With the bye rounds looming for all but 2 AFL sides, gaining form is important in AFL round 11, also known as the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round. Here is your look at all the action.
Sydney vs. Carlton (Friday at the SCG)
Sydney is strong and Carlton is a poor side, given that’s the case, I don’t see this contest being close. The Swans slot in Gary Rohan and Nic Newman for Tom Papley and Tom McCartin, while the Blues swap forward Harry McKay for Jack Silvagni. I’d expect Jake Lloyd, and the improved Sydney forward stocks led by Lance Franklin to be too much for a Carlton side that struggles to score. Sydney by 46
Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne (Saturday at Etihad Stadium)
The Dogs have hit the skids in the last 2 rounds while Melbourne is roaring at third on the ladder. Melbourne has no changes for Nathan Jones 250th game, while the Dogs slot in Dale Morris and Mitch Honeychurch for Zaine Cordy and Bailey Dale. Much like Carlton, the Dogs have been unable to score enough to win games. Melbourne is firing all over the ground and I’d expect Jesse Hogan and Jake Melksham to lift them to another win. Melbourne by 41
Hawthorn vs. Port Adelaide (Saturday in Tasmania)
The best game of the round between a pair of sides that are in the thick of the finals hunt. Port comes off their bye with a fresh side led by a rejuvenated Tom Rockliff. Hawthorn swaps Tim O’Brien and Daniel Howe in for Mitch Lewis and David Mirra. The Hawks are dangerous when James Sicily and Tom Mitchell are at their best, but Port’s form is better and this should be a big win for them. Port Adelaide by 13
Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong (Saturday at Metricon Stadium)
The Suns are struggling but they do return to their home ground for the first time this season. Geelong hasn’t been great in recent rounds, but they are the better side. With the return of Tom Lynch, Sam Day, and Jack Martin this way, the Suns will lift and make this a competitive contest. The loss of Esava Ratugolea will hurt Geelong, who return Lachie Fogarty and bring in Wylie Buzza this week. I’ll still go with Gary Ablett’s current team over his former team. Geelong by 17
Essendon vs. Richmond (Saturday at the MCG)
Essendon has won two straight but Richmond at the MCG represents a much bigger test, especially given the Tigers have dominated the Bombers in recent years. If Essendon wins their confidence will soar, but I’ll back Richmond to win the Dreamtime game, as they tend to find ways to win at home. Toby Nankervis will be the difference maker. Michael Hurley comes in for the Bombers, while Bachar Houli is out for Dylan Grimes for the Tigers. Richmond by 14
West Coast Eagles vs. St. Kilda (Saturday at Optus Stadium)
The ladder leaders against a bottom tier side in Perth, this one should be a rout. The Saints have competed at times this season but the Eagles have a list that is performing at its best. Luke Shuey and Jackson Nelson return for Dom Sheed and Chris Masten, while the Saints swap Rowan Marshall and Mav Weller in for Luke Dunstan and Jake Carlisle. West Coast by 56
North Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (Sunday at Etihad Stadium)
The Lions hope to soon have the success that North has already enjoyed this season. North sits at 5th in the ladder and has a great record against the Lions, having won their last 4 matchups against the Queenslanders. The loss of Matt Eagles will hurt the Lions confidence, and with Majak Daw returning for North (and Paul Ahern perhaps debuting) the Kangaroos will keep their great season going. North Melbourne by 38
Collingwood vs. Fremantle (Sunday at the MCG)
Fremantle is slipping out of finals contention while Collingwood is in the midst of a nice run right now. The loss of Travis Varcoe, Ben Reid, and Jeremy Howe will hurt the Pies a bit, but Daniel Wells returns. The Dockers are set to debut Stefan Giro and ruckman Scott Jones as Aaron Sandilands, Danyle Pearce, and Stephen Hill are out. Collingwood by 28
Adelaide vs. GWS Giants (Sunday at Adelaide Oval)
The Crows suffered an awful loss and experienced the full damage of their injuries last week. GWS is in freefall with four straight defeats, and they have lost their last 3 games against the Crows. The return of Phil Davis will help GWS, but the Crows return Paul Seedsman and Andy Otten and they deserve the benefit of the doubt, especially at home, far more than GWS does right now. Adelaide by 35
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