Moving onto this weekend's game, the AFL site is tipping Essendon by 12 points.
SUMMARYThe Bombers returned from the wilderness on Saturday night to break a five-game losing streak and end Geelong's unbeaten run for 2011. It was an unexpected result, given the Cats had not lost in 13 games and included experienced players James Kelly, Mathew Stokes, Brad Ottens and Josh Hunt in the line up.
It was a game that saw Paddy Ryder stand up after a few weeks of criticism, and his work ethic was reflected when he ran down Geelong speedster David Wojcinski, while Jake Melksham played the game of his life with 29 possessions, 12 of which were contested.
Meanwhile, it was an opposite tale for the Tigers. Two weeks after they recorded an impressive win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, they were completely humiliated by Carlton on Saturday at the MCG with the Blues motoring to a 103-point win. The result was embarrassing, to the point where coach Damien Hardwick apologised to supporters after the game and said there was no point in reviewing what had happened, as it was complete "rubbish".
Hardwick could find no winners from his side, after at least being able to name Tyrone Vickery as having won his position in the 27-point loss to Melbourne the week before.
The Tigers' fall from grace over the past six weeks has seen them slide from vying for a spot in the top eight - which would have been the first time they've been in the top half of the ladder since round five, 2008 - to 13th, separated from 12th-placed St Kilda on percentage, and a full game adrift of the Bombers, who climbed back into the eight with their win over the Cats.
QUESTION MARKSThe Bombers were under pressure this time last week - they were overcooked in the pre-season, they weren't fit enough, they struggled when captain Jobe Watson was sidelined. They overcame those issues and Ryder played the game he needed to after there were calls for his omission. But it all means little if they don't bring the same sort of intensity to the fray this weekend - and it's against the side that kick-started their losing run in round nine. Will that play on their minds?
For the Tigers, the only way is up. How will they approach this week with little positives to come from Saturday's disaster? Will Hardwick swing the axe? Just how do you pick up a side that has been so badly beaten one week and ask it to tackle another coming off a much-needed win?
Can the Bombers overcome their MCG hoodoo? They haven't won at Melbourne's home of football since round nine, 2010, losing eight and drawing one at the venue.
PREDICTIONEssendon by 12 points
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/117868/default.aspx
