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Round 22
Only a couple of rounds to go and there are some interesting games between teams in the 8. Internet availability is rather limited in places I have been so catching up on a lot of news has not been possible.
Richmond V Essendon at the MCG Friday night
There is a lot hinging on this game with Essendon desperate for a win after dropping out of the top 8 last week and Richmond still fuming after the “Sandigatelands” affair in the match against Fremantle last week. It’s not a sure thing that the Bombers can actually win this game and the tip is against them. Rumour has it that they have been training too hard! Is that possible?
Richmond by 16
St Kilda V GWS Giants at Etihad Saturday
The Saints needed a bit of a break after a torrid past few weeks playing a host of top sides. The infinitesimal possibility that they can make the finals will be helped along a little with them playing the Giants. There is no suggestion that you should tip the Giants regardless of your hopeless position in the tipping competition.
St Kilda by 55
Port Adelaide V Brisbane Lions at AAMI Saturday
Tipsters would have to think that the Lions are on a high after their great but unexpected win against the Crows last week and that the win in that game will give them enough momentum to carry them through winning this game against Port Adelaide. While the game is being played at AAMI that factor has not been enough to consider the Power against any of the teams above them. Should they win this match it would be a big upset.
Brisbane by 21
Sydney V Hawthorn at the SCG Saturday
1st plays 2nd in what should be a great game of football. The Sydney Swans have been nothing short of a revelation this season and look like the team to beat. Top ladder position is available to the Hawks if they are good enough and apart from the same sort of hiccups that the Swans also seem to suffer in occasional games against better teams they look like premiership material. Because of that slight inconsistency in big games that both teams have picking the winner of this match is pretty tough.
Hawthorn by 11
West Coast V Collingwood at Paterson Saturday
5th plays 4th in what is expected to be another great game of football. The Eagles just need to beat the Pies and 4th spot is theirs. Collingwood has looked a bit fragile at times and travelling to Perth to play West Coast is a difficult task for every team. Both teams are getting back players from their injury list and also both teams suffer from ineffective forward lines in crunch games! Go figure. Collingwood seem to do well in the tough games and they travel well.
Collingwood by 10
Gold Coast Suns V Carlton at Metricon Saturday
The Blues won by 95 points last week playing a team that spent significant time in the top 4. This week they play the Suns in a lay down misere result and it’s a matter of picking the margin. Carlton will keep pressure on Fremantle to sneak back into the top 8 after winning this game and they have a better percentage.
Carlton by 88
Geelong V Western Bulldogs at Skilled Sunday
The Cats are playing well at the right time of the season and this game against the Western Bulldogs will help them keep that winning form going. The Bulldogs have been super disappointing this season and the best thing the management can do is blame the coach. Regardless of blame they won’t win this game.
Geelong by 48
North Melbourne V Fremantle at Etihad Sunday
Based on the positions of these teams this is an important game, more so for Fremantle than North although North is looking for a top 4 position if any of the teams above falter. Fremantle just has to win to stay in the 8
– simple arithmetic and strategy for them. A loss will cost them a finals place because of the win Carlton will have. North’s footy has been irresistible over the past 9 weeks and it’s hard to see them dropping this game against the Dockers. But for tipsters looking for an upset point this game is an opportunity.
Fremantle by 15
Melbourne V Adelaide at the MCG Sunday
The Demons go into this game with a win last week and Adelaide had an unexpected loss against Brisbane. The Crows were looking at a minor premiership before that result but that opportunity may have disappeared now. Still – Hawthorn wins, Sydney loses and Adelaide wins? It’s still a maybe. You would have to think the Crows will be too good for Melbourne considering the stakes and win they should but it will be closer than you think based on ladder positions.
Adelaide by 14
Article last changed on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 6:49 AM EDT
