PREVIEWS OF THE AFL’S REMAINING ROUND FOUR GAMES (all times AEST):
FRIDAY, April 12
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs at the MCG, 7.50pm
Head to head: Magpies 107 Bulldogs 47 Drawn 1
Last clash: Magpies 13.12 (90) bt Bulldogs 8.7 (55) at Marvel Stadium, R10 2018
The Western Bulldogs only managed nine goals from 66 inside 50s in perfect conditions last Sunday as they went down to Gold Coast. That inefficiency spells big trouble against a team with plenty of scoring firepower and one of the league’s top midfields. The Bulldogs will fancy their chances, especially given the Magpies are not flying themselves at 1-2, but they will need a big lift.
Key: Marcus Bontempelli. Given Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy will control the ruck, it’s up to Bulldogs midfielders such as Bontempelli to win the clearances.
Tip: Magpies by 30 points
SATURDAY, April 13
Geelong v GWS at GMHBA Stadium, 1.45pm
Head to head: Cats 7 Giants 1 Drawn 1
Last clash: Cats 14.9 (93) bt Giants 4.8 (32) at GMHBA Stadium, R7 2018
Not since the bad old days of 2012-14 had the Giants been so bad as they were at Geelong’s home fortress last season. They still look questionable on the road and this is a big test against the 3-0 Cats. The Giants showed their mean side with the effective harassment of Richmond star Dustin Martin last weekend and they’ll need to bring that aggression south.
Key: Jeremy Cameron achieved the rare feat of seven goals and 30 possessions against the Tigers. He looms as a massive headache for the Cats defence.
Tip: Geelong by 20 points.
Essendon v Brisbane at the MCG, 2.10pm
Head to head: Bombers 26 Lions 18 Drawn 1
Last clash: Bombers 12.12 (84) bt Lions 8.14 (62) at the Gabba, R12 2018
Aren’t the two Queensland AFL teams supposed to be in trouble? The young Lions are flying at 3-0 and coming off a hard-fought win over Port Adelaide. After a woeful start to the season, Essendon finally found some of their mojo and outlasted Melbourne. If the Lions go 4-0, it removes any doubts that they are the real deal.
Key: With Shaun McKernan injured, who will headline the Bombers attack? Cale Hooker is a big return for Essendon.
Tip: Brisbane by 18 points
Port Adelaide v Richmond at Adelaide Oval, 4.35pm
Head to head: Power 18 Tigers 11 Drawn 1
Last clash: Power 10.12 (72) bt Tigers 8.10 (58) at Adelaide Oval, R12 2018
Richmond started the season will bullish expectations. Now they’re in crisis, missing their big four of Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt for the first time since Damien Hardwick started coaching them in 2010. This is the sort of game the Power must win if they are to return to the top eight. Josh Caddy, Dylan Grimes and Bachar Houli are big inclusions for the Tigers.
Key: Acting captain Shane Edwards and fellow midfielder Kane Lambert happily have played excellent second-fiddle roles in the midfield. Now they’re front-and-centre and must fire.
Tip: Power by 10 points
North Melbourne v Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm
Head to head: Kangaroos 20 Crows 23 Drawn 0
Last clash: Crows 12.14 (86) bt Kangaroos 11.11 (77), R22 2018
Bryce Gibbs is the high-profile selection casualty as the Crows try to sort out early stumbles. Two home losses have left Adelaide faltering at the start of a season where they’re expected to be serious players again. North are also in big trouble at 0-3 and they’ve made four changes, dropping recruits Tom Campbell and Dom Tyson. Whoever drops this one will be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Key: Will the big forwards stand up? North great Wayne Carey was scathing in his criticism of spearhead Ben Brown this week, while Crows stars Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker likewise must lift.
Tip: Adelaide by 10 points
West Coast v Fremantle at Optus Stadium, 8.10pm
Head to head: Eagles 28 Dockers 20 Drawn 0
Last clash: Eagles 21.16 (142) bt Dockers 13.6 (84) at Optus Stadium, R20 2018
You might recall the last Western Derby. It’s fair to say, Andrew Gaff’s punch that left Andrew Brayshaw with a broken jaw and ongoing dental issues, plus an eight-game ban for the Eagles star, means a massive postscript this Saturday night. The Eagles are coming off an excellent win over Collingwood and start favourites, with Gaff starring in his return from suspension. Fremantle haven’t done much wrong, but Nat Fyfe’s absence because of concussion is a huge blow.
Key: Star recruit Jesse Hogan is yet to kick a goal for the Dockers in his two games. Now would be an excellent time to open his account and Fremantle would love a bag from him.
Tip: Eagles by 30 points
SUNDAY, April 14
Gold Coast v Carlton at Metricon Stadium, 2.40pm
Head to head: Suns 4 Blues 6 Drawn 0
Last clash: Blues 12.7 (79) bt Suns 5.14 (44) at Metricon Stadium, R19 2018
The Suns are the feel-good story so far this season after Sunday’s upset win over the Bulldogs. Coach Stuart Dew has them playing hard, consistent football with a focus on defence and two-way running. Carlton were far from awful in the loss to Sydney, but at 0-3 they’re desperate for a win. Suddenly, what looked like a low-key clash when the fixture was released will be well worth watching.
Key: Jarrod Witts should win the ruck duels consistently, but can the Suns midfield counter Patrick Cripps?
Tip: Suns by 20 points
St Kilda v Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, 3.20pm
Head to head: Saints 72 Hawks 82 Drawn 2
Last clash: Hawks 12.8 (80) bt Saints 11.10 (76) at Marvel Stadium, R22 2018
Are the Saints improving, or is their 2-1 start a false dawn? What do we make of the Hawks, who were overrun by the Bulldogs a fortnight ago? Already without Shaun Burgoyne and Liam Shiels, there is speculation Hawthorn star Jaeger O’Meara might be in some doubt. Hawthorn should win, but they are no sure things.
Key: Star recruit Chad Wingard was outstanding in his Hawthorn debut and if the Saints don’t keep him in check, he could well be the difference..
Tip: Hawthorn by 20 points.