AFL Round 11 preview

Now that the bye rounds are done, the real footy schedule is back. This week, we will get some real crackers.

I’ll preview the round’s big games and topics, and cast my tips on a week where the AFL fixture is tilted back onto its proper axis.

Can Sydney continue their domination?
The Swans entered their bye last week full of confidence after two fantastic wins over Hawthorn and Essendon. Brimming with positivity, the Swans take on the perennial top-four placers in Geelong, who are looking to have a crack at yet another flag.

This game will be a cracker as Sydney look to continue their hopes of a premiership with a strong win at home against the evergreen Cats. Yet the Cats have something to prove after their last road trip was a shocker, as they lost to Freo.

Egged on by travelling supporters and their win last week, the Cats look ready to win yet again.

Something tells me that the Swans are ready to yet again stake their claims as one of the better teams this year, as they slowly edge out Geelong with their midfield again dominant. Sydney by 34.

Will the Pies build up their run for the top four?
Collingwood have been a good side for a fair time now. Yet they have only got one premiership out of their current premiership window.

Just a few weeks ago they were the underdogs of the competition, as they went on a nice little streak where they beat Essendon and Carlton after defeating Richmond and North Melbourne. But straight after the bye they fell to a pumped up Adelaide side that produced pressure and brilliant play by every team member.

Now the Pies are not secure in the top eight.

They will come into their clash against the Saints ready to build another streak after their gusty performance last Saturday against the Eagles. If they can beat St. Kilda and then follow on with another streak of wins, then watch out for the Pies.

The Saints will be looking to rectify their recent poor form, but it won’t be their night. Collingwood by 47 points.

Who wins out of the two unpredictables?
Richmond were expected to do bigger and better things than last year, but so far they have faced a tragic mudslide. The only positive about their season is their latest win over GWS.

Essendon were predicted to make the top four, yet they have tapered so horribly that the tape is all gone from the dispenser.

Both of the unknown and unpredictable teams face up on Saturday night for Dreamtime at the ‘G, which surely one side has got to lift for. The Bombers have won a lot of previous Dreamtime clashes so I’m going to go for them, but it really is an unknown as you never know which sides will turn up on Saturday night. Bombers by 11.

Tips
Sydney by 34
Collingwood by 47
Port by 62
Carlton by 38
Essendon by 11
Gold Coast by 23
Fremantle by 39
Hawthorn by 105
West Coast by 18