AFL Round Five Preview

Have the Bulldogs met their match? Well, we're about to find out when they take on Adelaide in the match of the round on Saturday afternoon.

The Dogs might be 4-0 and sitting pretty on top of the table, but the trip to AAMI Stadium has to be one of the most difficult tasks in the game.

Elsewhere, the battle of the 'unpredictables' takes place at the MCG on Saturday where Melbourne tackle the Kangaroos, while Sydney and Geelong will attempt to overcome each other - and the turf - when they meet at Telstra Stadium.

It should be another fantastic round, and by the end of it all, I'm tipping we'll have a new team on top

Bet of the week: Richmond to beat Carlton @ $1.83
While Richmond are capable of putting in a shocker now and again, you wouldn't think Carlton could win after their effort last week.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Richmond vs Carlton
Melbourne Cricket Ground
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

Carlton aren't really much more than chicken feed at the moment, and they barely put up a whimper against the Hawks. At least Richmond looked mildly potent against Brisbane, and that impressive forward line power should prove decisive.

Richmond by 22 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Melbourne vs Kangaroos
Melbourne Cricket Ground
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Who knows? Both teams can be as pleasing as they can be pathetic. But Melbourne has looked a slightly more capable unit this year, and should be able to post their second win on the trot.

Melbourne by 16 points.

Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
1:10pm (WA), 2:40pm (SA), 3:10pm (EST)

This should be a classic, and it could go right down to the wire. The Bulldogs will be hard pressed to win again, but Adelaide have racked up enough frequent flyer points in recent weeks to bring home Lleyton Hewitt for every single Crows match. Adelaide might just have their noses in front at the final siren.

Adelaide by 12 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Sydney vs Geelong
Telstra Stadium, Sydney
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

Death valley, Sydney style. That's what they're calling it in the harbour city, where Telstra Stadium resembles a potato field with potholes. The rough and tumble will suit the under-pressure Swans, who desperately need a win.

Sydney by 7 points.

West Coast vs Brisbane Lions
Subiaco Oval, Perth
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

The house of pain has never packed a bigger punch than it does right now. Not so long ago, Brisbane would have been a huge chance of winning this, but in 2006, the gap between the two teams is huge.

West Coast by 39 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

St Kilda vs Fremantle
Aurora Stadium, Launceston
11:10am (WA), 12:40pm (SA), 1:10pm (EST)

Port Adelaide put in their biggest effort since the 2005 Grand Final to beat St Kilda last week, but the Saints looked like they were still in third gear. Despite losing Koschitzke - again - the Saints should be able to topple the Dockers.

St Kilda by 22 points.

Collingwood vs Port Adelaide
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Collingwood are flying right now and who could resist that combination of Rocca, Tarrant and Didak up forward? Throw in a rejuvenated Nathan Buckley and a scruffy kid called Dale, and the Magpies look to have too much for a Power side still recovering from their blockbuster last week.

Collingwood by 17 points.

Hawthorn vs Essendon
Melbourne Cricket Ground
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

The Hawks are hot right now and look capable of taking another step toward the finals if they can knock over Essendon. Without Lloyd, the Bombers will struggle here, and they'll struggle for the next of the season.

Hawthorn by 10 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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