AFL Preview Round 6 2012

AFL Preview

Round 6

AFL News: What have we learned from the season so far as we head into round 6? It seems that Sydney is far better than we had ever thought and maybe Hawthorn is not. Grand finalists Collingwood and Geelong are slowly working their way up the ladder after average starts. West Coast is looking like grand final material if they can withstand any more injuries, as is Carlton. The middle of the road teams will no doubt sort themselves out over the next 10 weeks.

Western Bulldogs V Friday night at Etihad

It's hard to make a strong case for the Western Bulldogs to beat Collingwood. The Pies won an enthralling encounter with Essendon last week on Anzac day and maybe it was that win that will put them on the road to recovery. The Bulldogs have not been a very impressive so far and it is expected that they will struggle to beat Collingwood. To further strengthen the Magpies’ case there will be a return from injury by some star players such as Thomas, Didak, Reid and Shaw.

Collingwood by 36

Essendon V Brisbane Lions Etihad Saturday

The Bombers have started the season well with only one loss in the first 5 rounds and that by just a solitary point. The Lions are going along okay but they have suffered a couple of heavy losses. There's nothing to say that Brisbane can't win this game but I'm still going for Essendon. The Bombers will also enjoy a return of some injured players.

Essendon by 21

Geelong V Melbourne at the Symons stadium Saturday

In my wildest dreams of upsets I cannot for the life of me see Melbourne defeating Geelong. The Demons may be improving, they may even be getting closer to understanding and putting into practice the new game plan, but they are at least 10 goals away from even getting close to the Cats. Dare we remember the last time Geelong played Melbourne and the Demons were beaten by 186 points resulting in the demise of Melbourne coach Dean Bailey?

Geelong by 66

Gold Coast V Fremantle at Metricon Saturday

Common sense tells me that the Fremantle Dockers will win this game. But there is a nagging little bug nibbling away at my sensibilities and it's telling me that the game might be a little closer than a walkover. But I'm not listening to that bug so Fremantle will still win even without Aaron Sandilands in the side. The Suns will miss Gary Ablett again this week so maybe the Dockers can rest Ryan Crowley from any more negative Twitters. Fremantle's answer to the lack of goals they are kicking is to offer Travis Cloke of Collingwood a million dollars to join them! It might work too.

Fremantle by 29

St Kilda V Hawthorn at the MCG Saturday night

The Hawks are facing a lot of criticism after their defeat by Sydney last week. Accusatory comments suggesting that they stopped trying and didn't put up a fight will be ringing in their ears when they take the field against St Kilda at the MCG. The Saints will meet Hawthorn in a mean mood. Expect this game to be fairly tight but also expect Hawthorn to get back on the winning track. Buddy was held goalless last week but then again Hawthorn was almost held goalless after half-time.

Hawthorn by 20

Sydney V Adelaide at the SCG Saturday night

There is no doubt that the Sydney Swans are the surprise packet of the AFL competition at the moment. In their current form it's hard to pick against them even though the Adelaide Crows are a much improved team. Expect a flurry of feathers followed by a Swans win. In a show with consistency the Sydney Swans have made no changes to this week's team. Adelaide has made one change by bringing in Porplyzia.

Sydney by 17

 Carlton V GWS Giants at Etihad Sunday

This game could get ugly! The Giants are facing a thrashing! Not a lot more can be said about this game. Let's just try to establish a reasonable margin. Then again the margin may not really get that high because this week Carlton has decided to rest players like Judd, Waite and Kruezer. The GWS Giants don't have that luxury and will try to always play their best 22. It's interesting to note that this will be the first trip to Melbourne by the Giants.

Carlton by 97

 Port Adelaide V Richmond at AAMI Sunday

This is an important game in the context of where both teams are currently situated on the ladder. It's also an important game as both teams have just fallen short of victories in a couple of games. Both Port and the Tigers may be able to use a win here as a springboard to an improved season. It's a bit of a shame for the Tigers that the game is being played at AAMI. The home ground advantage should be enough to point the tipster in Port's direction but that same bug is telling me Richmond. And this time I'm listening.

Richmond by 11

West Coast Eagles V North Melbourne at Patterson stadium Sunday

Can the West Coast Eagles lose any more forwards before it becomes impossible for them to kick a goal? In addition to the loss of Nicoski and LeCras they have now lost Kennedy, also for an extended period. Although that would be normally good news for North I think they will still struggle to beat the Eagles at home. Whether it's a show of confidence or depth West Coast are using this game to introduce 2 new players in Brennan and Newman with the former being the son of former Eagle Michael Brennan, a premiership player. I feel old.

West Coast Eagles by (points were not sent in email I received)