The entire AFL is back in action starting this Thursday at Round 15 heralds the end of the bye rounds and the start of the season ending push for finals positioning. Here is your look at the Round 15 action.

AFL Round 15 Clashes

Richmond vs Sydney (Thursday at Etihad Stadium)

A 1 vs 2 clash on the ladder, both sides are flag contenders and the winner will get a massive confidence boost and 4 points. The return of Dion Prestia should boost Richmond, while the Swans return Jarrad McVeigh but lose forward Tom Papley. Etihad is not the fortress that the MCG is for the Tigers but the reigning premiers still appear likely to rise up enough to get over the line in this one despite Sydney’s impressive form. Richmond by 17

Western Bulldogs vs Geelong (Friday at Etihad Stadium)

Geelong needs a win here to keep pace on the ladder while the season is cooked for the injury ravaged Dogs. Geelong has dominated the h2h series and odds are the healthier Cats will continue their recent dominance. Geelong by 34

Carlton vs Port Adelaide (Saturday at the MCG)

Carlton is at home but the wooden spoon contenders will likely struggle against a fast rising Power side that dreams of a flag. Patrick Cripps and Kade Simpson (playing his 300th game) have been great for the Blues but Ollie Wines and his mates are simply the stronger side here. Port Adelaide by 46

Adelaide vs West Coast (Saturday at Adelaide Oval)

Adelaide must win this game to save their season, while West Coast is trying to stop their first skid of the season. Playing at home will help the Crows, but I’d expect the Eagles to win the midfield. The key will be which struggling forward line is able to score. This season it’s generally been the Eagles that have produced a better result. West Coast by 9

Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood (Saturday at Metricon Stadium)

The Suns are just awful and the Pies are red hot. Collingwood *could* lose this game, but it’d be one of the most shocking results of the season given form. Adam Treloar is a key out for Collingwood but they should still win comfortably and keep pace for a top 4 finals berth. Collingwood by 50

GWS Giants vs Hawthorn (Saturday at Spotless Stadium)

These two teams are in a similar position and a win would go a long way towards finals contention at this point in the season. it’s hard to separate these teams but GWS is at home and that should give them an edge. The midfield war between Josh Kelly and Tom Mitchell will be worth tuning in for. GWS Giants by 23

Melbourne vs St. Kilda (Sunday at the MCG)

Melbourne is pretty good this season overall and looking to stop a skid while St Kilda is simply playing for pride. At the MCG Melbourne should extend their winning streak against the Saints and get their form back on track. Melbourne by 34

Essendon vs North Melbourne (Sunday at Etihad Stadium)

This could be one of the games of the season. Essendon are desperate to remain in the finals hunt, while North are hanging on by the skin of their teeth to a top 8 spot. North has had a better run this season but that could all change if they lose this game. Essendon will fight for everything but Ben Brown should lead North to a massive win. North Melbourne by 6

Fremantle vs Brisbane Lions (Sunday at Optus Stadium)

Freo has a narrow path to finals and they must win this game to stay on that path. Playing at home against a poor Brisbane side they are unlikely to get derailed. Expect Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe to lead them to an easy win. Fremantle by 44

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