AFL Round Five preview

Port Adelaide vs. Carlton Friday, Adelaide Oval 7:50pm, AEST The Power recorded their second loss in a row on the weekend, going down to the Giants. They will look to bounce back in round five, hosting the Blues on Friday night. Carlton went down to the Suns in round four, and again look like they will have a tough year.. Port Adelaide will welcome back ruckman Paddy Ryder, this has significant importance due to the withdrawal of Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer. Carlton did win the last match-up between the two sides in round eight of 2016. Sam Docherty had a day out in that game, finishing with 33 disposals and 13 marks. The Power have been brought down to earth after a blistering start to season 2017. However, expect them to get back on the winners list this weekend, their physicality should be too much for the Blues. Tip: Power by 37 Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Saturday, Etihad Stadium 1:45pm, AEST Despite dropping three of their first four games, the Lions have surprised some people with their solid form to start the year. The Bulldogs on the other hand are 3-1, but have not been totally convincing in their performances. Expect the Dogs to dominate the Lions in this one, with their quality around the ground being too much for the Lions. However, one area where they might struggle is the forward line. Travis Cloke and Stewart Crameri are both out, while Tom Boyd has struggled for form. Brisbane's back six have been some of the most promising talent on their list, thus the Dogs may have a tough time finding goals. Brisbane's lack of depth in the midfield could cost them. The top line talent of Rockliff and Beams don't quite have the support they need. Luke Beveridge's side has a plethora of options, who should run the Lions off their feet. Tip: Bulldogs by 41 Gold Coast vs. Adelaide Saturday, Metricon Stadium 4:35pm, AEST The Crows have been one of the surprises of the season. They currently sit 4-0, and second on the ladder on percentage. They will be confident heading into this game against the Suns. Gold Coast has never beaten Adelaide. The Suns' average losing margin across the nine games is just over 55 points. They did beat Hawthorn for the first time this year, however, the Crows are playing much better football than the Hawks in 2017. The Suns will have a tough time stopping the potent Adelaide forward line. Betts, Walker, and Lynch combined for 13 goals last week, while the likes of Andy Otten, Rory Atkins, and Rory Sloane have also managed to hit the scoreboard. Tip: Crows by 25 Sydney vs. GWS Saturday, SCG 7:25PM, AEST It's been a horror start for Sydney, and it doesn't get any easier, with the 'Battle of the Bridge' coming up in round five. The Giants have bounced back from their shock round one loss, winning three straight games. If anybody predicted the Swans to 0-5 at the start of the year, you would have called them crazy. However, now it is looking like a real possibility. They are still missing some key players, while the Giants are looking to welcome back Steve Johnson after he missed last week with knee soreness. The SCG hasn't been a happy hunting ground for GWS. They are yet to win a game on the ground. This is a big opportunity to change that poor record against an out of sorts Sydney outfit. The Giants' skill and potent forward line, should be too much for a down and depleted Sydney side. Don't rule the Swans out by any means, but GWS should take the win. Tip: Giants by 21 Fremantle vs. North Melbourne Saturday, Domain Stadium 7:40pm, AEST North Melbourne suffered another heartbreaking loss last week. But, in their first four games of the season, they have shown some serious promise. This weekend they make the trip to Perth to play Fremantle. The Dockers have somewhat recovered from their poor start to the year, and will look to make it three straight wins when they play the Roos. A win would also put them above .500. North Melbourne aren't known as good travellers and that could play against them this week. However, last time the two teams met, the shinboners claimed an impressive 31-point win. Jack Ziebell dominated, collecting 26 disposals, to go along with seven marks and three goals. Keep an eye on Nat Fyfe in this one, as the Roos have a tendency to let opposition star midfielders run wild. These two teams are tough to split. It's hard to go past Fremantle at home, but North Melbourne are playing too well to go 0-5. Tip: Kangaroos by 13 St Kilda vs. Geelong Sunday, Etihad Stadium 3:20pm, AEST Geelong find themselves 4-0, and on top of the ladder. However, there are still doubters who believe they are yet to fully prove themselves. This week will be another good test, they play a confident St Kilda side who is coming off two wins in a row. Fans will be hoping for another epic clash, with their past two games being incredibly tight. In 2016 the Saints claimed a three-point win, while in 2015 the two sides drew. With Lachie Henderson likely to play on Riewoldt, Chris Scott will have to decide if he will keep Harry Taylor forward, or move him back into defence to combat the potentially lethal Saints' forward six. There could be an upset on the cards here. Playing at Etihad and the Saints' great form against the Cats in the past, suggests they could get over the line. Tip: Saints by 17 Hawthorn vs. West Coast Sunday, MCG 4:40pm, AEST The Hawthorn story continues to unfold in a way that no one would have predicted. 0-4 and sitting in bottom place, the Hawks just have not been up to the task in the first month of the season. They will face off against West Coast on Sunday, in what looks to be an important game for both sides. Hawthorn will want to get off the mark for season 2017, while the Eagles are looking to find a place in the top four. Playing at the MCG will not suit West Coast, who have lost 11 of their past 15 games at the ground. This is one of the few things in the Hawks' favour, however, it may not be enough. Don't rule out a fired up Alastair Clarkson led squad, however, the Eagles should be too strong. Tip: Eagles by 25 Richmond vs. Melbourne Monday, MCG 7:25pm, AEST The Tiger bandwagon is full to the brim, as they sit 4-0, and look like they may play finals footy. This week will be an exciting match-up against the young and upcoming Demons. Melbourne will welcome back Jesse Hogan, after his suspension. He will provide an important target up forward, however, will likely face the tough match-up of Alex Rance. Richmond have been rolling, and have shown their ability to perform in all conditions. This current wave of confidence could be the difference in this game. The Demons are on a run of two losses, and look to be lacking in some self belief. Despite winning their past three games against the Tigers, Melbourne are likely to drop another game. If the Tigers go 5-0, be prepared for the lid to come well and truly off for their supporters. That's if it hasn't happened already. Tip: Tigers by 9 Essendon vs. Collingwood Tuesday, MCG 3:20PM, AEST The epic ANZAC Day clash is set for another installment. Fans are hoping this year's game is more exciting than the match-up in 2016. Both Essendon and Collingwood are delicately poised heading into round five. The Bombers are an even 2-2, while the Pies sit 1-3. Both sides will look to make a push for a top eight spot, before their bye round. The midfield battle is mouth-watering, with names like Pendelbury, Heppell, Treloar, and Merrett all set to do battle. Who wins the battle in the centre could very well decide the outcome of the game. Keep an eye on David Zaharakis. The Essendon star has a love for the ANZAC Day stage, having kicked the winning goal in 2009, and winning the ANZAC Day medal in 2013. Tip: Pies by 3

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	HAW	4	4	0	16	127.4
2	BL	4	4	0	16	119.5
3	GC	3	3	0	12	172.6
4	ADEL	4	3	1	12	146.6
5	COLL	4	3	1	12	123.4
6	GEEL	4	2	2	8	135.7
7	GWS	3	2	1	8	121.3
8	SYD	4	2	2	8	114.7

AFL Round Five preview

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