The top six sides in the AFL ladder will face one another in three scintillating matchups for round 10 of AFL action. The Adelaide Crows host Fremantle, Port Adelaide Travels to Geelong and the GWS Giants travel west to face West Coast Eagles. Here is your preview for the entire round.
Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide (Thursday in Geelong)
Geelong snapped a three match losing streak last round and in the process they moved to third in the ladder. The Power got a bye week and will be refreshed as they face down this key away test. Forward Chard Wingard is out for the Power, while Cam Guthrie and Darcy Lang return for the Cats. Dangerwood and Mitch Duncan were key for Geelong last week, and they kept the pressure on thick. Port is great at getting the ball into forward 50, but missing a key forward and already underdogs, they will be under the pump. The Cats should prevail. Cats by 27
Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn (Friday at the SCG)
After winless starts both the Swans and Hawks are 3-2 in their last 5. The Swans look to be in a better position to continue to get off the mat though. Former Swan Tom Mitchell had a huge week for the Hawks, racking up 50 disposals in round 9, but it still wasn’t enough. A healthy Sydney side should have better chance at winning this. Look for the Swans to move the ball through the ground and wear down the Hawks, who will need sharp goalkicking to find a way to win. Swans by 17
Western Bulldogs vs. St. Kilda (Saturday at Etihad Stadium)
Both teams lost last week but the Bulldogs have lost two straight and could use the win more. If the Saints pull this off, it should inspire the confidence of this young side. The Bulldogs will be returning some injured starters this week, and presuming St. Kilda doesn’t fix their forward line problems from last week, the Bulldogs should notch a win. Bulldogs by 9
Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns (Saturday in Alice Springs)
A battle of inconsistent sides away from their home grounds, the Suns have lost their way, but they did get a bye last week, the Demons need a win to continue to compete for the 8th spot in the ladder. Unless the Suns stars Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch have a huge game, the Melbourne midfield should steady them towards a win. Demons by 38
Richmond vs. Essendon (Saturday at the MCG)
The Tigers have dropped four straight, while the Bombers have won their last two and could move into the top 8 with a win in Dreamtime at the G. Richmond has been better than their losing streak and although Essendon has improved their consistency, the Tigers should have the edge as long as Jack Riewoldt shows up, the Richmond backline should keep the Bombers in check. Richmond by 24
Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle (Saturday at Adelaide Oval)
The Crows found form again, but now face the surprising Dockers, who at 6-3 are genuine contenders for top 4, much less top 8. The Crows are an attack team that can quickly take the footy and convert it into six points. The Dockers are slower to setup and somewhat more defensively minded, but the likes of Michael Walters and Bradley Hill can open it up and put up points as well. The Crows at the Oval should be favorites, but the Dockers will keep it close and prove their mettle. Crows by 14
Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions (Sunday at the MCG)
Survivors last week, Collingwood is looking for win #4 this season against the worst team in the AFL. The Lions have lost their way and struggle to score enough to win games. Presuming the Magpies goal kicking doesn’t collapse, their midfield engine room should help them get an essential victory. Collingwood by 52
Carlton vs. North Melbourne (Sunday at Etihad Stadium)
Both sides are 3-6, but North Melbourne has more talent, and outside of the solid Blues backline, North has the advantage around the ground. Presuming their side is healthy enough. Both teams are suffering through a rebuilding season to an extent, and have some exciting young players on their side. Carlton could win this, but North should score enough behind the leg of big Ben Brown to get a win. Kangaroos by 27
West Coast Eagles vs. GWS Giants (Sunday at Domain Stadium)
The 6-3 Eagles vs the 7-2 Giants is the game of the weekend, the banged up Giants barely have enough healthy players left on their list to make a best 22. West Coast is playing at home, and they have been a much better side in Perth. The Eagles will rely on better performances from Josh Kennedy and company to prevail. Eagles by 19
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