AFL

The second footy frenzy has begun, with Essendon completing a huge comeback against Hawthorn to keep their finals chances alive, while a very accurate Richmond ended West Coast’s eight-game winning streak with a 27 point win.

Western Bulldogs v Geelong Cats, Metricon Stadium, 28/8, 7:50pm (free-to-air)

It’s a Friday night blockbuster as the Western Bulldogs, led by a red-hot Marcus Bontempelli, take on an in-form Cats side who have won their last four matches. Can the bulldogs get through one of the stingiest defences in the league and cause an upset?

Fremantle v GWS Giants, Optus Stadium, 29/8, 4:35pm

An extremely important match for both sides. Both teams are currently sitting outside of the top eight, with Fremantle (13^th) one win behind the struggling Giants (12^th). A win here will keep either team’s finals hopes alive.

Melbourne v St Kilda, TIO Stadium, 29/8, 7:40pm (free-to-air)

It’s a chance to bounce back for both teams. The Demons are coming off a poor performance against the Dogs, with their midfield struggling to make an impact. St.Kilda suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Brisbane Lions by just two points. The saints are pushing for a top-four spot, while a win for Melbourne would be huge for their top eight chances.

Carlton v Collingwood, Gabba, 30/8, 3:35pm (free-to-air)

A great battle between two traditional rivals. The blues are now in the mix to make the finals, a win here would boost their chances to make the top eight for the first time since 2013. The Pies bounced back with a 30-point win against North Melbourne, another win here will be huge in keeping their spot in the top eight (currently 7^th).

West Coast Eagles v Essendon, Gabba, 1/9, 8:10pm

It’s the second match of a Tuesday night double-header to kick off Round 15. Expect Andrew Gaff to be everywhere for West Coast, as one of the best endurance runners in the league, while Zach Merrett should see plenty of the footy for Essendon.

 

All games can be seen on Foxtel, Kayo and AFL Live Pass. Free-to-air games can be seen on Channel Seven.

 

NRL

Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos, SCG, 28/8, 7:55pm (free-to-air)

The Roosters are clinging on to a top four-spot, with the Rabbitohs and Raiders right behind them. The reigning premiers are massive favourites to win this one, but can the Broncos do the unthinkable and get the upset?

Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers, Panthers Stadium, 29/8, 7:35pm

The Panthers have been in sizzling form all season, sitting at the top spot with a 13-1-1 record. Wests Tigers would need to cause a major upset if they’re to keep their finals hopes alive.

Melbourne Storm v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 30/8, 4:05pm (free-to-air)

The Storm will be looking to bounce back after going scoreless against the Parramatta Eels. The Sea Eagles sit on 12 points along with three other teams and they must win here for a chance to still make the finals.

 

All games can be seen on Foxtel, Kayo and NRL Live Pass. Free-to-air games can be seen on Channel Nine.

 

A-League

Sydney FC v Melbourne City, Bankwest Stadium, 30/8, 6:30pm

It’s grand final weekend in the A-League, the final is between the top two sides as Sydney FC go up against Melbourne City on Sunday. The finals have been full of clean sheets, with 1-0 wins in the elimination finals and 2-0 wins by both Sydney and Melbourne City in the semi-finals.

The two teams matched up twice in the regular season, winning a game each (Sydney 2-1, City 2-0), so this should be a tightly contested battle.

 

The game can be seen on Fox Sports 507 and ABC ME (delayed coverage at 8:25pm). It can also be seen on Kayo, My Football Live and ABC iView.

 

Super Netball

Rounds 8 and 9 will be played this week, beginning with a huge top-of-the-ladder match between the Melbourne Vixens and NSW Swifts, who are both 6-1 on the season. The Firebirds finally broke through and got their first win which puts the Magpies at the bottom of the ladder.

 

Round 8

Melbourne Vixens vs NSW Swifts, Nissan Arena, 29/8, 1pm (free-to-air)

Collingwood Magpies vs GIANTS Netball, Nissan Arena, 29/8, 3pm (free-to-air)

Queensland Firebirds vs Adelaide Thunderbirds, Nissan Arena, 30/8, 1pm (free-to-air)

West Coast Fever vs Sunshine Coast Lightning, Nissan Arena, 30/8, 3:30pm

 

Round 9

GIANTS Netball vs Melbourne Vixens, Nissan Arena, 1/9, 5pm

Collingwood Magpies vs NSW Swifts, Nissan Arena, 1/9, 7:30pm

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Sunshine Coast Lightning, Nissan Arena, 2/9, 5pm

Queensland Firebirds vs West Coast Fever, Nissan Arena, 2/9, 7:30pm

 

All games can be seen on Netball Live, games not free-to-air on Telstra TV. Free-to-air games can be seen on Channel Nine.

 

NBA

Playoff games have been postponed after players boycotted yesterday’s games in protest against the shooting of Jacob Blake. The Milwaukee Bucks were the first to sit out, with the Thunder, Rockets, Trail Blazers and Lakers following.

Players who weren’t scheduled to play showed their support for the move to sit out and stars around the league went to social media to call for change.

WE DEMAND CHANGE! SALUTE @Bucks ✊🏾🙏🏾🗣

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 26, 2020

WE DEMAND JUSTICE!!!

— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) August 26, 2020

Proud to be apart of this League… even more today ! WE WANT CHANGE🖤🖤

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 26, 2020

The NBA released a statement on the rescheduling of games:

The NBA issued the following statement pic.twitter.com/8xvdWFoq3C

— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2020

 

The season will be on the line when games are rescheduled, with the Nuggets, Mavericks, Blazers and Magic all on the brink of elimination. The Celtics and Raptors advanced through sweeps and will play their second-round series during this time.

 

Games to watch:

Orlando Magic @ Milwaukee Bucks, Game 5 (MIL lead 3-1)

OKC Thunder @ Houston Rockets, Game 5 (Series tied 2-2)

Portland Trail Blazers @ LA Lakers, Game 5 (LAL lead 3-1)

Denver Nuggets @ Utah Jazz, Game 6 (UTA lead 3-2)

Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors, Game 1

LA Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks, Game 6 (LAC lead 3-2)

 

All playoff games can be seen on Foxtel (ESPN) and Kayo.

 

NHL

Playoff games have also been postponed in the NHL in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake. The NHL released a statement on the matter.

Statement from the National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League. https://t.co/uV1F5iDeUS pic.twitter.com/JS2t0MvUij

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 27, 2020

Games will return on Sunday with teams deep into the second round and soon to be facing elimination.

 

Upcoming games:

Philadelphia Flyers @ NY Islanders, Game 3, 30/8, 2am (Series tied 1-1)

Vegas Golden Knights @ Vancouver Canucks, Game 3, 30/8, 10am (Series tied 1-1)

Boston Bruins @ Tampa Bay Lightning, Game 4, 31/8, 10am (TB lead 2-1)

Colorado Avalanche @ Dallas Stars, Game 4 (DAL lead 2-1)

 

Games can be seen on Foxtel (ESPN) and Kayo.

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The Eastern end of The Gabba in AFL mode during an AFL game in May 2019 by Your Next Kid available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.