A huge week of AFL football has passed, with controversial suspensions, detrimental injuries and many other big stories being talked about during the week. Round 17 looks likely to be a season-defining one.
Can the Crows pull off an upset that could send them into the top eight?
Adelaide have pulled off a couple of victories this season that have made other teams step back and fear them, as their wins over Port Adelaide and Collingwood are the reason why they are still close to the top eight.
Then they have had shocking losses, like their defeats to Sydney and Melbourne. Now is the time for the Crows to perform if they want to make the finals for this year. When they play at their best they are a finals worthy team, but their inconsistency has tainted them.
They take on a Hawthorn side that is at its lowest point since late 2011. Their injury crisis turned on them last Friday night as they were shaken up by 10 ferocious minutes by North Melbourne.
The game depends on Adelaide. Everyone knows that Hawthorn will always bounce back and be consistently good, but if the Crows show up and produce their best form then they will beat the Hawks at home. But, considering that consistency has been Adelaide’s kryptonite this season, I can see the Hawks running home in a tight finish.
Tip: Hawks by eight.
Can Melbourne stun another Victorian team?
Melbourne have been gallant this season, upsetting the likes of Carlton, Essendon and Richmond. They now face up against Geelong, who are flying under the radar after being challenged by the Bulldogs last week.
I think that Geelong are just too good for Melbourne, and have the class to dig themselves out of a hole even if Melbourne takes control. Carlton and Richmond didn’t have experienced players who stepped up when Melbourne started winning, whereas Essendon only had David Zaharakis stand up for them in their encounter with the Dees.
Geelong have a whole core of players who can step up in a crisis and they will run away easy winners in the second half.
Tip: Cats by 37.
Can the Bombers cruise into the top eight?
This match is surely the match of the round. A Bombers outfit that is fresh off a brilliant win over Port at Adelaide Oval comes up against a Collingwood outfit under fire after a shocking loss to the Suns up at Metricon.
Collingwood now come up against an Essendon side full of confidence, while they lack any self-esteem after last week’s dodgy loss. The Magpies will be fired up though, as a loss here could see them dropping out of the top eight. I expect a close match full of momentum swings, with Collingwood finally winning at the end thanks to some class from their superstars.
Tip: Pies by 16.
Final Tips:
Hawks by 8
Cats by 37
North by 61
Gold Coast by 10
West Coast by 13
Sydney by 48
Port by 33
Pies by 16
Freo by 55
Macca
Guest
Not saying they are impressive, just saying his stats are better now than they ever were so there is no evidence of a drop off as you suggest.
Cat
Roar Guru
Adelaide lost that game at the selection table. Too tall and too slow. They tried to take advantage of Hawthorns lack of height in defense but in doing so made their own side look like plodders. Reminded me of Essendon a few years back when they were trying to play 3 ruckman.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
'Port will thrash Richmond'. I wouldn't be putting the sheep station on that.
Macca
Guest
And only in his first 2 years at Geelong did he get more contested possession then he does now
Macca
Guest
In 2011 JPod averaged 12.2 disposals and 5.6 marks, in 2014 his is averaging 14.4 disposals and 6.2 marks, the disposal to mark differential is the highest it has been in his career and he is averaging more disposals than at any time in his career and only in 2010 has he averaged more marks - Your opinion doesn't marry up with the facts.
Don Freo
Guest
The problem's not in the air. He had only 6 disposals that didn't come from marks. As soon as it is in dispute or on the ground, he is no longer a one grab player. Turnovers don't come from marks, they come from contested ball.
Macca
Guest
Yeah he has only taken 19 marks in the past 2 weeks, clearly Jpod just cant grab them anymore
Don Freo
Guest
I think he was talking about quarter time. Ballas for the Coleman!
Don Freo
Guest
Yeah...I don't think they can count on J Pod much more. He used to be a one-grab player but no more. Tex just needs to clunk one and the confidence will come back.
Sean Mortell
Roar Guru
In the end those tall forwards (other than Jenkins) didn't beat their opponents. None of Adelaide's defenders could take Gunston either.
johno
Guest
Freo by only 55? My god you're a negative person Sean! :)
Don Freo
Guest
Can you believe this Gene? I agree with you. Adelaide is starting to gel.
Don Freo
Guest
This is a year for a non-Victorian side but Collingwood is very solid. They are building nicely. Buckley's strength and direction is impressive. There is resilience. He needs Reid back and Grundy needs to re-charge. After a long gestation, Witts might be beginning to pay off. The two who can support Buckley better by lifting are Swan and Cloke. Age might be getting Swan and Cloke is just mentally soft. Doesn't suit new Collingwood.
Cat
Roar Guru
Adelaide will come very close to winning if not outright winning this week. Suckling, Spangher and Stratton on JPod, Tex Walker and Jenkins could be a mismatch. Hill and Rioli still out means they can be exposed for lack of outside speed again. Eddie Betts who has been on fire the last month could do some real damage. Hawthorn will be fired out after surely copping a spray or two from Clarkson during the week so I won't write them off.
Michael huston
Guest
Hawthorns lowest point since 2011? If this is a low point, sign me up for a Hawthorn membership. Sarcasm aside, they're second on the ladder despite being depleted by injuries following a premiership. That sounds familiar... Oh that's right. 2009. I think any Hawks fan would be happy to not be in that place again. Who knows, by the end of this season, sure, they might be at their lowest point since 2011, but they're not there yet and I don't think they will be. Every year theres a team that unfortunately doesn't live up to it's fullest potential because of injuries. Last year it was Sydney, this year it's Hawthorn. They're a great club, they'll keep on keeping on. I actually think this is an easy round of tipping. Contrary to contrived popular belief, the Hawks will win comfortably over Adelaide. Geelong will thrash Melbourne. Gold Coast will win, though the Bulldogs won't make it easy. West Coast will anhiliate Brisbane. Sydney will be lethargic but will win over Carlton. Port will thrash Richmond and Freo will belt the Giants. The only one I could see going either way is the Bombers and Pies game. Essendon are playing spirited footy lately, and Collingwood are just the opposite.