Back for another week, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the five remaining games in Round 7.
North Melbourne versus Adelaide
Curtis to kick at least one goal
The North Melbourne livewire looms as the most difficult matchup for a Jordon Butts-less Adelaide side.
Paul Curtis has goaled in every game this year, including multiples on four occasions, despite North Melbourne ranking second-worst in the competition for inside 50s.
But the Roos play well at Blundstone Arena and Adelaide gives up more territory than most teams. There’s plenty in Curtis’ favour to have an impact on the contest and he’s coming off a two-goal performance last time he played in Tasmania.
Walker to kick 4+ goals
In every game bar one this year, North Melbourne has given up at least four goals to an opposition forward.
There’s no reason that won’t be Taylor Walker on Saturday afternoon, with the Crows veteran boasting a supreme record against North Melbourne.
He’s had 22 scoring shots across his last four games against the Kangaroos and looks in menacing form to start 2024, despite the Crows’ woes.
Seb Mottram
Geelong versus Carlton
Cameron to collect 20+ disposals and kick at least two goals
Carlton got the chocolates by eight points the last time these two sides met, but it would have been for far more if not for Jeremy Cameron.
The Blues simply didn’t have an answer for Cameron’s goal-kicking prowess and ability to get higher up the ground and the former Giant made Michael Voss pay.
He’s proven time and time again that the 25-disposal, six-goal performance is no fluke and continues to find the footy easier than he ever has in 2024.
He’s kicked multiple goals in every game bar one and thrives on the big stage.
Cripps to win 30+ disposals, 15 contested
There are few players heading into Round 7 in better form than Carlton captain Patrick Cripps.
Cripps bullied a stacked GWS midfield to earn 39 disposals, 24 contested possessions and 13 clearances last week and will be licking his lips considering Geelong’s numbers this year.
The Cats give up more contested footy than any other team and are second worst in the competition for clearance differential.
Cam Guthrie’s return may help, but there are no Cats who can stop Cripps at full flight.
Seb Mottram
Fremantle versus Western Bulldogs
Caleb Serong 25+ disposals
Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong is in hot form to start 2024.
The on-baller is averaging a whopping 32 disposals a game this campaign and is yet to dip below the 25-touch marker this year.
Given he also had 38 the last time he played the Bulldogs, you can lock Serong in for 25+.
He’s even every chance to go 30+ even though he hasn’t reached that marker since Round 2.
Aaron Naughton 2+ goals
With Jamarra Ugle-Hagan again out, Aaron Naughton will have the forward 50 to himself again.
The key forward kicked six goals with Ugle-Hagan out of the side last week and there’s no doubt that the Dogs will look to him again whenever they have it going towards goals.
He also kicked two majors the week prior in the loss to Essendon.
Even though the Dockers have a quality defence, Naughton should finish two of his chances on Saturday night.
Lachlan Geleit
Gold Coast versus West Coast
Witts to have 35+ hit outs, 5+ clearances
Playing as the Suns' dominant ruckman, we can expect co-captain Jarrod Witts to control the contest.
Witts is averaging 32 hit-outs and five clearances through the opening six games and can expect to enhance these numbers against Eagles ruckman Bailey Williams.
Witts had a monster performance last week boasting 7 clearances to go with 31 hit-outs, beating Brodie Grundy in both of these metrics, so lock him in to do get similar numbers against the Eagles.
Waterman to have 8+ score involvements and 2+ goals
If anything is certain in this game, it is that red-hot Eagles forward Jake Waterman will yet again perform.
The Perth native will be looking to continue his fine form, recording 11 goals in the last two games and has successfully kicked at least two goals in four of six games this year.
His involvement in West Coast's build-up play has been paramount to their recent success, boasting an immense 20 score involvements in their past two outings.
We expect Waterman to continue this form and to keep elevating his game.
Harry Attiwill
Hawthorn versus Sydney
__Scrimshaw to have 20+ disposals, 6+ intercept possessions
Hawthorn interceptor Jack Scrimshaw has finally found his role in the backline of Sam Mitchell’s set-up.
The former Sun has achieved the above stat line in four out of the opening six games in 2024 and will look to build upon this against a Sydney side which gains many forward entries.
Scrimshaw’s 8.2 intercept possessions per game is only beaten by James Sicily in Hawthorn’s defence and he seems to be thriving under increased opportunity to start the season.
Amartey to kick 2+ goals
Joel Amartey loves playing the Hawks.
The impressive athlete kicked four in their only matchup in 2023 and his six goals across their two games is his best record against any team in the league.
He’s hit this marker in Sydney's last four games and has been a crucial factor in Sydney’s amazing form in 2024.
Hawthorn’s injury riddled defence has leaked 93 points per game this year, the second most across the league.
It seems inevitable that Amartey will take advantage of that.
Harry Attiwill
What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
