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Match previews for Round 20 of the AFL

Roar Rookie
3rd August, 2011
2

We are into Round 20 of the AFL Home and away season, with only four rounds to go. This week the Western Bulldogs have the bye, with the eight games as follows.

St Kilda v Fremantle – Friday Night – 7.40 EST – Etihad Stadium
Despite losing their last two games, the Dockers are starting to return to form, and let’s be honest, with the run home that they have, they need to.

But in terms of teams playing well, St Kilda is almost the form team of the competition. Even if the Dockers get some names back, the return to form of Riewoldt, Goddard and Dal Santo should get St Kilda over the line.

Tip: St Kilda by 17 Points

Geelong v Gold Coast – Saturday Afternoon – 1.40 EST – Skilled Stadium
Last week I predicted Geelong would outclass Melbourne. I was right, but in no way did I think it would be by 186 points.

On paper Gold Coast have a weaker team than Melbourne, but I don’t think they will lose by as much. Even without Ablett, I would expect the young Gold Coast team to show a bit of fight, and perhaps keep the margin under 100 points.

Keep a close eye on Cameron Mooney, as he tries to cement a finals spot.

Tip: Geelong by 82 Points

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Carlton v Melbourne – Saturday Afternoon – 2.10 EST – MCG
The events of this week have made this game all of a sudden a lot more interesting. History tells us that a lot of new coaches achieve success in their first game as coach. But this will be a tough task for the up-and-down Demons.

If they are at their best, then they can shake Carlton, but I believe Carlton will come prepared, and their elite midfield and small forwards will create problems for Melbourne

Tip: Carlton by 23 Points

Essendon v Sydney – Saturday Evening – 7.20 EST – Etihad Stadium
This is game of the round without a doubt (9th v 6th). Assuming a Fremantle loss, Essendon have the chance to re-enter the top eight, and start to cement that position.

The factor that makes this game interesting is Etihad Stadium. Essendon have played their best football at this ground, and it suits their game style.

Sydney is coming off a bye and will be fresh, and it is on that basis alone that I see Sydney edging out the Bombers.

Tip: Sydney by 5 Points

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Port Adelaide v Collingwood – Saturday Evening – 7.10 EST – AAMI Stadium
Not much to see in this game, and should be another win for Collingwood. There might even be more Collingwood than Port fans at the game.

With the Port Adelaide football club at its lowest ebb, it is games like these where we need to see something. I’m not saying they should win, but they need another young player to show something and take it up to the reigning premiers. Expect Collingwood to travel well again.

Tip: Collingwood by 67 Points

Brisbane v Adelaide – Sunday Afternoon – 1.10 EST – GABBA
With all the tanking allegations coming out this week, both teams will want to at least pretend they care about the result, even if the fans don’t.

Adelaide will be looking for two wins on the trot, and to rebrand their club under Mark Bickley, while Brisbane have been competitive in their last few games (especially against Geelong) and will be seeking a win.

If you’re a fan of silky skills and a high-quality game, then stay well clear of this one.

Tip: Adelaide by 15 Points

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Hawthorn v North Melbourne – Sunday Afternoon – 2.10 EST – Aurora Stadium
The kings of Tasmania playing down there should draw a decent crowd. Hawthorn play the ground very well and will go in as favourites, however North have more reason to win, as this almost becomes an elimination final for them (especially if the Bombers get up).

North don’t quite have the quality all across the board that Hawthorn do, and if the hawks can stop Petrie and Swallow, then they should win here. Last week’s game will make it tougher for Hawthorn but they should get the points.

Tip: Hawthorn by 32 Points

West Coast v Richmond – Sunday Afternoon – 4.40 EST – Patterson’s Stadium
If this game were at the MCG, then I would give the Tigers a real chance, but unfortunately it isn’t. For the last few years both of these teams languished on the bottom, and now one remains there while the other approaches a top-four spot.

The Eagles need to stop Riewoldt and gain midfield ascendency, and they should get the points. I still don’t expect this to be a complete thumping.

For neutral supporters, the eagles will be wearing their infamous yellow peril jersey which I am steadfast in believing is the best jersey in the competition.

Tip: West Coast by 39 Points

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That is this round of AFL as I see it. More next week.

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