AFL Round 21 Preview

Sunday's Western Derby between West Coast and Fremantle surely takes the mantle of the most eagerly awaited match of the year - and rightly so.

These teams are in such hot form that a cracking match is all but assured, and whomever wins will be fancied by most pundits to go on and win the flag.

Some punters might still doubt Fremantle, but the way they're going right now is unbelievable - seven wins on the trot and few teams in the league can match their balance of pace, height, strength and skill. They are a seriously imposing unit.

However, West Coast may find an edge in the midfield, where they reign supreme over all others. Only time will tell who comes out on top.

Elsewhere, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs will battle it out to keep their top four hopes alive, while Geelong and Melbourne do battle down the highway in an equally interesting and important match.

And I have to mention the Showdown. Not that anyone cares about it this year, but if I don’t acknowledge its existence, they'd be burning a crude effigy of yours truly in Rundle Mall. Ouch.

Round 21 is here - catch all the action @ SportsAustralia.com

Bet of the week: Sydney on the line margin of -41.5 against Brisbane: $1.90
Arguably the best value bet of the year - right up there with Hawthorn being outsiders to beat Carlton a few weeks back. Sure, Brisbane does not have much to play for, but Sydney is too defensive to hand out a belting. The Swans are hardly world beaters at Homebush and the Lions will make a real fist of it.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

It is hard to be flowing with confidence for either side at this stage in the season, as they have both operated in hopelessly sporadic bouts. While the return of Aaron Hamill is unlikely to have any major bearing on the result, those with a few more weeks under their belt - namely Justin Koschitzke and the Clarke brothers - could prove the difference.

St Kilda by 7 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Geelong vs Melbourne
Skilled Stadium, Geelong
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Geelong go into this match with Melbourne having proved, again, that they're capable of cutting it with the league's best when they put it all together. Will they do it for the second week in a row against Melbourne? I think they will - but I'm preparing to be let down.

Geelong by 4 points.

Hawthorn vs Kangaroos
Aurora Stadium, Launceston
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Jade Rawlings - remember him? Well, this is his last game in a career that threatened to reach great heights, only to fall in a quivering and expensive heap. Still, a nice bloke and he'll get the ovation he deserves - despite his old club coming up trumps.

Hawthorn by 12 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Richmond vs Essendon
Melbourne Cricket Ground
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

It's been a good year for the Tigers in many ways despite missing the finals, and with Essendon continuing to struggle, it seems like an easy win on paper. Maybe pride will spur the Bombers to fight, but Richmond should chalk up another victory.

Richmond by 29 points.

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

Sydney really let their guard down last week in Geelong and they will be eager to get back on the winners list at home to the Lions, but footy can throw up some strange results. While the Lions - $9 outsiders - are rather unfancied, they will have more than a crack.

Sydney by 28 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Port Adelaide vs Adelaide
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
11:10am (WA), 12:40pm (SA), 1:10pm (EST)

The only question everyone wants to know right now is this: which path Adelaide will they take from here? They've dropped their past two and look all but shot; a season destined for so much now looks set to end in tears. However, there is still hope - and a win in the Showdown might provide the spark they need.

Adelaide by 19 points.

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

Collingwood picked their season off the canvas in the dying moments against Port Adelaide last week, and a win here could really spark some momentum. Expect Carlton to throw all they have got at the Pies, but to still come up short.

Collingwood by 19 points.

West Coast vs Fremantle
Subiaco Oval, Perth
2:40pm (WA), 4:10pm (SA), 4:40pm (EST)

It promises to be the biggest ever Western Derby - finally overshadowing the Showdown. All eyes will be on Subiaco this Sunday to see who wins this potential Grand Final preview, and opinion is firmly divided as to who will take the points. Big brother has to go in as favourite, but it is sure to go down to the wire.

West Coast by 2 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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