#afl preview

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AFL Round 19 Preview - St Kilda v Fremantle

St Kilda v Fremantle

Etihad Stadium, Sunday 9 August, 4.40pm AEST

The Previous two times that these teams have clashed there was a feeling of a serious upset on the cards, Fremantle however entered each of those games with an understrength team.

There’s always that sentimental aspect involved with these two teams as Ross Lyon goes toe to toe with his once dearly beloved Saints in a game that is growing a reputation for a competitive affair. In round 18 last year against Freo, the Saints’ farewelled cult hero Lenny Hayes and the previous season (round 23) they farewelled Milne, Blake and Kosi… It’s always something with these two.

Fremantle have looked a mile off what they produced at the seasons inception, however display how good a team they are by keeping the wins coming, thick and fast. This Fyfe-less outfit has displayed that they can be aggressive at the ball and are beginning to rectify their main issue of not being able to apply scoreboard pressure.

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The likes of Mayne, Mundy, Neale and Barlow are stamping their mark on the competition and are continuing along as a much underrated midfield group. Neale in particular has had a stellar season and is relishing his opportunity as the number one man, with another 38 possessions to his name last weekend. Fremantle is still the number one defensive team in the competition and will produce a challenge to St Kilda’s inexperienced goal scorers to not crumble under the intense pressure that is inevitable.

St Kilda on the flip side have been playing very good football, despite not climbing far up the later. However it is very lucky for them that a week is a long time in football, because they would be looking to forget the effort the dished up against the power last week. Contested possession would have been a main focus this week after being convincingly beaten in that area. The likes of David Armitage will have to go head to head with David Mundy and ensure that he and his counterparts are suffocated with as much intense pressure as they are bound to be. Jack Lonie has proven himself to be another key aspect in tight games and will have to work hard to contribute to scoreboard in what threatens to be a low scoring affair.

Watch Out For: Pav. The old boy still has it and threatens to have a field day against a defence that plays to his strong suit. He will attempt to outwork them up the ground and in turn use his meticulous set shot to score from a 40-50 range.

Don’t Hold Your Breath: For a Barrage of goals. Remember that term ugly football that everyone keeps banging on about? Well these are two teams who have teachings imbedded by Ross Lyon who, in partnership with Paul Roos, created such a thing with their respective game plans. The tackles will be high and the efficiency will be low.

Prediction: Fremantle by 18

LADBROKES ODDS

St Kilda – $2.75

Fremantle – $1.47

#BANTER

Can St Kilda cause what would almost be the upset of the season?

Will we see goals or will Freo’s ugly football get them the result?

Will Freo wrap up top spot with a win here?

Teams

SAINTS

B: J.Geary, S.Fisher, S.Dempster

HB: S.Gilbert, H.Goddard, J.Newnes

C: S.Savage, D.Armitage, D.Roberton

HF: L.Montagna, N.Riewoldt, J.Sinclair

F: J.Bruce, P.McCartin, J.Lonie

Foll: T.Hickey, J.Steven, M.Weller

Inter (from): B.Acres, S.Ross, T.Membrey, A.Schneider, C.Shenton, N.Wright, D.McKenzie

In: B.Acres, S.Gilbert, N.Riewoldt, S.Ross, C.Shenton, N.Wright, J.Lonie

Out: J.Webster (groin), B.Longer (soreness), L.Dunstan (soreness), E.Templeton

DOCKERS

B: L.Spurr, L.McPharlin, G.Ibbotson

HB: C.Sutcliffe, A.Pearce, S.Hill

C: T.Sheridan, T.Mzungu, D.Pearce

HF: M.Walters, C.Mayne, M.de Boer

F: J.Griffin, M.Pavlich, H.Crozier

Foll: A.Sandilands, D.Mundy, N.Suban

Inter (from): L.Weller, C.Blakely, M.Barlow, L.Neale, Z.Clarke, C.Pearce, A.Silvagni

In: C.Blakely, Z.Clarke, C.Pearce, A.Silvagni

Out: Z.Dawson (suspension)

New: Connor Blakely (Swan Districts)

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Melbourne v North Melbourne

Melbourne v North Melbourne

MCG, Sunday 9 August, 1.10PM AEST

North Melbourne come into Sunday’s clash winners of four games in a row, most recently beating Carlton by 64 points last week. The Demons meanwhile are coming off of a spirited 37 point win against the Magpies last week and are winners of two of their last three games.

North Melbourne never really looked like losing against the Blues last week, and ended up cruising home to an easy victory. The damage was done in the second half for the Roos as they kicked ten goals to Carlton’s two to wrap up the match. Shaun Higgins is finally beginning to show some consistently good football, grabbing 31 touches and slotting two goals. There was a litany of goal scorers for North Melbourne as they had seven players kick two or more goals. North Melbourne simply had a lot more of the football than Carlton, grabbing an extra 72 uncontested possessions. Brad Scott will be happy with the way they used these extra touches as well, as North Melbourne went at 80% kicking efficiency for the afternoon. This gave the North Melbourne forwards perfect service, and led to the Roos grabbing 27 marks inside 50 to Carlton’s eight. The Roos may be a bit concerned about their stoppage work however, as Carlton had 6 more clearances despite having 20 less hit-outs.

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In an upset win, Melbourne showed again what they are capable of, when they play good football. The Dees had a healthy lead for most of the day, and ran away with the game by kicking four unanswered goals in the last quarter. Bernie Vince was the high ball-winner for the Demons on the day, as he collected 30 disposals and kicked three goals. Skipper Nathan Jones was also thereabouts, with 26 disposals, while Jack Watts shone with 26 touches. Jesse Hogan also provided a big target up forward as he kicked three goals and had nine marks. Paul Roos will be overjoyed that Melbourne were able to beat Collingwood in the contested ball, considering that Collingwood are the best contested possession team in the league. He will be less happy that the Dee’s allowed 14 more inside 50’s than their opponents, but some credit must go to the resolute Melbourne backline.

For Melbourne, one of their key performance indicators on the weekend will be their tackling numbers. We saw what happened last week when Carlton didn’t put enough pressure on the Roos and allowed North Melbourne to carve them up to the tune of 80% disposal efficiency. This can’t happen if the Dee’s are to have any hope of winning. Luckily for Melbourne, this is an area that they pride themselves on, ranking fourth in the league for tackles per game.

Another reason for Melbourne to be placing importance on their tackling numbers would be North’s dominance at centre clearances. They rank third in the league in centre clearances per game, largely thanks to their big man in the middle Todd Goldstein. It’s important for Melbourne to create as much congestion as possible at the centre bounce and give themselves time to set up defensively before North Melbourne can begin any attacking thrusts from the middle of the ground.

Watch out for: A focussed North Melbourne outfit. Since their embarrassing loss to the Gold Coast, North have pulled their socks up the last four weeks and are trying to solidify their place in the top 8.

Don’t hold your breath: For a Demons team ready to end the season. North Melbourne won’t find an easy beat in the Demons, who showed last week against Collingwood that they don’t mind spoiling September plans.

Prediction: North Melbourne by 27 points

LADBROKES ODDS

Melbourne – $3.45

North Melbourne – $1.33

#BANTER

Can Melbourne continue to finish their season on a positive note and build momentum for next season?

How far up the ladder can North Melbourne climb?

Is Shaun Higgins the recruit of the season?

Teams

DEMONS

B: C.Garland, L.Dunn, N.Jetta

HB: D.Cross, T.McDonald, J.Howe

C: J.Grimes, D.Tyson, H.Lumumba

HF: A.Brayshaw, C.Dawes, B.Vince

F: J.Garlett, J.Hogan, J.Watts

Foll: M.Gawn, N.Jones, J.Viney

Inter (from): V.Michie, A.Neal-Bullen, B.Newton, A.Vandenberg, J.Harmes, M.Jamar, M.Jones

In: M.Jamar, M.Jones, B.Newton

Out: Nil

KANGAROOS

B: S.Wright, R.Tarrant, L.Hansen

HB: N.Dal Santo, S.Thompson, B.Jacobs

C: S.Higgins, J.Ziebell, S.Atley

HF: B.Harvey, D.Petrie, T.Garner

F: B.Brown, J.Waite, L.Thomas

Foll: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, A.Swallow

Inter (from): M.Daw, L.McDonald, K.Turner, R.Nahas, S.Gibson, A.Mullett, M.Warren

In: M.Daw, L.Hansen, A.Mullett, R.Nahas, M.Warren

Out: M.Firrito (suspendion), R.Bastinac

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AFL Round 19 Preview - West Coast v Hawthorn

West Coast v Hawthorn

Domain Stadium, Saturday 8 August, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday night’s match features two teams very high on the table, as the second place Eagles go up against the third place Hawks. The Eagles are coming off a sensational draw against the Gold Coast Suns, as Tom Lynch kicked a goal with less than a minute to go to deadlock the scores. The Hawks meanwhile are licking their wounds after a huge Friday night upset last week that saw the reigning premiers lose to the Tigers by 18 points.

The Eagles will look back on last week’s match as one that they really should have won against an inferior opponent. The usual suspects were dominant for the Eagles in midfield as Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey had 34 and 33 disposals respectively, while Chris Masten also gathered 30 touches. It was a struggle for the Eagles up forward however, as star big man Josh Kennedy managed just two goals along with six possessions, while Jack Darling was wasteful with his chances kicking 2.3. For another week, the Eagles were able to get on top at the stoppages in a big way, as they won the contested possessions and clearances, on the back of a big differential in the hit-out column, thanks in large part to another good game from Nic Naitanui. Adam Simpson will be less impressed by his side losing the tackle count by 19, with the Suns making up for their lack of talent with pressure around the ground.

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Hawthorn never looked like winning against the Tigers, and will be a little concerned about some of the cracks that Richmond opened up in their game. Jordan Lewis stood out for the Hawks, as he had 34 disposals, while Shaun Burgoyne was also good with 30 touches. The Hawks were largely impotent up forward, as they had just four goal scorers, compared to 12 from the week before’s rout of the Blues. Jack Gunston did kick three goals, but missed some shots for goal that he shouldn’t have at inopportune times. Alastair Clarkson can’t be too unhappy with the Hawks’ intent around the stoppages, as they had more contested possessions and clearances than the Tigers. He will have issues with his team’s work-rate however, as the Tigers had 13 more tackles inside 50 and 19 more overall. It was also strange to see Hawthorn shut out of the match for such large periods of time, as they failed to kick a goal in both the first and third quarters.

Both teams will have to be worried about their tackling coming into this match. We saw that both teams were outworked around the ground, and were pressured out of playing their best football at times last week. Neither club are especially proficient in this area, as they both rank in the bottom six of the league for tackles.

What is clear is that both of these teams are good at moving the ball, ranking first and second in the league at disposal efficiency. While Hawthorn and West Coast are usually brilliant users of the ball, last week’s matches showed that with enough pressure on them around the ground in the form of tackling, cracks can begin to appear in their games.

Watch out for: A bounce back game for the Hawks. While it was just a regular season game, last weeks loss will not be sitting well with Hawthorn. They have created a club culture over the past few years that has seen them rebound from tough losses in a big way. Expect them to come out firing on Saturday night.

Don’t hold your breath: For Josh Kennedy’s lean run of goals to continue. He has been scoring goals pretty consistently over the past four of five weeks but no more than two or three a match. You’d expect more from the man leading the Coleman Medal by a country mile, and he may be licking his lips coming into this match after seeing the Hawks defence get exposed last week.

Prediction: Eagles by 16 points

LADBROKES ODDS

West Coast – $2.50

Hawthorn – $1.55

#BANTER

Can the Eagles all but secure a top 4 finish with a win on Saturday night?

Can Jarryd Roughead bounce back after being held goal-less last week?

Can Matt Priddis keep his sneaky repeat Brownlow medal campaign alive?

Teams

EAGLES

B: S.Wellingham, W.Schofield, S.Hurn

HB: S.Butler, J.McGovern, B.Sheppard

C: M.Rosa, M.Priddis, C.Masten

HF: A.Gaff, J.Kennedy, M.LeCras

F: C.Sinclair, J.Darling, J.Cripps

Foll: N.Naitanui, E.Yeo, L.Shuey

Inter: X.Ellis, P.McGinnity, S.Selwood, D.Sheed

Emer: J.Hill, M.Hutchings, S.Lycett

In: S.Butler, P.McGinnity, J.McGovern

Out: M.Hutchings, T.Barrass, J.Hill

HAWKS

B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, S.Mitchell

HB: G.Birchall, J.Frawley, J.Gibson

C: B.Hartung, S.Burgoyne, I.Smith

HF: C.Rioli, R.Schoenmakers, L.Shiels

F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, L.Breust

Foll: J.Ceglar, L.Hodge, J.Lewis

Inter: T.Duryea, B.Hill, B.McEvoy, P.Puopolo

Emer: J.Anderson, A.Litherland, M.Suckling

In: J.Ceglar

Out: D.Hale (general soreness)

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Geelong v Sydney

Geelong v Sydney

Simonds Stadium, Saturday 7 August, 7.20pm AEST

After easily accounting for the Brisbane Lions at home last weekend, Geelong will again play in the familiar surrounds of Simonds Stadium, while the Sydney Swans make the journey south having comfortably beaten Adelaide. Both sides will be using Saturday night’s encounter as a measure of their finals credentials, but the game will carry extra significance as Swans star Adam Goodes returns from his self-imposed break. The dual Brownlow medallist was rested from last Saturday’s match against the Crows after being the target of constant booing this season. All eyes will be on how Goodes is greeted by the Geelong faithful.

Both teams had comfortable wins against their respectable sides last week, but it was Sydney who looked back in form after their 50-point loss the week before against West Coast. The Swans dominated all game to come out 52-point winners which put them back into the top 4. Dan Hannebery (40 touches and three goals), Jarrad McVeigh (37 possessions, one goal) and Tom Mitchell (35 disposals, eight tackles) were among the Swans’ best in what was a fairly even team effort. Lance Franklin did end the game with a back injury while Kurt Tippett kicked had 19 possessions and kicked three goals.

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Meanwhile down at the Cattery, Geelong were never really challenged against a struggling Brisbane Lions outfit. The Cats’ intent was obvious, with their tackle count almost doubling the Lions (28-15), despite the home side also controlling possession (106-71) to quarter-time. Skipper Joel Selwood (27 disposals, two goals), Cam Guthrie (28, two), Josh Caddy and Steven Motlop (29 and one each) were outstanding for the home side through the midfield, while defender Harry Taylor was rock-solid across half-back. After weeks of trying, Steve Johnson finally overtook Billy Brownless in third spot on the Cats’ list of all-time goalkickers by slotting his 442nd career major and second goal for the match just after half-time. Unfortunately, Johnson will not be playing this week after striking Allen Christensen in the last quarter, quite a big loss for the Cats.

Onto this week, Joel Selwood plays his 200th game for the Cats while Luke Parker plays his 100th game, both superstar midfielders. Toby Nankervis will have a huge task ahead of him, coming up against big man Mark Blicavs. The 20 year old from George Town had only played a handful of games but will receive some help from Kurt Tippett. Geelong will have to be wary of the dangerous midfield force of Sydney, it is likely Guthrie will receive and run with role with Hannebery or Kennedy while a player such as Ben McGlynn could get the job on Joel Selwood for the night.

In team news, the two-time Brownlow medallist returns to replace the injured Buddy Franklin for the Swans. While Stokes, Horlin-Smith and Gregson all come in for Kersten, Smedts and Johnson.

Watch out for: Joel Selwood. The skipper gets to play his 200th game at his home ground, Simonds Stadium. He loves playing down there and will relish the moment like no other. Selwood was back to his best last week, picking up 27 touches, 11 tackles while going at 85% efficiency, he also lead all players with six score assists and 12 score involvements.

Don’t hold your breath: For the same output from Kurt Tippett as last week. With Franklin out, all eyes will be on Tippett to perform, and without Buddy, we can’t see it happening.

Prediction: Swans by 8.

LADBROKES ODDS

Geelong – $1.95

Sydney – $1.90

#BANTER

What kind of reception will Adam Goodes receive on his return?

Can the Swans cope with the loss of star forward Buddy Franklin?

Will that cancelled match against Adelaide cost Geelong a finals place?

Teams

CATS

B: C.Enright, T.Lonergan, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: A.Mackie, H.Taylor, M.Duncan

C: M.Stokes, J.Selwood, S.Motlop

HF: J.Bartel, J.Walker, D.Lang

F: J.Murdoch, T.Hawkins, J.Caddy

Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Kelly, C.Guthrie

Inter: N.Cockatoo, C.Gregson, S.Kersten, J.Thurlow

Emer: G.Horlin-Smith, J.Rivers, D.Simpson

In: C.Gregson, M.Stokes

Out: S.Johnson (suspended), B.Smedts

SWANS

B: N.Smith, T.Richards, J.Laidler

HB: D.Rampe, H.Grundy, R.Shaw

C: J.Lloyd, J.Kennedy, J.McVeigh

HF: K.Jack, S.Reid, L.Jetta

F: I.Heeney, K.Tippett, A.Goodes

Foll: T.Nankervis, D.Hannebery, L.Parker

Inter: H.Cunningham, B.Jack, B.McGlynn, T.Mitchell

Emer: Z.Jones, X.Richards, D.Towers

In: A.Goodes

Out: L.Franklin (back)

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Brisbane v Gold Coast

Brisbane v Gold Coast

Gabba, Saturday 8 August, 4.35pm AEST

Potential draftees around the country will be glued to their TVs this Saturday in eager anticipation of the Poo-Clash from the Gabba.

Make no bones about it, this will be a contest between two of the competitions most disappointing units. The hosts, Brisbane, have won just two of 18 in 2015, losing the balance by an average of eight goals. In defence, only Carlton and WADA leak more profusely, whilst in attack, no side is more inept.

Interestingly, we previewed the Lions earlier in the year and were upbeat about the list, particularly given a glut of promising young midfielders, but with injuries exposing both the abilities of the kids and the coach, we’re keen to reconsider. On the upside, Beams has proven a worthy recruit, albeit he won’t be seen for this “clash”, whilst youngsters Redden, Taylor and Zorko have continued to toil manfully in the face of the insipid. In summary, this is a club that’s shown little desire in the second half of the seasons to remedy their on-field woes and one which we position is screaming out for round 23 and the first flight to Phuket.

Their opponents Gold Coast have fared little better this year, notching just two wins and a draw, but on a positive note have shown some gumption during the latter half of the fixture to obtain something from the season.

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Last weekend the Suns were able to eke out a draw against a powerful, if not wasteful opponent in the West Coast, whilst six matches back they walloped the September headed Kangaroos from pillar to post. Essentially, they’re a club that are well coached, albeit we’re still not quite sure how or why Guy McKenna lost his job, and do possess a list generally full of high draft picks, as well as a gun midfield, and an attack, which if kept together, should provide the backbone of the club in years to come. Where to position the Suns in 2016 and beyond is problematical, but with this weekend in mind, we’re certain the Gold Coast are in a far better collective state than their cross town rivals and one which should enable a result highly reflective of their earlier meeting in 2015.

This is quite simply a matter of deciding the “least worst”.

It’s our uneducated belief that the Suns might have galvanized some six weeks ago on the back of a flogging from Carlton and the fallout from Harley Bennell’s blowing snow. Since then, the Gold Coast has destroyed North Melbourne by ten goals and drawn with the West Coast, whilst suffering narrow losses to the more than useful Bulldogs, Giants and Crows. In addition, in each of these affairs, the Suns have been able to add around five goals a game to the club’s weekly tally purveyed across May/June.

Wind the clock back a year and the Suns were travelling on a steep upward trend with a finals appearance a realistic possibility. Injuries to key players may have curtailed Gold Coast’s 2016 season, but they remain a club with a list beset with high draft picks, most of whom are approaching the 70-80 game mark and two guns up front in Dixon and Lynch who can be relied on to assist in kicking a winning score. Last weekend illustrated the level the Suns can play at, and should they appear at the Gabba in anything vaguely like that form, they’ll be comfortably disposing of an opposition that has lost 10 straight.

Watch out for: Kade Kolodjashnij. Hard to say, harder to spell, but fortunately easy to watch.

Outside of the normal suspects, Ablett, Bennell, Rischitelli and the human meatball, Prestia, Kolodjashnij maintains the best possession average at the Suns. On closer inspection, the former #5 draft pick, and 2014 Rising Star nomination, actually leads the club for total kicks and disposals.

Whilst some may wish to debate the quality of youngster domiciled at Metricon, the marauding Kolodjashnij who sits 8th on the league’s rebound 50m statistic looks destined for good things if his past month of footy is anything to go by. With 28, 30 and 24 possessions at his last three outings against finals bounds opponents, the juvenile Tasmanian looks set for a dose of leather poisoning this Saturday afternoon

Don’t hold your breath: For a goal fest. Last weekend saw the Lions crack the half century for the first time in five matches, whilst the Suns have been through their own period of scoring insipidity in 2015, netting fewer than 50 on four occasions.

With their best ball winner, Beams in the stands, no sight of any forward 50 prowess on the horizon and a revitalized opponent, we reckon the hosts will once again struggle to trouble the scorers in round 19.

Prediction: Gold Coast by 38

LADBROKES ODDS

Brisbane – $2.50

Gold Coast – $1.55

#BANTER

Is it possible Gary Ablett really knew nothing about Karmichael Hunt peddling gear at the Suns?

Will cash be enough to entice Charlie Dixon to the Lions?

Can Justin Leppitsch really coach?

Teams

LIONS

B: J.Clarke, D.Merrett, H.Andrews

HB: M.Paparone, D.Rich, S.Mayes

C: D.Zorko, J.Redden, L.Taylor

HF: A.Christensen, R.Bewick, M.Robinson

F: L.McGuane, J.Freeman, J.Adcock

Foll: S.Martin, T.Rockliff, P.Hanley

Inter: L.Dawson, D.McStay, Z.O’Brien, B.Evans

Emer: T.Cutler, N.Robertson, H.Beasley

In: L.McGuane, Z.O’Brien, B.Evans

Out: Out: D.Beams (shoulder), M.Leuenberger (leg), N.Robertson

New: Billy Evans (Bendigo U18)

SUNS

B: A.Saad, H.Schade, K.Kolodjashnij

HB: N.Malceski, S.May, T.McKenzie

C: J.Harbrow, M.Rischitelli, M.Shaw

HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, B.Matera

F: J.Martin, S.Day, C.Dixon

Foll: T.Nicholls, J.Lonergan, T.Miller

Inter: L.Russell, A.Boston, A.Hall, S.Lemmens

Emer: Z.Smith, J.Glenn, A.Raines

In: T.McKenzie, M.Rischitelli

Out: R.Thompson (ankle), J.Glenn

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide

Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide

Etihad Stadium, Saturday 8 August, 2.10pm AEST

It all goes on the line for Port Adelaide this afternoon as they look to give themselves one last shot at the finals against a Western Bulldogs outfit gunning for the top 4.

Port Adelaide currently sit eight points outside the top 8 on 32 and a win could possibly take them to within one win of an unlikely finals berth. Last weekend’s 63 point win over St Kilda boosted their percentage which now is on par with the other four teams seemingly chasing that one last place in the top 8.

A win for the Western Bulldogs could see them sneak into the top 4, should the Swans lose their match against Geelong, and would cap what has been an outstanding season from what many still describe as a young team on their way up.

After these two sides clashed in round 10, both headed into round 11 with a record of 5-5 which just goes to show how each team’s season has gone in different directions since that match. The Bulldogs have won six out of their last seven matches, while Port have won three out of their last seven which has seen them continue to drop down the ladder.

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The Western Bulldogs midfield has been in fine form in recent weeks, particularly the likes of Lachie Hunter, Easton Wood, Luke Dahlhaus and Jackson Macrae who have all had eye catching performances. Up against the likes of Travis Boak and Robbie Gray, that midfield battle is going to be the key to who wins this match.

In that round 10 encounter, the sides went toe to toe up until the last quarter where Port’s much talked about fitness came to the fore in a dominant fourth quarter effort to take the match by over six goals. The way the form guides have reversed it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see a similar scoreline here in favour of the Bulldogs on this occasion.

In team news, the Bulldogs have rested Robert Murphy and Josh Prudden, with Sam Darling and Lin Jong coming into the side for this clash. Port lose Ollie Wines with a shoulder injury (which has now ruled him out for the season) and he’s been replaced by Jarman Impey.

With the Bulldogs on a roll and gunning for a second chance in the finals, it’s going to be tough for Port to shut them down and keep their season alive.

Watch out for: the Power to struggle without Ollie Wines. Earlier in the season they struggled without his presence and against an in form Bulldogs side it’s going to be a tough ask.

Don’t hold your breath: For the Bulldogs to put in another three quarter performance. They’ll be up for this one and have the top 4 in their sights.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 34

LADBROKES ODDS

Western Bulldogs – $1.67

Port Adelaide – $2.25

#BANTER

Can the Bulldogs maintain their sights on a possible top 4 finish?

Is the season over Port Adelaide or are they still a chance of finals action?

Can Wood run with Wingard or will the Port man be too much to handle?

Teams

BULLDOGS

B: D.Morris, M.Talia, M.Boyd

HB: S.Darley, E.Wood, J.Johannisen

C: M.Bontempelli, J.Macrae, S.Biggs

HF: L.Dahlhaus, T.Dickson, S.Crameri

F: L.Hunter, J.Redpath, J.Stringer

Foll: T.Campbell, M.Wallis, L.Picken

Inter: J.Grant, L.Jong, B.Dale, C.Daniel

Emer: N.Hrovat, J.Hamling, T.Boyd

In: S.Darley, L.Jong

Out: R.Murphy (general soreness), J.Prudden (general soreness)

POWER

B: C.O’Shea, J.Hombsch, J.Pittard

HB: T.Clurey, J.Trengove, M.Broadbent

C: S.Colquhoun, R.Gray, B.Ebert

HF: J.Neade, J.Westhoff, C.Wingard

F: H.Hartlett, J.Schulz, P.Ryder

Foll: M.Lobbe, T.Boak, A.Young

Inter: S.Gray, J.Impey, A.Moore, M.White

Emer: K.Amon, D.Byrne-Jones, T.Jonas

In: J.Impey

Out: O.Wines (shoulder)

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Collingwood v Carlton

Collingwood v Carlton

MCG, Saturday 8 August, 1.45pm AEST

In what is set to be a huge clash at ‘The G’, two of the AFL’s biggest rivals will go head to head in an epic battle on Saturday Afternoon.

There is so much on the line for both clubs ahead of this round 19 match. Collingwood are desperately trying to keep their season alive after losing their past six matches and falling out of the top 8 and out of top 4 contention. It has been a good six weeks for Collingwood in regards to effort, dropping some matches to big teams such as Hawthorn and Fremantle by small margins. However, the constant string of close losses sees the Pies sitting 11th ahead of this do or die match. As for Carlton, they are determined to simply make this season anything but an absolute (if that is even possible). Losing their star coach, their star player, and 14 matches of football, it is hard to say Carlton have had a successful. But a nice victory over their rivals may just shed some light on what has been a disastrous year.

Heading into this crucial match, neither team boasts a lot of form coming off some demoralizing performances last week. Carlton were subject to a 64-point loss to North Melbourne in what can only e described as a missed opportunity. It is incredible to think that Carlton were down by just 11 points with seven minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. As for Collingwood, they have had to do some serious thinking following a 37-point loss to the out-of-form Melbourne Demons. After such a long stint of losses, it seems it had finally got to the Collingwood players, losing a match they really should have won. If the Pies are any chance of the top 8, they must win Saturday’s match.

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The last time these two teams met was in round 5 of this season, where the Pies defeated the Blues by a massive 75-points. In what was Mick Malthouse’s 715th game coached, it was a sad way to remember such a massive milestone. Scott Pendlebury was best on ground with 32 touches and two goals for the game. Elliott and Cloke were also dangerous, both finishing with two goals. As for Carlton, their highest disposal player was Marc Murphy with 26 disposals for the entire match. Cameron Wood was promising with two goals and Chris Judd finished with seven clearances. However, if there was ever a chance for Carlton to defeat the Pies, it would be this weekend.

Both teams are very different in regards to their run home. Carlton have some very winnable games in the final four weeks after this match taking on teams such as the Lions and Melbourne both at home and away. The story is very different for Collingwood however, who are set to take on big guns such as Geelong, Richmond, and Sydney. You would expect they would need to win every game left in the season if they are any chance of making up for this six game losing streak and possibly make the finals. Can the biggest sporting club in Australia prove their worth?

Watch Out For: Matthew Kreuzer. Against the competitions best ruckman last week, Kreuzer stood his own in what was a very valiant performance. Finishing with 14 touches (equal with Goldstein), five tackles (four more than Goldstein), and a goal (one less than Goldstein), Kreuzer was definitely on par with one of the current Brownlow Medal favourites. If Kreuzer is in similar form, Carlton may just have a chance at victory.

Don’t Hold Your Breath: On a repeat of the last time. 75-points was the deficit last time these two side met. However, with Collingwood having a huge slump in form, you’d expect the margin to be below five goals. Also, Carlton stuck it to North Melbourne for three quarters last week. If the Blues put in a four quarter effort, they might just have a chance.

Prediction: Collingwood by 27 points

LADBROKES ODDS

Collingwood – $1.22

Carlton – $4.50

#BANTER

Is John Barker the man for the job at Carlton?

Is Nathan Buckley the man for the job at Collingwood?

Do the Pies have what it takes to make the 8?

Teams

MAGPIES

B: T.Langdon, N.Brown, M.Williams

HB: A.Toovey, J.Frost, B.Maynard

C: L.Greenwood, D.Swan, S.Sidebottom

HF: T.Varcoe, D.Moore, J.Blair

F: A.Fasolo, B.Reid, J.Elliott

Foll: B.Grundy, T.Adams, S.Pendlebury

Inter: J.Crisp, J.Marsh, M.Scharenberg, B.Sinclair

Emer: S.Dwyer, T.Goldsack, J.Witts

In: J.Blair, J.Marsh, B.Reid, B.Sinclair

Out: S.Dwyer, J.Witts, P.Seedsman, J.De Goey (rested)

New: Jonathon Marsh (East Fremantle)

BLUES

B: S.White, M.Jamison, S.Rowe

HB: D.Buckley, Z.Tuohy, K.Simpson

C: S.Docherty, A.Carrazzo, E.Curnow

HF: B.Boekhorst, L.Casboult, T.Bell

F: A.Everitt, L.Henderson, A.Walker

Foll: M.Kreuzer, P.Cripps, M.Murphy

Inter: M.Whiley, C.Smith, N.Holman, C.Wood

Emer: K.Jaksch, T.Fields, B.Walsh

In: M.Whiley, N.Holman, A.Walker

Out: C.Yarran, J.Tutt, T.Menzel

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AFL Round 19 Preview - Adelaide v Richmond

Adelaide v Richmond

Adelaide Oval, Friday 7 August, 7.50pm AEST

Round 19 kicks off from the Adelaide Oval on Friday night between Adelaide and Richmond. This is a crucial game for both teams with slightly different goals. Richmond will be looking to force their way into the top 4 whilst Adelaide is in a tight battle to make the 8. The desperation to win for both teams will be high and therefore we should see an enthralling match.

Richmond are one of the in-form sides in the competition having beaten the Hawks, who some claimed had already won the premiership. That match really shook up the premiership race and proved that Richmond are still in the hunt, however to give themselves a realistic chance they will need to make the top 4.

Adelaide got taught a lesson by a resurgent Sydney Swans outfit who were determined to bounce back for their club and bounce back for Adam Goodes. They came out to send a message and they did so very effectively beating Adealide by 52 points. The Crows were simply beaten by a better team however they need to get wins against good teams if they are to make finals.

One man who likes to get his hands dirty in the midfield for Richmond is Anthony Miles. The underrated midfielder was outstanding against Hawthorn notching up 18 contested possessions and seven clearances. He is the grunt work midfielder the Tigers need to distribute the ball to the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio.

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There were not many positives for Adelaide to take out of their loss, however one man who played his role as he has been all year was Rory Laird. The small defender has developed his game dramatically this season playing all over the ground and having an impact. His name would surely have to be thrown into the 40-man All-Australian squad by seasons end.

Ivan Maric was fantastic against Hawthorn last week and was one of the key factors in their upset win. Maric along with Deledio appears to be a barometer for how the Tigers are going. When he’s up and about laying tackles, putting it down the throats of his midfielders and taking contested grabs, Richmond are a much better side. He has a massive matchup this week against another quality opponent in Sam Jacobs, which will have huge impact on the overall contest.

Richmond have had the upper hand in the last two encounters between these two sides however Adelaide won the two meetings prior to that. The match last year was an enthralling contest in which the Tigers just got over the line and proved a defining result for the finals race. The circumstances are a bit different this year but the stakes are just as high so if we can get anything like last year, it will be a cracker.

Watch out for: Dustin Martin. This was purely based on the fact that he kicked the winning goal last year in the corresponding fixture. He is an absolute superstar of the game and expect him to have a big one on Friday.

Don’t hold your breath: For Taylor Walker. He is going to have to deal with having Alex Rance all over him and considering he is already out of form, Rance certainly won’t help him.

Prediction: Richmond by 20

Ladbrokes Odds

Adelaide – $2.10

Richmond – $1.76

#BANTER

Can Richmond cement their place in the top 8 and even give themselves a shot at top 4?

Will Adelaide get the win that pushes them into the top 8?

Will we see another close game like their encounter for a finals berth last season?

Teams

CROWS

B: J.Lever, D.Talia, L.Brown

H: R.Laird, K.Hartigan, R.Henderson

C: B.Smith, S.Thompson, N.Van Berlo

HF: M.Crouch, T.Walker, J.Lyons

F: E.Betts, J.Jenkins, T.Lynch

Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane

Inter: D.Mackay, R.Atkins, C.Cameron, R.Knight

Emer: J.Podsiadly, C.Ellis-Yolmen, S.Shaw

In: N.Van Berlo, R.Atkins

Out: R.Douglas (appendix removed), M.Wright

TIGERS

B: D.Grimes, J.Batchelor, T.Chaplin

HB: N.Vlastuin, A.Rance, B.Houli

C: B.Ellis, B.Deledio, R.Conca

HF: B.Lennon, T.Vickery, D.Martin

F: A.Miles, J.Riewoldt, T.Cotchin

Foll: I.Maric, S.Grigg, K.Lambert

Inter: C.Newman, K.McIntosh, T.Hunt, S.Hampson

Emer: S.Morris, D.Astbury, S.Lloyd

In: S.Hampson

Out: S.Lloyd