Adelaide V Port Adelaide

Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm

What a mouth-watering clash! The Showdown has produced some absolute classics over the years. But this year’s match could just top the lot. Before Adelaide’s loss to the Bulldogs last week, they were in blistering form. The Power have just come off a brilliant win against the reigning Premiers in another example of how deadly they can be when they get on a run on. Phil Walsh forced his players take a dip in the ocean at 5am this week as punishment for the loss on the weekend. The Crows will therefore come out firing as they try to prove a point. The match will be fierce, fast paced, high scoring and highly entertaining. Port Adelaide will just get over the line.

Port Adelaide by 12