The second last bye round is here and we lose the Lions, Bombers, Swans and Eagles for the week. That leaves us with seven games that still carry plenty of weight.
Top of the ladder Fremantle get things rolling in Perth on Thursday night against Geelong, while Friday night sees the Suns and Hawks go head to head in a game both sides simply have to win.
Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Oval has big finals implications with the Crows and Dees both looking to firm for a top four finish, and Sunday wraps up with a cracking Saints v Dogs clash that has plenty riding on it.
Fremantle vs Geelong Cats Predictions
All eyes on selection ahead of this heavyweight one versus four matchup.
Caleb Serong and Brennan Cox are pushing hard for a return for Fremantle, while Geelong would be hard pressed to ignore James Worpel after a monster showing at VFL level.
The Cats got back on track with a comfortable win over the Suns last week, although poor finishing in front of goal is still a concern. That sort of waste will not cut it against a Fremantle side that smashed North Melbourne by more than 120 points two weeks ago, even if scoring chances are usually hard to come by against the Dockers.
There is not much between these two sides on paper, but Fremantle’s ability to turn defence into attack stands out as the key difference.
After letting one slip against Geelong back in Round 1, expect the Dockers to respond at home in what looks a lower scoring contest.
Gold Coast Suns vs Hawthorn Predictions
An absolute must-win for the struggling Suns with an incredibly tough month of footy ahead.
For whatever reason, Damien Hardwick’s immensely talented list has underperformed for large parts of the season, and it seems no matter how many touches the likes of Noah Anderson or Christian Petracca accumulate, the Suns still can’t impact the scoreboard.
Similarly, the Hawks present a similar story after falling away two weeks ago in the second half to the Dogs. Sam Mitchell’s midfield has been hit and miss at times, while the usually unsocial Hawks – led by James Sicily – seem more interested in silly scraps off the ball.
The Suns have been a fiery side in the first quarter at times this year, and despite their Round 13 faults, the Hawks have typically come storming home in the second half to find some points.
With strong support expected on the Gold Coast and James Gunston a chance at playing, the Hawks look a nice bet to sneak home late.
Adelaide Crows vs Melbourne Predictions
Both sides look set for finals, but there is still plenty on the line with a top four spot up for grabs.
Adelaide were outstanding in their big win over the Bulldogs last week and showed they can get it done away from home. There are a few injury concerns to monitor including Izak Rankine, but they remain one of the form sides in the competition.
Melbourne were just as impressive against Essendon, dominating territory with 63 inside 50 entries and showing their defensive pressure with 15 tackles in their forward half. Kozzie Pickett continues to be a game breaker.
Those numbers stack up well against a Crows side that sits mid pack for scoring this season.
Adelaide Oval is always a factor, but Melbourne will be keen to atone for their earlier showing at the venue and look better placed than the current line suggests.
GWS Giants vs Carlton Predictions
This has a season defining feel for two sides in the hunt for finals. Carlton come in on a four game winning run and off the bye, while the Giants will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to St Kilda.
Jesse Hogan could be a timely inclusion for GWS, while the key matchup between Sam Taylor and Harry McKay looms large.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Toby Greene may spend more time around the contest against Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh, while Clayton Oliver comes in flying after a 35 disposal performance last week.
Recent history suggests points, with the last four meetings all going over the total. With both sides capable but inconsistent, the safer play is to focus on the scoring.
Collingwood vs Port Adelaide Predictions
Two sides that have been right in the fight but just fallen short in recent weeks.
Collingwood lost a tight one to Melbourne on King’s Birthday, while Port pushed Sydney all the way before going down by three points last week.
There is a big blow for Port with Connor Rozee expected to miss the rest of the season, although Jack Lukosius could return after strong SANFL form. Collingwood should regain Billy Frampton, but Brayden Maynard is still a couple of weeks away.
Port have been solid following a loss over the past year and will be desperate to end a five game losing run against the Pies. Their ability to control tempo and disrupt opposition ball movement has been a strength.
How that stacks up against Collingwood’s run and carry is the big question, but if the Pies are even slightly off after the break, Port can stay in this.
Richmond vs North Melbourne Predictions
This is a game North simply have to win.
Their narrow win over West Coast last week did little to silence the critics, but a win here could see them climb the ladder and stay in the Wild Card mix.
Richmond are still finding it tough to generate scoring, but there were encouraging signs against Brisbane with the margin only three points at half time.
Jasper Alger and Tim Taranto led the way, and if the Tigers can bring that same pressure for four quarters, they are right in the contest against a North side that has lacked composure in key moments.
St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs Predictions
Another massive Sunday game with both sides running out of chances.
St Kilda kept their season alive with a strong win over the Giants, but the Bulldogs present a tougher challenge after a disappointing showing against Adelaide.
The call on Adam Treloar will be important, but the Dogs can take confidence from winning their last three against the Saints by a big combined margin.
St Kilda do look different now though, especially in the ruck where Tom De Koning is coming off a big performance and will test Tim English around the ground.
The Saints would love a focal point like Max King inside 50, and their lack of firepower could prove costly against a Bulldogs side with plenty of scoring options.
If the Dogs can get off to a clean start, they look a solid chance to bounce back and keep their finals hopes alive.