AFL Round 19 Preview + Tips

Essendon v Adelaide, Marvel Stadium

Round 19 action kicks off in the Docklands as Essendon plays host to the Adelaide Crows under the roof at Marvel Stadium. The Bombers were sent crashing back down to earth last weekend, going down to Melbourne and, as a result, dropped out of the top four heading into the final six games of the season. If the Bombers are to lock in a finals berth and solidify themselves as a team to look out for in September, then these are the matches they have to win, especially against an Adelaide outfit who look destined for a seventh straight season without finals football and their possession style of football should suit the dry conditions at Marvel. The Crows recorded an impressive win in the wet over St Kilda last Saturday night but have failed to string together any sort of consistency this season. Each win alleviates pressure off the shoulders of coach Matthew Nicks, but another disappointing year looms for those at West Lakes. The Crows controversially lost the last meeting between the two sides earlier this season and would be raring to play spoiler for the Bombers on the run home.

TIP: Essendon by 25 points, Zach Merrett 25+ disposals.

GWS v Gold Coast, ENGIE Stadium

GWS have roared back to life in recent weeks, winning their last two matches against both Carlton and Richmond and heading into this weekend’s match against fellow finals fancy Gold Coast. The Giants were smashed in the territory and clearance count against the lowly Giants, but they were potent going forward, led by Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene, who combined for eight goals between them. Their opponents, Gold Coast, continued their incredible undefeated run as the home team this year, defeating Port Adelaide last Sunday, but are still yet to win as an away side in 2024. Damien Hardwick would have been pleased with the response after he challenged his players in the lead-in, but now they’re once again faced with the all-familiar test of finally breaking their road hoodoo and knocking off a GWS side they haven’t beaten since 2021 (Giants won the fixture earlier this year in Gather Round). Both sides will be without Toby Bedford and Alex Davies after their match. Three bans were upheld at the AFL Tribunal during the week, while fellow Sun Malcolm Rosas was suspended, and Ben Ainsworth suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Gold Coast’s Lachie Weller is a chance to play his first game in 12 months after recovering from a torn ACL, as is Jarrod Witts after two games out with a back injury. The Giants are hopeful Stephen Coniglio should be good to play after being managed during their win over Richmond.

TIP: GWS by 22 points, Toby Greene multiple goals

St Kilda v West Coast, Marvel Stadium

Two sides simply playing for pride lock horns on Saturday afternoon as St Kilda take on West Coast at Marvel Stadium. The Saints failed to back up their improved form in recent weeks – including a win over top-of-the-ladder Sydney – in their defeat on the road to Adelaide, as they were blown away in the last quarter by the fast-finishing Crows. They should regain Bradley Hill for this weekend, who is set to play his 250th game, should he feature. West Coast, on the other hand, were gallant in their home loss to Brisbane last week. In their first match under caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield, the Eagles fought back late to only go down by 13 points and would fancy themselves on the road this weekend despite not registering a win away from Optus Stadium in 2024. St Kilda won the previous meeting this season at Optus Stadium back in June.

TIP: St Kilda by 13 points, Jack Higgins multiple goals

Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG

Collingwood’s Premiership defence goes on the line this week in quite simply a must-win game at the MCG against the much-improved Hawthorn. The Magpies suffered a third straight defeat last Friday against Geelong and now sit four points outside the top eight with a tough run to the finish to come. Collingwood could regain both Mason Cox and Jeremy Howe this week, which would give a major boost to their injury-depleted side, but it will be without Lachie Schultz, who is in concussion protocols. Their record against the Hawks over the past 13 years hasn’t been pretty reading, winning only five of their last 19 meetings going back to the 2011 Preliminary Final. The Pies, however, won in the previous meeting earlier this season during the Gather Round. The Hawks will be looking to continue their charge towards finals this week and got back to winning ways with an impressive win over Fremantle in Launceston. They should be bolstered by Jack Ginnivan’s return to face his former side, which will certainly add extra spice to this weekend’s match at the home of footy. It will be fascinating to see whether Sam Mitchell calls upon Finn Maginness this week to tag Nick Daicos, a tactic he has deployed in the past.

TIP: Collingwood by 8 points, Jordan De Goey 25+ disposals

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium

Geelong takes on the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, with major finals permutations on the line for both teams. The Cats have returned to form in the last few weeks, going on a three-game winning streak that’s taken them inside the top four after a lean patch during the middle of the season. Jeremy Cameron and Tom Stewart have returned to their brilliant best, while Patrick Dangerfield has helped spark the Cats’ midfield since coming back into the side from injury. However, their opponents this week come into this Saturday night’s contest with plenty of momentum after sinking second-placed Carlton in an impressive victory at Marvel Stadium. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Rhylee West combined for eight goals and were sensational in attack but were bailed out at times by poor goalkicking from Charlie Curnow, who kicked 3.7. The injury-depleted Bulldogs could regain Aaron Naughton, Adam Treloar and James O’Donnell, which would be a boost ahead of this weekend. Geelong won the fixture earlier this year in the Gather Round, coming away with a four-point victory in Adelaide.

TIP: Geelong by 11 points, Jeremy Cameron multiple goals

Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide will be hoping to get their season back on track after a disappointing loss against Gold Coast last weekend when they host Richmond at Adelaide Oval. The Power missed a chance to go inside the top four with a win and dropped back out of the top eight after their defeat against the Suns, but they could regain their place with a win over the lowly Tigers, who sit at the bottom of the ladder. Their forward stocks took a hit, with Jeremy Finlayson ruling out for the season with a lacerated spleen. However, in good news, Todd Marshall avoided any serious damage to his hip. Richmond, on the other hand, put up a good fight against the Giants but was unable to make the most of their territory and clearance dominance. Adem Yze is set to be without Tim Taranto after entering concussion protocols, continuing an injury-riddled season for the Tigers right across the board. Dustin Martin, however, could return for this Saturday’s contest. Port Adelaide won the reverse fixture at the MCG earlier this season, back in Round 2, and would feel confident of recording an all-important victory here.

TIP: Port Adelaide by 45 points, Zak Butters 30+ disposals

Brisbane v Sydney, Gabba

In a game-of-the-round contender, the resurgent Brisbane Lions take on league leaders Sydney at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon. Brisbane has won their last six games of the season and find themselves inside the top four for the first time this season, heading into a crunch contest with Sydney, who has firmed as the flag favourites this season. The Lions will be without star forward Charlie Cameron for the next three weeks due to suspension, impacting Brisbane’s attacking stocks, with much of the onus falling on Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood this weekend. Brandon Starcevich should also return to defence from the concussion. Sydney returned to winning ways with a convincing victory over North Melbourne last week and was boosted by the return of star duo Callum Mills and Luke Parker for their first games of the season during the win at the SCG. Star Swan Isaac Heeney is also set to return after missing last week through suspension, while Harry Cunningham could also make his return. There’s every chance these two teams meet again come September, with this contest being a potential finals preview.

TIP: Brisbane by 4 points, Lachie Neale 25+ disposals

Fremantle v Melbourne, Optus Stadium

Two sides are looking to edge closer towards a finals berth lock horns at Optus Stadium, as Fremantle takes on Melbourne. The Dockers went down against Hawthorn in Tasmania and dropped out of the top four as a result, but could welcome back Alex Pearce this week from injury, which would be a major boost to Fremantle’s defence and star ruckman Sean Darcy from concussion. Freo has been much improved at home this season, losing only twice at Optus, but it won’t be easy against a resurgent Dees outfit. Despite missing both Max Gawn and Christian Petracca, Melbourne put Essendon to the sword to claim a huge scalp and get back inside the top eight. The Dees could regain Gawn this week, to face up with former teammate Luke Jackson and Darcy (should he return from concussion) in the ruck. Fremantle dismantled Melbourne earlier this season in Alice Springs, coming away with a 92-point win.

TIP: Fremantle by 10 points, Bailey Fritsch multiple goals

Carlton v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium

Carlton will be raring to get back on the winners list this week, when they take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats against GWS and the Western Bulldogs but remain in second place heading into this weekend’s contest against the 17th-placed Roos. Carlton’s defence was well beaten by the Bulldog’s attack and was inaccurate going forward, which cost them dearly. They will most likely be without Zac Williams this week after he suffered a hamstring injury, but could regain Mitch McGovern in a huge boost to their back six. The Roos, on the other hand, were beaten by a much better Swans outfit at the SCG. North have been much improved over the last month, including a win over Gold Coast and gallant losses against Collingwood and Melbourne, so expect them to make this game a lot tighter than their ladder position suggests. Carlton won the Good Friday fixture earlier this year by 56 points and has won four of the last five meetings against the Roos.

TIP: Carlton by 35 points, Patrick Cripps 25+ disposals