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This weekends round 12 football has three games remaining from the split round including the the much anticipated match against Sydney and Collingwood on Saturday night. Checkout the first week of round twelves tips here.

I’m not much of a fan of the split round, there isn’t any games in Melbourne on both Saturday and Sunday which will leave hundreds of thousands of people wondering what to do with them selves. There isn’t any good reason to have the break other than for the players (who’s job it is to kick the ball around) to have the weekend off. I say, let them play! They have three or four months off at the end of the season to kick back and relax!

Now to the tips…

Essendon V Melbourne, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

The Bombers should have a comfortable win on Friday night. They play Etihad stadium well and the return of Dustin Fletcher to spice up the Essendon back line should see them home. The much needed Paddy Ryder will line up in the ruck after beating a two match ban at the AFL tribunal last week for rough conduct.

Sydney V Collingwood, Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Collingwood

This should be a great game with both teams level on form and looking for a position in the top 8 after this game. Sydney’s odds have widened a little from $1.82 last week to $1.87 with Sportsbet. My tip is Collingwood, there’s great value for them at the moment at $1.95 with forward duo Anthony Rocca and Paul Medhurst likely to be named to play after coming back from injuries in the VFL last week. Even though the game is in Sydney, I predict that the Pies should have a fairly easy win here, they can be inconsistent at times but after the weeks break they should be ready to go.

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Fremantle V Geelong, Sunday at Suibiaco Oval

Tip: Geelong

This ones pretty self explanatory. Freo can’t beat a down and out Richmond at home so how could they possibly beat the class of the Cats? Geelong by a large margin. With the St Kilda V Geelong blockbuster match now only a couple of weeks away, injuries will become very important to their chances of winning. Taking that into account there may not be as much head first to the ball kind of things we are used to from the Cats this weekend if the game is a blow out.

This weekends round twelve is a split round with five games this weekend and the remaining three next weekend. See the tips of the last three games here

The game of the round is Collingwood V Sydney at the MCG with Sportsbet unsure on who will win with Sydney just coming in favourite at $1.82. Signup with Sportsbet today for an instant $50 free bet.

As the teams will not be finalised for next weekends games, a detailed and final tips will not be made on the final three games until we have a better idea on the ins and outs. This makes the predictions easier to make. Check back here next week or follow us on Twitter to get tips instantly every week.

Carlton V St Kilda, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: St Kilda
The Saints have continued their unbeaten run and rewriting the clubs history books with a record eleven straight wins. They play a clean game and look very hard to beat. The Saints ruck division has once again taken a tumble with Steven King rubbed out for four matches after a off the ball bump last weekend, but they do pick up inform ruckman Gardener this weekend after one week on the side lines. Saints by 24 points.

Western Bulldogs V Port Adelaide, Saturday in Darwin
Tip: Western Bulldogs
The Doggies looked shaky in the first half last weekend against the Tigers but come good after the main break showing their usual brilliance. They are a true top four team and should easily overcome Port this weekend. Aker will be Ports biggest headache as he continues to play like a born again player and is moving very well.

Richmond V West Coast, Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Richmond
This game could go either way with both teams showing poor form during the first half of the year.  The tigers do look the better team on paper but seem to be having trouble with game plans with a lot of  basic errors in the midfield. I think they can get a win on the board for the new coach but it wont be an easy task. The Tigers by 18 points

Hawthorn V Brisbane Lions Sunday at Aurora Stadium
Tip: Hawthorn
A Gutsy Hawks team out lasted Sydney last week with a great comeback effort from Hodge who will be the key to Hawthorn winning this weekend in Tasmania. Rioli looks like to miss this weekend with a hamstring injury but the Hawks have plenty of depth and should have a comfortable win.

Adelaide V North Melbourne, Sunday at AAMI Stadium
Tip: Adelaide
The Crows have had two great wins in the last two weeks beating the Hawks and the Bombers in Melbourne. On the other hand the Kangaroos have had a disappointing start to the season with only four wins and a low percentage. They will struggle against a strong Crows team who are are looking to break into the top eight and depending on the winning margin may finish in the top four after this round.

Split Round Express Footy Tipping
Check here for a detailed and final tips on remaining games.
Essendon V Melbourne, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Essendon

Sydney V Collingwood, Saturday at ANZ Stadium
Tip: Sydney

Fremantle V Geelong, Sunday at Suibiaco Oval
Tip: Geelong

See the 2011 Round 11 tips here

Round elevens tips are fairly straight forward. The only upset that I predict  happening this week is Sydney beating the Hawks at the MCG. The game of the week is Richmond Vs the Bulldogs on Friday night, both teams are coming off wins and Richmond coach Terry Wallace is looking to leave on a high note.

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Sports Bet of the Round
This weeks bet of the round is Bulldogs, Essendon and Sydney in a multi bet. Sportsbet will give a $50 free bet on this weeks bet of the round just for signing up with them here.

Richmond V Western Bulldogs Friday Night at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are playing great footy with a nice forty point win over the Swans last week. Giansiracusa’s skill in the middle will be again game winning, he breaks the middle with ease which gives the forwards numerous uncontested possessions and goals. Ben Cousins has hit back well for the Tigers, returning from a fractured hand last week with twenty possessions in the second half. Can the Tigers do it for Terry Wallace in his last game as coach? I can’t see it happening.

North Melbourne V St Kilda Saturday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: St Kilda
I can’t go past the Saints. They are playing tough football at the moment that even when playing bad still looks good. Lenny Hayes has strung a three great games together in the past few weeks so expect another big one from him. Look out for Clinton Jones. He has stepped up his game in the middle this year making it much easier for the Saints senior play makers to move the ball forward cleanly.

Brisbane  V Carlton Saturday Night at the Gabba
Tip: Carlton
This should be a great game for the neutral supporter with both forward lines known for big marks and goals. Fevola is back in form after a six goal bag and numerous second efforts last weekend so expect another big effort from him. Marc Murphy will be the tell tale early on. If he gets a few early possessions you know the Blues are going to have a good game. Daniel Rich may be a handful for the Blues, his ball carry and tackling pressure has been second to none this year for Brisbane.

Port Adelaide V Fremantle, Saturday Night at AAMI Stadium
Tip: Port Adelaide
Once again Freo let us down with another loss in game they should have won last week, I will never learn… The Dockers suffered a few injuries during last weeks narrow loss to Richmond which will most likely carry over into this game. As long as Power can hold Arron Sandilands down Port shouldn’t have any problems beating Freo.

Essendon V Adelaide, Sunday at Etihad Stadium
Tip: Essendon
The Bombers need a win this week to lift their spirits after a big loss to Geelong. It will be a big test for Essendon to see if they are a true top eight team after Adelaide’s victory over last years premiers last week. Matthew Lloyd may need to play up the ground a little more to add some bulk to the Essendon midfield.

Hawthorn V Sydney, Sunday at the MCG
Tip: Sydney
I’m unsure about the Hawks this year. Obviously at the start of the year they were expected to be a super team again but it is still yet to happen. I’m jumping off them this week as they have dropped too many winnable games. I think the Swans have the man power to beat the Hawks with Barry Hall in good form and Adam Goodes directing traffic in the middle and bobbing up for a few goals.

West Coast V Geelong, Sunday at Subiaco Oval
Tip: Geelong
One can not got past Geelong. They are a strong fast unit that can with withstand any game plan thrown at them. The Eagles were disappointing last week and will be hapless against Geelong’s forward pressure. Geelong by 45 points.

Melbourne V Collingwood, Monday at the MCG
Tip: Collingwood
The Pies should be able to get a win here. Although Melbourne have shown some signs of success in recent weeks they fail to play a full four quarter game. This gives teams a period of time to dominate play to put the game out of reach. My prediction is that Collingwood will do the same and get a 30 point win on the board.

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See 2010 Round 10 Footy Tips here

What a week of footy last week was! The two top teams just managed to scratch victories together making the competition even more level for the year. Saying that though, both St Kilda and Geelong are now four games clear of third place and if their form continues over the next few weeks the top two spots will be almost sealed for the rest of the season. In my view round tens match of the round is Essendon V Geelong. I think Essendon will be able to get a good start in this game making for a super match.

Sports Bet of the Round

This weeks bet of the round is Bulldogs, Freo, Hawks and Collingwood to win in a Multi bet. I think they all have decent chances to get up for a win this weekend and paying around $5.80 with Sportsbet is well worth a few dollars. It’s also worth noting that when you signup with Sportsbet they give you a $50 free bet to place on anything, just for signing up!

Carlton V West Coast, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Carlton

This should be a pretty close game. West Coast played hard footy last week but faded out towards the last quarter. With Jarrad Waite now out for the season either Sentana O’hAilpin or Brad Fisher need to stand up and contest the ruck against big man Dean Cox. This is where the game win be won or lost for Carlton but I feel they have the class in the midfield to make up for what they will lack at the stoppages that should see them win. My prediction here is around 15 points.

Western Bulldogs V Sydney, Saturday at Manuka Oval

Tip: Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs will be out for blood this weekend after the loss to Geelong. They would have taken alot of positives out of last weeks game that should see them run over the top of Sydney. Lets hope Brad Johnson has had some kicking practice…

North Melbourne V Brisbane Lions, Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Brisbane

Brisbane probably should have beaten the top of the ladder Saints last week. They showed great talent getting the ball forward while slowing the Saints down at the same time. Watch out for Simon Black in the middle, his precision and speed makes him a key player to winning this weekend.

Fremantle V Richmond, Saturday Night at Subiaco

Tip: Fremantle

Freo should have a good win at Subico. The Tigers have thrown the white towel in and the big trip over will only worsen things. Richmond will enjoy the weekend out of Victoria where the media pressure wont be present. Luke McPharlin had a great game kicking four goals last week which should see him deeper forward this week.

St Kilda V Melbourne, Saturday Night at Gold Coast Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

The Saints have been a little flat in the last few weeks so this game should be a good pick-me-up. The Melbourne youngsters are no match for St Kildas line up and will struggle kicking a score. Clinton Jones is having a steller season which has cemented his place in the Saints side. Expect another good game from him this week.

Adelaide V Hawthorn, Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

The Hawks are slowly building form with each game they play which should see them overcome the Crows at AAMI stadium, even with Buddy or is that “Tubby” Franklin not bothering the score keepers as much as last year. Beau Muston has recovered nicely after enduring three knee reconstructions in the last few years and getting a game high 31 possessions last week.

Essendon V Geelong, Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Don’t blink or you will miss a goal! It will be a very fast paced straight through the middle type of game. Geelong should be able to hold Essendon off enough to win but I think it will be much closer than first thought. Andrew Lovett and Alwyn Davey are super quick that will make for a great spectacle against the leagues best.

Collingwood V Port Adelaide, Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

The Pies need to start winning at home if they are going to make an attack on the top four this year. Collingwood members would be furious as they have only won one home game this year but are winning games out of Victoria. They have reshuffled their line up due to numerious injuries and are starting to be accustom to their new rolls. There is also word that Paul Medhurst, Alan Didak and Dale Thomas may be available to play this week.

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Round nines footy predictions won’t be as straight forward as last weeks. The bookies took a battering with all favourites winning last round. This week I think a few outsiders have a great chance of getting up, making for a top round of footy.

Sports Bet of the Round

There are some good odds for this weeks tip. This week I recommend Freo, Adelaide and West Coast in a multi bet that at Sportsbet will pay around $7.00. Currently they have an offer where you get a $50 bet just for signing up which would make a handy profit for this weeks bet of the round.

Geelong V Western Bulldogs, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Friday night brings the game of the round with two of the top four teams battling it out. The Bulldogs play well against Geelong as we saw in the finals series last year. They didn’t let Geelong play their flowing game and only went down by a few straight kicks. Jason Akermanis is showing great form and should trouble the Cats midfield but with Robert Murphy out through injury I don’t think they have enough depth to match the unbeaten Geelong.

North Melbourne V Fremantle, Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Fremantle

This is a tough one to pick. Sportsbet have set North at 1.77 favourite but personally I think Freo have what it takes to get over the Kangaroos. Big Matthew Pavlich is playing great footy at the moment that will suit Etihad Stadium. Aaron Sandilands continues to own his opposition with a massive 41 hit outs last weekends.

Adelaide V Carlton, Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

This game is another one where I think the bookies may have it wrong. The Crows play decent footy at home and Carton have yet to prove they can win out of Victoria this year. Sportsbet have Carton as clear favorites at 1.65 to the Crows 2.20, it might be worth chucking a few dollars on the Crows this weekend as I think the bookies have underestimated Adelaide. I’ve picked the Crows to win in a hard battle.

West Coast V Collingwood, Saturday Night at Subiaco Stadium

Tip: West Coast

Collingwood are in shambles at the moment with the team riddled with injuries and Mick Malthouse’s sacking being called for by some parts of the media. Majority of AFL supporters will be happy with the way things are going with the Pies especially after the flogging against arch rivals Carlton last weekend. West Coast is a solid team with alot of potential that come the end of the year could see them take part in the finals this year. Lets hope the Eagles can make it three big losses in a row for the Pies!

Richmond V Essendon, Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Essendon

The Dons really pushed the Saints last week winning three of the four quarters but couldn’t quite put a few goals together. This weeks “Dream time” match should see the Dons do it easier and will continue to play a very fast straight down the middle game. This will catch out the Tigers midfield giving some clear inside 50 entries to Matthew Lloyd. Richmond’s nightmare season continues with a three point loss last week after leading with seconds to go, the speculation of coach Terry Wallace’s sacking earlier this week and now looking at another loss in this big game.

Sydney V Port Adelaide, Sunday at the SCG

Tip: Sydney

Sportsbet have Sydney as 1.60 favourites which looks about right. Port are still yet to prove their critics that they are a contender this year with inconsistency in past weeks. Warren Treadrea continues to hold up the Port team and Barry Hall is starting to get a fair bit of the ball for Sydney which could see a goal shootout from both ends. The Swans senior players Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Jude Bolton will be the key to Sydney winning and if all three are on song the Swans should win comfortably.

St Kilda  V Brisbane, Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

St Kilda should continue their winning ways against the Lions on Sunday. Although the Saints look likely to win this weekend there is plenty of value for Brisbane with the bookies. Sportsbet have set the Lions at $5 which I think is pretty long odds. St Kilda may have some problems with the Brisbane forward line made up of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, which could see the game being much closer than first thought. The added incentive of the 200th game for Lenny Hayes and the announcement of long term dedication from Nick Riewoldt after signing a four year deal should see them get over the line.

Hawthorn V Melbourne, Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

Last week the Hawks showed some signs of returing form and this game should be a walk in the park for them. Arron Davey and Cale Morton both show that Melboure can play decent footy but they lack team effort which is needed to win especially against last year premiers. Hawks by 40+ points

Theres only one real standout game in round eight worth tuning in for with arch rivals Collingwood and Carlton going head to head. This should be a great game, both teams are looking to cement a spot into a top four and both play a great brand of attacking football. The Essendon V St Kilda may also be worth a look but I suspect that a poor Essendon side to turn up on the day and will be crushed by the Saints pressure game style.

Sports Bet of the Round

This week I recommend a multi bet with the following teams. Brisbane, Sydney, Collingwood and St Kilda. All teams are destine to have a win and should pay around $8 . I also recommend Sportsbet for all your footy bets. I’ve found they have the best odds around for all the games and they also double your first deposit when joining with them. Find out more info on this here.

Fremantle V Hawthorn, Friday Night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Hawthorn

This is a hard one to pick. On one hand I think that playing in Perth, Freo should have a win against a undermanned and out of form Hawks side. But on the other I can see the Hawks get their act together and start playing the footy they are known for. I’ve gone with the latter and think the Hawks should get the points. It was also interesting to see that the bookies have still set the Hawks as third favourite for the flag even after their rocky start to the season.

Melbourne V Western Bulldogs, Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

This ones a no brainer, the Doggies will have a nice win this weekend that should see them cement a top four position on the ladder. Melbourne have done everything except wave the white flag as they look towards the future playing youth and trying new game plans. Watch for Adam Cooney and Nathan Eagleton to both have big possession games, Melbourne will struggle to hold down any of fast paced midfielders from Bulldogs.

Geelong V North Melbourne, Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Another Skilled Stadium game = another win for the Cats. Steve Johnson has taken the injured Gary Ablett’s position nicely with a definite 3 Brownlow vote performance with four goals and eleven marks last weekend. They have a huge presence all over the ground that would leave any coach scratching his head when trying to match up the classy unit. Geelong by 45+

Brisbane V Adelaide, Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

On paper Adelaide may be having their worst year on record with the team notching up a never seen before four straight losses at AAMI stadium. Brisbane on the other hand have only dropped one at home and had a nice win last week at the MCG. Brisbane seem to be playing as a team and are all in a good zone together which makes for some fast precise footy. Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw continue to be a handy forward duo providing easy targets for the Lions midfielders.

Sydney V West Coast, Saturday Night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Sydney

This should be a close scoring game with both teams needing a win to keep in touch of the pack. Darren Jolly had a poor game against the Cats last weekend where he was considerably beaten in the hitout count so expect a big game from him against big man Dean Cox. With Daniel Kerr our for a couple of months West Coast will have a few problems in the middle that will play into Sydney’s hands especially Jude Bolton will his high tackling pressure. This is where the game will be won and I think the Swans will get over the line.

Port Adelaide V Richmond, Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Although Port lost last weekend they played pretty well in Melbourne and should take it step further at AAMI stadium. Even with Ben Cousins back playing half a game and decent games from both Joel Bowden and Nathan Foley they cant kick a winning score so I have trouble finding any light at the end of the tunnel for the Tigers. Port are showing good form and currently sit fourth on the ladder and a hapless Richmond sit fifteenth with only one win on the board. Warren Tredrea continues to prove his critics wrong with a handy three goals and seven marks on his last outing.

Collingwood V Carlton, Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

An interesting stat for this game is over the last seven rounds whoever St Kilda has beaten the week before has had a win the following round. I was at the game on Monday night against St Kilda and if the Pies play anything like they did then this stat will be blown out of the water. Suspect knee injuries to both Fraser and Swan will make it even harder for the Pies. Both teams are at level pegging on the ladder at seventh and eighth spots so this result will be very important come the end of the season. Carlton by a comfortable 24 points.

Essendon V St Kilda, Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

As mentioned in the first paragraph I think Essendon will come to the game in a poor mind set and fall to the Saints pressure from all over the ground. St Kilda are going nicely at the moment and I can’t see an inconsistent team in the Bombers stopping them. Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna both had exceptional games on Monday with 38 possessions so expect a similar proformance from them this weekend.

Round seven brings up two games of interest with Essendon V Hawks on Friday night and Collingwood V St Kilda on Monday night. The Hawks are looking like they are returning to their 2008 form with a very close win against a classy Blues outfit but the Bombers can show brilliance in big games and Friday night footy doesn’t get much bigger. A odd Monday night game will be played out against two of the leagues toughest teams in the Saints and Pies that will be well worth a look. The Pies know they are a half a chance to knock off the league leaders and will play a high pressure game.

Essendon V Hawthorn, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

This should be a interesting game. I think Essendon will play a very defensive game and will send alot of numbers back to fill the open areas in the Hawks attack stopping Buddy and Roughhead in the process. But as we have seen in the last 12 months it is easier said than done, and if the Hawthorn forward line can take only a few of the contested marks they will kick a winning score. Jobe Watson will be out to have another great game for the Dons after great 36 possessions last week.

Geelong V Sydney, Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will eat the Swans alive at Skilled Stadium. Geelong match up Sydney all over the ground with an exception to Michael O’Loughlin who may cause some headaches for the Cats. I can see another 35 point plus win here.

Richmond V Brisbane, Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Richmond

Richmond are running out of opportunities to turn their disappointing start to the season around and I think this will be the game to make or break the Tigers. They have a decent list and the $2.05 odds Sportsbet are offering is a pretty good price. The Tigers play well at the MCG and if Jack Riewoldt can get into the game early they should be able to have a win even without the injured Matthew Richardson. Ben Cousins horror return to the game may continue with a sore looking Ben during his VFL game with Coburg. As pictured here Ben’s knees and calf were heavily iced up which Richmond officials said was for a precautionary measure only, but who knows.

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide, Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Port have the ability to play decent footy when it counts and these away games against middle grade teams are important for a top 4 finish this year. Both Kane and Chad Cornes are the keys to Port winning this weekend and I can’t see North having the answers to stop the skilled brothers.

Carlton V Fremantle, Saturday Night at the Gold Coast Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Fremantle will have to contend with both a strong Blues team and one of the longest flights for an AFL team when they play at the Gold Coast on Saturday night. This will be one of the deciding factors when they line up against Carton. Depending on how they have recovered during the week I think they will run out of legs towards the end of the game which should see Carton run over the top for a good win. Carton will also be out to make up for last weeks very disappointing loss to one of the best games so far this year after big Fev hit the post right on the siren handing the Hawks the victory. Watch out for a big bag of goals from Fevola (im sure he will be practicing his set shots this week!)

Adelaide V Western Bulldogs, Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Anyone who plays at AAMI stadium against the Crows will take a good part of a quarter to get started and I think this is where the Crows will set the play on their terms for the remainder of the game. The Crows will have learnt from the disappointing loss to Port last week in the “show down” and I predict they will bounce back with a win at home. Nathan Bock has not let recent assault charges effect his game since returning after a weeks ban. He has had a handy 26 possessions in both games giving them the depth they need in the half back line.

West Coast V Melbourne, Sunday at Subiaco Stadium

Tip: West Coast

West Coast at Subiaco are near unstoppable even when they arn’t playing well and once again Melbourne will continue to have trouble holding down the opposition. Dean Cox will dominate as the Deamons struggle to find a decent full time ruckman. Arron Davey continues to put good games together for Melbourne and will be one to watch as he weaves his magic in the middle.

Collingwood V St Kilda, Monday Night at Edihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

St Kilda have been near perfect which wont give Colloingwood enough chances around the ground to cause turnovers. Saints will again be very hard at the ball and will try to get the winning margin early in the game as they have done on all occasions this season. Brendon Goddard is having his best year at the saints including a match high 33 possessions last week and should once again rule the defencive 50 mtr arc. Goddard maybe worth a small wager for the Brownlow Medal now that Ablett will miss a few weeks with injury, at the moment he is paying $17 at IASbet. IASbet also give a $100 free bet with a deposit of $50 or more which would be pefect for this Brownlow bet.

Round 5 has some great games starting with the Port V Saints, both teams are going better than expected and will be a big test for both teams. The Bulldogs V Blues game will also be another to watch with both teams having start studded lineups and exiting game styles. We should see what Carton is truly made of after that match.

Here are my predictions for Round 5

Port Adelaide V St Kilda. Friday Night at AAMI Stadium

Selection: St Kilda

This is one of the games on the weekend with both teams coming off great wins. Saints are in perfect form with a dream start of 4 wins and no losses and a percentage of over 200. This will be St Kilda’s biggest test so far with Port convincingly beating the 2008 premiers at the MCG last weekend. The saints have shown good form over in Adelaide a few weeks ago with a win against the Crows and I think this will see them play a confident attacking game that will show many weak spots in the Port lineup. Watch out for the Saints midfield with Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo and Luke Ball all in super form.

Essendon V Collingwood. Saturday at the MCG

Selection: Collingwood

The Pies are playing good footy at the moment and this should continue against the Dons. An Essendon V Collingwood game is always huge and the players lift to the expectations of the day and I think the Pies have much more power and skill that will see them run over the top of Essendon early. Tarken Lockyer and Scott Pendlepury will likely be the game breakers with Scott’s tackling pressure and Tarkyn’s push forward they both will be ones to watch.

Hawthorn V West Coast. Saturday at Aurora Stadium

Selection: Hawthorn

Surely the Hawks can start to play as they did last year! They have been the surprise after 4 rounds with only 1 win to show for it after a steller 2008. Maybe they are still on the Premiership honeymoon but if they don’t win this weekend in Tazzie things will go very sour very quickly. They have the class and skill to heavily out weigh the Eagles it just depends what Hawks teams comes out to play. The Hawks play well at Aurora and all eyes will be looking for a winning score from both Lance “Buddy” Franklin and Jarryd Roughead usually produce.

Fremantle V Sydney. Saturday Night At Subiaco Oval

Selection: Sydney

If there’s one tip that can be made every week, its not to tip Freo. They continuously lose games they are favourite to win and this year they look to only disappoint more especially after last weeks thumping only scoring four goals, their second lowest score ever. This game will still be a tight finish that will be won in the ruck with the two best ruckmen in the comp Darren Jolly and Arron Sandilands.

North Melbourne V Richmond. Saturday night at Docklands Stadium

Selection: North Melbourne

Richmond are in crisis control and this will show in their game. I think Richmond will lose the game on their own rather than the Kangaroos winning it. Once again Ben Cousins along with Nathan Brown will be wondering about their futures in the game with the Tigers starting to look to youth rather than the six over 30 year old players Richmond have.

Geelong V Brisbane. Sunday at Skilled Stadium

Selection: Geelong

The Cats have continued their great form from last year and look near unbeatable especially at Skilled Stadium. Ablett has started the year off huge equaling the handball record of 33 in last weeks win against Adelaide. Brisbane will struggle to make a decent score with Johnathan Brown out of touch and Matthew Scatlett beating anyone who enters his defense.

Western Bulldogs V Carlton. Sunday at Docklands Stadium

Selection: Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs played an ugly game last week in the Perth heat against the Eagles which on paper they should have easily won. Most people say any team that plays in WA will lose the next week due to the long traveling taking a toll on the body. I think they will overcome any slight strains and should have a decent win over an up and flying Carlton if they can stop the likes of Chris Judd and Fevola.

Melbourne V Adelaide. Sunday at the MCG

Selection: Adelaide

This ones a no brainer! Melbourne have had their one and only win for the season which will see Adelaide have a comfortable win over a struggling (both on and off the field) Demons side. Adelaide played a great 3 quarters against a classy Geelong unit last week to show good promise but failed to close the game out.