Round 15: Previews and Predictions

Melbourne vs. Sydney Friday, MCG 7:50pm, AEST We look to be set for another Friday night blockbuster, with two in-form teams going head-to-head. Both Melbourne and Sydney are coming off thrilling wins in round 13, and will now be fighting it out for an incredibly important four points. Sydney's record against Melbourne is impressive over recent time. From their past 12 games against the Demons, the Swans have won 10, and drawn one. This is a great opportunity for Melbourne to get one back, especially considering it's at the MCG. This is a tough game to split, the Demons are still missing some big names, while the Swans don't have an amazing record at the G'. You have to feel like Sydney are due to drop a game, and Melbourne seem to be the side to beat at the moment. Tip: Demons by 13 Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Saturday. Etihad Stadium 1:45pm, AEST The Bulldogs finally got back on the winners list last weekend, taking the four points against North Melbourne. It wasn't a pretty win, and now they will have the tough task of backing it up against West Coast. The Eagles should be hungry to get back out there after their heartbreaking loss to Melbourne. Will Schofield will be available after a successful appeal at the tribunal, however, Hurn, Lecras, and Kennedy have all been ruled out. At Etihad, and with some big names out, the Eagles might have a tough time in this one. The Dogs have to start winning, and this is a great opportunity to take a scalp. Tip: Dogs by 21 Carlton vs. Adelaide Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST Potentially one of the more one sided clashes of the round, however, Carlton have showed they have the ability to take it up to the best teams in the league. Also in Carlton's favour is the fact the game will be played at the MCG, a ground which Adelaide have only appeared at once so far this year. The Blues will have some outs, with Jed Lamb likely to be the most noted one, while Adelaide's squad is fairly healthy. We may finally see the return of Scott Thompson, who could be brought into the side to help out Sloan and sure up the midfield after some impressive performances in the SANFL. Either way this is a game Adelaide should win. Tip: Crows by 39 Gold Coast vs. North Melbourne Saturday, Metricon Stadium 4:35pm, AEST If all goes to plan, Gary Ablett will play his 300th game in front of his home crowd. Hopefully the Gold Coast crowd come out and show their support for the modern day legend. Gold Coast's record against North Melbourne is actually very solid. The Suns have won three out of their past five match-ups. The Roos will also be without veteran midfielder Ben Cunnington due to suspension. This is a big loss for Brad Scott's team and could tip the game in the Sun's favour. Tip: Suns by 17 GWS vs. Geelong Saturday, Spotless Stadium 7:25pm, AEST In a round full of excellent match-ups, this one takes the cake. This first vs. third clash will see two teams vying for mid-season dominance. Geelong may have to make the trip up to Spotless Stadium without captain Joel Selwood, who is still in doubt after receiving a head knock last week. Considering his output this season, it will be a devastating loss if he does not play. Potentially no Selwood for Geelong, and playing at home, GWS should get over the line in this one. Their forward line was firing on all cylinders last week, so keep an eye on them this time around. Tip: Giants by 28 Port Adelaide vs. Richmond Saturday, Adelaide Oval 7:40pm, AEST Yet another game where it will be tough to pick a winner. Both Port and Richmond are jostling for a top four finish and this game could have some big implications for positions come the end of the year. Richmond were less than convincing in their win over Carlton and seemed to butcher the ball at times. They will also be without running half back Bachar Houli, who has been suspended, but whether it be two weeks or more, we will find out tonight. Port on the other hand were led by Robbie Gray (five goals) in a convincing win. The game could be decided in the middle, with the Nankervis vs. Ryder battle being pivotal. The Tiger ruckman looks to have struggled to run out games in recent weeks, which could play into the hands of Paddy Ryder and the Power. Tip: Power by 9 Essendon vs. Brisbane Sunday, Etihad Stadium 1:10pm, AEST Essendon will be filthy that they gave the game away against Sydney last weekend, so expect them to come out firing. Brisbane have shown some excellent signs so far this year, giving their fans something to look forward to. The Lions record against the Bombers over recent time isn't terrible, their record stands at 2-3 over the past five games. Winning last week would have put Essendon in a great position, however, they couldn't get over the line. Back on their home deck, and against the bottom of the ladder side, they should get back on the winners' list in a must win game. Tip: Bombers by 36 Hawthorn vs. Collingwood Sunday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST A classic Victorian rivalry is set for another exciting chapter, with the Hawks and Pies set to do battle. Both teams currently sit towards the bottom of the ladder, however, have shown they can play quality football when it all comes together. A lot of chatter for the week has been about Luke Hodge, and a potential retirement come the end of the year. Keep an eye on how the star Hawk performs, he could be set for a big one. Another tough time picking a winner, however goal-kicking and finding players to hit the scoreboard is still a problem for the Pies. For this reason you would have to get behind Hawthorn in this one. Tip: Hawks by 12 Fremantle vs. St Kilda Sunday, Domain Stadium 4:40pm, AEST Fremantle is another side who really should have won last week. Michael Walters would kick 9/10 from 30 metres out directly in front, however, sadly it was that 10th try that hurt his side against the Cats. They will be happy to be playing at Domain Stadium, however, could face some stiff competition in St Kilda. The Saints have been up and down in 2017 and are yet to really hit their straps. Their best football has been excellent, however, their worst is very messy. Home ground advantage should give Fremantle the edge this week and their effort against Geelong was very impressive. Bring that again this week and they should get the four points. Tip: Dockers by 21

		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	GWS	4	3	1	12	149
5	ADEL	4	3	1	12	146.6
6	COLL	4	3	1	12	123.4
7	STK	4	3	1	12	112.3
8	GEEL	4	2	2	8	135.7

Round 15: Previews and Predictions

GWS vs. Geelong

Latest News

Race for West Coast captain narrows amid uncertain future

Fremantle SSP recruit likened to Eagles premiership player

Forgotten Hawthorn duo set to return from long injury layoff

Geelong coach takes aim at AFL for caving to “public pressure”

Carlton cavalry could return, Brisbane defender makes progress: AFL injury news

FOLLOW US