Ikon Park, Friday 1:05pm AEST
The super Friday of football gets underway at Ikon Park with Richmond taking on Fremantle at Ikon Park. A three goal to one final quarter saw the Tigers overcome Carlton last week, and the win has Richmond a game clear inside the top eight. Fremantle dropped to 2-2 after losing to Essendon by 20 points, with the Fremantle forward line once again failing to kick a big score. The Dockers managed just two goals in each half, as the Bombers ran over the top of them in the second half.
Richmond dominated the territory battle against Carlton in a season defining clash winning the inside 50 count by 14, which was built on winning the contested possession count (+4) and clearances (+3). Although it took until late in the fourth quarter, the Tigers broke Carlton with their system in which is a big nod to the improved maturity of a young side trying to make it back to the top four for a second straight season. The battle between Monique Conti and Kiara Bowers looms as a major key in this clash. Conti is having another stellar season averaging 26 disposals per game, with Bowers averaging 20 disposals and 11 tackles. Both stars have been carrying the load through the middle of the ground for their clubs this season, and if Conti gets off the chain it’s going to be a tough task for Fremantle.
It’s impossible to have any faith in Fremantle given the way they have moved the ball, and Richmond will be full of confidence after grinding out a crucial victory last week. Both of Fremantle’s losses this season have come by over 20 points and the Tigers are the best side the Dockers have come up against this season. Richmond’s depth across ground will be too good for a Fremantle side that has struggled to get any fluency going in their game in 2023.
Richmond -18.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Collingwood vs Essendon
Punt Road Oval, Saturday 11:05am AEST
Collingwood and Essendon go head to head on Saturday morning, in what is a do or die clash for the Pies after starting the season 1-3. The Bombers are one of six teams with a 3-1 record, after running over the top of Fremantle with a five goal to two second half at Windy Hill. Essendon are seventh on the ladder but are only percentage away from third, as they look to make a surprise finals appearance in just their second season in the competition.
A disastrous final quarter against the previously winless St Kilda has left Collingwood’s season hanging by a thread, with the Pies staring down the possibility of missing the finals for the first time in five seasons. Collingwood led by 20 points at three quarter time, before conceding five goals to no score to lose by twelve points. Collingwood kicked three goals to no score in the first quarter, however it took just one final quarter fadeout to undo a dominant start.
This is a massive clash for both clubs with Collingwood needing a win to stay in the hunt for the finals race, and the Bombers having a chance to cement their spot inside the top eight. Despite back to back losses, the Pies are the favourites in this clash, however it’s difficult to not be impressed by what the Bombers have done so far this season. Unlike Collingwood, Essendon have managed to win the close games, with all three wins coming under 20 points. With the pressure on both sides, this will likely be a tight game and the Bombers have executed as one of the best fourth quarter teams in the league this season.
More Round 5 Tips
Carlton vs Sydney - Ikon Park, Saturday 4:05pm AEST
A crucial battle for both clubs at 2-2 and looking to remain in the finals race, Carlton will be looking to bounce back after a tight loss against Richmond. The Swans weren’t impressive against the Eagles last week, whilst Carlton did a lot right despite failing to get over the line against the Tigers. The Swans have struggled to contain opposing forward lines this season, and won’t be able to hold up on the road against the Blues.
Tip: Carlton -9.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda - Whitten Oval, Saturday 7:15pm AEST
Football returns to the newly revamped Whitten Oval, with the Saints taking on the Bulldogs. St Kilda are riding high after a remarkable come from behind win over Collingwood, and have a golden opportunity to pick up back to back wins against the winless Dogs. The Bulldogs made some progress last week against the Suns, however the Saints have put together an impressive fortnight in forward of centre, and will be too strong for the Dogs.
Tip: St Kilda, $1.72 with Ladbrokes
West Coast vs Port Adelaide - Mineral Resources Oval, Saturday 9:15pm AEST
The Eagles sit at the bottom of the ladder with four consecutive losses by an average margin of 36 points, and although they were competitive against the Swans, they don’t look capable of kicking a winning score. West Coast have averaged 22 points per game this season, and if the Power can kick straight, they’ll win convincingly.
Tip: Port Adelaide -17.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
North Melbourne vs GWS - Arden Street Oval, Sunday 1:05pm AEST
It’s going to be a tough afternoon for the winless Giants, against a North Melbourne side that are sitting 3-1 with a percentage of 235.4. The Kangaroos are the best defensive side in the league conceding just 19 points per game,
Tip: North Melbourne -47.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Hawthorn vs Brisbane - Kinetic Stadium, Sunday 3:05pm AEST
Brisbane picked up their third straight victory, knocking off the previously unbeaten North Melbourne, to sit in fourth place on the ladder. The Lions are building some serious momentum after a loss in Round One, and face a Hawthorn side that were completely played off the park in a 59 point defeat to Melbourne. With Brisbane’s attacking firepower, the Hawks look destined for another big loss.
Tip: Brisbane -45.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Adelaide vs Gold Coast - Unley Oval, Sunday 5:05pm AEST
Round 5 concludes in Adelaide as the Crows will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they host the Suns. The Crows four wins have come by an average margin of 43 points, and will be full of confidence after a dominant performance that saw them register the second highest score in AFLW history last week. The Suns barely scraped over the line against the winless Bulldogs last week, and they don’t have a backline capable of holding up against a rampant Adelaide side.
Tip: Adelaide -30.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
