The Demons finished the round in third spot despite a seven-point loss to Collingwood, their sixth defeat in their past 10 games. Expect Port to send off Robbie Gray in style, justifiably for a legend of the club, on a fitting stage in the Showdown. Not saying the Giants are a quality opponent, but they do have quality in their line-up - Toby Greene, Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield, Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper are just that, quality. With both results (which must include an enormous win by the Pies) going their way an unlikelihood, it may just present as simply a game of pride for Brett Rattens outfit. Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Dan McStay will stretch the defence of Robbie Tarrant, Noah Balta and Nathan Broad. Jake Stringer booted five in that game for the Bombers, while Touk Miller led the way for the Suns with 30 disposals. Collingwoods forward line will be causing Nicks some headaches during the week. !Be sure to follow the. If Collingwood stumble against Carlton, the Dockers will be top four. Sydney won at Metricon Stadium by 40 points in last years fixture between the two, but Freo won three in a row prior, all at Optus. If the home side is a chance, theyll need to defend well and move the ball quickly to score at least 80 points. The Demons recorded one of their best victories of the season when restricting Fremantle to 39 points in a comfortable 46-point win in Perth. Put it simply, the season has reached a stage where Brisbane cant afford to drop too many more games if they are to lock in a top four spot and on paper, this should be a relatively straightforward victory. If the Lions trio can get on top, Damien Hardwick will start worrying. While West Coast has proven a tougher task in the last month compared to earlier in the season, theyre still lacking the firepower to match it with quality opponents. If Dusty gets rolling, we know what happens. Join or create a FREE AFL tipping comp today. Geelong resting Tom Atkins and losing Jeremy Cameron and Rhys Stanley probably sums up how the Cats are treating this one. The Swans occupy fourth position heading into Round 21 (which they could relinquish to Brisbane or Fremantle depending on their results) while the Magpies sit second, a game ahead of the chasing pack. I reckon Collingwood has won their last game for the season already. Melbourne v Collingwood. Brodie Grundy wont play again this week due to ankle soreness, leaving Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox to shoulder the duties. AFL action continues with an excellent selection of games this week, including Richmond vs Collingwood and Giants vs Cats. We are just in the process of updating the game for the 2017 season and will be back online in soon! FREE for all users, the app allows you to play AFL Tipping when you're on the go. Theyve lost their last six against the Dees and havent saluted in this fixture since 2016. Expect the improved Power to be more competitive on this occasion, but the Demons should prove too strong and return to the winners circle. Theyre well-drilled, well-rehearsed, playing good footy, Ratten told reporters on Wednesday. great new features that we hope you will love so sit back, strap yourself in and prepare for They have met in two Qualifying Finals since 2019. Attention then turns to Sundays clash between Brisbane and Carlton at the Gabba, the make up of the top eight could change depending on who emerges with the four points. The Official Tipping Site of the NAB AFL Women's Competition. After simulating this week's first preliminary final 10,000 times, we are tipping Geelong with a 77% win probability, while Brisbane has a 23% chance of advancing to the 2022 grand final. For all the ranting about not getting a genuinely home final, everybody is missing the blatant Geelong bias in the fact they get a bye before the pre-finals bye (no hate mail, Eagles fans). While at the time of writing it is still unclear whether Ben Rutten will be coaching this week, theres a genuine watch on how Essendon responds after a turbulent week following their 84-point hammering at the hands of Port Adelaide. We have expert betting tips for AFL Round 18, which kicks off on Friday with the Bulldogs vs Saints. Their latest defeat came in heartbreaking circumstances when going down to reigning premiers Melbourne by five points after leading with less than 20 seconds left. Western Bulldogs @ $1.73. This one takes place at the Gabba, which you think would give Brisbane an edge. They drew the year before. Check out all our expert tips and the final verdict below! You would have to think the Dogs will get the job done in Tasmania. Tigers fans are breathing easier with the idea that they dont have to face a new coach to finish the regular season. We appreciate your patience and can assure you the wait will be worth it. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images), Brisbane, Fremantle, Gold Coast, Geelong, Richmond, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Carlton, Sydney. I reckon the last 10 weeks or so have been pretty consistent, coach Ben Rutten said post-game. Sydney will be looking to continue their top four push when they take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. It is that particular result that Justin Longmuir will be looking closely at as he goes about replicating the accomplished defensive performance of that occasion. Like many Bulldogs games, this one promises to be won and lost in the midfield as two star-studded on-ball outfits go head-to-head. Enjoy the top four. While West Coast has proven a tougher task in the last month compared to earlier in the season, theyre still lacking the firepower to match it with quality opponents. The issue is, theyre playing the Hawks in Tassie, a land where the Dogs havent won in 14 years. Seven weeks ago I was sitting pretty on top in this competition: now, I'm six off the leader, having seen Brisbane get mown down by Richmond and Port Adelaide fail to do the same on Collingwood . The Swans and Giants played off in last years elimination final, but their fortunes have been vastly different in 2022. Going in search of their third-straight win over their rivals, Fremantle will hope that their class and ability to win stoppages holds them in good stead, while the Eagles will be desperate to snap a six-game losing streak. An upset could be on the cards here, then all eyes will have to be on Luke Beveridge. At Optus Stadium though, its Adelaide who are still yet to break their duck at the venue with the Crows holding a 0-3 record at the ground. Following last weeks narrow loss to Collingwood their 14th straight defeat the club parted company with senior coach David Noble on Tuesday. The Swans have won their last five clashes with the Roos, including three games at Marvel Stadium. The Dockers return home after a successful business trip to Melbourne in which they banked four points for a convincing 41-point triumph over St Kilda. Finn Maginness has been used in tagging roles this season, including on Shai Bolton last weekend, and may find himself on one of the Bulldogs elite on-ballers. But if the Power falls away to finish the year, Ken Hinkley could well find himself at a new club in 2023. 'It's been an emotional time': AFLW trailblazer Daisy Pearce hangs up boots with 'very full heart', 2023 Best 23s: Why this forgotten Port speed demon could save Ken Hinkley's job, 2023 Best 23s: Clarko faces his toughest ever challenge - turning North around, Concern as concussion-plagued Lion moved to inactive list, season in doubt. With three winnable games to finish their home and away campaign, Richmond remains in the finals hunt. The Hawks have depleted key position stocks, which could again open the door for the likes of Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. That was the club's fourth defeat in five weeks and they face another mini elimination final this Friday night at Marvel Stadium . John Longmires side will now meet a Dockers team who under Justin Longmuir has the second stingiest defence in the competition and should make life a little more difficult for the visiting Swans. Saints' Round 21 team. an epic year of Fantasy! Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins combined for nine goals and their avalanche of offence proved too much for the Magpies in the end. Bettingpro writers provide you with free AFL betting tips and predictions throughout the footy season. Their obvious advantage is that this game is being played at Adelaide Oval, but the Pies have beaten them in their last four clashes at the venue. Essendon's mini resurgence came to an end at the hands of Collingwood in the most dramatic fashion. While most of the top eight has been settled for a while, theres been plenty of jockeying for positions that has made most matches intriguing over the last month or so. Hes tried to squeeze everything he can out of his body and recency bias tends to overshadow just how good the midfielder has been in his career. Its season on the line stuff, so while Brisbanes home record is imperious, Im still yet to give up on the Demons chances of back to back flags. Next up for the league leaders is a home clash against the eighth-placed Western Bulldogs. 6 - Sally Sunshine. SEN AFL Tipping Game. Lets get the snore-fests out of the way first. However, theyve been unconvincing in recent weeks, only winning two of their last five. Oops! Start your own private league and play against your mates! With finals completely out of the question, Gold Coast is purely playing for pride. The ruck battle is sure to be a crucial one in deciding the victor. It was a high scoring affair when they met earlier in the season, with Richmond winning 117-94. Both sides have genuine doubt about their credentials just weeks away from finals, but the winner will walk away with increased belief heading into September. Team Tips:Charlie Dixon, finally, appears primed to play his first AFL game of the season. Brisbane hosts Melbourne to start it all off in what might be the biggest home and away match the Gabba has ever seen. If Hawthorns on-ball bridge can break even, theyll back themselves to take the chocolates at their home away from home. Another huge crowd is expected for the Round 23 clash in what promises to be an enthralling contest with massive finals implications. Fremantle hosts the Western Bulldogs in a crunch Elimination Final in Week 1 of the 2022 AFL finals. As it stands, Brisbane will regain the likes of Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews and Keidean Coleman this week but will be without Oscar McInerney, who tested positive for COVID earlier this week. 2022, SEN All Rights If Collingwood loses to Carlton or Sydney to St Kilda, Fremantle suddenly has a double chance in the finals series. Bear Robinson. But in the same breath, a disappointing effort from GWS could essentially rule him out of the job. Fremantle will go in hot favourites to claim their 23rd Western Derby win on Saturday night as they look to press their top four hopes against a struggling West Coast side. The Brisbane Lions will be playing for their spot in the top four when they host Carlton at the Gabba on Sunday. It means Melbourne will be without its star midfielder for Sundays match against Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs. Craig McRaes side's highest total in the last five weeks was 91 points against Adelaide, and the Dees will look to keep the Magpies to under 80 points. We can't wait to see these two midfields go at it. Presented by . North was comprehensively beaten by Hawthorn in Hobart, going down by 57 points, as they failed to back up their breakthrough win over the Tigers. Put in your NRL and AFL footy tips today! This is a genuine 50-50 contest, with the Dockers needing a much-improved performance to frank their form for much of the year. In their previous meeting in Round 11, it was Collingwood who prevailed in a four-point thriller in front of a crowd of over 80,000. Last but not least, the main event: the MCG, Sunday at 3:20pm, Carlton versus Collingwood. Meanwhile, Hawthorn has the chance to play spoiler for the Tigers, and then the following week for the Dogs as well. Although it wouldnt shock to see an upset in this one, its hard to pick the Eagles considering what theyve dished up so far this year. Collingwood hasnt kicked big scores throughout 2022. Friday night sees Melbourne host Sydney in a final for the first time since 1987 where the Dees smashed the Swans by 76 points. This clash looks set to be an absolute belter. Top four? Port Adelaide enter this game on the back of a huge 84-point win over Essendon in Round 22, while the Crows also found themselves on the winners list after beating the last-placed Kangaroos at home. Melbourne has to be favourites for this one, even considering their less than impressive recent form at the MCG. See our previews and tips for every game of the first week of the finals below: SUBSCRIBE TO THE AFL RECORD AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOUSE EVERY WEEK. That performance was certainly a bit of an outlier for us. By Daryl Curnow. Friday - 7:50pm - Marvel Stadium. Last week saw the premiership backline reunite for the first time this season and theyre expected to be even better under the MCG lights. That is clear, we are, Hinkley said after the Magpies loss. The Cats defence will look to stifle the Suns and consolidate their fast ball movement style, but Stuart Dews men have only dropped below 80 points at home twice this year. Fremantle should be winning, but it will come with its challenges. An elimination final against either Richmond or Carlton. The Saints did what they had to do against West Coast at Optus Stadium in the last game of Round 19 and now sit just percentage off eighth spot heading into the weekend. Sunday 1:10pm University of Tasmania Stadium. However, the Suns simply have too much to play for to lose this one. And on Sunday, its a top four heavyweight blockbuster when Sydney and Collingwood go head-to-head at a sold out SCG. FULL DRAW | https:// bit.ly/3k8ZQJo #AusOpen The stick? Read the latest AFL news from SEN 1116 - Melbourne's Home of Sport Finals football returns to the MCG for the first time since 2019 after two COVID-affected seasons. Which is great news for Magpies fans, as Im almost exclusively on the wrong side of this one on a weekly basis. All odds are with PlayUp. How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 7pm, hosted by Garry Lyon with . Fremantle has looked like the real deal all year, and while theyve stumbled in recent weeks, theyre still the team we think they are. The conference com m ittee working on the natural gas price deregulation m ade little progress The m em bers met for just one m orning and then recessed in order to let the Senate m em bers try to resolve their deadlock Settlem ent of the abortion issue cam e after five m onths of wrangling between the House, which wanted strict lim its on . While the defeat could prove costly, Richmond is still clinging onto eighth spot after teams around them slipped up. The Giants and Bombers will do battle on Saturday afternoon at Giants Stadium. AFL Grand Final: Teams, news, tips, odds - everything you need to know for the big dance. SUBSCRIBE TO THE AFL RECORD AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOUSE EVERY WEEK. Percentage could mean everything come the end of the year and the Swans have a ripe chance to add to theirs against a struggling North Melbourne side. Okay, it wouldnt be Round 23 without a few dead-rubbers Saturday in particular looks a decent day to get some gardening in or visit loved ones but the amount of games with serious finals ramifications (plus a Showdown!) The Showdown is in essence a dead rubber, but good like telling Adelaide and Port that. Yeah, thats nearly certain. Richmond to win by plenty. Despite showing signs of improvement in the second half against the Hawks last week, their slow start meant a win was never a legitimate chance. In the 55th edition of the rivalry clash, its the Dockers who will be on the hunt for a big win as they need to earn victories in the final two rounds to clinch a double chance. GMHBA Stadium hasnt been a happy hunting ground for the Bulldogs they havent won in Geelong since 2003. The Roos meanwhile are hanging on, but have been competitive, outside of Round 19s loss to Hawthorn. Backing the Power to snap their run of losses. Dogs' team. While they havent been at their absolute best, the Saints have stayed in the finals hunt after winning their past two games. This one takes place at the MCG however, which you think would give Richmond an edge. While Saturdays clash between rivals Essendon and Richmond doesnt really have much riding on it, theres plenty of intrigue attached to it considering the week the Bombers have had. Tip against mates, play to win a share of $120,000 in cash prizes. Ultimately though, Sydneys structure, form and improving youngsters should see them over the line against a side that hasnt scored more than 80 points since Round 14. Friday night sees St Kilda take on Brisbane at Marvel Stadium in a game the Saints must win if they hold out any hope of playing finals this year. John Longmires Swans have won six in a row and are showing no signs of slowing down after ending the Magpies 11-game winning streak last week. The match does hold a little bit of extra significance in that it is Saints midfielder Dan Hanneberys final AFL appearance, against his former club with whom he won the 2012 premiership.