Greater Western Sydney Giants vs Geelong Cats at Spotless Stadium. Saturday, 7:25pm

It’s first plays third in what could turn out to be one of the games of the season. Geelong will go level with current leaders GWS if they can get the win in New South Wales.

Last round Greater Western Sydney showed no mercy as they easily beat rock-bottom Brisbane by 60 in what was purely a training run for them. As for Geelong, they were made to work a lot harder in securing a 74-72 victory over Fremantle.

Expect a high-scoring affair, given the fact that both sides have three players in the top 20 for goals scored this season. For Greater Western Sydney, Jeremy Cameron (39), Toby Greene (30) and Johnathan Patton (22) have been on fire. While Geelong’s Tom Hawkins (31), Daniel Menzel (30) and Patrick Dangerfield (23) also make the list.

Brett Deledio has a calf injury for GWS, while Nick Haynes is struggling with a hamstring strain. Geelong’s injury list includes Corey Gregson (foot) and Lincoln McCarthy (groin).

Why Greater Western Sydney will win: This year against good teams Greater Western Sydney have performed exceedingly well including a 31 point win vs Port Adelaide, a 42 point win vs Sydney, a two point win vs Western Bulldogs, a three point win vs Richmond and an eight point win vs West Coast. Geelong will do well to avoid becoming another victim.

Our Tip: Greater Western Sydney by seven.

 

Essendon Bombers vs Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, Sunday, 1:10pm

In their last start Essendon suffered a heart-breaking one point loss to Sydney at the SGC. As for Brisbane they gave barely any competition to Greater Western Sydney at all going down 146-86.

Essendon, currently in 11th, badly need a win to keep up their chase of a top eight finish, especially after suffering three defeats in their last five games. Brisbane look doomed to the wooden spoon, unless something dramatic happens in the run-in.

Both clubs currently have a number of different players suffering from a variety of different injury issues. For Essendon it includes Mitch Brown (ankle injury) and Patrick Ambrose (quad injury). While for Brisbane it includes Mitch Robinson (foot injury) and Sam Skinner (knee injury).

Why Brisbane will win: Given the fact the Lions still have to face a lot of the teams in the top eight, a clash against Essendon could be one they target as much more winnable. Having said that, it would still be a big shock!

Our Tip: Brisbane by one.

 

Fremantle Dockers vs St Kilda Saints at Domain Stadium, Sunday, 2:40pm

The Saints have won two on the trot, including a 103-72 victory over Gold Coast last time out, to keep them firmly in contention for a place in the finals. Fremantle are going in the other direction, though, with their 74-72 defeat against Geelong their fourth in succession to leave them down in 12th position.

Fremantle’s injury woes currently include Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) and Mitchell Apeness (knee). While for St Kilda their only injuries are David Armitage (groin), and Tom Hickey and Josh Battle (both knee).

Why Fremantle will win: Nate Fyfe. He’s amongst the most influential players in the game and if he plays he could easily have St Kilda on a string. Even though he has missed games due to injury this season, when he plays everybody fears him.

Our Tip: Fremantle by 10.

 

Hawthorn Hawks vs Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sunday, 3:20pm

Hawthorn will still be on a high for their stunning 14-point win over Adelaide, even though they are still struggling in 16th place in the ladder. Collingwood were beaten easily by Port Adelaide in their last game and another defeat could be the nail in their hopes of making the top eight.

Hawthorn have recent history on their side in terms of this match-up, with four wins from the last five, although Collingwood won the most recent clash back in round nine when they downed the Hawks 90-72.

Hawthorn will be without Teia Miles (medial ligament) and Jonathon Ceglar (ACL), while Collingwood’s injury list includes Rupert Wills (calf) and Ben Sinclair and Travis Varcoe (both hamstring).

Why Hawthorn will win: There are arguably two Hawthorn sides this season. The one from last week and the one from the rest of the season. If the one from last week turns up, then Collingwood might be in trouble, given the fact the Hawks beat one of the top sides in what was a complete performance.

Our Tip: Hawthorn by nine.