 | | St Kilda continue to struggle without inspirational skipper Nick Riewold |
by Libby Grounds
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong
An interesting first game for the fifth round, when these two high power sides come head to head. This was the grand final that ‘almost was’ and will surely be a thrilling encounter. The Cats have a bad record away from home and are looking to improve on that record this year. This may just be the time they start as they come up against an undermanned Power. Their unavailable list just keeps increasing with injuries and suspension rife through their team. The Cats have almost a full side to choose from and the list of choices and availability may give them the edge. Prediction-Geelong North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn
The Kangaroos are continuing their dream start to the season remaining unbeaten going into round five. They are doing well with only two players unavailable though injury and suspension. The Hawks will be flying high this week after downing the Lions last week by 46-points. They have overcome some thrashings so far this season and will be full of confidence after last round’s effort. Can they continue to improve and move progressively up the ladder? Winning two in a row should help, but will the vigour of the Roos be too much for them to handle? Prediction-North Melbourne Fremantle vs. Carlton
These two promising sides for 2005 have proved to be quite a disappointment after some shocking games to start the season. The Blues who were the Wizard Cup victors have been unable to prove their worth when they come up against some stiff competition. The Dockers too have been in some horror form and will be trying to improve their statistics at home and away. Given these circumstances, it will be interesting to see who will hold their ground amongst the criticism. The Blues are on the road for the second week in a row and are travelling west. Will it prove too much? Prediction-Fremantle Sydney vs. Melbourne
A home ground advantage hasn’t always been the advantage the Swans have wanted after last round’s loss at home. They were shocked by the strength of the Crows and will be re-evaluating their game plan before coming up against the Demons. Both sides are carrying an undesirable injury list and will lack the power of some of their big men. The Swans will be trying to get a win to celebrate the 150th game for Leo Barry, but the Demons will have other plans. In the head to head stakes the Swans have the advantage, but the Demons have been a tough team all round. It’ll be survival of fittest and the desire of one team over the other to prevent successive losses. Prediction-Melbourne Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide
The Crows will be going in as favourites this weekend when they travel to the Telstra Dome to meet the Bulldogs. They have proved to be in far better nick than their fellow South Australians and provided some surprise form. They aren’t too concerned with the travel and they have almost a full team to choose. This isn’t to say it will be a walk in the park, as the Dogs have proved they’re on the way up and more than capable to make an impact. Prediction-Adelaide Brisbane vs. West Coast
The West Coast Eagles will be travelling to the Gabba for round five, but won’t be the least bit concerned. They have proved they are up for the challenge against the Lions and have a fabulous record against them from last season. They are travelling with four straight wins, unlike the Lions who are suffering three straight losses. The Eagles are reported to have the best midfield in the AFL and this is no small feat. Their young legs and determination should see them beat the Lions. Prediction-Eagles St Kilda vs. Richmond
The Saints will be happy to have regained some form after last round and will plan to be getting progressively better and get on top of their game. They have had some struggles and were looking a bit tired right from the start of the season. They will hopefully be welcoming back some of their best players, which should boost their morale. The Tigers have again been ruthless in the goal kicking stakes with Matthew Richardson sitting on the top of the goal-kicking table. They also have the backup of Troy Simmonds, Greg Stafford and Trent Knobel. It’ll be a hard one to predict. Prediction-Richmond Essendon vs. Collingwood
The Magpies have had a shocking run with injury with another big man in Anthony Rocca out for at least three months. They haven’t had the best start to the season but then again neither have the Bombers. At least it can be said that the Pies have been competitive in their losses whereas the Bombers have suffered some absolute thrashings in their games. The Bombers have the advantage on paper in head to head statistics with 11 wins in 13 games played, but the momentum rests with the Magpies. Can they overcome their injury worries and look past it? Prediction-Essendon E-mail the author
source: MasterTips
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