Round 7 Guest Tipper: Rohan Connolly

Published by
Mitchell Gastin

Rohan Connolly's name has been synonymous with Australian Rules football for the past 30 years, and is one of the most well respected journalists in the industry to this day.

Connolly rose to fame with The Age in his 30 years at the publication, as he became one of the biggest names among media personalities covering the AFL.

Connolly left The Age in 2017, but can still be heard regularly on SEN 1116, as he hosts the post-game show on Friday nights.

Connolly now runs Footyology, a website for hardcore football fans. Footyology analyse the stuff that really matters, which is the game itself.

You can find previews and reviews on the website, while Connolly and former 1116 SEN personality Mark Fine can be seen on Thursday mornings and Sunday night on Footyology TV.

You can follow Connolly's work here at Footyology.com.au, and follow him on Twitter @rohan_connolly, and on Facebook @RohanConnollyAFL.

Rohan Connolly's Round 7 tips:

Geelong v GWS

"Two teams that have been savagely hit by injury. I think the Giants' injuries might be a bit more crucial, they've lost Brett Deledio and Jeremy Cameron and they've been two of their best players this year. Geelong lost at home last week but they don't lose many at home."

Tip: Geelong by 22 points

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast

"You can't possibly tip the Suns for this one, they've lost their two co-captains and arguably their two best players. Bulldogs aren't playing well but I can't tip the Suns against anyone with those two out."

Tip: Bulldogs by 42 points

Essendon v Hawthorn

"Essendon don't appear to know what brand of football they're playing. Their key players are out of form and Hawthorn are playing solid footy and they've got two very important players back for them in James Sicily and Liam Shiels."

Tip: Hawthorn by 18 points

West Coast v Port Adelaide

"I rate Port Adelaide highly, I think they rediscovered some good form last week. Paddy Ryder is a huge in for them, in the ruck. They've got a decent record against West Coast. I think Port might be able to cause an upset here."

Tip: Port Adelaide by 2 points

Sydney v North Melbourne

"Sydney last week recorded one of their best wins in recent years down at Geelong, they were without Franklin and Hanneberry but they found a way to score goals without Buddy last week. They're on the SCG which is always a big advantage. North have been really good this year so they'll be competitive but I think the Swans will be too good."

Tip: Sydney by 30 points

Adelaide v Carlton

"This could get ugly for the Blues who are still win-less. Adelaide has done well despite injuries, they've got Eddie Betts back and while the Blues have got Matthew Kreuzer back, they've lost Charlie Curnow and Caleb Marchbank. I think at home Adelaide wins really comfortably."

Tip: Adelaide by 48 points

Richmond v Fremantle

"This game was a nightmare for Richmond last year, with Freo winning after the siren but the Tigers are a significantly better team now even from then. They've [Tigers] have had 12-straight wins on the MCG, they play the ground better than anyone."

Tip: Richmond by 28 points

St Kilda v Melbourne

"Melbourne rediscovered some pretty good form against Essendon last week. St Kilda really struggling for form this season. Etihad Stadium used to be a graveyard for the Demons, losing 22 in a row but they have now won four of their last five there now."

Tip: Melbourne by 36 points

Brisbane v Collingwood

"Collingwood's last month has been really impressive, having said that they wouldn't want to take this game too easily because Brisbane on the Gabba is always a better side. The Lions, despite not winning a game have generally been very competitive. Collingwood has the better form and more talent and if they're going to be taken seriously as a finals contender, these are the sorts of games they need to lock away and I think they will.

Tip: Collingwood by 24 points

Published by
Mitchell Gastin