Coming in as two of the pre-season favourites to win the competition, Adelaide and GWS have had shocking runs with injury with poor results following soon after. Their Sunday arvo clash presents the perfect opportunity for one team to get their season back on track.
The two earlier games feature two Melbourne teams looking for finals berths: the Kangaroos and Magpies. They face interstate teams who are heavy outsiders, yet not without a chance.
The Kangaroos showed last week that they are more than an early-season wonder. A fantastic win against Fremantle in Perth made them the first Melbournian club to record a victory at Perth Stadium.
Back at home this week, the Roos will look to further cement themselves in the top eight. Games against the likes of Brisbane are must-win for any team with finals aspirations, and North will be relishing the opportunity to improve their percentage.
However, don't write the Lions off. After a shock win over Hawthorn, Brisbane kept the score line respectable against high-flying Sydney last week.
While this match presents itself as a genuine opportunity for the Maroon and Blue to secure their second win of the season, the Lions will need standout performances from Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko to nab the four points.
Key Ins: None
Key Outs: None
Key AFL Stats
The Kangaroos have won their last 6 games against the Lions.
Brisbane haven't lost by more than 18 points in the last 4 rounds.
The Lions have covered the line in 44% of their games at Etihad Stadium since 2015.
AFL Betting Tip: North Melbourne to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $2.10
While Collingwood fans are rarely quiet about anything, they are quietly confident of returning to finals footy this year after the efforts of their beloved Magpies in the first ten games of the 2018 season.
Collingwood still look like there's room to go to another gear, and this game against Fremantle is the perfect opportunity to put in a big performance and cement their top eight position. With Adam Treloar starring in a devastating midfield, the Magpies look to be far too strong for Fremantle, who have a poor away record.
While Nat Fyfe has had an impressive season for Freo, he needs his teammates to stand up and share some of the load. With a forward line without any genuine goal kickers, the Dockers will struggle against Collingwood's usual stingy defence.
Key Ins: Daniel Wells (Collingwood)
Key Outs: Travis Varcoe (Collingwood), Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Stephen Hill (Fremantle)
Key AFL Stats
Fremantle haven't scored more than 60 points in their last 5 matches outside of Perth.
The Dockers have lost 9 of their last 11 away games.
Collingwood have won 4 of their last 6 games as a favourite after a win in the previous round.
AFL Betting Tip: Collingwood to win into Total Match Points UNDER 161.5 @ $2.20
The final game of the round also shapes as the most interesting betting game.
The two pre-season favourites for the flag have been poor of late. While they have both had their excuses with injury, the Crows and Giants will need to put all that to one side and rip in for what is a must-win game for Top 4 aspirations.
Adelaide will surely come out strong at home and try to make amends for last week's embarrassing 91-point capitulation against the Demons in Alice Springs. Back where they play their best footy, the Crows are the sort of team that respond in a big way after a humiliating loss. The Grand Final replay in Round 2 and the victory over the Swans in Round 5 are a case in point.
GWS were far from poor against the Bombers last week, just failing to take their chances before being overrun in the last quarter. A big Giants win wouldn't surprise either, with the second Sydney side desperate to end a four-game losing streak.
Key Ins: Phil Davis (GWS)
Key Outs: None
Key AFL Stats
Adelaide have won 9 of their 10 matches with GWS.
The Giants have failed to score more than 80 points since Round 4.
GWS have covered the line in 43% of their matches as an away underdog since 2016.
AFL Betting Tip: Total Match Points UNDER 170.5 @ $1.90
Jun 01, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
