With seven weeks left in the season, we’re seeing plenty of make-or-break games coming up.
This season has made me pretty wary about tipping in-form teams because no team seems to be at all capable of sustaining good form.
However, I’m going against that urge on this one and picking the Saints on Friday night. They’ve got the kind of game plan that can choke the Bombers’ ball movement.
Call it gut feel tipping Hawthorn for an upset over Geelong. They’ve got the Luke Hodge motivation, they’ve been OK lately, and Geelong are prone to bad losses at times.
North have generally managed to avoid getting smashed this year, preferring to break my heart through close losses instead. I’m not sure that trend will survive this week’s game against Port Adelaide.
Gold Coast versus Collingwood would be better put down as Rodney Eade versus Nathan Buckley. The Pies seem to have grimly accepted their fate in the last few weeks and I reckon the Suns, at home, win this one.
A match against GWS is the perfect chance for Sydney to put an exclamation point on their revival and my gut says they will.
Melbourne’s injury list should make it a win for Adelaide on Saturday night, but the Dees certainly can’t be written off.
Richmond should get over Brisbane fairly comfortably, though given what the Tigers put forward last week you could be forgiven for doubting them.
I’d be tempted to pick Carlton ahead of the Bulldogs but losing Cripps for the year will hit them hard, so I’m tipping the Dogs.
West Coast are still a few steps ahead of Fremantle, and should win the Derby.
And Lock of the Week? Well, I have jinxed a few sides lately so this week I’m going to get optimistic and put the mozz on Port Adelaide to blast my Roos.
Cameron Rose
Essendon, Geelong, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, GWS, Adelaide, Richmond, Carlton, West Coast
Some will look at this round and see yet another series of tricky match-ups. I look at this round and see a chance to extend my commanding lead.
It’s not always easy to follow up a hot performance, and that is the challenge facing St Kilda and Essendon this week, but particularly the former.
I’ll back the Bombers to end the four-match winning run of the Saints.
Geelong should be too good for Hawthorn, even allowing for the Hawks improving as the season goes on.
Port hosting North Melbourne should see a predictable result, although the Power have a 4-3 record at Adelaide Oval this year, so it hasn’t been the fortress many might expect.
The knives of journalists all over the country are being sharpened in anticipation of Collingwood versus Gold Coast, with the pressure on either Eade or Buckley to ramp up considerably based on who loses this one. I think the Pies will bounce back and get a win on the road.
GWS have been too good for Sydney in their last three meetings, and frankly it hasn’t been close with margins of 42, 36 and 42.
This will continue, and remind everyone that Sydney are no good things to make the eight. They should, but the 0-6 start will come back to haunt them still.
Melbourne thumped the Crows in Adelaide only two months ago, and they now meet in Darwin. The Dees are missing midfielders and Adelaide, with two extra days’ break, have the advantage.
On Sunday, Richmond has had the wood on Brisbane for a long time, and will be keen to hit back after last week’s disgrace.
Carlton to continue the Dogs’ misery. West Coast should get over Fremantle in the Derby.
| Round 17 | Josh Elliott | Maddy Friend | Tim Lane | Cam Rose | The Crowd |
| STK vs ESS | STK | ESS | ESS | ESS | STK |
| GEE vs HAW | GEE | HAW | GEE | GEE | GEE |
| PA vs NM | PA | PA | PA | PA | PA |
| GCS vs COL | GCS | GCS | GCS | COL | GCS |
| GWS vs SYD | SYD | SYD | GWS | GWS | SYD |
| MEL vs ADE | ADE | ADE | ADE | ADE | ADE |
| RIC vs BRI | RIC | RIC | RIC | RIC | RIC |
| CAR vs WB | WB | CAR | WB | CAR | WB |
| FRE vs WCE | WCE | WCE | WCE | WCE | WCE |
| Last week | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Total | 71 | 76 | 80 | 83 | 76 |
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Wonder if any team in history has ever played three draws in a row? Unfortunately you'd still only get odds of 51 this week...
Mattician6x6
Guest
Feel same way don. More season progressed more I felt like this is a get to know the boys playing year for Mitchell, priddas will benefit hugely from the return of nic nat.
Mattician6x6
Guest
In the time since wce entered the competition they have made 6grand finals for 3 premierships, in same time Richmond has made how many finals campaigns? and what where the results? A 11 point win against wce circa 2017 at the MCG is not a bragging point slane seeing as a rebuilding hawks were able to put us to the sword by 10 goals at same venue.
Don Freo
Guest
Can't imagine many of the 8 opposition finalists would have much of a response to that catchphrase.
New York Hawk
Guest
I think you mean to talk but say "hell hath no fury like a Tiger SUPPORTER on the prowl"
New York Hawk
Guest
We can only hope!
Nineteen
Guest
"Do it for Hodgey" could be the catchphrase in September. Haha.
Eddy Jay
Guest
GWS have been spluttering over the past two months. Two draws in a row, W-60, L-1, W-8, W-3, W-3, L-23, W-2. Their last big win was 42 points against the Swans. In a lot of those matches, they've been behind, and managed to sneak ahead in the final seconds of the game. They're a great team but not firing on all cylinders at the moment. The Swans on the other hand, 8 wins out of 9, including last 5. You've got to look at the form. It could be the dam wall breaking for GWS on the weekend and wouldn't be surprised to see a big win to the Swans.
Sir Col in paradise
Guest
A nice glass vial of vintage 2006 no doubt for big celebrations down that way...
Sir Col in paradise
Guest
A nice glass vale vintage 2006 !!!
Col in paradise
Guest
Yep they should release it on DVD and Netflix !!!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Would a Gold Coast win be considered an upset, though?
Matto
Guest
I'd add Essendon as a chance for an upset.
true blue
Guest
Yes I do. I think it was 2009.
Slane
Guest
A team would have to be pretty bad to lose to Richmond, 'ey Matti?
Don Freo
Guest
You see Jon, if you don't use it you are unable to engage because your comment comes up in a different place and we don't know what conversation you are engaging in.
Don Freo
Guest
Me too. NicNat, Kennedy...plus a whole lot of 3 and 4 week outs. If you look at the rest of their season, top 4 is more likely than not. Simmo has held a difficult year together and is firing at the business end. I still think Mitchell should retire early. Priddis is the better player and will actually tackle and defend. Not only does Mitchell not defend, he has no intention of even trying to do so. He expects others to cover for him. I think Mitchell has, however, benefited Sheed with his coaching...not by playing. Mitchell gets in the way of fit footballers.
Cat
Roar Guru
As to your earlier question Paul, yes I have been watching McCluggage this season. Only been able to see about 4 Lions games this year but he's never failed to leave a positive impression on me. Obviously I've taken note of Zorko and Hipwood too. The real surprise for me has been Lewy Taylor. The stats don't really show it but from the limited games I've seen he seems to be having more of an impact. You're right about Mathieson too. Differently the right type of confidant swagger to him. The type of player the Lions have been missing for a while. Very important player to retain going forward. Been looking forward to seeing Allison debut.
Jon boy
Guest
May not know where to put the full stop but i can spell
Cat
Roar Guru
Every team is different, every year. Only Tigers fans make it annual calling card. Richmond may as well make 'There's always next year' their official motto.