[AFL-Preview] Round 13

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AFL Preview Split Round 13
Okay is it just me or is this season proving to be the hardest tipping year of all? The form reversals of some teams are diabolical to say the least. My apologies for a shorter than normal preview, but I am about to embark on a trip that the Eagles and Dockers do every second weekend and cross the Nullabor. The teams fly over places like Balladonia, Caiguna, Mundrabilla, Border Village and Caiguna but I am going to experience these places on a personal level. Travelling from football state to football state is not as traumatic as say driving from Melbourne to Cairns during which you cross enemy territory and experience significant language differences which, while scary, are not as frightening as experiencing differences in football codes. Only one thing worse than moving between Aussie Rules and Rugby country and that is flying from Aussie Rules country to Gridiron country. I wonder if Slim Dusty ever wrote a song about that? This week is the split round which used to be at the end of round 11 which is the halfway point of the season so I am a bit nonplussed about the split being at round 13. There may be a scientific explanation for it but I must have missed it in all the pre-season write ups.
So at this stage of the season the ladder is looking frighteningly, or boringly, the same as last year. The teams that finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd seem to be a lot stronger than the other 13 teams. So, while finding a place in the finals might be a small victory of sorts for teams 4 to 8, that's just what it is – small.

Hawthorn V Essendon Friday at the MCG
The Hawks are on a roll and they had an easy win last week against the Crows, but then most teams do. The Bombers were walloped by the Cats last week, but then most teams are. Form predicts a Hawks win.
Essendon by 11
 
Carlton V Fremantle at Etihad Saturday
Both teams suffered a loss last week by about the same margin and the rewards for winning this game are high, top four status firmed a bit. The young guys at Freo look tired and the form of the Blues is inconsistent. Could be a draw.
Carlton by 1
 
Brisbane Lions V Richmond at the Gabba Saturday
Brisbane is playing so poorly they could lose this game against a rejuvenated Richmond albeit their rejuvenation is restricted to other mediocre teams. It's jungle warfare out there with Lions and Tigers.
Brisbane by 21
 
North Melbourne V Port Adelaide at Etihad Sunday
Based on form you would have to say how far North? Port are back to being woeful but some form reversals this year have been mind boggling.
North by 22
 
West Coast V Western Bulldogs at Subiaco
West Coast is a team under siege and there will be no lowering of the castle drawbridge here. The moat is full of crocodiles and snapping, biting dogs.
Western Bulldogs by 41
 
St Kilda v Geelong MCG Friday night
Here's the grand final replay take 2 for the season. The Cats are even better this year than last it seems so the Saints will find this a pretty tough contract.
Geelong by 19
 
Sydney V Collingwood at ANZ Stadium Saturday Night
The Pies really struggled against the young Demons again last week and this won't be any easier. Sydney is in a bit of form but history shows that the Pies like this big stage.
 
Collingwood by 26

Adelaide V Melbourne at AAMI Sunday
Battle of the basement here. The last time they played it was the Dees' first win or Adelaide's first win? It was obviously memorable. The only thing separating these teams is home ground advantage so it's the Crows – just.
Adelaide by 7
 
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