It’s Round 10 – Indigenous Round. “Dreamtime at the G,” the annual, centrepiece game between Richmond and Essendon on Saturday night is a highlight of the round. The culture, spirit and meaning behind the Indigenous Round…it’s raw, real, and full of emotion. I love it! The beautifully designed indigenous jumpers are another highlight for me. There’s a story behind each and every one of them.

On Friday night, Adam Goodes will present the inaugural post-match medal that is named in honour of himself and good friend, Michael O’Loughlin. The Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal” will be awarded to the best player on the ground.

To think it was this round last year that Goodes performed the impromptu mid-game war cry/dance that served to antagonize crowds, thus creating a feeling of hate and racial unrest at all games from that point on. Goodes was booed on mass at almost every match for the rest of the season. He was forced into taking a hiatus from the game, eventually coming back, then retiring quietly at the end of the 2015 season. The situation was a disgrace and the AFL were in choppy, unchartered waters, failing to act swiftly to control and stop a situation that undoubtedly stained their brand. There’ll be no booing on Friday night. The SCG is a sanctuary for Goodes. He’ll be well received, as he should be – anywhere – not just within the safe, protected boundaries of a Sydney home crowd.

As for this week’s games…there’s four certainties in Round 10, with big margins likely – Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong and West Coast should all win – easily!

Let’s take a closer look at all the games…

Sydney vs. North Melbourne (SCG)

Another cracker on Friday night. Sydney will be keen to blemish North Melbourne’s unbeaten record. On home turf, I think they’ll do it, albeit in a close one. North are currently two games ahead and sitting on top of the ladder. Even a loss here keeps them in the coveted number one spot. Sydney – 1-39.

Brisbane vs. Hawthorn (Gabba)

What can I say about this game? Hawthorn are taking on Brisbane at the Gabba. Surely a home ground advantage will help the Lions, right? Nup! Remember what Collingwood did to the Lions a few weeks ago? It doesn’t matter who plays Brisbane, or where, the opposition just have to play out the game and bank the four points. Sure, percentage matters too. Most of the competition is relatively close and percentage will play a big part in playing finals…or not. Hawthorn’s percentage is horrid. They need a win and they need a BIG win. They’ll get it here. Hawthorn 60+

Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (Traeger Park)

This game is being played in Alice Springs. Port have injury concerns and Tom Jonas has been given a lengthy 6-week holiday by the MRP for intentionally striking Andrew Gaff last week. Port are a different team away from home, and that’s not a positive comment. Melbourne will take the four points here. Melbourne – 1-39.

St. Kilda vs. Fremantle (Etihad)

Fremantle aren’t tanking. They’re just not playing a team that can win games. There’s a difference, right? St. Kilda will control the game and win quite comfortably. It’s still hard to believe that Fremantle will go 0-10 after this one. St. Kilda 25+

Essendon vs. Richmond (MCG)

“Dreamtime at the G” – Essendon are putting up a better display than both Queensland clubs. They’re playing with a will that has to be applauded. However, Richmond are on a winning streak. No, that’s NOT a typo! They really are! Essendon are under-manned and apart from a few choice veterans, they’re grossly inexperienced. “Dreamtime at the G” is an almighty stage to play on. The Bombers crumbled in the ANZAC Day game against Collingwood, and this game is no different. The Tigers are used to the aura of the occasion. They’ll soak it up and win easily. Richmond – 40+

Adelaide vs. GWS (Adelaide Oval)

The best match on Saturday, hands down. Will GWS be able to travel to Adelaide Oval and take on the Crows on their home ground? It’s a must-win game that will tell us a whole lot more about how good they really are. They’re currently 7-2. Look, I admit it. I really love the Giants. They’re exciting and they’re full of talent, enthusiasm, and more importantly – belief. I still think Adelaide will get the four points. That said, I know I’ll be secretly cheering for the Giants if they do get the win. You can’t help not feel good about how good they’re playing. In Adelaide’s favour, there’s the home ground advantage, and the home crowd, and a loud crowd they are. The Giants certainly aren’t used to crowd noise. They’re pulling under 10,000 people per home game. This will be a lot different. It’s good practice for finals footy, and they’re legitimately on track to being genuine contenders. They’ve got a tough few weeks ahead though. This game is the start of the litmus test. I think the Crows will get over the line in a close one. Adelaide 1-39.

Carlton vs. Geelong (Etihad)

Geelong will be angry after their poor effort, and subsequent shock loss against Collingwood last week. “Beware the angry cat!” I read that in a fortune cookie once. Put simply, any flag contender should be beating the likes of the Blues convincingly, and they will. Geelong 40+

Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG)

What’s happened to Collingwood? Two wins in a row and they’re playing like a different team. Are they back on track? This game will answer that question. We can’t jump on the black and white bandwagon because of two wins on the trot, can we? The Bulldogs are coming off a loss to the Giants, but they’ll have some valuable inclusions this week. It looks to be a close game on paper. I’m going with momentum, and Collingwood have their tails up. I think the Pies will be too tall for the Doggies. They’ll get the win in what should be a close, hard fought contest. See! I’m on that bandwagon! Travis who? Collingwood – 1-39.

West Coast vs. Gold Coast (Domain)

West Coast Eagles at home, against a crippled Gold Coast Suns. It’s almost too cruel to make the Suns get on a plane to face this lot. The outcome is certain – Eagles win – easily. The only two questions are – 1/How many goals will Josh Kennedy kick? 2/ What will the margin be? Whatever it is, it’ll be BIG and it’ll be the largest margin of the round. West Coast 80+

Best Multi-Bet

Hawthorn 40+, Richmond 40+, Geelong 40+, St. Kilda H2H – $6.43 x $100 unit = $643

Most Goals for Round 10

Josh J. Kennedy – $3

Highest Margin of the Week

West Coast vs. Gold Coast – $1.80, Brisbane vs. Hawthorn $4 (next best, if you want to hedge your bet).