Round 5 AFL Preview

Thursday
Brisbane vs Collingwood @ The Gabba - 19:35

In our first game of Round 5 we see the Lions at home to the Magpies, and after last week's huge loss to the Bombers, I am sure the Lions will be VERY happy to get back to the Gabba. In spite of their progress in Season 2019, how happy will the Lions be to play Collingwood?
While it was a very scrappy game last week, the Magpie's forwards seemed to wake up in the third quarter and steer the Pies to a win, and I think that they will be too much for the Lion's backs to handle all game in this one.
Collingwood by 19

Friday
North Melbourne vs Essendon @ Marvel Stadium - 16:20

Both of these teams had really good wins last round, with North over-running the Crows and Essendon thrashing the Lions at the 'G'.
After their terrible start to 2019, the Bombers found their groove last round, with McDonald-Tipungwati putting on an exhibition across the forward fifty, while their speedy smalls made good use of the ball, helping the team transition quickly from one end to the other.
The Kangaroos had a really poor first half, but came out strong in the third-quarter and gave the Crows nothing.
Both teams have a lot to gain here, with North getting away from the bottom and Essendon staying in touch with the Top 8 and I think the Bomber's midfield will be too strong, and quick, for the Kangas, inspite of the great form of Higgins.
Essendon by 22

West Coast vs Port Adelaide @ Optus Stadium - 20:10

After their suprising (to me anyway) loss to Richmond last week, the Power will be looking to head west and make a strong statement against the in-form Eagles. For the Eagles, they would have had a bit of a scare against the Dockers, and need to stay more focused throughout the game to get the win here!
With an effective forward setup, and strong backline, the Eagles should be able to take care of the travelling Power.
West Coast by 27

Saturday
GWS Giants vs Fremantle @ UNSW Canberra - 13:45

A game of footy in Canberra??? Yep, that is what the fixture is saying.
Inspite of Mundy's efforts the Dockers have, unsurprisingly, been missing their best player but will he be back in time to help steady the Fremantle ship for this game? Across the last two weeks the Giants have been in great form, dispatching the Cats in Geelong for the first time in their short history last weekend.
While GWS will need to adjust to being without Callan Ward for this match, they have too much class across the park to let the game slip.
GWS Giants by 31

Melbourne vs St. Kilda @ The MCG - 16:35

Last round Melbourne finally got a win in 2019, taking care of the Swans up at the SCG. While they still don't have a forward, the Demon's midfield really stepped up and made sure they got a winning score. The Saints nearly suffered their second loss of the season at the hands of Hawthorn, with inacuracy making things hard for them once more, though they scraped though in the end.
With the Melbourne midfield starting to get some self-believe, and pride giving them a kick in the backside, I am expecting them and Big Maxy Gawn to run the St Kilda midfield raggard.
Melbourne by 28

Richmond vs Sydney @ Marvel Stadium - 19:25

Over recent years these two teams have come close to splitting their matches, but this time there will be no Rance to counter Sydney's spearhead, Lance Franklin. While Franklin hasn't been in great form this year - he kicked 1 goal 3 behinds last week - he is always a danger to break-out and cause the opposition some massive headaches with his size, strength and speed! As a nice segway... Sydney has never played Richmond with Tom Lynch leading the Tiger forwards, providing size and strength that the Tigers haven't had for a long, long time!
If this game was at the MCG I would think the Tigers would be favourites, but at the small Marvel Stadium the match gets a lot closer.
Richmond by 11

Sunday
Western Bulldogs vs Carlton @ Marvel Stadium - 13:10

The Blues came about as close to a win as you can get, without winning, last week. The Bulldogs came close to 'koas-balling' the Magpies into submission. Close...
While the Blues are due a win, as seems to always happen regardless of how badly a team has been playing, the Bulldogs have been playing better football in 2019. If Schache gets more involved, as he did in Round 3, it will go a long way to helping his team across the line, but if Curnow does likewise, the result could favour Carlton. Tough game to pick
Western Bulldogs by 13

Adelaide vs Gold Coast @ Adelaide Oval - 16:40

Besides some ordinary disposal efforts (going at a poor 61.3% Disposal Efficiency), Touk Miller provided massive drive for the Suns in their win over Carlton last round. In spite of seeming to have North's measure, the Crows found a way to lose and executed to perfection!
Taylor Walker needs to put his hand up and really impact this game back on his home ground for his team to kick a winning score, but will he do it?
While I am pretty sick of picking Adelaide to win and having them 'not win', I will give them one more chance.
Adelaide by 19

Monday
Hawthorn vs Geelong @ The MCG - 15:20

In this Monday afternoon game we see the depleted Hawks taking on that team from down the Princes Fwy and, after he only copped a $2000 fine for a nasty elbow, they will be accompanied by Dangerfield.
Hawthorn looks to be missing some important players after their encounter with St Kilda last week, where Stratton and Frawley not coming back on from separate incidents. For Geelong, they are in great form, even after their loss to the Giants down in Geelong and with their new players already producing solid performances, I think the Cats will be too strong.
Geelong by 27

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