Round 22 of the AFL is already upon us, and the season is really starting to kick into top gear. The first game this weekend is between Richmond and Essendon, kicking off on Friday night at 7.50pm. While Essendon can theoretically make the finals, it is not looking good. The Tigers are definitely in better form at the moment, and will head into this clash as favourites.The first game on Saturday is between St Kilda and GWS, taking place at 1.45pm. With both teams out of the finals, these two teams will be playing for pride more than anything else. While the Saints will be without Nick Riewoldt again, the Giants are in much more trouble and this could end up being a nightmare for them.
Port Adelaide vs Brisbane Lions kicks off on Saturday at 2.10pm at AAMI Stadium. While the Lions have had an OK season with eight wins, they haven’t exactly set the world on fire. They should have enough to beat the Power however, who looked messy last week against the Eagles.
The Sydney Swans take on Hawthorn this Saturday afternoon at 4.40pm, in what is probably the game of the round. The Hawks had a loss to the Swans earlier this year, and will be keen to turn the tables. This game will be a good lead up to the finals, with the small SCG ground only likely to make for a tougher and more enthralling contest.
West Coast play Collingwood on Saturday at 7.40pm, and the Eagles will have to watch out for Collingwood at Paterson’s Stadium. The Pies have been really good away from home this season, and they will want to win to secure a top four position. The Eagles can also make the four if they have a win however, which is why this game looks like such an exciting encounter.
Gold Coast vs Carlton is kicking off at 7.40pm on Saturday, and the Blues need to win this one in order to replace Fremantle in the top eight. In contrast, Gold Coast only have the bottom of the table to fight for, although the wooden spoon is looking unlikely for them due to having a better percentage than GWS.
Geelong play the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at 1.10pm. Everyone knows just how surprising the Cats can be at this time of the year, and having won four out of their five last matches, they will be big favourites for this game. With a win in this game, Geelong can rise to sixth place on the ladder, with the Bulldogs looking unlikely to stop them.
North Melbourne vs Fremantle kicks off on Sunday at 3.15pm. North Melbourne are on a good run at the moment, having lost only one game since Round 10. While this is a must win game for Fremantle if they want to get into the eight, it looks like a tough ask against an in-form Kangaroos.
The last game of the round is between the Melbourne Demons and the Adelaide Crows, taking place on Sunday at 4.40pm. The difference in talent between these two teams is huge, and the Demons are not likely to add to their disappointing four win season.
