Round 4 Tips

Let's see if I can improve on last weeks 3.

West Coast v Essendon - Essendon like to run and Subi is the place to do it. Add to that that West Coast have looked average of late and all the sudden it looks like back to back wins for the Dons. But I reckon this is a really tough tip. The Eagles are better than they are playing, so I'm going to go home ground advantage. Eagles by 6.

North Melbourne v Sydney - North were fantastic last week when they beat the Eagles, but a harsh dose of reality from the much improved Swans will see them lose convincingly. Swannies by 40

Adelaide v Carlton - The Crows are beset by injuries. Poor buggers are having trouble fielding a team. On top of that the ol' eye ball collector is back, and he is a damn fine player, but then they go drop Waite and Thornton. Madness! Are they tanking already? Oh and I want to point out that they have lost the last 7 against the Crows, not winning since 2004. So I'm tipping the Crows, 16 points.

Collingwood v Hawthorn - This game should be a cracker. Both teams have shown some form but not enough in the last 2 weeks to convince anyone. Yes the Hawks have a great history over the Pies (bunnies anyone), but the Pies are reasonably healthy and have had the extra couple of days break. Hawks are also coming off 2 bruising encounters add to that that Buddy is out. The Pies haven't recalled Anthony for some reason. He would have straightened up the Pies a bit methinks. Do I sound unsure? I should. Because I am unsure. I'm backing the Hawks to win due to history and very little separating their formlines. Hawks by 18.

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs - Speaking of crackers, Polly is going to be full after Saturday night. Lions v Dogs is going to be a ripper. Again history plays a part with the Dogs doing very well against the Lions in recent years. But both sides look a bit different and both sides are in good form. I'm backing the Dogs basically because they have a great record at the Gabba and there are big questions marks over Black playing. Doggies by 8.

Richmond v Melbourne - How can anyone tip Richmond? Even against Melbourne. Dees by 25.

Geelong v Port Adelaide - Geelong is going to be angry. They don't like losing. And they get a host of great players back. Even the trip back from WA shouldn't be a factor here. Port has been up and down, but there's no way they can win this one. Geelong 50+

St. Kilda v Fremantle - Freo has form (who would have ever thought that would be typed out), but so do the Saints. Freo are coming down to their hated stadium, whilst the Saints love it at Etihad. One problem. No Reiwaldt (and no Kosi to pretend to be a target). I'm going for the upset seeing traditional rules no longer apply (see my wrap up of Round 3 for details). Freo by 15.