Welcome back, everyone! Round 19 of the 2024 AFL season is almost upon us. Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
We are heading to the pointy end of the season, and for every team still in the tight race for the eight, the wins and losses start to weigh a little heavier.
Round 19 kicks off with Essendon taking on Adelaide at Marvel stadium on Friday night. The crows have started to string together some wins as of late, while everyone is still quite confused about the Bombers. Would a slip up against the Crows officially put the Dons into the 'pretender' category?
For Saturday afternoon we see part two of the 2024 'Expansion Cup', when GWS takes on the Gold Coast Suns -- at home, importantly. The Giants have found some momentum in recent weeks after a disappointing second half of the season, while the Suns are searching for their first win away from home since May last year -- is this their week? For Dimma's sake, we'd hope it is!
On Sunday, footy fans will be treated to one of the games of the round when Sydney travel to the Gabba to take on a red-hot Brisbane. The Swans welcome back Isaac Heeney to their star-studded midfield, while the Lions could be without Charlie Cameron due to suspension. Could this game be a September preview?
This weekend's going to be big, but done worry, we've got your back.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 7
Season total: 100
Certainty and why: It's risky picking the Blues as my certainty after two disappointing efforts in succession, but surely they respond against the lowly Kangaroos this week. Surely...
Upset and why: At the time of writing, the Hawks are the slightest of underdogs against the Magpies. Collingwood is depleted and reeling. The Hawks have won eight of their last 10 games. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they salute in this one, too.
Tips for the week:
Essendon vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Gold Coast
St Kilda vs. West Coast
Hawthorn vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. Richmond
Brisbane vs. Sydney
Fremantle vs. Melbourne
Carlton vs. North Melbourne
Matt Walsh
Last week: 7
Season total: 99
Certainty and why: Port Adelaide, coming off a bad loss, back at home, against the Tigers. Maybe a 10-goal win.
Upset and why: Could the Crows pull one out the hat against the Bombers? Adelaide don't mind Marvel Stadium, and Essendon is still ... flaky.
Tips for the week:
Essendon vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Gold Coast
St Kilda vs. West Coast
Hawthorn vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. Richmond
Brisbane vs. Sydney
Fremantle vs. Melbourne
Carlton vs. North Melbourne
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 6
Season total: 99
Certainty and why: North capitulated against a top opponent last week after a string of good games, and it's hard to see them doing any better against Carlton this week. Port should also be able to handle the Tigers at home.
Upset and why: Brisbane are on a roll, they're back at home and a surging back into premiership contention, so there's a good reason they're favourites this week. But the Swans as the underdogs? Yes please, I'll bite. Don't be surprised if the Pies bounce back, either.
Tips for the week:
Essendon vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Gold Coast
St Kilda vs. West Coast
Hawthorn vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. Richmond
Brisbane vs. Sydney
Fremantle vs. Melbourne
Carlton vs. North Melbourne