Welcome back, everyone! Round 17 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!
Round 17 kicks off on Friday night, with a sold out crowd at the MCG as Collingwood take on Essendon. Both teams are coming off a loss, and with the top 8 still very uncertain, both the Pies and Bombers will need this win to cement their spot for the later part of the season. ANZAC Day was left undecided between these two, will part 2 write a better ending?
On Saturday night, GWS will host Carlton at ENGIE stadium. The Giants have been underwhelming in recent weeks after such a good start to the season. Some say they deserve more scrutiny, can a win against one of the games top premiership contenders quiet the naysayers?
For the last game of the round, Adelaide will travel to take on the Brisbane. The Crows rewarded their fans with a well deserved upset win last week, can history repeat itself this week? It will be a tough task as the Lions have become one of the most in-form teams in the competition.
This weekend's going to be big, but done worry, we've got your back.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 6
Season total: 89
Certainty and why: The Eagles stunned the Demons at Optus Stadium earlier in the year. There's no chance it could possibly happen again, right?
Upset and why: The red hot Blues could very well start as underdogs against the Giants. That just shouldn't happen. No matter the odds, Carlton is winning this one.
Tips for the week:
Collingwood vs. Essendon
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
Geelong vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Richmond
Melbourne vs. West Coast
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Brisbane vs. Adelaide
Matt Walsh
Last week: 5
Season total: 87
Certainty and why: I can't see the Saints kicking 80 or 90 points against the Swans, which is what they'll need to be in with a shot. Sydney to bounce back.
Upset and why: Port is an outsider this week to the Bulldogs, but the Power have won their past three between these teams. I'll back the home team.
Tips for the week:
Collingwood vs. Essendon
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
Geelong vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Richmond
Melbourne vs. West Coast
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Brisbane vs. Adelaide
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 4
Season total: 87
Certainty and why: Nothing fancy here -- The Dockers (vs. Richmond) and Melbourne (vs. West Coast) should both cruise to easy wins at home against inferior opposition.
Upset and why: Gold Coast have been terrific at home this season. But away? They can't do it, and I won't take them seriously until they do, even if it is only North Melbourne... The Kangas should be Winx odds (not really).
Tips for the week:
Collingwood vs. Essendon
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
Geelong vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Richmond
Melbourne vs. West Coast
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Brisbane vs. Adelaide