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Today, Essendon take on Sydney, the team they have lost their five last games to – including their meeting in Round 8 at the SCG when they lost by less than a goal.
Currently, Essendon is outside the eight on percentage while Sydney is only one game and percentage away, so it should be a close game with so much at stake.
The big four Bombers will all reach a historical milestone this week with David Zaharakis reaching the games tally of the Flying Dutchman, Paul Vander Harr, Cale Hooker joining Billy Griffith on 187 games, Michael Hurley moving to equal 48th position with Jack Jones and Dyson Heppell joining Les Gardiner.
Although missing the big drawcard Lance Franklin, who would have played his 300th game if not sidelined by injury, the Swans also have a flock of players moving up the ranks: Josh Kennedy will equal Vic Belcher, Dane Rampe takes a major leap up the ranks equalling Len Mortimer, Jim Taylor and John Heriot Sam Reid will join Harry Lampe and Jake Lloyd will match Greg Stafford’s game total for the Swans.
Richmond would be expected to easily account for (now bottom team) Gold Coast, even up at Metricon Stadium. With some of their prime movers still to return, Richmond are shaping as one of the likely finalists who may be able to take it up to Geelong.
Historical milestones will be achieved by Tiger players Shane Edwards (equalling Roger Dean), Bachar Houli (equalling earlier season retiree Shaun Grigg) and Brandon Ellis (equalling Mark Chaffey).
The intrastate derby between Adelaide and Port Adelaide should also be a tough, hard-fought game at Adelaide Oval given that both have finals aspirations. Both swung the axe for this vital game with Adelaide omitting three and Port Adelaide omitting four.
At Port Adelaide, Hamish Hartlett will dim the outstanding Shaun Burgoyne’s star just a fraction when he equals Burgoyne’s game record at the Power. Ollie Wines will join Matthew Primus and Tom Jonas will equal Matthew Bishop.
Can Western Bulldogs beat the invincible Cats at Docklands? They will give it a good shot, but may well fall short when you look at the four emergencies for the Geelong team: all would be top 22 at most of the other clubs. Hayden Crozier will play his 31st game for the Bulldogs after 69 games at Fremantle (making 100 in total).
The two Western Australian teams line up against each other in what should be another tough, closely fought encounter. The Dockers will still be smarting from their last-minute loss to (then) bottom team Carlton last week and still have the job in front of them to make the finals.
West Coast have had second place handed to them on a platter by the dismal Magpies and no doubt will be keen to secure it. It is great to see the name Sandilands back on the Docker’s team sheet. It has been a good month for returning Western Australian big men, following Nic Nat’s successful return last week. Fremantle just to get home.
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