There are plenty of games to look forward to in Round 20, kicking off with Richmond's attempt to break a 63-year record of the longest winning streak at the MCG. up against the Cats.
Then the Bombers look to continue their charge towards the top eight when they take on Hawthorn. With both contenders closely tied on the competition ladder, the match becomes an "eight point game" .
Fellow top-eight aspirants North Melbourne face a tough task when they travel to Brisbane to take on the young Lions.
Recent rounds have produced blockbuster after blockbuster in the lead-in to the finals, and this fixture looks no different.
With arguably the easiest run home of any top eight contender, the Cats would almost view this game as a free hit.
An upset win here over the tremendous Tigers on their home turf would all but guarantee a finals berth for Chris Scott and his men.
But after winning seventeen straight at the MCG, there is nothing to suggest that Damien Hardwick's side won't continue that miraculous winning streak.
Indeed, a win for the Tigers would see them break Melbourne's 63-year record and become the team with the longest ever winning streak at the MCG in VFL/AFL history.
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Dion Prestia (Richmond), Tom Stewart (Geelong)
Showers forecast for this one, which could make scoring more difficult.
AFL Stats in Focus
Both of these teams have impressive inside 50 numbers.
The marks inside 50 in particular will go a long way to deciding this one in tricky conditions.
With seven goals in each of his last two games, and a whopping eight marks inside 50 last round, Tom Hawkins is the competition's in-form forward.
Stopping his influence will be a top priority for Richmond's defence.
Key AFL Stat
When these two teams last played each other in Round 13, the Tigers triumphed by 18 points at the MCG:Richmond to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $1.90
AFL Betting Tip: Richmond to cover the -18.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: Richmond are only getting better with finals on the horizon. Being a home game, their fans should spur them on to kick a few more goals than when they last met in a Geelong home game.
Another crucial fixture, that will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the finals, sees the Hawks play host to the Bombers.
With both of these clubs on the brink of finals footy, this will feel like an eight-point game.
Hawthorn have been winning all the games they should be winning this year, apart from two upset losses to the Lions.
However, with the Bombers really firing with six wins in their last seven games, the Hawks better watch out.
This fantastic form reached its peak in Round 19, where Essendon dispatched the Swans, running away in the final quarter to triumph by 39 points.
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No rain forecast but wind could be a factor. If so, accurate goal kicking will become an issue.
AFL Stats in Focus
When Essendon play at their best, their superior speed around the ground is on show.
The Bombers have the most bounces of any team, suggesting that they enjoy running with the ball in their hand.
Against a Hawthorn side who struggle to exit the ball from their 50, Essendon's ability to run the ball from the midfield into attack will be extra crucial.
Key AFL Stat
Essendon have won 20 of their last 25 Saturday matches as a favourite following a win in the previous round: Essendon to win head-to-head @ $1.81
AFL Betting Tip: Essendon to win head-to-head @ $1.81
AFL Odds: Brisbane $1.81 (-2.5) / North Melbourne $2.00 (+2.5)
The Kangaroos have given themselves an excellent chance of defying the pre-season afl odds and making the finals after a handsome 40-point drubbing to the Eagles last week.
A similar result is needed here, with Brad Scott's men making the journey up to Brisbane to face the Lions, who have been gallant on their home turf in 2018.
Scott will be looking to mirror his twin brother whose Cats outfit overwhelmed the Lions by 42-points in Round 19.
However, this young Brisbane side won't take that result to heart, and will be ready to pounce if the Roos are even a tad complacent.
With such a massive improvement in the last few months after a slow start to the season, things are finally looking bright up in Brisbane.
Jarrad Waite (North, likely)
Shaun Higgins (North)
A warm and sunny winter's day in Brisbane. Could be a shock to the system for the Roos who last played in a freezing Hobart.
AFL Stats in Focus
This table highlights the different avenues each team has taken for their better-than-expected 2018 season.
The Lions owe their success to clean ball use, especially when going through the middle of the park.
The Kangaroos however have really based their game on winning the contested footy in the scrap.
The loss of Shaun Higgins to injury is therefore a huge blow, a he has racked up the second most contested possessions of any North player this year.
Key AFL Stat
The Kangaroos have won their last 5 interstate matches: North Melbourne to win head-to-head @ $2.00
AFL Betting Tip: Brisbane to win head-to-head @ $1.81
Reasoning: Even though the Roos have been great outside of Victoria of late, playing Brisbane at the Gabba has been a tricky prospect for every side in 2018.
The Lions' great form at home, combined with the key injury to Shaun Higgins tips the scales ever so slightly to the Lions.
Aug 02, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
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Dion Prestia (Richmond), Tom Stewart (Geelong)
Showers forecast for this one, which could make scoring more difficult.
AFL Stats in Focus
AFL Betting Tip: Richmond to cover the -18.5 point line @ $1.92
