How to tip for Round 18
August 1st 2008 07:15
Collingwood v Hawthorn at the MCG
Collingwood were simply woeful last week against the Bombers from the opening bounce. Hawthorn - who are also coming off a loss - will be on high alert against a team that is out to prove their premiership credentials. The Hawks, however, did a lot to show that they can mix it with the best, as they were well within striking distance in the shadows of full time against the Cats last week. Their forward defensive pressure was admirable, and the Pies appear to have too small a defence this week to cope with the likes of Franklin and Roughead.
Hawthorn by 39 points
Essendon v Melbourne at the MCG
Melbourne had its moments last week against the Kangaroos, but failed to deliver any hope of a win. The Bombers, on the other hand, taught a genuine top four side a lesson. The Demons have won fewer opening quarters than any other side this year, which is where the Dons burst the game open last week. Lucas is a big loss, but the Bombers did their damage with him barely touching the ball. The Dees look attacking, welcoming back Green and Wonnaeamirri, but they just don't look like playing out four solid quarters any time soon.
Essendon by 30 points
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium
Adelaide launched themselves back into the eight with an unlikely win over the Swans last week, while the Blues had their biggest win in a long, long time over the much-fancied Dogs. The Crows' back six are a solid unit, and if they can get on top of the Blues' forwards, Carlton will have a tough time kicking a winning score. Playing the Crows at AAMI Stadium is an intimidating task, but Adelaide's firepower is reeling at the moment. They have the lowest aggregate for of the top eight and are well behind Carlton in that field. Expect the Blues to put in a fair show. The better defence will win.
Adelaide by 6 points
Geelong v Richmond at Telstra Dome
Before last week, Geelong had won five games in a row in excess of 50 points. Pity the Tigers this week! Only boosting their lineup with Milburn and Ling, the Cats should have no trouble stitching up a Tiger unit who, despite travelling OK in the last month, lack the style and talent of the league's best team. This could get ugly.
Geelong by 70 points
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium
An enigma of a game. Two fairly unpredictable teams, where the 'away' team has the theoretical home ground advantage. The Lions will be seething that they lost last week, whereas the Kangaroos got the job done against the Demons, but have been more convincing. The Roos have added Brown to their forwardline for a bit of grunt, but if anyone has the defence to match it, that's the Lions. Brisbane, however, have won fewer final quarters than any other team this year. They might need to improve on that to win here. Not the prettiest contest, but probably match of the round (despite what people will say about the Dogs-Swans clash). Toss a coin.
Brisbane Lions by 2 points
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval
The Swans are sure to come out hard after a disappointing showing against the Crows, but the Dogs will be just as keen to get back onto the winner's list. A loss for the Swans puts their top four spot under serious pressure, while the Bulldogs need a win to keep any hope of the minor premiership alive. I think the Bulldogs have the talent to win, but the Swans will like the smaller ground and will make the Dogs earn any points they win.
Western Bulldogs by 8 points
St Kilda v Port Adelaide at Telstra Dome
Port have peaked, their season built up to the Showdown and now they can look ahead to 2009. As if that wasn't enough, the Power are now without Tredrea and Salopek. If St Kilda want to, they could win this by well over ten goals. With everything to play for, the Saints will want this win far more than the Power and, if they can do it convincingly, they'll strike some genuine concern into the top eight.
St Kilda by 42 points
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval
The big Derby could be, skill-wise, a big let down. Rest assured though, that the fire and passion will be running wild. McManus plays his last game, in case the Dockers needed any further inspiration. Membership numbers mean that Freo, as the home team, will dominate the crowd, which may in itself be enough to decide the game. The Eagles need the win more, but the result will be decided by who wants it more.
Fremantle by 1 point
Collingwood were simply woeful last week against the Bombers from the opening bounce. Hawthorn - who are also coming off a loss - will be on high alert against a team that is out to prove their premiership credentials. The Hawks, however, did a lot to show that they can mix it with the best, as they were well within striking distance in the shadows of full time against the Cats last week. Their forward defensive pressure was admirable, and the Pies appear to have too small a defence this week to cope with the likes of Franklin and Roughead.
Hawthorn by 39 points
Essendon v Melbourne at the MCG
Melbourne had its moments last week against the Kangaroos, but failed to deliver any hope of a win. The Bombers, on the other hand, taught a genuine top four side a lesson. The Demons have won fewer opening quarters than any other side this year, which is where the Dons burst the game open last week. Lucas is a big loss, but the Bombers did their damage with him barely touching the ball. The Dees look attacking, welcoming back Green and Wonnaeamirri, but they just don't look like playing out four solid quarters any time soon.
Essendon by 30 points
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium
Adelaide launched themselves back into the eight with an unlikely win over the Swans last week, while the Blues had their biggest win in a long, long time over the much-fancied Dogs. The Crows' back six are a solid unit, and if they can get on top of the Blues' forwards, Carlton will have a tough time kicking a winning score. Playing the Crows at AAMI Stadium is an intimidating task, but Adelaide's firepower is reeling at the moment. They have the lowest aggregate for of the top eight and are well behind Carlton in that field. Expect the Blues to put in a fair show. The better defence will win.
Geelong v Richmond at Telstra Dome
Before last week, Geelong had won five games in a row in excess of 50 points. Pity the Tigers this week! Only boosting their lineup with Milburn and Ling, the Cats should have no trouble stitching up a Tiger unit who, despite travelling OK in the last month, lack the style and talent of the league's best team. This could get ugly.
Geelong by 70 points
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium
An enigma of a game. Two fairly unpredictable teams, where the 'away' team has the theoretical home ground advantage. The Lions will be seething that they lost last week, whereas the Kangaroos got the job done against the Demons, but have been more convincing. The Roos have added Brown to their forwardline for a bit of grunt, but if anyone has the defence to match it, that's the Lions. Brisbane, however, have won fewer final quarters than any other team this year. They might need to improve on that to win here. Not the prettiest contest, but probably match of the round (despite what people will say about the Dogs-Swans clash). Toss a coin.
Brisbane Lions by 2 points
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval
The Swans are sure to come out hard after a disappointing showing against the Crows, but the Dogs will be just as keen to get back onto the winner's list. A loss for the Swans puts their top four spot under serious pressure, while the Bulldogs need a win to keep any hope of the minor premiership alive. I think the Bulldogs have the talent to win, but the Swans will like the smaller ground and will make the Dogs earn any points they win.
Western Bulldogs by 8 points
St Kilda v Port Adelaide at Telstra Dome
Port have peaked, their season built up to the Showdown and now they can look ahead to 2009. As if that wasn't enough, the Power are now without Tredrea and Salopek. If St Kilda want to, they could win this by well over ten goals. With everything to play for, the Saints will want this win far more than the Power and, if they can do it convincingly, they'll strike some genuine concern into the top eight.
St Kilda by 42 points
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval
The big Derby could be, skill-wise, a big let down. Rest assured though, that the fire and passion will be running wild. McManus plays his last game, in case the Dockers needed any further inspiration. Membership numbers mean that Freo, as the home team, will dominate the crowd, which may in itself be enough to decide the game. The Eagles need the win more, but the result will be decided by who wants it more.
Fremantle by 1 point
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