Preview- Round Sixteen 2018 (AFL)
Hopefully the footy played in round fifteen is a trend rather than an aberration. The bottom teams performed admirably, with the Bulldogs, Saints and Lions all recording upset wins. Round sixteen will be an enthralling should the high scoring and close contests continue to be dished out.
My choice of a definite winner for this Round: Kangaroos
Swans v Cats
The Swans could be without key player Isaac Heeney. This promises to be an exciting contest between two teams looking to cement their spot in the top eight.
Key matchup: Josh P. Kennedy v Joel Selwood
Swans Game Changer: Lance Franklin
Cats Game Changer: Mitch Duncan
My Prediction: Cats
Tigers v Crows
The Tigers depth will tested as they will be without Reece Conca due to injury and Nick Vlastuin through suspension. The Crows bounced back last week against the Eagles, benefiting from the return of injured stars. This is a tough game to pick a winner in.
Key matchup: Dustin Martin v Bryce Gibbs
Tigers Game Changer: Trent Cotchin
Crows Game Changer: Taylor Walker
My Prediction: Crows
Lions v Blues
This bottom of the table clash should be an interesting one, with the Blues extremely competitive in round 15 and the Lions impressive in an upset victory over the Dockers.
Key matchup: Dayne Beams v Ed Curnow
Lions Game Changer: Hugh Mccluggage
Blues Game Changer: Patrick Cripps
My Prediction: Lions
Power v Saints
This is a tough game to tip, as the Saints have won their last two and are a tougher opponent that they would have been earlier in the season.
Key matchup: Justin Westhoff v Sam Gilbert
Power Game Changer: Robbie Gray
Saints Game Changer: Tim Membrey
My Prediction: Saints
Bulldogs v Hawks
The Bulldogs have a long injury list, but showed grit and determination in their victory over the Cats in round 15, while the Hawks form has been patchy.
Key matchup: Jackson Trengove v Jarryd Roughead
Bulldogs Game Changer: Mitch Wallis
Hawks Game Changer: Ben Mcevoy
My Prediction: Bulldogs
Demons v Dockers
Both these teams have been out of form, with the Dockers atrocious last week. To make matters worse they will be without captain and elite midfielder in Nat Fyfe.
Key matchup: Jack Viney v David Mundy
Demons Game Changer: Angus Brayshaw
Dockers Game Changer: Michael Walters
My Prediction: Dockers
Kangaroos v Suns
If the Suns can carry their form from the second half last weekend against the Magpies then this contest should be an exciting contest.
Key matchup: Todd Goldstein v Jarrod Witts
Kangaroos Game Changer: Ben Cunnington
Suns Game Changer: Jack Martin
My Prediction: Kangaroos
Bombers v Magpies
If the Bombers play to their optimum then they are a chance to collect the four points on offer in this one, but ‘if’ is the operative word.
Key matchup: Dyson Heppell v Chris Mayne
Bombers Game Changer: Jake Stringer
Magpies Game Changer: Josh Thomas
Eagles v Giants
Key matchup: Andrew Gaff v Josh Kelly
Eagles Game Changer: Jamie Cripps
Giants Game Changer: Ryan Griffen
My Prediction: Giants