Afl Preview - Season 2008 Round 16

Newcastle Herald

Friday July 18, 2008

with Grant Sproule

TONIGHT

KANGAROOS V COLLINGWOOD

7.40pm at Telstra Dome

The Pies lowered their colours to the Kangaroos in that

match and will need to turn the tables to keep their

top-four hopes alive. North Melbourne must win to stay

in touch with the top eight, and the return of Shannon

Grant will help offset the loss of defender Daniel Pratt

(suspended). TIP: Magpies

TOMORROW

GEELONG V WESTERN BULLDOGS

2.10pm at Skilled Stadium

This is the match of the round. First v

second, but the reigning premiers must tackle the

contenders without stars Gary Ablett (ankle) and Cameron

Ling (cheek). The Cats have been in devastating form and

will need to be at their best to counter a full-strength Dogs

line-up. Both sides have lost only once this season and

the minor premiership could be decided by the outcome of

this match. TIP: Cats

RICHMOND V ESSENDON

2.10pm at the MCG

The Bombers have turned their season

around in the past month and are now a genuine chance

of taking part in finals action. The return of key forward

Scott Lucas has given the Bombers another marking

target, and after losing eight games on the trot, the Dons

have now won four in a row. The Tigers bounced back with

a big win over the hapless Eagles last week. TIP: Tigers

BRISBANE V WEST COAST

7.10pm at the Gabba

Brisbanes loss to the Dons last week may

have derailed the Lions run at another flag. Injuries to

star playmakers Jonathan Brown and Simon Black may

hamstring Brisbane at the wrong end of the season.

The Eagles were shocking against the Tigers last Sunday

and only a fool would back them to upset the Lions at

the Gabba. TIP: Lions

ST KILDA V HAWTHORN

7.10pm at Telstra Dome

St Kilda have the arduous task of knocking

off the Hawks to keep their spot in the top half of the

ladder. Nick Reiwoldt showed his class in last weeks win

over Carlton, and he will need to reproduce that effort if

the Saints have any chance of beating the third-placed

Hawks. Lance Franklin had 14 shots on goal against the

Swans but only managed to kick 4.7. TIP: Hawks

SUNDAY

CARLTON V SYDNEY

1.10pm at Telstra Dome

With only seven games to play, the Blues

sit just outside of the top eight and remain a big chance

to play fi nals. Sydney are clinging to fourth spot and must

snap a two-game losing streak if they are to hold onto the

double chance. The Swans will need to curb the influence

of Chris Judd, Nick Stevens and Marc Murphy. TIP: Blues

PORT ADELAIDE V ADELAIDE

2.40pm at AAMI Stadium

Adelaides form slump is a big concern for

coach Neil Craig. Adding to his woes is the loss of star

forward Brett Burton and young gun Jason Porplyzia. The

Crows have dropped their past four games and wont get

any favours from cross-town rivals Port in the Showdown

on Sunday. Port always manage to find their best form

when they run out against the Crows. TIP: Port

FREMANTLE V MELBOURNE

4.40pm at Subiaco

Dockers will be without enforcer Dean

Solomon, who copped an eight-week ban for his unsavory

bump on Geelongs Cameron Ling. The two WA teams

have only four wins between them, and Freo fans are

desperate for a reason to sing the team song. The

Demons were competitive against the Dogs but will

struggle on the open expanses of Subiaco. TIP: Dockers

gsproule@theherald.com.au

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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