Were starting to come into the business end of the home and away season and there are a few important games in round sixteen that could shape the top 4 at the end of the season. The St Kilda V Adelaide game will be a big test for both teams, a win for Adelaide will secure a top four position. The Collingwood V Hawks will be an interesting one as well. Can the Hawks keep the winning feeling going at the MCG or will the Pies finish all what is left for the Hawks to make the finals this year?
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Sports Bet of the Round
This weeks bet of the round is Richmond, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and St Kilda in a multi bet. It will pay around $4.00 at Canbet who will also give you a $40 free bet just for using the promotional code 2040BFF when signing up and making $20 worth of bets with them. Check out the latest odds here.
Essendon V Western Bulldogs Friday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Western Bulldogs
Another super night of Friday night footy in which should be a goal bonanza. Both teams are capable of quickly running the ball straight into the attack and both are even quicker at getting the ball down the other end after a turnover. Fingers crossed this game is similar to last weekends 1 point margin which saw the Dogs just fall short of the win. The Dogs have beaten the Bombers in their last five clashes which in the end should be the case here to. They are a more solid and skilful team that has set its targets for a top four finish to the season.
Carlton V Sydney Saturday at the MCG
Tip: Carlton
The Blues are clear favourites with Sportsbet at $1.27 with Sydney out to as much as $3.85 with some bookies. Carlton’s only multiple goal scorer last week Brendon Fevola will be a headache for the Swans backline after he kicked nine goals in what was a near perfect day for the big man. More than half of his total possessions resulted in goals in that game so we don’t blame the bookies for having the Blues priced so short! The usual names will once again shine this weekend for the Blues, Andrew Carrazzo, Bryce Gibbs and Chris Judd (who is in Brownlow winning form) will all see Carlton over the line.
Geelong V Melbourne Saturday at Skilled Stadium
Tip: Geelong
The rumours of the Cats deliberately dropping their star players (tanking) last week have deepened with the return of most likely all of them for the weeks game in Geelong. Brownlow medal favourite Garry Ablett, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie and Travis Varcoe are all certain starters. Cameron Ling and Darren Milburn and still 50/50 but are expected to play. This all being said the Cats will end Melbourne’s chances of a three game winning streak, not that they want to win to many more games as they would miss out on the chance of a extra draft pick if they win a couple more games.
Fremantle V Brisbane Saturday Night at Subiaco
Tip: Brisbane
Freo now sit firmly on the bottom of the ladder with no signs of a recovery. The Dockers football manager Chris Bond has said they will continue their youth policy even after the record breaking 117 point loss to Adelaide last week which included only 1 Freo goal. This will delight Lions coach Michael Voss with now two weeks in a row where a team has selected youth over a strong side and he should get a rare win over in the West. Jed Adcock will missed in backline for the Lions after a season ending knee injury last week.
Collingwood V Hawthorn Saturday Night at the MCG
Tip: Collingwood
The Pies are in flying form at the moment with majority of their guns firing. They may be a little sore going into this match after the blockbuster 1 point win against the Dogs last week but they should be able to get over the line. Collingwood have had an extra 2 day break over the Hawks who played at a rain soaked Tasmania on Sunday which would have taken everything out of them. A loss here for the Hawk will be season ending making it to near impossible to make the top 8. The massive pressure for them to get a win against a classy Pies unit will break them. My prediction is the Pies by 30 points.
Port Adelaide V West Coast Sunday at AAMI Stadium
Tip: Port Adelaide
After a dismal performance against the bottom of the ladder Melbourne last week Port will be looking to bounce back with a win at AAMI stadium. They have have a punishing week on the track including a 6am beach session on the Monday after the loss which should spark them up for the round sixteen clash. Matt Thomas and Travis Boak are set to return to the Power side that should be a massive help for them in the midfield. Both Cox and Kerr will miss the next 2-3 weeks for the Eagles with groin injuries.
Richmond V North Melbourne Sunday at the MCG
Tip: Richmond
The bookies are on the fence about this one with Sportsbet giving both teams an even $1.90 chance to win. Any wonder, both clubs are in disarray with no finals hopes and both have no official coach. I think the telling tail will be if Ben Cousins can reproduce his efforts in last weeks game. He showed signs of his former self with a season high 35 possessions. It’s also Brett Deledio’s 100th game which will give the Tigers some lift.
St Kilda V Adelaide Sunday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: St Kilda
The Saints looked flat for the first three quarters over in the West last week but turned it on in the last bringing back their regular brilliance. I expect this to continue into this game in what could be a defining match against the Crows. Adelaide are in great form and they would believe they can knock off the unbeaten Saints and secure a top 4 position. The Saints should win although the Crows have much more to play for. St Kilda may be starting to take the foot off the pedal a little, now that they have the top spot nearly secured.
