Nick Maxwell: Round eight preview

ROUND

EIGHT

COLLINGWOOD

v GEELONG

The
battle of last years grand finalists promises to be another beauty with both
teams not quite where everyone expected. The ‘Pies have managed to turn their
early season form around while the Cats have had a lot of negative press -

despite the fact they are only 2 wins from top spot!!!

KEY
MATCH UP

Hawkins
v Reid

I
think this is the one people want to see given Hawkins’ performance in last
year’s Grand Final. Reid is an All- Australian and would be looking forward to
the challenge.

TIP�
-Collingwood

PORT
ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE

The
Power return from the west after, in coach Matty Primus’ words, a much improved
“effort”. The ‘Roos on the other hand were stung by a ‘Dogs outfit that
outplayed them across the board.

KEY
MATCH UP

Swallow
v Cassisi

Expect
the two skippers to set the scene for their respective sides with their hard
nosed in and under styles.

TIP
- North Melbourne

HAWTHORN
v FREMANTLE

The
Hawks find themselves just outside the eight, but remain premiership
favourites. The Dockers disposed of the Power last week, but need to win games
like these to secure a finals berth. Ross Lyon spent plenty of time planning
the demise of the Hawks during his time at St.Kilda - he’ll be looking forward
to trying a similar thing from his new chair!

KEY
MATCH UP

Franklin
v McPharlin

McPharlin
is close to the best defender in the league and doesn’t get the credit he
deserves. Buddy had 9 shots on goal last week so he’s having no trouble finding
the ball.

TIP
- Hawthorn�

SYDNEY
v MELBOURNE

The
Swans have dropped their past couple and need to consolidate their position in
the top 4. The Dees should be suited by the Swans on the smaller ground, where
they can put make it a tough in close contest like they did against the Saints
a few weeks ago.

KEY
MATCH UP

Clark
v Richards

Clark
has been a shining light for the Demons kicking 17 goals in 6 games thus far.
Teddy Richards has started the year well, taking it up to some of the best
forwards in the game.

TIP
- Sydney

ESSENDON
v RICHMOND

Dreamtime
at the ‘G should be the best contest between the clubs in some time, with both
in excellent form. The Tigers are aiming for 3 in a row and are talking finals
while the ‘Dons� should be premiership favourites after easily accounting
for the Eagles last week.

KEY
MATCH UP

Stanton
v Jackson

Jackson
kept Stanton to 16 touches in this game last year, and will need to do a
similar job - Stanton is arguably the in form midfielder in the competition.

�TIP
- Essendon

WESTERN
BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST

The
‘Dogs are finding their feet and learning the Brendan McCartney gameplan. They
have won 3 of their past 4, while the Suns are still looking to break their
duck.

KEY
MATCH UP

Boyd
v Rischitelli

Boyd
is 2nd in the league for disposals and needs to be stopped for the Suns to win
the game.

TIP
- Dogs

BRISBANE
v GWS

This
game suddenly has a lot of significance. The Giants had their first win in the
big time last week and are a genuine chance to make it 2 in a row. The Lions
have come under some scrutiny for their performances over the past few weeks
which will be magnified should they lose to the leagues new comers.

KEY
MATCH UP

Brown
v Cornes

These
two have had many battles over the years - this one could well mean the
difference between winning and losing.

TIP
- Lions

CARLTON
v ADELAIDE

This
will be a belter! The Blues were disappointing on Monday night and will be
going all out to make amends. The Crows took the Cats apart, now have to bring
their home form interstate.

TIP
- Adelaide

WEST
COAST v ST KILDA

The
Eagles were stung by their loss last week, and despite the Saints’ super
impressive performance last week, at home the Eagles are mighty hard to beat.

KEY
MATCH UP

S.Selwood
v Hayes

Hayes
is the heart and soul of the Saints and Selwood is the Eagles’ best stopper.
Expect the two hard nuts to go head to head in the guts.

TIP
- Eagles