Jimmy Bartel vs Melbourne (9 matches, ave. 95.8, career ave. 86.2)

Is anyone seeing a trend here? Geelong battered the hapless Bombers last weekend with Bartel hitting form with 132 points. This weeks task looks even easier, playing a winless Melbourne, who at this stage, look like they should be running round in the VFL. He has a terrific record against the Demons (his average of 95.8 includes a 0) Last year he racked up 35 touches, 10 marks and an impressive 151. With Geelong set to control the midfield once again, Jimmy should find himself a fair bit of the footy. In other news, anyone looking to make a quick $1000 should get hold of the TAB and chuck a million on Geelong, who are at the very generous odds of $1.01. If I were the TAB I’d be giving odds of $0.99, Geelong are that certain to win.

Prediction: 200+

Chad Cornes vs Adelaide (15 matches, ave. 82.3, career ave. 82.2)

The Chad has a good record against Port and has averaged 116 in the last four derbies. He was kept to just 58 last week against Sydney so should be looking for a big return at AAMI stadium.

Prediction: 119

Simon Goodwin vs Port Adelaide (14 matches, ave. 86.8, career ave. 80.0)

Goodwin had a field day last weekend against West Coast, booting a lazy 7 goals and notching up 161 points. He’s a big time performer and usually steps in the derbies. Scored 124 points and was one of Adelaide’s best last time the two teams met.

Prediction: 113

Matthew Priddis vs Fremantle (4 matches, ave. 57.3, career ave. 86.3)

A danger game for Priddis. As the stats show, he has really struggled in the derbies over the last two years. I expect him to get heavily tagged by the ever-watchful Josh Carr, who is usually pretty fired up for these matches. Priddis has the potential to pull out some big numbers this week, but I wouldn’t risk him.

Prediction: 74

Smokie: Daniel Cross vs. St Kilda (7 matches, ave. 74.0, career ave. 81.7)

The prolific ball winner has shown good form this season, scoring a very pleasing 139 points last week. He has shown up-down-form against the Saints, but I think Round 3 should be a good one for Crossy. It’s risky, given that he’s prone to a few poor games once in a while, but I’d give him a trundle this week.

Prediction: 110

Really Smokie: Beau McDonald vs. Sydney (7 matches, ave. 58.3, career ave. 40.5)

One of the few players in the AFL, who is favoured by Sydney’s slow moving brand of footy. There are few things in life more beautiful than to see big Beau in full flight. In my opinion, one of the most underrated players in the competition. Is there anything this man can’t do? That was not a rhetorical question and yes, there are money things this man can’t do.

Prediction: 0 (Regardless of whether he gets a game or not)