AFL Round 16 features the West Coast Eagles and Sydney looking to bounce back while Essendon and Adelaide sit outside the top 8 and need to maintain a winning streak. Here is your look at all the action.
Sydney vs Geelong (Thursday at the SCG)
A win for Geelong here would really boost their finals chances, while Sydney needs this home win to maintain top 4 positioning. Sydney won earlier this season and even though Gary Rohan and Isaac Heeney are out, I’ll give them the edge at home thanks to Lance Franklin carrying the forward line. Geelong has lost 2 straight (and swaps in Jamaine Jones and Scott Selwood). Sydney by 25
Richmond vs Adelaide (Friday at the MCG)
Adelaide got the win earlier in the season, but the Crows are still dealing with injuries. On top of that Richmond is the strongest team in the league and they have a fortress at the MCG. Look for the Tigers to stifle the Crows and maintain their ladder leading position. The Crows will be staring down the barrel after this one. Richmond by 17
Brisbane vs Carlton (Saturday at the Gabba)
The two bottom ladder sides face off. Brisbane won last week and given they are playing at home they should have a clear edge over hapless Carlton. Carlton has a couple of standouts in Patrick Cripps and Kade Simpson but Dayne Beams and the Lions have more upside. Brisbane by 36
Port Adelaide vs St Kilda (Saturday at Adelaide Oval)
This is a danger game for Port. The Power have been playing well, but they aren’t always consistent. St. Kilda rose to the occasion to win last week, and although they are just paying for pride they should make this one competitive. I’ll go with Port to win given they are at home with Ollie Wines making the difference. Port Adelaide by 9
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn (Saturday at Etihad Stadium)
The Bulldogs battled hard last week and Hawthorn really needs to win this one. Brownlow favorite Tom Mitchell will look to rally the Hawks, but the key will be producing goals in this one. I expect a spirited game with the team that needs to win getting the win. Hawthorn by 27
Melbourne vs Fremantle (Saturday in Darwin)
Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands are key players for Freo, and they will be out of this game. The Dees have struggled lately but Fremantle’s season looks set to take a late downturn. This one could get ugly. Melbourne by 48
North Melbourne vs Gold Coast (Sunday at Etihad Stadium)
North Melbourne must win this game or they can kiss finals goodbye. The Roos lost earlier this season against the Suns, and it’s a defeat that still haunts them today. Look for Ben Brown to kick a bag and Shaun Higgins to add to his Brownlow total in what North hopes will be a drubbing. Gold Coast has been horrible the last few rounds. North Melbourne by 56
Essendon vs Collingwood (Sunday at the MCG)
A massive game between two of the biggest sides in the competition. If Essendon wins they can dream of finals again, while a Collingwood win will help them keep in touch of a potential minor premiership. Collingwood has a somewhat wounded midfield and the Bombers are in good form, but the Pies have overcome all obstacles this season and I feel their x factor Brodie Grundy will push them over the top. Collingwood by 7
West Coast Eagles vs GWS Giants (Sunday at Optus Stadium)
This is an intriguing contest. The Eagles are on a skid for the first time this year, while GWS endured a skid and has come out of it to return to the finals chase. Optus has been a fortress for the Eagles this season but they have struggled to score lately. I’ll back Andrew Gaff to rise against Josh Kelly of the Giants as the Eagles scrape past. West Coast by 5
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