Richmond are holding on tightly to the top spot again this week after defeating Collingwood by 28 points on Saturday. It’s the Tigers’ 18th straight win at the MCG, defeating Melbourne’s record of 17 wins from the 1950s. The disappointment for the Magpies was worsened with defender Matt Scharenberg thought to have suffered his third ACL rupture, with news imminent on whether a reconstruction will be needed.
Hawthorn have their sights set on finals after a 59-point win against Fremantle. The Dockers are now officially out of the running for a top eight spot, with the Hawks match against rival Essendon next week set to have a major impact on the finals race.
Finals dreams are still alive for North Melbourne after they defeated West Coast 12.9 (81) to 6.5 (41) in Hobart on Sunday. With just a few points between them at halftime, the Eagles fell short in the second half, scoring just one goal. The Kangaroos seized their opportunity, claiming a strong lead with four straight goals in the third quarter.
The Top 3 have remained unchanged this week, with Richmond, West Coast and Collingwood holding on to 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Geelong was the only new addition to the top eight, with Sydney taking a serious tumble from 4th to 9th after being defeated by Essendon. The bottom eight remained nearly unchanged this week also, with North Melbourne and Essendon still in with a good chance for finals.
Upcoming: Round 20
Friday, August 3rd
Richmond v Geelong (MCG)
Saturday, August 4th
Hawthorn v Essendon (MCG)
Brisbane v North Melbourne (The Gabba)
Adelaide v Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium)
Sydney v Collingwood (SCG)
Sunday, August 5th
Carlton v GWS (Etihad Stadium)
Melbourne v Gold Coast (MCG)
West Coast v Fremantle (Optus Stadium)
The One to Watch
Adelaide will take on Port Adelaide in the South Australian Showdown this weekend at Adelaide Oval. The Power might be in 4th spot after Round 19, but can the Crows defy the ladder and claim victory from 12th?
When: Saturday, August 4th at 4:05PM ACST
Where: Adelaide Oval
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Who are you tipping this week? Let us know in the comments below!
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