Nick Maxwell: Round seven preview

MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN

The ‘Dees have been solid in the
last two weeks and will again be looking to be very competitive around the ball -
clearances and contested possssion. The Hawks were good against St.Kilda last
week but have lost Hodge again, hopefully just for the one week. It is great to

see Stephen Gilham return from a knee reconstruction.

KEY MATCH UP

Rioli v Bartram

Bartram is usually entrusted with
the opposition’s best small defender so expect him to try and shut down Cyril,

who kicked a career high six goals last week.

TIP - Hawthorn

GWS v GOLD COAST

What a battle this will be. I know a
lot of people believe the Giants will win, but The Suns have been so impressive
of late, taking it up to North and Essendon before almost bringing down the
Dockers last week. Cameron and Cornes are big ins for the Giants while 

the Suns’ skipper returns.

KEY MATCH UP

Warnock v Cameron

Cameron returns this week and is the
favourite for the rising star. The Giants will need him to kick a bag if they

are to win the four points here.

TIP - Gold Coast

ADELAIDE v GEELONG

This promises to be a huge game with
both teams expected to be a part of the September action. The Crows gave Sydney
their first defeat of the year and are in excellent form while the Cats regain

Lonergan and captain Joel Selwood who were late withdrawals last week.

KEY MATCH UP

Porplyzia v Scarlett

Whichever Crows forward gets
Scarlett needs to play a clever game, ensuring he can’t help out Taylor and
Lonegan, who have the bid jobs on Tippett and Walker. The more one on one’s

they can get, the better the Crows’ chances are.

TIP - Geelong

RICHMOND v SYDNEY

The Swans had their first loss of
the year last week while the Tigers regained some confidence by defeating the

Power. Goodes will be a huge loss for Sydney.

KEY MATCH UP

Maric v Seaby

The Richmond big man had career best
stats to this point of the year averaging 30 hit outs per game, and with

Mumford still missing for Sydney, Seaby will need to be on his game.

TIP - Sydney

ESSENDON v WEST COAST

The Eagles are the only undefeated
team in the league while the Bombers only have the one loss - by a solitary

point. Get your coins out, this could go either way.

KEY MATCH UP

Stanton v Masten

I know that Selwood is the Eagles
number one tagger, but he is a real tough in and under type. If he plays on a
wing on Stanton, his contested work could be lost. Masten could be the man to

stop Stanton, who has had an excellent start to the year.

TIP - Essendon

BRISBANE v COLLINGWOOD

The ‘Pies have strung a couple
together, while the Lions will be looking forward to this game, having beaten

the Magpies in a similar game two years ago. 

KEY MATCH UP

Maguire v Cloke

The Collingwood big man was quieter than
usual last week against Brian Lake, and Maguire is a similar player - a hard,

physical player. 

TIP - Collingwood

NORTH MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

The ‘Dogs are getting better each
week as they become accustomed to their new gameplan. The Kangaroos on the
other hand need to win games like this - against other teams looking to reach

finals - if they are to take that step.

KEY MATCH UP

Bastinac v Griffin

Griffin is the Bulldogs game
breaker, averaging 27 touches and 5 clearances per game -  he needs some
serious attention. Bastinac may well get the job, allowing Swallow and Ziebell

to make the play.

TIP - North Melbourne

FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE

The Dockers received a big scare
against the Suns last week, while the Power were disappointing against
Richmond. Power coach Matty Primus has come under some unfair scrutiny this

week, so his players will come out all guns blazing.

KEY MATCH UP

Boak v Crowley

Boak is quickly establishing himself
as a gun midfielder and will need to be at his best to escape the clutches of

Crowley.

TIP - Fremantle

ST KILDA v CARLTON

Will Fisher come up? He could hold
the key. Without him, the Saints will find it tough to hold down Waite,
Hampson, Walker and co in the air. The Blues have just one defeat to their name

while the Saints were good for 3 quarters against the Hawks.

KEY MATCH UP

Jones v Murphy

Or will he go to Judd? My guess is

Murphy, who has averaged 31 disposals per game in 2012.

TIP - Carlton