Round 12 AFL Preview
Blockbuster Opens Round 12: Port Adelaide v Carlton
On Thursday, May 30, Port Adelaide and Carlton will face off in a top-eight clash at Adelaide Oval. Port Adelaide seeks to solidify its spot in the top four, while Carlton aims to avenge a 50-point loss last season.
Game-Shapers
- Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide): Leading goalkicker with 17 goals
- Zac Williams (Carlton): Thriving in a new attacking role with 4 goals last week
Early Tip: Port Adelaide by 11 points
Magpies Host Western Bulldogs with Injury Concerns
Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs meet at Marvel Stadium on Friday, May 31. Despite injury woes, Collingwood remains in the top eight, while the Bulldogs have impressed in recent games.
Game-Shapers
- Darcy Cameron (Collingwood): Outstanding ruck with 21 disposals and 7 clearances last week
- Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs): Rising star with 19 goals in 10 games
Early Tip: Collingwood by 8 points
Hawthorn and Adelaide Clash at the MCG
Hawthorn and Adelaide face off at the MCG on Saturday, June 1. Hawthorn seeks to move into 12th spot, while Adelaide aims to end its nine-match losing streak at the venue.
Game-Shapers
- Jack Gunston (Hawthorn): Season-high 4 goals in the Hawks' win over Brisbane
- Lachlan Sholl (Adelaide): Breakout game with 34 disposals and a goal against West Coast
Early Tip: Hawthorn by 4 points
West Coast Eyes Home-Ground Advantage Against St Kilda
West Coast and St Kilda meet at Optus Stadium on Saturday, June 1. The Eagles hope to bounce back from a heavy loss, while the Saints seek their first win since round eight.
Game-Shapers
- Jeremy McGovern (West Coast): Key defender in top form with Tom Barrass
- Jack Steele (St Kilda): Fierce midfielder with 33 disposals last week
Early Tip: West Coast by 9 points
Geelong Hosts Struggling Richmond
Geelong and Richmond clash at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, June 1. Geelong has suffered four consecutive losses, while Richmond has endured an injury-ravaged season.
Game-Shapers
- Max Holmes (Geelong): Impressive dasher with 25.6 disposals per game
- Dion Prestia (Richmond): Experienced midfielder returning to form with 24.3 disposals in recent weeks
Early Tip: Geelong by 47 points
Melbourne Faces Fremantle in Alice Springs
Melbourne and Fremantle face off at Traeger Park on Sunday, June 2. Melbourne returns to the top four, while Fremantle seeks to climb back into the eight.
Game-Shapers
- Adam Tomlinson (Melbourne): Defensive pillar with 25 disposals and 12 intercepts against St Kilda
- Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle): Winger with 26 disposals and 8 inside 50s against Collingwood
Early Tip: Melbourne by 14 points
Gold Coast Aims for Home Advantage Against Essendon
Gold Coast and Essendon meet at People First Stadium on Sunday, June 2. Gold Coast seeks to maintain its perfect home record, while Essendon faces a tough test against a top-eight contender.
Game-Shapers
- Ben Long (Gold Coast): Energetic pressure forward with 7 goals and 15 tackles in recent games
- Jordan Ridley (Essendon): Key defender with 31 disposals in his return match
Early Tip: Gold Coast by 7 points