A slow week on the tip here for The Huddle’s loyal consumers but Kade Chandler into Dylan Moore was a highlight, as was Josh Rachele and Jordan “Daddy” Dawson hitting the scoreboard for us.

In a Round 10 full of surprises, Adelaide emerged as genuine contenders, the Dees shocked Hawthorn and both West Coast and Carlton nabbed surprising wins. 

In Round 11, we launch into our last full slate of nine games for a while (sigh, I know!).

This weekend presents a Richmond vs Bombers spoon bowl, Swans vs Cats showdown and SP 433 at the G; don’t miss out on another brilliant weekend of footy.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our expert AFL tips and predictions for Round 11 below.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Adelaide Crows

Thursday, May 21, 7:30pm AEST - University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston

This game shapes as a cracking contest with both sides needing a win for different reasons.

Adelaide wish to establish their season after smoking the Roos last week in a dominant display. Getting down to Launceston and rolling the Hawks would be a signature win for last season’s minor premiers.

The Hawks' form lines are worrying. Smashed by Melbourne, run over by Freo and a draw with the Pies. Hardly premiership worthy BUT the premiership will be played for in four months' time.

Both sides, despite having lofty ambitions, have B-grade midfield groups and need to keep building on their respective groups. Of course, Will Day can potentially assist the Hawks massively.

The Hawks have a genuine home ground advantage here and should do just enough.

Head-to-head prediction: Hawthorn Hawks by 10 points.

Betting tip: Brayden Cook 17+ disposals.

Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers

Friday, May 22, 7:45pm AEST - MCG

With Richmond being down to its last 26 to choose a team from, Essendon have run out of excuses this week.

The Bombers simply must win. No excuse accepted.

They were terrible for the first hour against Fremantle and copped a smashing before somewhat getting into the game and chipping the ball around, as they do.

Looking at the Essendon team, they had too many inside midfielders, meaning Sam Durham again has moved into different roles. He’s arguably their No. 1 inside bull, so moving him makes little sense.

They need to find new roles - or new homes - for Parish and Caldwell.

The Tigers gave great effort against the Saints and really did hang tough for most of the afternoon.

And plenty of the Tiger Cubs are showing signs for the coming seasons. Trezise, Campbell, Grlj and Retschko all looked good last week in the loss.

Sports commentator Gerard Whateley said the second Friday night game is “the invisible game”. In my house, this one will be the invisible game.

Head-to-head prediction: Essendon Bombers by 21 points.

Betting tip: Jack Ross 24+ disposals.

Fremantle Dockers vs St Kilda Saints

Friday, May 22, 8:30pm AEST - Optus Stadium

The Dockers went to the MCG last Sunday on a business trip and handled their business.

And they handled it quickly as the game was ended early in the second term. Ex-Bomber Patrick Voss did the job, booting a handful in front of 25,000 of his old fans.

These Saints will be a harder test but this Docker side looks a proper contender as the season progresses.

The on-ball group is deep, the backs remain staunch and the forward line is diverse with big forwards and running types.

The Marshall-De Koning combo is gradually growing whilst Jack Silvagni has been excellent in his maiden campaign as a Saint.

And we all love seeing Max Hall getting 26 disposals because he’s always creative and getting the team into scoring positions.

Sunday in Melbourne, travelling home to WA and fronting up again Friday night is some query for the men in purple. Otherwise, all systems go toward win No. 10.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 22 points.

Betting tip: Luke Ryan 8+ marks.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Gold Coast Suns

Saturday, May 23, 1:15pm AEST - Marvel Stadium

The Kangaroos went with a throwback in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

A throwback to its worst performances under Noble and Shaw. And now, in Clarkson’s fourth season, these types of performances were supposed to be a thing of the past.

From 16 points up to game over in around 25 minutes of playing time across the end of the first quarter and midway through the second. It was stunningly bad stuff from the Roos.

Most of the squad had two or less tackles, others had less than 20 pressure acts. It was a total mess at Adelaide Oval.

But they can rebound here against a team who is yet to fall in love with Docklands Stadium.

The Suns love Darwin but despise Marvel Stadium so that’s something they’ll need to carry into the game.

Around the ball, this will be an epic clash. (Hopefully) LDU, Sheezel, Wardlaw and O’Sullivan up against Rowell, Anderson, Petracca and Touk.

This could be one of the better games across the weekend.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns by 14 points.

Betting tip: Bodhi Uwland 26+ disposals.

Collingwood Magpies vs West Coast Eagles

Saturday, May 23, 4:35pm AEST - MCG

We’ve arrived at history.

Pies legend Scott Pendlebury will break Brent Harvey’s record of 432 games as his Pies get a lovely matchup with the Eagles.

Pendlebury will headline the day, with 90,000 of the black and white army expected to attend the celebration.

Typically, these massive milestones can be sapping for the individual, so perhaps don’t be surprised to see Pendles more relieved than anything once its all said and done.

West Coast were outstanding last week, upending GWS. They fed off the crowd and brought the pressure for 120 minutes.

Hough has become a promising tagger inside a fortnight and they also took out Lachie Whitfield at half back via Milan Murdoch. The group is growing.

With three wins, it’s hard to see too much more noise about Andrew McQualter’s place as Eagles head coach.

This day, however, will be about one man - Scott Pendlebury.

Head-to-head prediction: Collingwood Magpies by 43 points.

Betting tip: Scott Pendlebury 1+ goal.

Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans

Saturday, May 23, 4:15pm AEST - GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

The “other” game as Scott Pendlebury breaks the all-time games played record is this blockbuster between two genuine contenders.

The Swans have not been to GMHBA Stadium in a few seasons and they’ll be glad. Because the last time they were there they left as 93-point losers.

Sydney’s forward handball game will be tested immensely at the skinner over where Geelong defend the ground incredibly well.

Tom Stewart was back to his very best last week, Jack Henry did the job assigned to Harris Andrews and Shaun Mannagh had a game to remember!

Oisin Mullin and Mark O’Connor might have jobs here… Mullin could go to any one of Heeney, Warner or even Blakey whilst O’Connor has the capability to step in and take someone out, too.

As for James Jordon, I reckon he heads towards Bailey Smith.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 2 points.

Betting tip: Sydney Swans +10.5 points.

Port Adelaide Power vs Carlton Blues

Saturday, May 23, 7:35pm AEST - Adelaide Oval

The last time the Blues were on Saturday night footy was last week, which was also its last win.

Carlton applied pressure, defended well with the ball when the game was close and exposed a couple of new roles and individuals in Josh Fraser’s first game as coach.

You did have to feel for Michael Voss, though.

The Power are an easy team to assess. They defend well, rely unreasonably on Butters, Hornet and Georgiades and need many more role players to take another step into being quality every-week performers.

Port Adelaide is yet to beat itself and since Round 4 is yet to throw in a really bad performance. That’s admirable in its own way.

Head-to-head prediction: Port Adelaide by 18 points.

Betting tip: Jason Horne-Francis 2+ goals.

GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions

Sunday, May 24, 12:35pm AEST - ENGIE Stadium

The Giants were stunned in Perth by the Eagles after starting the game in nice shape.

They left some chances on the table, which allowed the Eagles to rally and charge with 40,000 fans behind them.

Callaghan and Whitfield were tagged which asked role players to stand up. And the struggles were obvious. Captain Greene was poor whilst Cadman was beaten by Ginbey.

The Lions were humbled by Geelong in that Grand Final re-match but we have seen this group respond whenever asked, so this week is daunting for GWS.

McCluggage and Fletcher are two Lions down on form, so there’s personnel upside for the champs. As well as Dayne Zorko returning imminently.

No panic stations for Brisbane but the alarm bells should be sounding in western Sydney as 4-7 stares them in the face.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 13 points.

Betting tip: Logan Morris 3+ goals.

Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons

Sunday, May 24, 3:15pm AEST - Marvel Stadium

A genuinely interesting game ends Round 11 with the airborne Dees “traveling” to Marvel Stadium for a clash with the Dogs.

The Dogs have injuries, yes, but they also remain too shallow in too many areas. Plus, quality players like Ed Richards and Joel Freijah are too far off their best.

For the Demons, their recently underperforming players are almost all humming. Sparrow, Langdon, Turner, Chandler and Petty have spiked in performance this season.

The Dees have been a scoring machine across town, here at Marvel should really be no difference.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by 7 points.

Betting tip: Kade Chandler 19+ disposals.

Odds are subject to change. *