The Final AFL bye round begins Thursday, and here is your full round preview including the Port Adelaide vs Melbourne matchup on Friday.
West Coast vs Essendon (Thursday at Optus Stadium)
Essendon won this game last year and they really need to this year to stay in the finals hunt. West Coast has been great at Optus though and even without forward Josh J. Kennedy they probably have an edge here. Essendon has been generally disappointing this year, and would need their best performance to get over the line here, which I simply don’t expect. West Coast by 24
Port Adelaide vs Melbourne (Friday at Adelaide Oval)
Both sides are in fantastic form having won 4 out of 5 games in recent rounds. Port is at home though and even with Dom Tyson a key in for Melbourne I expect them to fall just short in what should be a highly competitive clash. Look for Port’s leader Ollie Wines to step up and make the difference. Port Adelaide by 13
Hawthorn vs Gold Coast Suns (Saturday in Tasmania)
Gold Coast is awful but they did beat Hawthorn twice last year. Winning this game would be essential for the Hawks finals chances and I expect Tom Mitchell to dominate and ensure they get the result they need against a Suns side with nothing to play for but their own pride. Hawthorn by 47
Brisbane Lions vs GWS Giants (Saturday at the Gabba)
Similar to Hawthorn, GWS needs to beat struggling opposition to remain in the finals hunt. GWS has been great against Brisbane historically and with Stephen Coniglio back in the lineup they should be well positioned to do it. Brisbane won’t give up easily but GWS is better. GWS Giants by 33
Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne (Saturday at Etihad Stadium)
The Dogs have won three straight against North, but the roles are reversed this season, with North fighting for finals and the Dogs having endured a rough season and being out of finals contention already. A massive injury list for the Dogs should give North the edge. Lukas Webb, Jack Macrae and Easton Wood are all out while North returns Jed Anderson. North Melbourne by 37
Collingwood vs Carlton (Sunday at the MCG)
When these rivals face off it’s always a big game. That said Collingwood is simply better than the struggling Blues. Daniel Wells is out for Collingwood but I’m not sure how Carlton scores enough to win this game. Collingwood by 43
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