Chad Cornes vs. West Coast (12 matches, ave. 89.6, career ave. 82.8)
Chad has already shown some red-hot form this season, posting some big numbers in the last few weeks. He’s averaged a very handy 113 against the Eagles in the last 5 matches. The Battler’s pick of the week.
Prediction: 118

Nick Riewoldt vs. Essendon (8 matches, ave. 95.3, career ave. 88.2)
The big Saint has shown some indifferent form this season. Two hundreds from four starts so far, although signs were good last week with a score of 104 against the Cats. His record against the Bombers is very healthy; an average in the mid-90’s and a highest score of 133. I’m hoping he can produce those kinds of numbers this week versus Essendon.
Prediction: 116

Brendan Fevola vs. Melbourne (7 matches, ave. 79.6, career ave. 68.4)
After a dismal first two weeks, Fev is running into some pretty decent form. Scores of 138 and 103 against Essendon and Collingwood suggests he is back to somewhere near his best. Against the winless Demons, who statistically have the worst defense in the league (and by a fair stretch), Fev could be in for another big game.
Prediction: 114

Brad Johnson vs. Richmond (18 matches, ave. 93.4, career ave. 86.7)
Despite being terribly out of form by his standards, his record against the Tigers is too good to go past. Incredibly, in his 18 meetings against Richmond, he has failed to reach 80 only once and that was 9 seasons ago.
Prediction: 109

Smokie: Jonothan Brown vs. Hawthorn (9 matches, ave. 88.8, career ave. 78.8)
Rarely would you classify Browny as a smokie, but going on current form (averaging 75 in 2008) I don’t think anyone’s really expecting great things from the big unit at the moment. However, this week all signs look positive for him; a Saturday night showdown at the Gabba against the Hawks, who are statistically one of his best match ups.
Prediction: 118

Really Smokie: Clive Waterhouse vs. Adelaide (7 matches, ave. 47.6, career ave. 51.4)
With Matthew Pavlich still struggling with form, whispers around Perth are that Clive Waterhouse will this week make his return to the AFL after retiring in 2004. If given the choice, the Battler would go with Clive over Pavlich any day. Sure, Pavlich has the dead-eye accuracy, the strong hands and the endurance, but Waterhouse has such a wonderful head of hair.
Prediction: Get a hair cut!