AFL Round 17 Preview

AND so we amble on toward the end of the year, counting the months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds toward September. It’s coming.

Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth all have the fever, and it’s rapidly springing up in Sydney and Brisbane, too. After all, why not? It’s the national game and everyone has their part to play.

Again this weekend plays host to some huge matches, none bigger than the top of the table clash between West Coast and Adelaide in Perth. Should be a beauty.

Elsewhere, Richmond, Brisbane, Port and Fremantle all face do-or-die matches to keep their hopes of a finals berth ticking over.

You don’t need me to tell you where you can catch all the action: SportsAustralia.com

Bet of the week: Fremantle to defeat Carlton - $1.45
Sure, Fremantle are never a consistent bet at the best of times, but they brought home the chocolates last week over a top team and their recent record in Melbourne is handy. Carlton should pose little threat.

FRIDAY NIGHT

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

Collingwood moved back to their best last week with an emphatic win over West Coast, seriously emphasising their top four ambitions. Again, they’ll look to do the same to a Hawthorn outfit that can’t a trick right now.

Collingwood by 13 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

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

St Kilda might have won four on the trot, but their two most recent wins only served to dent confidence around Moorabbin about their flag hopes. On that form, Richmond will fancy their chances, but the Saints still loom too strong.

St Kilda by 15 points.

West Coast vs Adelaide
Subiaco Oval, Perth
2:10pm (WA), 3:40pm (SA), 4:10pm (EST)

It’s the biggest test Adelaide have faced in 2006 thus far – West Coast at Subiaco in a match that go a long way to shaping who wins top spot. The Crows lost the reverse of this fixture early in the year, and will be out to make amends.

Adelaide by 6 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Essendon vs Brisbane Lions
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

Essendon go from bad to worse with each week that passes and last week’s draw with Carlton won them few fans, especially when they should have got up to win. Playing Brisbane at home should equate to the four points in all reality, but it’s hard to see it happening.

Brisbane Lions by 22 points.

Port Adelaide vs Sydney
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

Port’s season could well be surmised by Daniel Motlop’s post-siren kick last week. Looked promising in the build up, even spectacular at times, but falling short when it mattered. Alas, Motlop won’t be there this week and his season is over with injury, but for the Swans, who urgently need to win games like these, it’s an eight-pointer.

Sydney by 17 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Kangaroos vs Geelong
Manuka Oval, Canberra
11:10am (WA), 12:40pm (SA), 1:10pm (EST)

As tight as tight can get in the capital. This has under –15.5 points written all over it as both teams battle to keep their finals hopes alive. However, unlike the Roos, Geelong are still a realistic chance to make the eight and that hunger will see them home.

Geelong by 5 points.

Carlton vs Fremantle
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

Hard to give Blues fans much cause for optimism after they failed to topple Essendon last week, but for Fremantle, it’s onwards and upwards towards the finals. A win here would put them right on track.

Fremantle by 32 points.

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

A stutter last week from both sides has put their respective top four aspirations on hold – and the Bulldogs now face a tough ask to win their spot back. A win against the Demons would do wonders for their cause, but at the MCG, the Demons rule.

Melbourne by 15 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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