Friday night footy kicks off with Hawthorn ($1.20) taking on Richmond ($4.60) at the MCG. The Hawks are coming off a rare loss last weekend and will be out to prove to the rest of the competition that they remain a force to be reckoned with. Nothing has gone right for the Tigers so far this season and they face the reigning premiers at the worst possible time. Despite a reasonably good history against the Hawks, they will enter this contest without Alex Rance and skipper Trent Cotchin so a win will be very difficult.
Most Goals – James Sicily ($12)
It will be the battle between two traditional rivals when Collingwood ($1.57) and Carlton ($2.40) go head to head on Saturday. The Blues will enter the match with confidence on the back of two consecutive wins. But I feel as though the Magpies are an underrated outfit and will produce similar footy to what they showed on ANZAC Day and win this match comfortably.
Collingwood 40 – 59 ($6)
West Coast ($2.54) has arguably one of the toughest trips in footy when it travels to Simonds Stadium to take on Geelong ($1.54) on Saturday afternoon. Both sides are playing quality football and much has been said about the midfield combination of Paddy Dangerfield and Joel Selwood. While the Eagles are certainly no slouch, the Cats should take full advantage of the home ground advantage and win this in a close one.
Geelong 1 – 19 ($3.50)
Essendon ($15) have been courageous so far this season but faces a massive task up in Sydney against the Swans ($1.01). With Lance Franklin in scintillating form and the midfield class of Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker, it is hard to see the Bombers getting close.
Sydney 40+ ($1.21)
It will be a really interesting game up in Queensland with Gold Coast ($1.77) hosting Melbourne ($2.04) at Metricon Stadium. The Demons were disappointing last week against St Kilda but Jesse Hogan’s haul of seven goals still brought a wry smile to the face of most supporters. This match could certainly go either way but I am tipping a big performance from the little master Gary Ablett to get his side over the line.
Gold Coast 1 – 19 ($3.30)
Perhaps the match of the round has Western Bulldogs ($1.77) up against Adelaide ($2.04) at Etihad Stadium. The Doggies are up against the ropes as it faces an injury crisis to its running defenders. But despite a lack of personnel, there were glimpses of a top four side last week in the loss against North Melbourne. But Adelaide are a side that travels well and are my tip to win this match.
Adelaide 1 – 19 ($4)
One of the more intriguing matches this round pits the winless Fremantle ($3) up against the raging hot Greater Western Sydney ($1.38). On face value, it is hard to give the Dockers any chance at all given the form their opponents are in. But football is a funny game and you just get the feeling coach Ross Lyon may have an ace up his sleeve. With that being said, you would have to be a very brave person to go against the Giants.
GWS 1 – 39 ($2.14)
The undefeated North Melbourne ($1.33) are flying high at the moment and will look to keep its unbeaten run intact against St Kilda ($3.25). The Saints were very impressive at this venue last week against the Demons but are up against a better outfit this time. The Roos have looked very solid this season around the midfield and its tall forward line of Ben Brown, Drew Petrie and Jarrod Waite will stretch the Saints defence.
North Melbourne 20 – 39 ($3.50)
In the final match of the round Port Adelaide ($1.45) are at home against Brisbane ($2.70). Adelaide Oval has become a very hard side to win at for opposition clubs in recent times but the Power side have looked vulnerable this season. With a number of stars still on the sidelines, a win for the Lions is certainly not an impossibility.
Port Adelaide 1 – 19 ($3.50)
