Afl Preview - Season 2008 Round 12

Newcastle Herald

Friday June 13, 2008

with Grant Sproule

TONIGHT

ESSENDON V WEST COAST

7.40pm at Telstra Dome

Once upon a time these clashes were a must-see,

but in season 2008 there will be no fairytale for the Eagles or

Bombers. West Coast's narrow loss to the Swans last week was

cruel, but they were much more competitive than they have been.

The Bombers have lost eight on the trot and look shot to pieces.

The Eagles' form at the Dome is a good one and they should to

add to Essendon's losing streak. TIP: Eagles

TOMORROW

WESTERN BULLDOGS V BRISBANE

2.10pm at the MCG

Jason Akermanis has been in scintillating form

this season and his former teammates will have to curb

his influence if they are to upset the Dogs at home. Brisbane

are playing great footy, but the injury to key forward Daniel Bradshaw

is a huge blow. The Bulldogs have won their past four

against the Lions, and at home they should make

it five. TIP: Bulldogs

FREMANTLE V NORTH MELBOURNE

2.10pm at Subiaco

Careers go on the line on Saturday. Fremantle?s

only win for the year was back in round three and, if they don't

come up with four points soon, Mark Harvey's tenure may be

short-lived. The Roos are the side who won't go away. If you ever

wanted to back a side and get a run for your money, you would back

the Kangaroos. Their recent record at Subiaco is better than most,

winning four of their past five. TIP: Kangaroos

SYDNEY V ST KILDA

7.10pm at the SCG

Sydney return home after their moonlight robbery

in Perth last Saturday night. Trailing for all but 80 seconds of the

match, a free kick and goal to Jude Bolton put the Swans in front

for the first time. Barry Hall returns from suspension and will be

champing at the bit. The Saints had their colours lowered by the

Doggies last week and have not performed anywhere near their lofty

expectations. TIP: Swans

ADELAIDE V HAWTHORN

7.10pm at AAMI Stadium

The Crows at AAMI Stadium will provide the

Hawks with a big test. Hawthorn's relationship with the

Adelaide venue is strained, and they have won only once in their

past eight trips. The Crows are coming off two wins over weaker

teams and will find the Hawks a much tougher proposition. Finding

a match-up for Lance Franklin will be a real problem for Crows

coach Neil Craig. TIP: Hawks

SUNDAY

GEELONG V PORT ADELAIDE

1.10pm at Skilled Stadium

Port did what nobody else could last year, beat the

Cats down at the 'Cattery'. Back then the Power were a contender,

but now, according to coach Mark Williams, they are nothing but

chokers. Chad Cornes goes out of the side as quickly as he came

back in after suffering a leg injury, and his presence across halfback

will be sorely missed. Gary Ablett is in career-best form and

must be well in front in the Brownlow race. TIP: Cats

COLLINGWOOD V CARLTON

2.10pm at the MCG

The Pies did enough to hold off a determined

Melbourne on Monday, but will need to find more if they are to

knock off the old enemy on Sunday. The Blues are on cloud nine

after performing a Houdini feat to run over the top of a tiring Port

side last week. The injury cloud hanging over young gun Scott

Pendlebury is of some concern, but Travis Cloke will play after taking

an early guilty plea and copping a reprimand. A big crowd should

see the Pies make it five wins on the trot. TIP: Magpies

RICHMOND V MELBOURNE

4.40pm at Telstra Dome

After a promising start, Richmond have faded badly

in the past month. Last Saturday the Tigers led the Crows

comfortably on the MCG, only to be thumped in the second half

and finish 50-point losers. The Demons celebrated their 150th

anniversary with their best performance for the year, but were still

unable to get four points for their effort. If they can repeat that

performance, they should notch up win No.2. TIP: Demons.

gsproule@theherald.com.au

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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