Round 20 was a weekend of emotions.
Tensions were high throughout the Western Derby, as players clashed, fines were given and stars were suspended.
Essendon fans were further scarred by another pathetic performance, while Carlton supporters are as anxious as ever following the side’s third loss in four games.
Finally, the Western Bulldogs’ faithful had their spirits well and truly lifted on Sunday afternoon, watching the 39-point victory over the first-placed Swans.
Sydney suddenly looks vulnerable and the competition is as open as we’ve ever seen it.
Who knows what to expect this week?
Nobody. But we’ll try and make a few predictions below.
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Games To Watch
Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne (Friday Night, MCG)
After upsetting the Swans in Sydney by seven goals last Sunday, the Bulldogs are in the eight for the first time since Round 6.
It’s been an incredible turnaround, winning three in a row for the time this season, and changing the narrative around their once underpressure coach Luke Beverdige.
They’ll need to win this game against Melbourne, however, if they want to keep a finals spot with the ladder so tight, but it might not be easy against the Dees.
The Demons are basically playing for their season here and will put it all on the line after going down to GSW last week by just two points.
Melbourne has dropped in form in the second part of the season and has now lost two consecutive games to sit outside the eight for the first time this season.
Both sides have it all to play for.
Prediction
The Western Bulldogs are one of the most in-form sides in the competition and have won five of their past six matches against Melbourne. Can’t see them losing this one.
Dogs by 18 points.
Collingwood vs. Carlton (Saturday Night, MCG)
It’s always a big clash when these two rivals meet, but it doesn’t get much more important than this week for both the Pies and Blues.
For Collingwood, in what is Scott Pendlebury’s 400th game, a win is the only acceptable result if they want to keep their season alive. They’re currently sitting 12th on the ladder after beating Richmond last week by 26 points in an ugly contest.
The Blues aren’t travelling all that well either, losing three of their past four games. Although they remain in fourth place, they’re on equal points with GWS, Geelong and Port Adelaide.
Another slipup would be disastrous for either side.
This one will feel like a finals game.
Prediction
The Blues are a much better side and have won 11 of their past 13 at the MCG. The Pies won last week but didn’t look all that great. Carlton should get the job done.
Blues by 20 points
Fremantle Dockers
Last Week
In a fiery contest, Freo kicked away late to win Derby 59 by six goals, finishing the round in third place on the ladder.
The Eagles started well and led the Dockers by 20 points in the second term, although Fremantle’s midfield got on top in the third and fourth quarters to kick 11 of the last 13 goals.
There were hard hits and melees throughout, but it couldn’t stop key Freo players from getting on top.
Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young were all outstanding, but it was Serong who walked away with his third Glendinning-Allan Medal.
This Week
Fremantle takes on Essendon at the MCG this Sunday afternoon in what is a bit of a danger game.
The Bombers are in shocking form, falling outside the top eight for the first time since Round Five after going down to the Saints last week by 53 points.
They’ve now lost six of their past eight games and their season is on the line.
The supporters have been furious with their side over the past few weeks and will demand nothing but a win this week. With Essendon still to play Sydney and Brisbane in the final few rounds, they’ll see this game as a decent chance for four points.
With it all to play for, Freo can’t take the Dons lightly.
TALKING POINTS:
The home of footy
Many may think the MCG holds a huge advantage for Essendon, but the Dockers have actually won three of their past four matches at the ‘G.
They also beat the Dons the last time the two sides met in Melbourne.
With no fears travelling down to Victoria, the Dockers will be keen to get another win at the venue they hope to be playing at in the last week of September.
Good practice before finals!
Midfield masters
Fremantle’s midfield was extraordinary against West Coast last weekend.
Caleb Serong had 32 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal, while Andrew Brayshaw had 36 possessions, seven tackles, five clearances and a goal.
Both players helped win the clearance count 45-37, leading to 53 inside 50s and the club’s sixth 100-plus score for the season.
Despite losing the game, Essendon won the clearance and inside-50 counts against the Saints, so Fremantle knows it won’t be easy.
But if the Dockers can get on top in that area, there will be no stopping them this week.
Rising star
Key defender Josh Draper was named as the Round 20 Rising Star after his exceptional performance at the weekend.
He’s been crucial in filling the void of injured skipper Alex Pearce and picked up a career-high 18 disposals at 94 per cent efficiency, four marks and three intercept possessions in the derby.
“It feels good to get some recognition but I’m just going to focus on my role and keep doing my job for the team,” Draper said during the week.
Coach Justin Longmuir will need him to focus on his role again this round, with Essendon forwards capable of turning it on.
Let’s see if the star can rise even higher this week.
Prediction
You just can’t pick Essendon at the moment. Fremantle is top four for a reason and has proven they’re not afraid of travelling to Melbourne.
Freo by 22 points
West Coast Eagles
Last Week
The Eagles would have been happy with their first-half performance in Derby 59, but the second-half drop-off was extremely disappointing.
Not only did the side go down by 35 points, they failed to give milestone men Tom Barrass (150 games) and Jake Waterman (100) a dream send-off.
Both Barrass and Waterman did perform well though, as did Harley Reid, Elliott Yeo and Tim Kelly.
In a fiery contest, the Eagles showed fight and pride, and will at least be content with the fact they matched it with a top-four side for most of the night.
This Week
The Eagles take on Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night, after the Suns lost their first home game for the season last week.
Damien Hardwick’s men went down to Brisbane by 28 points, and must win this week to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
They currently sit in 13th place on the ladder, two games outside the eight.
Talking Points
Sun scalp?
Gold Coast has not won an away game all season, so this could finally be Jarrad Schofield’s first win as interim coach after three consecutive losses.
Schofield is desperate for a win in a bid to prove his credentials as a senior coach. And after a positive showing in the derby last week, it’s not out of the question.
The bad news for Eagles fans though, is that Gold Coast has won the last four matches between the two sides, and they’ll be missing Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchinson to suspensions. They’ve also lost 10 of their last 11 games.
It’ll be tough, but not impossible.
Let’s see if they can give the fans something to cheer about.
Show time
We know Harley Reid can rise to the occasion in a big match, as we saw last week. But can he perform at a consistent level when there aren’t as many eyes watching?
It’s yet to be seen. But supporters would love to witness the young gun repeat the efforts from the derby last week.
Reid had career-highs for disposals (29) and clearances (10) last week, and a similar performance may be good enough to get West Coast over the line this round.
Eagles’ wings
The moving magnets and experimentation have been an interesting watch since Schofield took over as coach.
Last week we saw defender Tom Cole jump onto the wing, picking up 26 possessions, while rotating with Ryan Maric and Jack Hutchinson.
With Hutchinson out this week, it’ll be interesting to see who will jump into the mix, and if any other positional swaps will occur before season’s end.
Let’s keep an eye out for some switches.
Prediction
The Suns must win to keep their season alive, and with not much to play for for the Eagles, you have to tip Gold Coast.
Suns by 22 points
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