On their day, North has shown they are capable of causing an upset over anyone, but the fact they've managed less than 10 goals in their last two games is cause for concern against a Sydney outfit that has no problem scoring. "I didn't hear it, I didn't hear it. Brisbane ran out comfortable 33-point winners over Carlton last Sunday at the Gabba, but head coach Chris Fagan knows his side still has plenty to work on after nearly letting a healthy lead slip late in the fourth quarter. Hard to believe as it may be, the Cats haven't won in the first week of September since 2016. For Hird, it was a chance to belt out that familiar tune again and for possibly the last time in who knows when. Pies set for high-stakes afl clash of the titans. The Hawks put a final line through Gold Coast's finals hopes last week in Tassie, but the Suns will still relish the role of playing spoiler this week against a Geelong side that almost looks destined for a spot in the Grand Final. JM: We've done roads, now water, why not take it to the skies!?
They had also trailed Richmond and Sydney at quarter-time in recent weeks. The Dogs hardly resembled a finals team in last week's 17-point loss to the Dockers, but they still find themselves a strong chance at making the eight with two games to play. Adelaide Crows 80 - Sydney Swans 83. GWS meekly folded against the Tigers and looked every bit the young development side running out of gas at the end of a long season. He pumps his fist as the Geelong faithfuls roar their approval. Crows stay in top-four hunt after sneaking past Cats in a thriller. Saturday 20 August, 1:45pm, Blundstone Arena. It's the kids that miss out here. Geelong ended the first quarter with a goal and have the first of the second term.
Fremantle produced one of their worst performances of the season to do down to Sydney last weekend and they have now lost four of their past five games. Since the ladder is so tight, a game against Fremantle couldn't have come at a better time -a blowout here at home would surely boost the Cats' percentage and give them a nice chance to play through September. Pies set for high-stakes afl clash 2. GWS got the upper-hand that day on their way to the Grand Final, but the Dogs have had the last laugh winning their last three encounters, all by double digits. With Carlton down on confidence and motivation, this game really isn't worth overcomplicating. Geelong beat Collingwood 11.
The Lions were able to return to winning form against Carlton last weekend, but they face a completely different level of challenge against Geelong and it should come as no surprise that they are giving away such a big start. Hawthorn held on for a narrow win over the Gold Coast last week in Launceston, largely thanks to a five-goal bag from Jack Gunston. The youngster had nine disposals and nine tackles. The Cats are 6-1 over the last calendar year on the back of a loss, while they've also won five straight over the Saints dating back to 2017. He takes a mark, composes himself and then splits the posts to give the Pies a nine-point lead. A series of handballs sees Geelong move the ball forward swiftly, before Jeremy Cameron takes a mark just inside the 50s. Collingwood had their unbeaten run ended by Port Adelaide last weekend and they face another tough challenge against Geelong, but they will take confidence from the fact that they have won the past three games played between these two sides. GWS has won three straight now over the Dogs, but as the Bombers found out the hard way last week, the Westerners mean business. The Pies have the minor premiers rattled here. Pies set for high-stakes afl clash 2016. Luke Beveridge knows his side has to win out from here, but with a much better percentage compared to St Kilda and a couple of favourable games coming up, there's plenty of reason for optimism. Ponter produced one of the goals of the season with a spectacular four-bounce special that started on her own side of the centre circle. Rewind to this heavyweight clash between the reigning premiers and a contender. Steven Motlop also left us with something to ponder; should a player be awarded 'mark of the year' if his screamer is taken over the top of his own team-mate? Geelong: A McDonald, Prespakis, Emerson, M McDonald, Morrison, Webster.
JB: I don't mind the idea of a week off when you look back at the reason it was introduced - stopping finalists from all but tanking the final round of the season to rest its players, fundamentally ruining the integrity of the home-and-away season. Heartbreak for Collingwood as Geelong clinch LAST-GASP victory in another MCG thriller to advance to the preliminary finals. Same Game Multi: Bulldogs 1-39, Jack Macrae 29. They handled the pressure to beat St Kilda in a crucial game last weekend and they are the shortest-priced favourites in the AFL this weekend. Franklin wasted no time, achieving the feat in the first quarter, while Fevola fell one goal short, thanks to Hawthorn flooding their backline despite going on to win by 78 points. That would be despite a 60-23 record in home and away over the same period, or 14% versus 72%. Heartbreak for Collingwood as Geelong clinch LAST-GASP victory in epic qualifying final at MCG. It's safe to expect a handful of upsets this week, so be sure to read our complete 2019 AFL Round 22 Preview below. Unfortunately, a road game at Optus Stadium probably isn't the place to do it. Should the Dogs lose though, they might find themselves out of finals contention for good. As for Grand Final start time, 2. Buckley was encouraged by debutant Josh Daicos, the son of club great, Peter. In order to do that, the Lions will rely on Eric Hipwood.
Up Next... Rewind to this nail biter between two powerhouses of the time. As for Fremantle, a win (and results going their way) could be enough to vault them back inside the top four with another favourable game coming up next week against the Giants in Canberra. With all that in mind, you're best off avoiding this one.