AFL Round 13 Preview

Coming out of the split round and heading for home - things are getting interesting, aren't they?

Many teams will have their dreams dashed in the coming weeks, and for a few clubs, September hopes will end this week.

Fremantle, Brisbane, Hawthorn, Port and Richmond will struggle to make it if they don't win this week, but none have easy matches - even Carlton might make the Lions life difficult on Saturday night.

But then again, the old adage will ring true - when the going get tough, the tough get going.

Let's get into it!

Bet of the week: Melbourne @ $1.45 to beat Port Adelaide.
A good team, playing good football, at home, with nothing to lose - that's Melbourne this week. Port are no pushovers at the moment, but at the MCG, the Demons are red hot.

FRIDAY NIGHT

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

The Kangaroos finally won last week - albeit just. Can they make it two in a row? They certainly can - Essendon are having their worst season in recent memory - and the there is another four points for the taking on Friday night.

Kangaroos by 9 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

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

Melbourne's barnstorming recent form has put them into the box seat for making the eight and perhaps even the four, and while Port are playing well once more, the Demons look good at home.

Melbourne by 28 points.

St Kilda vs Hawthorn
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

On paper it's a win for the Saints, but there's a growing sentiment that the Hawks - boosted by the return of several key players - will be ripe for the picking. St Kilda hardly inspire confidence at the moment and it will be a real test of their metal if they get the win here.

St Kilda by 13 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

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

Carlton's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory has been hard to watch in recent weeks - and their failure against the Kangaroos last week was no exception. Things don't get much easier this week when they tackle Brisbane, who will be eager to keep their season alive.

Brisbane Lions by 43 points.

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

Sydney have dropped the pace in the past two weeks, but a win against Fremantle would have them truly back on the track. The Dockers flagging finals hopes are again on the rocks, and a loss here looks likely.

Sydney by 21 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

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

Adelaide are in season-high form, and their destruction of St Kilda left football fans in no doubt as just how good the Crows can be. Geelong has picked up their game in recent weeks but this looks a tough ask.

Adelaide by 28 points.

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

Collingwood have been flying in recent weeks and their win against Sydney last was one of their best of the season. Back at the MCG and back on the winners list, the Magpies look too strong for Richmond.

Collingwood by 33 points.

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

Western Bulldogs have made a habit of proving the punters wrong over the years, but it would be a serious shock to the system if they could win here. Hurting and hungry after losing to Port, the Eagles will hit the ground running.

West Coast by 16 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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