AFL Round 13 features the top 4 sides in the AFL taking on each other in a pair of big matchups. First at the SCG on Friday night West Coast will take on Sydney, then on Sunday Geelong battles Richmond at the MCG. Here is your full round preview.
Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs (Thursday at the Adelaide Oval)
Port Adelaide dropped Jack Watts for this matchup but Todd Marshall returns, while the Dogs made four changes including dropping Dale Morris. Simply put Port is in better form and playing at home. I see little chance for the Dogs to turn things around and get a surprise win against Ollie Wines and the Power. Port Adelaide by 36
Sydney vs West Coast (Friday at the SCG)
9-3 against 10-1. The Swans are at home and in great form against the team of the season thus far, West Coast. The only loss for the Eagles this season came against Sydney, and they will be eager for revenge in this matchup. Jarrad McVeigh is out for Sydney, while the Eagles will be missing Jack Darling, Tom Barrass, Mark Hutchings, and Brendon Ah Chee, while Chris Masten, Liam Ryan, and Luke Shuey are among their ins. Sydney has been a bit disappointing at home this year, and the Eagles have enough talent to get revenge here. I’ll back the upset and pick West Coast to even the season series. West Coast by 17
Carlton vs Fremantle (Saturday at Etihad Stadium)
Fremantle would move closer to .500 if they can notch a road win against the struggling Blues. The Dockers recent record is good in this matchup and they return key players Stephen Hill, Aaron Sandilands and their star Nat Fyfe this week (while losing Alex Pearce and Michael Walters. The Blues swap in Levi Casboult, but I don’t see them scoring enough against a solid Docker backline to win this game. Fremantle by 26
Gold Coast Suns vs St. Kilda (Saturday at Metricon Stadium)
The wheels have fallen off for both teams, the Suns are at home but look worse for it than they did at the start of the season. The Saints have more or less given up on this year and have nothing but pride to play for. In a potential spoon bowl Jack Billings, Jake Carlisle, and David Armitage return for the Saints. Those ins should be enough to help them win this game against an atrocious Suns backline. The Suns have also failed to score in recent games. St Kilda by 38
Hawthorn vs Adelaide (Saturday at the MCG)
A critical game for the finals chances of both teams. THe Hawks have played well against Adelaide in recent years and are at home at the MCG. With the Crows badly struggling and injury ridden, Hawthorn should have an edge in Shaun Burgoyne’s 350th game. Silk should help inspire the rest of his team to defeat the wounded Crows. Hawthorn by 33
Geelong vs Richmond (Sunday at the MCG)
The Cats have a chance to catch Richmond if they can upset their feline rivals at the MCG. Geelong has been solid against Richmond in recent years, but the Tigers return Dustin Martin and Daniel Rioli this week. Gary Ablett’s strong performances have helped lead Geelong to their recent wins, but the backline is making a massive contribution as well. Richmond plays great at home but I have a feeling Geelong can sneak a win here and get on even terms with the Tigers. Both these sides have a real chance at a flag this year. Geelong by 9
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