 | | Adam Goodes will get mate Micahel O'Laughlin back this weekend |
by Libby Grounds
St Kilda vs. Melbourne
The Saints will go into Sunday’s match without some of their keys players to due to injury and others who just haven’t started the season off on the right foot. The Demons on the other hand are flying along with three straight wins. They are looking strong and confident and should have no problems toppling the under strength Saints. Prediction-Melbourne Richmond vs. Fremantle
The Dockers will be on the road this week as they travel to the MCG to meet the Tigers. They will be none too happy about their loss of fellow west coast team. Their injury list isn’t looking too good with many of the injured just on the brink of return, possibly next week. The Tigers will be happy after their win last week against the Dogs and will be looking to make it three in a row. Prediction-Richmond Sydney vs. Adelaide
The Swans will still be flying high after their nail-biting win against the Lions. It was a hard fought match and a win well deserved. They will be looking to keep up their good form as they move through the rounds. The Crows will be impressed with the thrashing of their fellow hometown premiers and using this to back up to another good win. Both sides had great wins and this will surely be a good contest to watch. Prediction-Sydney Port Adelaide vs. Carlton
The Power will be enjoying their third week at home to try and get their game together. They haven’t been too impressive in the start to the season and will want to put in a good performance this week. They will be a little understaffed injury-wise and will need to pull out all stops against Carlton this weekend. The Blues are also a little worse for wear in the injury stakes and will suffer in the back line. Although playing well in the pre-season they have yet to prove themselves in the home and away series. Prediction- Port Adelaide North Melbourne vs. Collingwood
The Roos are another team that is unbeaten so far this season and travelling well. They have had little real injury or suspension worries and have been as competitive as they come. The Magpies on the other hand have only just registered their first win and are without their captain Nathan Buckley through injury. The midfield will be the place to watch and although the Roos haven’t been able to get a win over the Pies since 2001, the time may now be right. Prediction- Kangaroos Geelong vs. Essendon
Both sides have made a less than impressive start to the season and will be looking to improve their positions. They are both sitting near the bottom of the ladder and won’t be too impressed. They know they’re both capable of better. The Cats will more than likely start without Jimmy Bartel who was knocked unconscious last round and is in serious doubt for this weekends game. The Bombers skipper is struggling which will surely have an effect on the team. Do they have the ability to pull it together and get one over the Cats? Prediction-Geelong West Coast vs. Western Bulldogs
The Eagles have started fantastically and are well on their way to a top eight position. They have minor injury worries and will be playing not too far from full strength. The Dogs on the other hand are fairing much worse with two of their players scoring major injuries last round. Things aren’t looking great for the Doggies and they probably won’t fair too well against the strength of the Eagles. Prediction-West Coast Brisbane vs. Hawthorn
Bad news for the Lions with their captain Michael Voss being taken from the field at training with a hand injury. The Lions don’t seem to have too much luck with their injury list. They will welcome the return of Simon Black but are still waiting for Jonathan Brown to fulfil his suspension requirements. The Hawks will be missing Josh Thurgood and Danny Jacobs after they had facial injuries repaired after their loss to the Bombers last round. Although the Lions have injury worries, they should be able to pull it off against the Hawks. Prediction-Brisbane E-mail the author
source: MasterTips
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