By ASHLEY BROWNE
Friday night
Fremantle v Hawthorn (Subiaco)
Just the sort of game the Dockers traditionally lose – just as a few start climbing aboard the purple bandwagon. Interesting ploy by Al Clarkson on Thursday, seemingly not too fussed if the Hawks drop this one. Hodge is a massive loss, but the time has come for the Hawks to dig deep and Buddy showed signs last week of waking from his slumber.
Hawks by two goals.
Saturday
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (MCG)
The Demons keep on losing, but are becoming more competitive by the week. But the Bulldogs looked good in Adelaide last week and appear too sleek through the midfield.
Bulldogs by four goals.
Geelong v Kangaroos (Skilled Stadium)
The Cats have been awesome at home throughout ‘09 and North won’t stop them here.
Cats by six goals
Sydney v West Coast (ANZ Stadium)
Not the showstopper it was in years past – both teams have declined significantly since the heady days of ‘05 and ‘06 but home ground gets it here. West Coast has lost about 15 on the road on the trot, while the Swans will eke out a way to win and keep their consistent inconsistency going …loss, win, loss, win…you get the drift.
Swans by four goals.
Brisbane v Adelaide
The reality might just be dawning that the Crows aren’t all that good. And Brisbane away represents a huge task as it becomes clear that at least at home, the Lions are a decent outfit. Can’t see the Crows stopping Bradshaw and Brown.
Lions by five goals.
Sunday
Port Adelaide v Richmond (AAMI Stadium)
Caroline Wilson will have you think this is Terry Wallace’s last game in charge at Tigerland. Another limp-wristed effort and she may be on the money. The Tigers have some handy ins (Cotchin is a jet) but only the really good teams will beat Port at home this year and Richmond does not fit into this category.
Port by six goals.
Collingwood v Carlton (MCG)
So injury-riddled are the Pies that the Coventrys, Colliers, Richards and the Richardsons might all be making comebacks this week to face the old enemy. Even if they did play, they wouldn’t help. We’re not sold on the Blues, not one bit, but available taent surely wins out this time.
Blues by four goals.
St Kilda v Essendon (Etihad)
The Bombers were great against Hawthorn, looking fast and skill through the midfield. But will have Matthew Knights have a plan b if the Saints, as has become their trademark, close the game down in the midfield? We don’t think so. Eight in a row beckons for the Saints, the flag favourites in this judge’s opinion.
Saints by six goals.
Last week: four out of eight
