Round Six preview

Published by
Matthew Hickey

GWS vs. Western Bulldogs

Friday, UNSW Canberra Oval 7:50pm, AEST

Finally we get the re-match that we have all been waiting for. In last year's preliminary final these sides played out arguably one of the best games of the year, let's hope they get close to that again in this one.

The Western Bulldogs' defence is their main area of concern. They will have a tough time stopping the likes of Patton, and Cameron. The Dogs' back six will have to play well if their side is a chance of winning.

The Giants will have a point to prove after the heart break of last year. Expect them to come out firing, on what is their home away from home (UNSW Canberra Oval). The Dogs will put up a fight, but it won't be enough.

Tip: GWS by 17

Hawthorn vs. St Kilda

Saturday, University of Tasmania Oval, 1:45pm, AEST

The Saints and the Hawks will travel down to 'The Apple Isle' to face off on Saturday. Hawthorn finally claimed their first win of the season last week, while St Kilda capitulated in the fourth quarter of their game with the Cats.

The Hawks are very hard to beat in Tasmania. They have won 19 games straight at this ground, their last loss came against the Swans in round five of 2012. On that day, Adam Goodes had 21 disposals and kicked three goals, while for the Hawks, Lance Franklin struggled in front of goal, kicking 3.6.

Despite being 2-3, the Saints have been around the mark in most of their games. This will be another big test for them. It will also be a test for Hawthorn, who are still having questions raised about them. They look to be back on the right track, but we will have to wait and see.

Tip: Hawks by 21

Carlton vs. Sydney

Saturday, MCG 2:10pm, AEST

This is the game for the Swans. If they drop this one to the Blues, it's officially time to panic. Sitting at 0-5, John Longmire's men have plenty of work to do. Carlton on the other hand do have a win in season 2017, and will be looking to claim another scalp.

The story is there to be written. Carlton's young squad manages to defeat the fallen giants of the game, Sydney. However, it unlikely it will play out that way. There comes a time were quality across the ground is too much and despite the promise the Blues have shown, this should be another one of those times.

Buddy back were he does some of his best work, expect him to have a massive game, after being relatively quiet over the past few weeks. The Swans should win this game, they are not an 0-6 side.

Tip: Swans by 42

Brisbane vs. Port Adelaide

Saturday, The Gabba 4:35pm, AEST

The Power have surprised many this season. They have played some brilliant football and will look to keep that going in this one. Their host's, Brisbane, have shown promise, but are yet to put it all together.

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak has been ruled out of this clash, with Ollie Wines set to take on the captaincy. What effect this will have on the Power is yet to be seen.

Eric Hipwood is having a decent season so far for the Lions. Last week he kicked 3.2 against the Bulldogs and will be hoping to hit the scoreboard again on Saturday.

Playing at home, the Lion's are a chance to cause an upset here. Although it is still too hard to tip against a strong and physical Port Adelaide side in this one.

Tip: Power by 33

North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast

Saturday, Etihad Stadium 7:25pm, AEST

It was another case of heartbreak for North Melbourne supporters on the weekend. They again lost by a close margin, and slipped to 0-5. Gold Coast didn't have a good time of it either, getting destroyed by the Crows.

The Suns have won three out of their past four games against the Roos, a record which they will want to extend and improve upon. They have not met at Etihad since 2014, a game that Gary Ablett Jnr (28 disposals and four goals) dominated.

The midfield battle should be an intriguing one, with no side clearly better than the other in this department. The winner of the midfield battle could very well decide the game.

With growing pressure on Brad Scott, expect North Melbourne to play with a little more fire in this one. Their late game execution may again be put to the test, but this time they may do it right.

Tip: Roos by 9.

West Coast vs. Fremantle

Saturday, Domain Stadium 8:10pm, AEST

The Western Derby is set for another epic installment. Both sides have had an up and down start to season, and will now look to cement a spot inside the top eight.

Fremantle barely scraped past North Melbourne at home last week, while West Coast did not enjoy the trip down to Melbourne to play the Hawks.

The Dockers midfield is beginning to hit its straps, with Nat Fyfe leading his side well in the dying minutes of their round five win over North. The Eagles on the other hand are likely to have a few outs and Sam Mitchell is unlikely to make his return.

Despite this, the Eagles will have a point to prove after going down to a 0-4 side last week. They will welcome the return to Domain Stadium, and should be too good for Fremantle in this one.

Tip: Eagles by 18.

Essendon vs. Melbourne

Sunday, Etihad Stadium 1:10pm, AEST

Both of these sides had very different experiences last weekend. Essendon had an emotional win over Collingwood on ANZAC Day, while Melbourne succumbed to the late run of the Tigers.

Joe Daniher showed just exactly how good he can be on the weekend, and will look to continue on from that performance. He will take extra confidence out of the fact that Jack Riewoldt kicked six goals against the Demons on the weekend.

There has been talk about the aggressiveness of Jack Viney, and whether it is over the top. Expect the youngster to come out with a point to prove, after questions were raised about his play.

The Demons will be buoyed by the return of Jordan Lewis, who has completed his three week suspension. That, along with with the inconsistency of the Bombers, should mean that Melbourne get back on the winners list this round.

However, Jesse Hogan will not play due to the passing of his father, which will limit the Dees up forward.

Tip: Demons by 10.

Geelong vs. Collingwood

Sunday, MCG 3:20pm, AEST

As pressure mounts on Nathan Buckley, it is time for his players to make a stand. It seems as though they are backing their coach, however, they need to show it out on the ground now.

It won't be an easy task, Geelong are flying, and currently sit 5-0. They continually seem to find a way to win, playing much of their best football in the final quarter.

The Pies need someone to step up in front of goals. Their accuracy has been a problem, while finding a consistent target has also been a worry. Fasolo has shown glimpses of brilliance, however goes missing in patches.

This is a danger game for the Cats. Collingwood have their backs against the wall, and if they are to go down, will do so swinging. Despite this it's hard to go past a 5-0 Geelong

Tip: Cats 11

Adelaide vs. Richmond

Sunday, Adelaide Oval 4:40pm, AEST

In what could be the game of the round, two undefeated sides will go head-to-head. Both the Crows and Tigers site 5-0, and won't want to start filling up that second column anytime soon.

Richmond's defence will have their hands full in this one. Adelaide have multiple guys, who can kick multiple goals. Who they play on Eddie Betts will be something to keep an eye on.

The Tigers are finding ways to win, and have done so in tight games. The Crows haven't had to deal with too many close games so far this year, and that may count against the hosts in this one.

It should be an epic clash, which will hopefully go down to the wire. The Tigers have been good in clutch moments this year, however considering the game is in Adelaide, it's hard to go past the Crows

Tip: Crows by 13

Published by
Matthew Hickey