SOME unpredictable results last weekend would undoubtedly have had many tipsters in a tizz as we reach the end of the season proper. The competition heats up this weekend with some cracking match-ups. From old enemies to cross-town rivals, there’s plenty of history being stirred up in round 18 - meaning you need The Mozz more than ever before...

Essendon vs. St Kilda

Why the Bombers win:

• Essendon defeated St Kilda earlier this season in round eight at Etihad Stadium by 12 points. It was their second consecutive win over the Saints after ending St Kilda’s 19-game winning streak in 2009.
• The Bombers hold the advantage over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium with eight wins to five.

Why the Saints win:

• In St Kilda’s favour, they haven’t lost three consecutive clashes with the Bombers since 2001-2003.
• There’s no doubting the Saints' big guns enjoy playing the Bombers. Captain Nick Riewoldt has kicked 35 goals in just 11 games against Essendon, including a bag of seven in 2004 while Stephen Milne has also booted seven majors in the one game, back in round 22, 2008.

The Market*: Essendon $5.70, St Kilda $1.19

The Mozz: Despite a thrilling win over the Kangaroos last round, things were looking decidedly rosier at Windy Hill when the Bombers took out the Saints in round eight. With St Kilda now blazing full steam ahead towards September, you’d have to think this won’t be third time lucky for Essendon. Saints to breeze home.

Collingwood vs. Carlton

Why the Magpies win:

• Collingwood defeated Carlton earlier this season in a high-scoring round six contest at the MCG. The Pies kicked 24 goals to the Blues’ 16 to win by 53 points.
• The Magpies have won the last two clashes between the sides and won them comfortably, by 54 and 53 points.

Why the Blues win:

• Carlton holds a clear advantage over Collingwood at the MCG, with 33 wins to 22.
• The Blues have a positive win/loss record at the MCG in 2010 and won their most recent match in round 11, defeating Melbourne.

The Market*: Collingwood $1.24, Carlton $4.90

The Mozz: Collingwood smashed Carlton back in round six after the Blues had just a week earlier knocked off the reigning premiers Geelong in spectacular style. While Carlton got out of jail over in Perth last weekend, second-half heroics won’t be enough to save them against the might of the black and white.

Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn

Why the Power win:

• The Hawks' overall record against the Power is poor, with just seven wins from the 21 contests between the sides.
• Port Adelaide holds a clear advantage over Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium with seven wins to three, including five of the last six. The Hawks have managed only two victories from their last 11 visits to the venue.

Why the Hawks win:

• Hawthorn defeated Port Adelaide earlier this season in round 11 at the MCG. The Hawks won a less than memorable contest by 11 points, kicking 10 goals to the Power’s eight.
• Superstar forward Lance Franklin has kicked 11 goals in his last three games against the Power including a club record six in round eight, 2008.

The Market*: Port Adelaide $3.35, Hawthorn $1.41

The Mozz: It’s hard to tip against the Hawks at the moment, whose blistering form has got all finals contenders feeling very nervous. Expect Hawthorn to win, in slightly more memorable fashion this time round - or memorable for Hawks supporters, at least.

Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats

Why the Swans win:

• The last time these sides met in round 18 was 12 years ago in 1998 at Skilled Stadium. In a possible omen for the Swans, they won that game by 34 points.
• Despite recent defeats Swans coach Paul Roos enjoys a good record against the Cats in Sydney, winning five of seven games since 2003.

Why the Cats win:

• The Cats have dominated the Swans recently, winning the last seven contests between the sides, including two by more than 50 points. In fact, if the Cats win again this week they will set a new club record for consecutive wins over the Swans.
• In Sydney these teams have met 28 times (at the SCG and ANZ Stadium), with Geelong holding the advantage 16 wins to 12.

The Market*: Sydney $4.20, Geelong $1.28

The Mozz: Could the Swans' shock loss last weekend be just the incentive they need to keep their season alive? Don’t expect them to go down without a fight - but the class of the Cats should prove insurmountable. Geelong to continue its domination of the Swans and set that club record for consecutive wins over the red and white.

Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne

Why the Lions win:

• The Brisbane Lions have historically dominated Melbourne at the Gabba, winning 11 of 16 games. In fact, the Demons have lost their last three matches at the venue by an average margin of 50 points.
• The Lions also hold the advantage over Melbourne in matches played on a Saturday night, winning six of nine encounters - all six of which occurred at the Gabba.

Why the Demons win:

• Historically there have been 34 clashes between these teams. Melbourne holds a narrow advantage with 19 wins to the Lions’ 15.
• In what could be a good omen for Melbourne, these teams have met four times previously in round 18 and the Demons remain undefeated.

The Market*: Brisbane $1.90, Melbourne $2.08

The Mozz: Who would have thought back in round five that the return encounter between these sides would see Brisbane’s fortunes in such decline? After a sensational victory over the Swans last week, the Demons will be desperate to prove they’re more than a one-hit wonder and should score a win on the road over the hapless Lions.

Richmond vs. Adelaide Crows

Why the Tigers win:

• Richmond’s 2010 record against non-Victorian teams is impressive, with all five of their victories this season occurring against interstate clubs.
• The Tigers were winners in round 18 last season, defeating Melbourne in a thriller at the MCG thanks to a goal after the final siren.

Why the Crows win:

• Adelaide has won the last five games between these sides, with three wins by 50 points or more. In fact, Richmond has won just once from its last 14 contests against the Crows.
• Richmond and Adelaide have clashed nine times at the MCG and the Crows hold the advantage with five wins to three, including a 110-point victory in 1992. In fact, the Tigers last defeated Adelaide at the MCG way back in 1997.

The Market*: Richmond $2.42, Adelaide $1.69

The Mozz: The Tigers have slipped a little in recent weeks, but that’s only to be expected from a bunch of young cubs. Adelaide should bounce back from its surprising loss at the hands of home-town rival the Power last round to post its sixth win in a row over Richmond.

Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne

Why the Bulldogs win:

• The Western Bulldogs thrashed North Melbourne earlier this season, winning the round nine clash by 70 points at Etihad Stadium.
• The Bulldogs' win earlier this season was their third consecutive victory over the Kangaroos.

Why the Kangaroos win:

• In a possible good omen for the Kangaroos, they haven’t lost four in a row to the Bulldogs for over 20 years - the last time being back in 1985-1986.
• From 11 matches played between these sides at Etihad Stadium, North Melbourne holds a narrow head-to-head advantage, with six wins to five.

The Market*: Western Bulldogs $1.20, North Melbourne $5.60

The Mozz: The Bulldogs are hot to trot at the moment and it won’t be North Melbourne who put a stop to their run - the boys from the West should score another nice percentage booster here and take another step towards securing that all important top-four berth.

Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles

Why Freo win:

• Fremantle defeated West Coast earlier this season in round six at Subiaco Oval. After trailing by eight points at half time, Freo ran over the Eagles in the second term to win by 38 points.
• Fremantle’s victory earlier this season continued their recent dominance of their cross-town rival having now won the last six matches between the sides. In fact, since 2006 the Eagles have won only one of nine games against Freo. 

Why the Eagles win:

• Despite recent poor form, West Coast holds the head-to-head advantage over Fremantle in derbies, with 18 wins to 13.
• The Eagles won their most recent match in round 18, defeating Essendon this time last season at Subiaco Oval.

The Market*: Fremantle $1.45, West Coast $3.10

The Mozz: It would seem the Freo train is losing momentum fast, with injury and fatigue taking a toll on 2010’s big improver. West Coast hasn’t won a derby in a long time and as we all know too well, when a club is due against a rival, they’re due. Go the Eagles.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
* - prices via Betfair.com, as of 8am, Friday, July 30