Finals are well and truly on the cards for many teams taking to the park in Round 16, with the wildcard weekend keeping the dreams alive for North, Collingwood and even Carlton.
Throw in the greatest rivalry in Australian sport in The Showdown, and we’ve got seven games to sink our teeth into and try to find some value.
Brisbane vs Sydney Predictions
Finals will well and truly be front of mind for both Brisbane and Sydney as they return from a bye and start plotting their path to September.
The Lions, who are currently $1.87 favourites at home, won two in a row against the Suns and Tigers prior to their week off, while the Swans sit safely in second spot on the ladder with a 12-2 record.
Errol Gulden is a key inclusion to the Swans’ midfield after an extended period on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, while Tom McCartin is expected to return from concussion.
Sydney (+1.5) has covered the line in each of its last five matches at the Gabba, and they should be able to flex their muscles against an inconsistent Lions.
Hawthorn vs GWS Giants Predictions
Third on the ladder with a 9-4-1 record, the Hawks are well-placed to maintain their spot in the top four with a win against the Giants.
They were too strong for the Suns last weekend but must overcome the loss of both Josh Weddle (suspension) and Jarman Impey (hamstring).
The injury-riddled Giants copped more of the same in their 23-point loss to Carlton with Jess Hogan (finger) and Jayden Laverde (hamstring) now sidelined with injury.
Hawthorn’s form at home has been irrepressible with 24 wins from 26. That record should only improve on Friday night.
Carlton vs West Coast Predictions
Just over a month ago, the thought of Carlton being $1.16 favourites against any team was fanciful.
Fast-forward five games and five wins, Josh Fraser has this unit humming and running out games they previously did not have the mental capacity to do.
They were far too strong for the Giants in their 23-point win and could be in for nice addition if Jacob Weitering can prove his fitness.
The Eagles took a much-need break after successive losses to the Roos (1) and Power (6) by a combined seven points.
Tom McCarthy (hamstring) and Willem Duursma (calf) have the chance to recover over the bye, but it’s hard to see the Eagles overcoming a 10-game losing streak at Marvel Stadium.
Collingwood vs Richmond Predictions
All the pressure is on Collingwood in this one because Richmond is literal garbage.
The 17th-placed Tigers hit new lows in their 25-point loss to the Kangaroos, managing just six goals to go with 66 turnovers and just 38 tackles (they average 49).
Adem Yze has a long injury list to contend with, but it’s not nearly as bad as his team’s lack of effort or will to in the ball.
The Pies should have no issues taking their season tally to seven winsas they eye off a wildcard berth from their current spot in 11th.
Nick Daicos has kicked two goals in each of Collingwood’s last three home matches against opponents on a losing streak, so we’ll happily take that again here.
Port Adelaide vs Adelaide Predictions
Throw all form and analysis out the window, it’s a Showdown, punters.
Port Adelaide and Adelaide will meet for the second time this season after playing out a one-point thriller earlier in the season.
The Crows have improved out of sight with six wins from their past seven, while the exact opposite can be said for the Power.
Josh Worrell slots back in automatically after missing one match with illness, while Mitch Hinge, Isaac Cumming and Jordon Butts could all possibly return.
The Crows should have no issues putting their opponents away in theory, but we know this is the greatest rivalry in Australian sport so don’t be too surprised with a surprise.
North Melbourne vs Essendon Predictions
Try not to be hungover while watching this on Sunday afternoon, because it’ll undoubtedly make you sick.
North Melbourne and Essendon will clash at Marvel Stadium in a battle of 10th vs 18th, but it’s hard to say which Roos will turn up.
They were unattractive in their 25-point win over Richmond, and they certainly won’t improve with the loss of Tristan Xerri to a jaw injury.
The Bombers are on track to record their lowest winning percentage from any season in club history, with one win from 14 games and a percentage of 70.4%.
North will win this, but it won’t be pretty.
Fremantle vs West Coast Predictions
Fremantle will look to extend their 13-game winning run when they host the embattled Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The Dockers are firing on all cylinders and used their unrivalled confidence to help overcome a 28-point deficit against Geelong last week.
Their list is healthier than any others with just Sam Sturt (knee/quad) sidelined through injury.
As for the Suns, they recorded their fourth-straight loss thanks to Hawthorn and Nick Watson.
The early-season premiership favourites are now $34 and on the seventh line of betting with Ladbrokes such has been their fall from grace.
Jye Amiss has kicked 3+ goals in each of Fremantle’s last five matches at Optus Stadium, so keep an eye on the big man against a Suns defence that has allowed 105+ points in their last four.
