<p>Welcome to my AFL Round 10 Tips and Predictions. The first of the AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Rounds for 2024.</p> <p>Back-to-back scrub performances for the Huddle by me. Need to lock in.</p> <p>Sam Walsh had 34 and a goal when we needed 35 and a goal… so we should’ve seen the mess coming.&nbsp;</p> <p>Needless to say, A new week brings new opportunities. Here’s how I see the upcoming weekend of footy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, May 16, 7: 30 PM AEST – TIO Stadium, Darwin</strong></em></p> <p>An interesting way to kick off Round 10 - but a truly fascinating game now with Tom Hawkins already announced as rested and Jeremy Cameron absent via delayed concussion symptoms.</p> <p>Gold Coast has been at home in the NT and took care of business against the Roos last week. They’ll spend the week in Darwin, continuing to acclimatise and awaiting the wounded Cats.</p> <p>Tom Stewart felt the tag against Port and eventually moved to a wing to escape. Dangerfield is still missing, and Cam Guthrie is just taking some time to get into his groove after missing a full season in ’23.</p> <p>A Geelong forward line looks ok, to me, with Ollie Henry, Gary Rohan, Tyson Stengle, Gryan Miers, and Brad Close running up and down the ground. Sam Collins prefers big bangers - but without Hawkins to grapple with, he will need to play small.</p> <p>In reality, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell,&nbsp; Touk Miller, and big Jarrod Witts should own the hammered Geelong midfield group. And that should be where the game is won for the Suns.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-v-geelong-8226550">Suns by 13 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Touk Miller 30+ disposals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, May 17, 7: 40 PM AEST – SCG</strong></em></p> <p>This looms as an epic - a deep September preview, perhaps!?</p> <p>The Swans have barely put a foot wrong (although somehow lost to Richmond) and were sensational again in Perth, getting the job done against an emotional Fremantle.</p> <p>Isaac Heeney keeps on keeping on. Errol Gulden, Nick Blakey, Will Hayward and Tom Papley are all in ripping form.</p> <p>The Blues were excellent against Melbourne. Yes, they coughed up an early lead, but they beat down and then held off a fellow premiership contender and that’s what counts.</p> <p>This sounds harsh because the man is leading the Coleman, but I reckon Charlie Curnow is due for a match-winning performance - maybe it lands here…&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-v-carlton-8226551">Swans by 11 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Nick Blakey anytime goal&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May 18, 1: 45 PM AEST – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>We think both are on the winning path after indifferent beginnings to the season.</p> <p>Collingwood are unbeaten in their past five, with only a draw stopping them from a perfect handful. Despite missing several gun forwards, they never gave the Eagles a look-in on Sunday.</p> <p>Nick Daicos is back to Brownlow-level form. You may choose to check his odds as I’d imagine they’ll shorten from here!</p> <p>The Crows had to cop a draw in a thrilling clash with Brisbane in the twilight zone. Up then down then having to chase, they were defiant and gritty, but a draw did feel like a loss for two teams stuck on three wins.</p> <p>This becomes non-negotiable for them. They pushed Collingwood twice last season without beating them on either occasion.</p> <p>&nbsp;They simply must win this, or we can unofficially say, September dreams are kissed goodbye.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-adelaide-8226548">&nbsp;Pies by 17 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Josh Rachele 2+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May 18, 4: 35 PM AEST – ENGIE Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>The scene of the 2016 preliminary final crime.</p> <p>My notes have them only having been back once - but what a cool feeling it must be heading back, despite the fact the game was 8 years ago.</p> <p>Regarding the 2024 version, GWS are suddenly in need of something like their best and the Dogs will be looking to consolidate on the hammering of hapless Richmond.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ball-winners are key - like always.</p> <p>No Libba hurts, but The Bont,&nbsp; Adam Treloar, and co. are in good enough form to topple Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Finn Callaghan, and Lachie Ash - but that will not be easy.</p> <p>GWS looked to be in control against Essendon, but the rampaging Bombers took the game away and the Giants had few answers.&nbsp;</p> <p>Adam Kingsley needs to work out what to do with Lachie Whitfield when teams tag him with a defensive forward. His fortnightly output has plummeted under the tag. Only 18 disposals and under 300m gained is not what they need from him. He’s such a weapon by foot.</p> <p>Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley v Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton will be a major factor in the outcome. And what a battle that will be.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/greater-western-sydney-v-western-bulldogs-8226549">Giants by 12 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Lachie Whitfield 30+ disposals (doubt Dogs tag him)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St. Kilda vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Saturday, May 18, 7: 30 pm AEST – Marvel Stadium</em></strong></p> <p>Where are the Saints at?</p> <p>Nowhere is the answer but the answer was supposed to be similar to last season, if not a step or so ahead.</p> <p>Well, Ross the Boss keeps making excuses when he should be implementing a more offensive and more dangerous game style. Do not tell me the talent lacks to do so.</p> <p>Bradley Hill, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jack Sinclair, Cal Wilkie, Mason Wood, Riley Bonner, and Darcy Wilson. They can all run and gun.</p> <p>They can generate scoring opportunities for a forward line relying too much on Max King.</p> <p>The Dockers get a mulligan for last week. A teammate to a few, Cam McCarthy sadly passed in the lead-up to game day so you can only imagine that group was nowhere near locked into the contest - and understandably so.</p> <p>They’ve enjoyed their work in Melbourne this season. Jordan Clark, Hayden Young, Luke Ryan, James Aish, Caleb Serong, and Andy Brayshaw are running and gunning and Josh Treacy is benefiting. Jye Amiss should be, too, but his form is a shade off as more attention comes his way. I believe he will work his way through that - he’s a quality young forward.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-fremantle-8226547">Dockers by 5 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Jordan Clark 25+ disposals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May 18, 7:30 PM AEST – The Gabba</strong></em></p> <p>This should be one-way traffic here, folks.</p> <p>The Tigers cannot stop getting injured. Another couple went down at the ‘G against the Dogs and a trip north to see a rallying Brisbane will not help much.&nbsp;</p> <p>Charlie Cameron looked dangerous against Adelaide; he needs to keep building to his season for the Lions to lift. Especially without Lincoln McCarthy in that mix and whilst Zac Bailey is still out. Cam Rayner also has more to give, either around the ball or as a marking target.</p> <p>For the Tigers, it’s all about discovering young talent as they play out the season and seeing whether they can be decade long performers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-v-richmond-8226546">Lions by 51 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Lions -43.5</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 19, 1: 10 PM AEST – Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>All of a sudden everything is coming up cash for Essendon.</p> <p>What a win that was under the lid against GWS. A slow beginning and a rampant ending for the Dons.&nbsp;</p> <p>I cannot stress the impact Sam Durham has had on the midfield group. While I’m at it, I must also concede that Ben McKay has been an outstanding addition for them. I was unsure but he’s been a rock down back. A borderline All-Australian.</p> <p>The Roos copped yet another hiding and likely do so here as well. Although, they’ve had a habit of competing with Essendon - however this feels like a different version of the boys from Windy Hill.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-north-melbourne-8226545">Bombers by 48 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Kyle Langford 4+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 19, 3: 20 PM AEST – Adelaide Oval</strong></em></p> <p>The win of the week was Port heading into Geelong without their skipper and getting the job done.</p> <p>Jason Horne-Francis was amazing. As was Zak Butters. And Ollie Wines wound back the clock.</p> <p>The Hawks have breathed life into their season. She was looking grim before a powerful win over the Roos (everyone seems to need one of those) and a gritty win over the Saints in Tassie.</p> <p>Jai Newcombe led the way, and the small forwards all did some damage, including prized draftee Nick Watson.</p> <p>A Power win here will land them at 7-3 with top four back in the conversation and an upset victory for the Hawks gets them to 4-6 and back in the chasing pack.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/port-adelaide-v-hawthorn-8226543">Power by 24 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong>&nbsp;Jason Horne – Francis 20+ disposals and anytime goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast v Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 19, 6:20 PM AEST – Optus Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>Finally, No longer are West Coast easy beats. The Pies did hammer them, but I get the feeling the black and white are priming nicely for a run at defending the crown.</p> <p>In WA, they’re even more competitive and dangerous. Essendon had them dead to rights, but the Eagles found a way to rally and compete.</p> <p>The Eagles badly need Elliot Yeo and Jake Waterman back, because, despite the improvement, much of that lift has been from experienced players bringing their level back up.</p> <p>The Dees will rue the opening quarter v Carlton but love the grit and ability to score quickly to give themselves a fighting chance.</p> <p>Big Max Gawn will be a handful and the operation of Christian Petracca as a forward must remain. Keep him there, see how good he can be - and they can be - with him as the target forward inside fifty.</p> <p>The midfield can cope without him. Jack Viney, Trent Rivers, Tom Sparrow, Max Gawn, and Clayton Oliver are still good enough to generate clearance wins and inside fifty opportunities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-v-melbourne-8226544">Dees by 22 points</a></p> <p><strong>Best Bet:</strong> Christian Petracca 3+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFL Premiership Odds:</h2>