AFL Round 16 Preview

Adelaide and their master coach Neil Craig can no longer slip under the raider as they once did, especially last year.

But even in 2006, in the full glare of the media and fans, the Crows have come up trumps in all but two games, both of which they were unfortunate to lose.

On Friday night they tackle the Kangaroos at home in what should be a cakewalk for the hosts, but if they let their guard down, the Roos - certain to be stinging from last week's horror last-gasp lost to Brisbane - will be there to pounce.

Elsewhere, Collingwood and West Coast have a chance to play each other into form at the Telstra Dome on Saturday, while Essendon and Carlton will fight it out for the wooden spoon.

On Sunday, three rippers round out the week, with all six teams capable of winning their respective matches and all six teams in the hunt for the final eight.

Round 16 is here, so don't miss a beat. Catch all the action here @ SportsAustralia.com.

Bet of the week: Fremantle @ $2.00 to defeat Melbourne
Without doubt, Fremantle's spirited win over Collingwood last week was one of their most important of the season. But do they have the bottle to make it two in a row? At home, they're a better chance than these odds suggest.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Adelaide vs Kangaroos
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
6:40pm (WA), 8:10pm (SA), 8:40pm (EST)

On paper this one could and should get very ugly for the Roos, but if they apply themselves as we know they can, it might get rather tight. Don't be surprised to see the Shinboner Spirit rise for some handy resistence.

Adelaide by 22 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

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

How the Eagles keep finding their way out of jail, one will never know. Collingwood's impressive season has hit the skids recently but a win here would certainly put them back on track. However, it's a big ask.

West Coast by 8 points.

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

They're calling it the Bryce Gibbs Cup. And I wonder who the talented South Australian would be hoping wins, or, more to the point, loses? How times have change. Remember when these two 'giants' clashed on a Friday night in 2000 on the biggest night of the season? Yikes. The Blues in a close one.

Carlton by 10 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn
Gabba Ground, Brisbane
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

When these two sides last clashed in Queensland down the road at Carrara a few months back, it was an easy win to Lions as they crushed the in-form Hawks. With the teams having swapped formlines, a different result could be expected, but the Lions should again get up.

Brisbane Lions by 19 points.

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

Most pundits would have pencilled this in as an easy one for Sydney earlier in the year, but the vigiliant Tigers are making a real fist of things. While the Swans should still win, it will be a tough one.

Sydney by 11 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

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

Grant Thomas can't take a trick against Mark Williams - eight losses in a row for the Saints under Thomas's reign against the Power is an awful stat, made worse by the fact they've lost this fixture in Tasmania for the past three years. It's time for the Saints to stand up to their nemesis.

St Kilda by 32 points.

Geelong vs Western Bulldogs
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Even though they're still in the top four, the Western Bulldogs great season might be losing some momentum as key injuries catch up with the Dogs. Geelong have won four of their past five and with a full list to choose from, should just get home.

Geelong by 3 points.

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

There's a lot to like about the way Fremantle have put their top 8 hopes back on track in recent weeks - two positive wins means their truly in the hunt to see September. As for Melbourne, they continue to impress, but the Dockers at home have a lot to prove.

Fremantle by 16 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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