Sydney vs Richmond, Friday Night 7:50pm, SCG
Fremantle vs Collingwood, Thursday Night 7:50pm, Domain Stadium
Hawthorn vs Essendon, Saturday Afternoon 1:40pm, MCG
Essendon’s finals hopes hang by a solitary thread. A loss against their old rivals would see them slip to 4 wins and 8 losses, and absolute disaster for this squad and coach James Hird. Perhaps it’s not all their doing, but this team is much better than their ladder position suggests. The Hawks will be looking to capitalise on this disharmony, meaning if Essendon don’t show up, it could get ugly.
Hawks by 31.
Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide, Saturday Twilight 4:35pm, Gabba
After an impotent effort on Saturday night, the Lions have to put in a better performance. Yes there’s an injury list, and yes they’re far from having a strong forward line, but the love of God don’t stand around allow yourselves to get flogged by a team that’s about at your level. The Dogs had more hunger and run. The Lions need to find that within themselves or it’s another long end to a season.
Crows by 17.
Western Bulldogs vs St. Kilda, Saturday Night 7:20pm, Etihad Stadium
Many pegged this game to decide to the wooden spoon earlier on in the year, and has that been far from the truth. The Bulldogs are in finals contention and if they can win the games left against inferior opposition, September action is a very, very real prospect. The problem is, only two months ago in this fixture is they got a 9 goal jump on the Saints and still lost. I’m sure the Saints players on Saturday night won’t let them forget about it either.
Dogs by 25.
Carlton vs Gold Coast, Sunday Afternoon 3:20pm, Etihad Stadium
Speaking of wooden spoon games, not sure too many neutrals will be tuning into this on Sunday afternoon. Despite Carlton getting new life breathed into them post-Malthouse sacking, it’ll be interesting to see how they come off the high beating Port. The Suns pushed the Dockers all the way before their bye, so it won’t be straight forward for the Blues
Blues by 12.