Last week: 6
Season total: 105
Friday August 7
Adelaide V Richmond
Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm (All times local)
Richmond claimed another scalp last week with a brilliant win over Hawthorn.ย The Crows are still a chance to make finals and will give the Tigers a real run for their money, but Richmond should be too strong. The Tigers' defence was fantastic again last week and they are ranked fourth for fewest points conceded this year with just 73.8 per game.
Richmond by 19
Collingwood V Carlton
MCG, 1.45pm
Neither of these sides have won for a while, with the Pies losing their last six and the Blues losing their past five. But tomorrow is Collingwood's chance to get back on the winners' list and attempt to get back in touch with the top eight. Carlton showed in the first half against North Melbourne last week that they might put up a fight, but the Pies should eventually prevail and record their sixth straight win over the Blues.
Collingwood by 32
Western Bulldogs V Port Adelaide
Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm
This should be a thrilling, high scoring affair under the roof with both teams playing a high paced brand of footy in recent weeks. The Power are still very much in the frame to make the finals, but the Bulldogs may just crush their hopes this weekend. The Bulldogs sit just one game outside the four and I cannot see them slowing down, even against a Port side desperate for a win.
Western Bulldogs by 18
Brisbane V Gold Coast
Gabba, 4.35pm
The Lions sit rock bottom on the ladder and unfortunately will not get off any time soon. The Suns have been improving for about the last six weeks now and were very good last week to draw against West Coast. Beams out for Brisbane and Rischitelli back for the Suns means the Gold Coast should win their second Q-Clash for the year.
Gold Coast by 26
Geelong V Sydney
Simonds Stadium, 7.20pm
Adam Goodes returns for the Swans, but Lance Franklin is out, making it an even tougher trip down to Geelong. The Cats were belted by the Swans in round seven this year and round 11 last year, but both games were in Sydney. The Swans have found it difficult to win at the Cattery over the years, winning only once from nine trips to Simonds Stadium. Geelong should win at home and go close to cementing a finals birth.
Geelong by 12
West Coast V Hawthorn
Domain Stadium, 5.40pm
This will be a cracking game. Hawthorn have traditionally bounced back with huge wins after losses this season, but it is a different proposition against a well drilled eagles who will be keen to make up for a disappointing draw last week against the Suns. The Eagles have lost their last four against Hawthorn, but I'm tipping West Coast to break the drought and get the job done in front of their home fans.
West Coast by 13
North Melbourne V Melbourne
MCG, 1.10pm
Melbourne has not beaten the Roos in 13 attempts and sorry Melbourne fans they will not this week either. North Melbourne will be too strong as they push hard to consolidate their spot in the eight. It should be a good game though, with Melbourne recording a brilliant win over the Pies last week.
North Melbourne by 30
GWS V Essendon
Spotless Stadium, 3.20pm
Poor Essendon can't take a trick at the moment, with new evidence coming to light regarding the drugs saga sure to add extra pressure to the players. GWS are still a slim chance of finals despite dropping to 10th and a win here could propel them back into the eight. Great to see young forward Jon Patton back after his second knee reconstruction.
GWS by 36
St. Kilda V Fremantle
Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm
Fremantle was pushed all the way last week against the Giants, but just escaped with a 21 point win in the end. Expect a similar sort of game here against another young and up and coming side in St. Kilda. The Saints smashed Freo last time the two sides met in round 18 last year, but Fremantle will not be resting players like their last meeting and are desperate to keep top spot.
Fremantle by 29
