Well the tipping officially gets hard this week

[scarecrow2k1]

After an easy season it looks to finally get difficult this round. The only really clear cut games I can see this round are Sydney/St Kilda and Geelong/Port, and Probably Collingwood/Carlton but even that has doubt

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantle v North Melbourne
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthron
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

 

[Flukey!]

Is it correct that the Crows have only beaten 1 top 8 side so far? If so, the Hawks may start favourites in that one.

You are tipping Freo

 

[d4vE]

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantle v North Melbourne
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthron
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

 

[On the bench]

Essendon 18 points
Bulldogs 36 points
Kangaroos 24 points
Sydney 16 points
Hawthorn 17 points
Geelong 40 points
Collingwood 11 points
Richmond 27 points

 

[nooB]

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantle v North Melbourne
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthawn
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

76/88 tips.

 

[Brent24]

Collingwood - Carlton is fairly tricky.

 

[CQTiger]

After an easy season it looks to finally get difficult this round. The only really clear cut games I can see this round are Sydney/St Kilda and Geelong/Port, and Probably Collingwood/Carlton but even that has doubt

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantle v North Melbourne
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthron
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

you call yourself a Richmond supporter and tip Melb when we are favorites

 

[nooB]

Collingwood - Carlton is fairly tricky.

How so? Collingwood have the potential to be a top 6 side whereas Carlton got a lil lucky against the power. Only tricky games are Essendon V Eagles and Dogs v Lions. Freo and North is no set in stone tip either

 

[TheNextBigThing]

Essendon v West Coast 8pts
Fremantle v North Melbourne 33pts
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane 11pts
Adelaide v Hawthron 14pts
Sydney v St Kilda 40pts
Geelong v Port 37pts
Collingwood v Carlton 13pts
Richmond v Melbourne 21pts

 

[Pal22]

IMO this is the hardest round to tip so far this year, anyway here's my early tips:

Essendon vs West Coast - Very winnable game for both teams, tipping the Bombers only because of home ground advantage - Bomber by 6 pts

West Bulldogs vs Brisbane - Match of the round no questions, if the weather is nice this could be a shoot out. Dogs are looking good and may just be a tad fast for Lions - Dogs by 15 pts

Fremantle vs North Melb - Roos played well last week vs Cats and if they bring that form in, will beat the Dockers - Roos by 13 pts

Sydney vs St Kilda - Hopefully this is not another low scoring, scrappy contest. Swans play the SCG really well and should continue their winning ways - Swans by 22 pts

Adelaide vs Hawthorn - Big test for the Crows, however they are unbeaten at home in 08 and may just sneak home - Crows by 2 pts

Geelong vs Port Adel - Expecting to Power to come out hard, but Cats should be able to whether the storm and win at home - Cats by 18pts

Collingwood vs Carlton - Blues will like their chances after beating the Pies earlier this year but Pies will be keen to atone for that loss and should win another close game between the two - Pies by 11pts

Richmond vs Melbourne - Another one of those games where both teams will like their chances, If the Tigers turn up expecting to win easy they may be in trouble, but think they should still beat the Dees - Tigers by 8pts

Crowd Predictions
Essendon vs West Coast @ TD - 33,000
W.Bulldogs vs Brisbane @ MCG - 38,000
Fremantle vs North Melb @ Subiaco - 35,000
Sydney vs St Kilda @ SCG - 27,000
Adelaide vs Hawthorn @ AS - 41,000
Geelong vs Port Adel @ SS - 22,000
Collingwood vs Carlton @ MCG - 80,000
Richmond vs Melbourne @ TD - 31,000

 

[giantroo]

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantlev North Melbourne (will get Thompson,Jones,Wells,Hansen back this week)
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthorn
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

 

[master bate]

Essendon v West Coast (very tough to tip, but WC should have a good advantage in the midfield)
Fremantlev North Melbourne (I just can't tip freo until they win again)
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane (form team should have too much versatility up forward, Bradshaw out helps the dogs hugely)
Adelaidev Hawthorn (whilst the crows still have the pretenders tag I can't tip them against the hawks)
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton (don't think Mick is happy about yesterday, and whilst Fev will be hard to stop I think the blues will struggle to handle Didak, Thomas, Davis)
Richmond v Melbourne (It's another career on the line game for Wallace, and Melbourne have showed up against the cats, hawks and pies, but not against Carlton and St Kilda when they should have, the dome tips this one to Richmond who play better there)

 

[BBSK]

Essendon v West Coast (very tough to tip, but WC should have a good advantage in the midfield)
Fremantlev North Melbourne (I just can't tip freo until they win again)
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane (form team should have too much versatility up forward, Bradshaw out helps the dogs hugely)
Adelaidev Hawthorn (whilst the crows still have the pretenders tag I can't tip them against the hawks)
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton (don't think Mick is happy about yesterday, and whilst Fev will be hard to stop I think the blues will struggle to handle Didak, Thomas, Davis)
Richmond v Melbourne (It's another career on the line game for Wallace, and Melbourne have showed up against the cats, hawks and pies, but not against Carlton and St Kilda when they should have, the dome tips this one to Richmond who play better there)

i don't see how we can't handle it this time if we did it last time?? the 7 day turn around compared to their 6 day turn around will also be beneficial as well as jamison more than likely coming back in to towel up medhurst again.

 

[Papa Juggs]

Essendon v West Coast - Stuff the Dons, no heart. Kerr is better than their whole team.

Fremantlev North Melbourne - Would have been in the grand final if they wanted to get belted by Geelong twice. Serious team will not lose to the tanking kiddies.

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane - 3 games at the Gabba. Does it get any softer? They have enough wins on the board to not care. Brown will be on the footy show panel and the team will be on holiday.

Adelaide v Hawthorn - Toughest match of the round. Hard to have the Hawks on what they did at AAMI last time against the crows. Their team is depleted but gotta wait to see what the Crows name in the side.

Sydney v St Kilda - Saints will get belted, the less said the better.

Geelong v Port - Port g-g-GONE!!

Collingwood v Carlton - Can't kid myself into thinking Collingwood was not playing in 2nd gear and resting star player Pendles this week. Blues are gonna get smoked and will not end this winning streak.

Richmond v Melbourne - Dess? LOL Hope they get the draft picks they are after letting another bottom 4 team have the points just gives them extra breathing room on the spoon. Tigers stole it last year and Dees will not let that happen again.

 

[Soul_Pie]

Essendon v West Coast- West Coast were good against Sydney, and against Adelaide, but right now I'm doubting their ability to win in Melbourne. Dons by 5 points.

Fremantle v North Melbourne - Kangas were very good last week against Geelong, while Freo weren't too bad against an in-form Brisbane. I think this will be another close match, but I don't think Freo are able to run away with a match. Roos by 7 points.

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane - Once again, should be a close match. Brisbane have won four matches in a row, and have had a good run of home games. The bullies are one of the in-form teams of the competition, and will be looking to consolidate a top four finish. The bulldogs will probably win this one due to home ground advantage, but only just. Bulldogs by 2 points.

Adelaidev Hawthorn - Once again, very hard to pick. Both of these sides are top four, and both are in excellent form. The battle that will decide this contest will be the one between the powerful Hawthorn forwardline and the ever-reliable crows backline. Hawks should prove too classy, but it's definitely not set in stone. Hawthorn by 10 points.

Sydney v St Kilda - Sydney should win this one. While these two have a history of close clashes, I really don't think St Kilda are up to the challenge. Swans by 20 points.

Geelong v Port - Geelong should win, but I think it will be closer than anticipated. Cats by 15 points.

Collingwood v Carlton - Carlton will be full of confidence after their come from behind win against Port, while the Pies are experiencing something of a purple patch, with four wins on the trot. A deciding factor in this match will be Fevola, as last time he absolutely destroyed the Collingwood defence. Pendlebury is an important return, and will add some much needed class into the Pies' midfield. Collingwood should win by 12 points.

Richmond v Melbourne - Hmm... Richmond have looked the better team this season, but the match against the Swans proved that they're still capable of playing dreadful footy. Melbourne were brave last week, but can they give that kind of effort week in, week out? The Tiges should win this, but given how unpredictable these sorts of games are, I could easily see the Dees getting up. Richmond by 17.

 

[lions_den]

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane - 3 games at the Gabba. Does it get any softer? They have enough wins on the board to not care. Brown will be on the footy show panel and the team will be on holiday.

And all melbourne clubs play 16-18 games in Melbourne. Now that's soft.

 

[Gerrards_a_star]

i don't see how we can't handle it this time if we did it last time?? the 7 day turn around compared to their 6 day turn around will also be beneficial as well as jamison more than likely coming back in to towel up medhurst again.

You might have medhurst covered but what about Didak
It will be close!! But the Blues must play 4 quarters this time unlike against Port cause the Pies will finish the game before 3/4 time.. If they perform against us like the last game.. It will Interesting

 

[DemonJim]

Finish the game at 3/4 time? What fantasy world do you live in?

(Probably the same one as Demetriou, Kennett and Malthouse)

 

[Borgsta]

WC - 10 points - IMO the toughest of the round.
North - although I have a feeling that Freo may actually finally get up.
Bulldogs - 13 points
Hawks
Geelong
Sydney
Collingwood
Richmond

 

[scarecrow2k1]

Going to explain my tips from the OP as a few seem to have taken umbrage to them


Essendon v West Coast
West Coast havn't been playing terrible Football. Smashed the Crows who are a decent side. Nearly beat the Swans who are very good. Meanwhile Essendon ARE playing bad Football. If Lucas is kept quiet and Lloyd continues his poor form I can't see the bombers winning.

Fremantle v North Melbourne
Now In the OP I tipped Freo. This is subject to change depending on how many players North regain from Injury. Despite losing 5 in a row Freo have been in winning positions in each game. North can be unpredicatbale aswell, they seem to win when they are never expected to but can lose. If they regain two forwards I will tip North, otherwise for some odd reason I have a feeling Freo will get up

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Tipping the Dogs as they are playing great footy as their record indicates, but obviously wouldnt be a shock if the Lions got up. Match of the round

Adelaide v Hawthorn
Hawthorn havn't been playing great footy. Essendon kept with them for a half, and they only just accounted for Melbourne, lost to the dogs and have also been kept to close wins by teams such as Richmond. However, Adeliade havn't reallly beaten many top sides, only 1 top 8 team IIRC. Still tipping the Crows, subject to change though.

Sydney v St Kilda
Easy

Geelong v Port
A month ago when Geelong were coasting I might have thought an upset was at least possible, but after a recent loss and close win against North you just know they will come out hard. Geelong nearly definate to win this

Collingwood v Carlton
Playing better footy. But then again they were when Carlton beat them earlier this season. Still, should win this one

Richmond v Melbourne
Ive tipped Melbourne, but then again I might change this one too. We are playing better footy, but not applying it for four quarters or trying as hard as they do. Then again, they don't seem to try that hard for consecutive weeks, so I think perhaps we might get up. 50/50 chance. For Richmond supporter who complained about me tipping them, I always tip against us if its a 50/50 game, in theory then Its a slight positive note to reassure me if we lose, that I at least got a tip. Rarely works though.

So all up 3 of my tips are subject to change...it is a tough week

 

[The_JUDDERNAUT]

Essendon v West Coast
Fremantle v North Melbourne
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
Adelaide v Hawthorn
Sydney v St Kilda
Geelong v Port
Collingwood v Carlton*
Richmond v Melbourne

*denotes bias

 

[wallyt99]

Essendon v West Coast
West Coast havn't been playing terrible Football. Smashed the Crows who are a decent side.

Adelaide v Hawthorn
Hawthorn havn't been playing great footy. Essendon kept with them for a halfWIN, and they only just accounted for MelbourneWIN, lost to the dogs and have also been kept to close wins by teams such as RichmondWIN. However, Adeliade havn't reallly beaten many top sides, only 1 top 8 team IIRC. Still tipping the Crows, subject to change though.

Here you highlight that the crows were smashed by west coast....and yet you go on to say the hawks are playing average footy?

We cruised to a 50 point win against essendon last week, and although we were challenged by a resurgent richmond, we still beat them by 2 goals. Adelaide have scraped home by a goal or less against cellar dwelers Freo, Port and Essendon. Our ONE loss came against one of the other top 3 sides when we were heavily decimated with injuries.

I really should not be helping you, but should I remind you the hawks ARE on top of the ladder, and Brett Burton, will NOT be playing....he was playing last time.....when we beat them by 45 points.

 

[toorakbum]

Essendon v West Coast - The Eagles lost by 100 points last time they came to Victoria, and don't underestimate the psychological impact of their capitulation on Saturday - just ask Freo and Port about choking. Essendon should find a win at home.

Fremantle v North Melb - People keep underrating North and I'm not sure why, very good, tough outfit. Freo are a joke, to be honest.

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane - Both are looking very good and can't split em. Going for the Dogs because I like their stuff.

Adelaide v Hawthorn - Crows have to prove themselves against a top outfit before I'm prepared to back them against the likes of Hawthorn. Comfortable win for the Hawks.

Sydney v St Kilda - Goodes being absent wouldn't have made a difference anyway.....

Geelong v Port - Mooney being absent wouldn't have made a difference anyway..... Though I'd like to see Port leading at the last change just to see them choke again

Collingwood v Carlton - Cloke being abs..... Nah, kidding. Very concerned about this one. Carlton had our measure last time around and Rocca and Pendles look like missing again, along with Josh and BJ looking a bit sore. We owe them one for a couple of months ago but we have to step up this time around.

Richmond v Melbourne - The Dees won't be up for this, they used up their motivation bank yesterday. Richmond easy.

 

[scarecrow2k1]

Here you highlight that the crows were smashed by west coast....and yet you go on to say the hawks are playing average footy?

We cruised to a 50 point win against essendon last week, and although we were challenged by a resurgent richmond, we still beat them by 2 goals. Adelaide have scraped home by a goal or less against cellar dwelers Freo, Port and Essendon. Our ONE loss came against one of the other top 3 sides when we were heavily decimated with injuries.

I really should not be helping you, but should I remind you the hawks ARE on top of the ladder, and Brett Burton, will NOT be playing....he was playing last time.....when we beat them by 45 points.

If Hawthorn play the same intensity against the Crows as they did against Essendon they will be in trouble. Having said that, Adelaide played very average against Richmond aswell, but have Burton returning. It all depends on whether both Roughhead and Franklin are kept quiet, and how the Birdman goes. It won't surprise me if I change my tip to Hawthorn, but I just have a gut feeling the crows might get up. Not everyone has to tip your team though

 

[DirrtyBee]

If Hawthorn play the same intensity against the Crows as they did against Essendon they will be in trouble. Having said that, Adelaide played very average against Richmond aswell, but have Burton returning. It all depends on whether both Roughhead and Franklin are kept quiet, and how the Birdman goes. It won't surprise me if I change my tip to Hawthorn, but I just have a gut feeling the crows might get up. Not everyone has to tip your team though

Burton is still suspended, won't be playing against Hawks