Round 22: Previews and Predictions

Adelaide vs. Sydney Friday, Adelaide Oval 7:50pm, AEST We look set for another excellent chapter of Friday night footy. Adelaide site six points clear on top of the ladder, while Sydney are still a chance of placing in the top four after starting the season 0-6. We should be set for an interesting match-up down both sides of the ground, with Franklin looking to provide for the Swans against the likes of Betts, Walker, and Jenkins. Both back-lines will have their hands full, with the one who performs the better likely to claim the win. Super tough game to predict, however look for Sydney to cause a minor upset and win away from home. Tip: Swans by 14 Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide Saturday, Mars Stadium 1:45pm, AEST A massive game for both sides, with many implications for the top eight to come from the result. If the Bulldogs can claim the victory, they will draw level on points with Port Adelaide, and potentially a number of other teams. What happens on the weekend could very well decide what the Dogs' plans are for September. The Power weren't entirely convincing against Collingwood last week and will have just as much to play for as Luke Beveridge's side. Keep an eye out for Paddy Ryder who could have a huge game against a side who struggles somewhat in the ruck. The Dogs were hitting some form before last week, look for them to bounce back and claim a big win. Tip: Dogs by 21 Collingwood vs. Geelong Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST Geelong will welcome back Mitch Duncan, as they clash with Collingwood at the MCG. The Cats managed to knock off the Tigers without Duncan and a number of other players, and thus will be confident heading into this game. The Pies competed with Collingwood, however couldn't deliver down the stretch. Will these last two games decide Nathan Buckley's coaching future at the club? It should be a Cats win, Paddy Dangerfield could very well run wild with Collingwood's go to defensive midfielder Levi Greenwood out with injury. Tip: Cats by 35 GWS vs. West Coast Saturday, Spotless Stadium 4:35pm, AEST The Giants second half last week was phenomenal, and they appear as though they are tuning up for a big run at the flag. West Coast have not been convincing at all this season and now have to face the might of the Giants. On top of that, it's being played at Spotless Stadium, and if anything has come out of this season for the Eagles, it's that they don't like to travel. Cannot see West Coast winning this game, and the loss could very well end any hopes they had of playing finals footy. Tip: Giants by 37 Gold Coast vs. Essendon Saturday, Metricon Stadium 7:25pm, AEST It's been another week of speculation for Gold Coast, with Gary Ablett once again being in the headlines. He is expected to miss this game, further lowering their already slim chances of taking the four points. Joe Daniher is still a huge chance to win the Coleman Medal, trailing Josh Kennedy by just a goal. Look out for what he dishes up in a bid to be the number one goal-kicker for season 2017. The Suns will be up against and the Bombers should claim the win. They have to win or else their hopes of playing post-season football will fall flat. Tip: Bombers by 19 Carlton vs. Hawthorn Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST Despite a scare in the second half, Hawthorn were excellent last week. Their ability to cut through North Melbourne's zone and find targets inside 50 was brilliant. Carlton does have a very stingy defence, however the Hawks disposal efficiency could cause it trouble. Adding to that is the thoughts that the Blues may not have the firepower to kick a big enough score. Hawthorn may struggle in the midfield battle, but expect them to be good enough around the ground to get the win. Tip: Hawks by 22 Melbourne vs. Brisbane Sunday, MCG 1:10pm, AEST The Demons continue to push on, claiming a huge win against the Saints last round. They now face an easier task against Brisbane, however not a guaranteed four points. Placed in seventh at the moment, if the Demons win this game, they are very likely to play finals. Coach Simon Goodwin will no doubt be looking to find his best 22, as their has been frequent changes throughout the season. Brisbane are definitely a chance to cause an upset, they snuck past the Bombers in Melbourne not too long ago. In saying that, it's very hard to back them here against the Demons Tip: Demons by 39 St. Kilda vs. North Melbourne Sunday, Etihad Stadium 3:20pm, AEST North Melbourne again showed glimpses of brilliance last week, however were blown out of the water for the rest of the game. Before their match-up earlier this year, the Roos had actually won their past six against the Saints. Nick Riewoldt is likely to return for his last home game, however former Bulldog Koby Stevens is in doubt after suffering a head knock last week. St. Kilda should have the upper hand in this game, watch out for how they defend Ben Brown who is the clear focal point of the Kangaroo's forward set-up. Look for Nathan Brown to pick him up, and if North Melbourne are poor with their inside 50 entry, Carlisle could have a big day. Tip: Saints by 27 Fremantle vs. Richmond Sunday, Domain Stadium 4:40pm, AEST After the loss last weekend, and their precarious position inside the top four, Richmond should really blow the Dockers away. However the x-factor that has been thrown in is that it is being played in Western Australian. The Tigers don't have a terrible record at Domain Stadium, going 4-6 over their past 10 outings there. This should bring them some comfort while making the trip. Richmond need to be careful as a Ross Lyon side can always cause an upset, however they should really win this game. Tip: Tigers by 42

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	23	17	6	68	126.7
2	PORT	23	16	7	64	114.8
3	GEEL	23	15	8	60	112.2
4	GWS	23	15	8	60	109.1
5	BL	23	14	8	58	121.9
6	WB	23	14	9	56	125.1
7	HAW	23	14	9	56	118.5
8	CARL	23	13	10	52	110.2

Round 22: Previews and Predictions

Gold Coast vs. Essendon

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