ROUND FOURTEEN
CARLTON v HAWTHORN
This should be a great game, and an expected crowd of 70,000 plus. The Blues have said all week that many of their players have benefitted from the week off after a tough schedule. They lose Henderson to injury and the Hawks are strengthened by the return of Lewis and Whitecross, so selection looks to have favoured the Hawks.
KEY MATCH UP
Lewis v Judd
Last year I saw Lewis go to Judd and work off him, knowing his other mids would support him. I think the Hawks will go back to the well.
TIP - Hawks
COLLINGWOOD v FREMANTLE
The last time the Dockers ventured to the home of football they were very impressive, disposing of the Tigers. Given that, they will go into this game very confident, while the ‘Pies will need to bring their best to get the points.
KEY MATCH UP
Mzungu v Thomas
Mzungu went to Stanton last week and may head to Thomas, who has been in good form since returning from injury.
TIP - Collingwood
ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
The Crows were surprisingly beaten by the ‘Roos last week and will be desperate to make amends, maintaining their place in the top 4 in the process. The Tigers need to keep winning to get ahead of the log jam between 8 and 12.
KEY MATCH UP
Griffith/Rance v Tippet/Walker
The Crows big men are a dangerous pair and will be a handful for the young Tiger defenders, who have stood up extremely well through the first half of the season.
TIP - Adelaide
WEST COAST v GOLD COAST
The Eagles were stiff not to get the points last week in a great game against the ‘Pies. They should get back on the winners list against a Suns team that has had 4 forced changes due to injury.
KEY MATCH UP
Hickey/Smith v Natanui
The Gold Coast young guns face one of the most exciting players in the game. They will learn a lot, and will be hoping to play well - they’ll be taking him on for the next 10 years!
TIP - West Coast
ESSENDON v WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bombers had their first interstate win for awhile last week, running away from the Dockers in the last quarter. The Dogs were disappointing against the Lions and will be looking to bounce back.
KEY MATCH UP
Watson v Boyd
The skippers will go head to head and it will a great battle! Both are in All-Australian form and leading their clubs outstandingly well.
TIP - Essendon
SYDNEY v GWS
This will be a great rivalry - but not just yet. The Giants copped a whacking at their first venture to the MCG last week and will enjoy being back in Sydney. The Swans though continue to impress and will be too classy.
KEY MATCH UP
Cameron v Richards
Teddy Richards has been awesome this year, and will go to Cameron, who was moved to defence after a quiet game last week. That happens to the best players, and this guy is on his way to being just that.
TIP - Swans
GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE
The Power have been decimated by injury, losing every member of their leadership group to injury. The Cats will bounce back after going down to the Swans, despite coming home hard and nearly pinching the points.
KEY MATCH UP
Selwood v Cornes
Kane Cornes has continued to get the job done for the Power this season, also finding the ball himself. The Cats’ skipper is averaging 26 touches per game.
TIP - Geelong
BRISBANE v MELBOURNE
The Lions smashed the Dees earlier in the year, and after a convincing win over the Dogs, will be chock full of confidence. The Demons beat the Giants quite easily and want revenge for that loss earlier in the year.
KEY MATCH UP
Garland v Patfull
After losing Mitch Clark for the season, the ‘Dees will need to find another avenue to goal. Garland has shown he is capable and will have Joel Patfull for company
TIP - Brisbane
ST KILDA v NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos were excellent against the Crows last week, while the Saints come off the bye. It’s hard to see both teams make the finals, making it even more important. This is genuinely the match of the round.
KEY MATCH UP
Riewoldt v Grima
Grima has been getting the big roles down back and there’s none bigger than this one. The Saints skipper has had a very good first half of the year and needs a big one to help his team to the four points.
TIP - St. Kilda
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