In anticipation of Round 15 in the AFL, Nine’s expert panel, including Eddie McGuire, has made some intriguing predictions, notably supporting North Melbourne against a struggling Carlton side. The Blues will be missing key players such as Harry McKay and Sam Walsh, and there’s uncertainty over Charlie Curnow’s participation due to a calf injury. In contrast, North Melbourne may see the return of defender Charlie Comben, strengthening their lineup.
Carlton faces a critical juncture, as they must secure victory to maintain their finals aspirations. Historically, the Blues have fared well against the Kangaroos, winning their last five encounters, yet this match’s circumstances weigh heavily on their prospects.
As for other matches, the Gold Coast Suns clash with GWS Giants, a contest crucial for both teams as they vie for positions in the finals race. With the Western Bulldogs gaining momentum, the stakes are high for both expansion sides, who are aiming for fifth to eighth place on the ladder.
The Brisbane Lions will also look to end a lengthy losing streak at Geelong, where they haven’t tasted victory since 2003. Despite this, Nine’s tipsters seem to favour the Cats, capitalising on the Lions’ recent form struggles.
Overall, the expert predictions for this round are as follows:
- Jimmy Bartel: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Sydney, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs
- Rory Sloane: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, GWS, Western Bulldogs
- Tom Morris: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, GWS, Western Bulldogs
- Eddie McGuire: Fremantle, Geelong, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, GWS, Western Bulldogs
- Clint Stanaway: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs
- Nat Yoannidis: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs
- Tony Jones: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, GWS, Western Bulldogs
As the round unfolds, the outcomes of these matches could significantly shape the competition landscape, intensifying the battle for finals berths among the teams involved.