ROUND TEN
ST KILDA v RICHMOND
This promises to be a cracking match. Both teams have been in good form and are a win over another team looking to play finals is crucial.
Key match up
Gwilt v Riewoldt
Gwilt returned from injury last week and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. The challenge now is to back up against Jack, who played his best game of the year against the Hawks kicking 6 goals last weekend.
Tip - St.Kilda
GEELONG v GWS
The Giants have been better than many people predicted and we know they have a bright future. Beating Geelong in Geelong though is near impossible, the Cats only losing one in about the last 35 down there!
KEY MATCH UP
Giles v Stephenson
With the Cats wanting to manage their ‘number one’ ruck in Trent West, a lot of the responsibility will be thrown to Stephenson, who will be battling another mature age recruit in Giles who has been hugely impressive this year.
TIP - Geelong
HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE
This one has become absolutely crucial with the last few weeks’ results. The Hawks sit in the 8 on percentage while the ‘Roos are just one win behind them. The Hawks seem to play Aurora stadium better than most (it is there home away from home after all!).
KEY MATCH UP
Hale v Goldstein
With McIntosh and Bailey both out of action, most of the ruck duties will fall to these two. Hale takes on his old club and will get some help from Roughead, while Goldstein, who had a break out season last year carrying the ruck duties, was back to his best last week with 27 possessions and 47 hit outs.
TIP - Hawthorn
FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE
Despite the Dockers copping plenty of scrutiny this week, they still sit on 5 wins, just percentage outside the 8. They will need to win this week to stay in touch with the leading contenders however, one of which is the Crows who have been outstanding all year.
KEY MATCH UP
Anthony v Rutten
The Dockers have only kicked 14 goals in the last two weeks so they have called upon the ex-magpie to try and add some goalkicking power. Rutten was huge last week, keeping Travis Cloke to 4 touches.
TIP - Adelaide
ESSENDON v MELBOURNE
The Bombers continue to impress, while the ‘Dees put in a much improved performance against the Blues last week. The Giants matched the Bombers for contested ball in the first half last week before Essendon really put their foot down and kicked away.
KEY MATCH UP
McKenzie v Stanton
McKenzie is the Demons best stopper and will need his running shoes on if he is to keep up with Brent Stanton, who is averaging 29 disposals per game.
TIP - Essendon
PORT ADELAIDE v CARLTON
The Power won 2 in a row for the first time since 2010 and will give themselves a chance of making it 3. The Blues took until the last quarter to shake the Demons but kicked away in strong fashion late.
KEY MATCH UP
Robinson v Cassisi
Mitch Robinson was a clear best on ground last week with 33 disposals, 7 clearances, 6 tackles and 3 goals. He loves the hard ball, as does the Power skipper who may go head to head with him.
TIP - Carlton
BRISBANE v WEST COAST
The Lions came home hard and gave the ‘Roos a late scare, but will need to be at their best to beat the Eagles. They sit atop the ladder, looking near unbeatable for much of the year.
KEY MATCH UP
Brown v Glass
Brown is always the match winner at Brisbane, and will face fellow skipper Darren Glass. Glass is coming off a huge game last week, and is surely the early favourite for an All-Australian full back position.
TIP - West Coast
SYDNEY SWANS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
This one will be won in close with both teams inside the top 6 for contested possessions across the season. The tight SCG ground will emphasize this even more.
KEY MATCH UPS
Boyd v Kennedy / Griffin v Jack / McVeigh v Picken / Jack v Liberatore / Wallis v Parker
It’s all in the midfield. There are some cracking match ups, but winning contested possession and clearances will almost guarantee the four points.
TIP - Sydney
COLLINGWOOD v GOLD COAST
The ‘Pies come off a win over the Crows while the Suns went down to the Power, after being right in it at half time. This is just their second meeting, and their first at the MCG.
KEY MATCH UP
Wellingham v Ablett
Wellingham has often played run with roles and has had a good start to the year, while Ablett has played a couple back since his knee injury and despite playing well, is threatening to take it to a whole new level.
TIP - Collingwood
0 Comments