[AFL-Preview] Round 6

AFL Preview Round 6

 

Last week 5 from 7 Total 28/38 (73.7%)

I guess there might be a smug tipster out there who jagged the Gold Coast Suns' win but I'll bet they are few and far between. Some of the games could have gone either way and even the AFL says that the round was one of the closest in its history with results and the best for attendance. 170,000 at the MCG over 2 days of football certainly helped with those days being Anzac Day and the Tuesday extra day holiday. If folks weren't going away for Easter then 4 days of football made for a great weekend. I'd also be putting some money on Good Friday being added to the fixtures next year. The commercialism of Easter is non-existent in China as is the feast of Easter, a fact I'm sure most of you are aware of. No supermarket aisles filled with chocolate Easter eggs here in China as was the case in Oz since about February I was told. There was a request that we introduce some Easter customs to the kids, such as painting boiled eggs and maybe an egg hunt but the idea lost pace and didn't eventuate mainly due to lack of interest. Any religious discussion about Easter was, of course, not allowed. On a positive note there has been nary a word about the royal wedding here in China – blessed relief!   I understand our Prime Minister is in the Chinese neighbourhood this week so maybe she is avoiding Easter and the royal wedding publicity as well.

Progress with AFL introduction here is slow but I have managed to form teams in the classroom and called them Eagles, Hawks and Magpies the importance of which is completely lost on the kids. We will succeed. Weather is getting warmer and some buds on trees and bushes have nervously appeared so maybe they think the temperature will rise soon. I'm not so sure. We reached 13 today but the previous few days we never made double figures. The evening temperature still hovers around zero to 2 and 3 days ago all central heating for apartment complexes in the province was turned off! Back to the PJ's! Although we missed out on the Easter break they still have May Day for the 1^st of May here so next weekend we have 3 days off. I am sincerely hoping that doesn't mean fireworks though.

The Easter and Anzac Day fixtures have made it a bit of a rush getting results and previews to you but we have made it! The tipping will get harder as we see form changes occurring on an almost weekly basis, much of it puzzling for tipsters but I am sure fully explainable by coaches. It seems that the Cats are drawing a line in the sand for Collingwood and in a couple of weeks' time we will see the top two teams, probably still undefeated, play off for clear premiership favouritism. The possibility of more draws this season is high. Good luck. 

West Coast V Melbourne at Subiaco Thursday night

With both teams coming off a bye the players should be rested enough to last out the game. For tipsters the form of both these teams makes picking a winner difficult. Against better judgement the tip is West Coast as the home team. The Demons haven't travelled well and certainly not to Perth where they have not beaten West Coast since 2002. The Eagles seem a little more potent up forward and that might be a deciding factor. Expect a close game though.

West Coast by 11 

Sydney V Carlton at the SCG Friday night

The Blues have had 2 close games in the past two weeks, as has Sydney. Carlton has forward problems against teams with reasonable backlines and they will struggle in this match with Sydney at home. Walker has done okay with 11 so far this season but he might get limited opportunities against a strong Sydney backline. Jack, Bolton and Goodes are equal to Judd, Murphy and Gibbs so this game is no pushover for either team.

Sydney by 12 

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide at Etihad Saturday

The Power was beaten by the Suns last week. Can they get over the humiliation of that? Can North Melbourne kick a little straighter? Did Scott say his North team is better than last year? They had better start winning then. Primus apoligised to the Port supporters for their meek surrender last week against the Suns and it's a leading question as to whether the Power players can overcome that ignominious defeat in this game against North. Neither team will make the finals.

North by 28 

Richmond V Brisbane Lions at the MCG Saturday night

Richmond snatched victory from defeat against North last week and Brisbane was just beaten by the Saints. Even though both teams are lingering on the bottom and will linger longer the game should be tough as the Lions will want to open their account and the Tigers would love two wins in a row. Another draw? Possibly.

Richmond by 7 

Adelaide V St Kilda at AAMI Saturday night

Neither team is showing a great deal of good form but a lot of inconsistency. Normally at home the Crows grow an extra leg but their effort against the Power was abysmal. St Kilda was at its worst against Essendon but they hopefully gained a bit of momentum from that win against the Lions last week. Experience might be the key.

St Kilda by 19

 

Essendon V Gold Coast at Etihad Sunday

History making win by the Suns last week against a hapless Power but they will find this a lot harder against a pumped up Essendon who really pushed Collingwood last week on Anzac day. If Essendon is still tired after the game against the Pies they might find this a lot tougher than they would have hoped.

Essendon by 39 

Collingwood V Western Bulldogs at the MCG Sunday

It's difficult for a tipster to pick against Collingwood this season although the occasion will inevitably come when they will lose a game. The Bulldogs look a bit wishy washy so far this season and that will not be good enough to beat the Pies.

Collingwood by 29

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[AFL-Review] Round 5

AFL Review Round 5

 

St Kilda 13.11.89 defeated Brisbane Lions 11.10.76

The margin was a little closer than the Saints would have liked but they did enough in the last quarter to win the game. Valiant effort by the Lions in a game played in difficult conditions, humidity and slippery ball. Maybe this is enough to get the season on track for St Kilda. Clarke was the leading forward in the game kicking 4 for the Lions. Montagna had the most possessions assisted by Del Santo, while Adcock and Redden played well for Brisbane. The Saints play Adelaide next and Brisbane takes on the Tigers.

 

Gold Coast Suns 15.14.104 defeated Port Adelaide 15.11.101

My god! Not many would have thought the Suns could notch their first win this early in the season. On top of that the game was played at AAMI, the Power's home ground. Would love to be a fly on the wall in the Port Adelaide dressing room after the game! In most games this year the Suns have barely kicked more than 6 or 7 goals and they managed to do that in the last quarter of this game to come from 40 points down!! Amazing.  Rischetelli dominated for the Suns who welcomed Ablett back as he gathered some telling last quarter possessions helped by Swallow to turn the game around. The result certainly throws some doubt into future tipping.

 

Carlton 11.19.85 defeated Adelaide 12.7.79

Almost another draw after a form reversal from Adelaide from the week before gave the Blues a big fright. The scores were level with just a couple of minutes left but the dreaded 'D' word was not required….well it was in a way – 'D'efeat for Adelaide. The Blues were not rewarded in front of goal and their 30 scoring shots to Adelaide's 19 told the story.  The game looked all over at quarter time as Carlton blitzed the Crows 5 goals to 1 but Adelaide hung in and made it a real scrap. The respective Walkers kicked 4 goals apiece. Judd and Murphy played well for the Blues and Johncock and Dangerfield ditto for Adelaide. Another danger game for Carlton next week against the Swans.

 

Richmond 17.10.112 defeated North Melbourne 14.19.103

Another close game over the Easter Anzac day holiday as Richmond piled on 7 goals in the last quarter to just pip a valiant North Melbourne. Tiger full forward kicked 5 and his North opposite kicked 6. Dustin Martin played a blinder for the Tigers with over 30 possessions and 4 goals and Petrie for North was prominent. Apparently Reiwoldt took the Mark of The Year during the game but it's a long season. The Tigers get another chance next week to win a game against Brisbane and North might also be in the winning circle as they meet Port Adelaide.

 

Collingwood 16.11.107 defeated Essendon 11.11.77

A great crowd on Anzac day to watch a great game of football. For the first time this season the Pies were really challenged and the final margin is a bit complimentary to Collingwood as the Bombers got within 2 points of the Pies early in the final quarter. Memorable.  Pendlebury picked up back to back Anzac medals with a dominant game all over the ground including his 3 goals. Crameri kicked 4 for the Dons and Heppel was outstanding as a first year player. The Pies meet the Bulldogs next week and Essendon will be hoping for a good win against the Gold Coast.

 

Fremantle 12.13.85 defeated Western Bulldogs 11.12.78

Two matches this round had tied scores in the last quarter. Fremantle led most of the night until about 20 minutes into the last quarter when the Bulldogs kicked a couple of quick goals to lead by a few points. Somehow, and unlike the Freo of old, the Dockers fought and clawed back to a one point lead then kicked a goal almost on the siren. Not sure what ails the Western Bulldogs this year but again their pre-season publicity for favouritism behind Collingwood seems to be misplaced. The Bulldogs have beaten the two QLD sides. Imagine if Fremantle had the midfielders to take advantage of the dominance of Sandilands? They would go premiers!  Kepler Bradley is proving to be a handy forward for the Dockers and kicked 4 in this game as did Sherman for the Bulldogs. Boyd managed 45 possessions for the game to be best afield and Mundy was the best for Fremantle with 29 touches and 2 goals. Freo have a bye next week.

 

Geelong 17.15.117 defeated Hawthorn 15.8.98

Another HUGE crowd at the 'G' to finish off the Easter break and they were treated to a great game of football a second day in a row. Hawthorn raced out of the blocks but the Cats eventually got back into the game and a great third quarter set up the victory. Buddy was everywhere in the 1^st quarter and nowhere in the next 3 apart from a late goal in the game. Taylor and Scarlett dominated the back lines for Geelong with the latter also having almost 30 touches, a lot for a back man. Chapman kicked crucial goals when Geelong really needed them and Selwood has moved into Ablett's spot as the Cat's prime mover. Hodge for the Hawks had a poor start to the season with injury so he is not anywhere near his best. Mitchell played his usual good game and Bateman was very  handy for the Hawks with 3 goals in a seesawing game. Both teams have a bye next week.

 

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[AFL-Preview] Round 5

AFL Preview Round 5

 

Last week 6 from 7 – Total 23 / 31 (74.2%) AFL  / VFL history books have been taken out of bookshelves to check what the record number of draws there has been in a season. I can't remember a year in which there were three draws in the first four rounds let alone over a whole season and is this the result of the overall AFL grand scheme to even out the competition? In a way that's working but over the past few years there has been a team that has stood head and shoulders above the rest for short periods, like 3 – 4 years. Brisbane, Geelong and maybe now Collingwood. It has taken these teams years to get to that stage though. West Coast was the same in 1995 to 1997. But then if that's the case what about teams like Melbourne and Richmond, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda all of whom have gone for many, many years without a premiership? The salary cap and the draft picks have worked their magic in a fashion. But there has also been an insidious side to the AFL when they saw that one team cities like Perth and Adelaide would dominate the competition if it was not allowed for another team in the same town to be given that licence to play AFL resulting in Fremantle and Port Adelaide. Whichever way you look at it though, a drawn game in a sport that can have teams scoring points and goals within seconds of play is still a wondrous thing to behold. If you add the drawn Grand Final from last year we have had 4 draws in 6 rounds of football!! There's a Shakespearian phrase that just doesn't come to mind to cover the phenomenon! Looking at the form of the teams playing this weekend the chance of a drawn game again is still possible. Watch this space and good luck in the tipping.

 

Brisbane V St Kilda at the Gabba Thursday Night

The Saints and the Lions are off a break so nobody should get tired playing this game. The form of St Kilda is a worry for tipsters but the Saints should notch their first win of the season against Brisbane. Brown still missing for the Lions might be offset a little with Lenny Hayes out for the Saints. Last time they played here the Saints scraped home by 14 points. I think they can do a little better this time.

St Kilda by 39

 

Port Adelaide V Gold Coast Saturday afternoon at AAMI

The Power won their first game last week against same state rivals the Crows and that form will be enough to carry into this game against a young, learning Gold Coast. Let's hope the Suns don't get thrashed but it's possible. Gold Coast will welcome the return of Ablett but this one player a win does not bring.

Port Adelaide by 66

 

Carlton V Adelaide at Etihad Saturday Night

The Blues got out of jail last week with that drawn game against the Bombers while Adelaide was just woeful in a game that most thought they would win. The Crows are just as likely to come out firing this week but on form you have to back Carlton to get back into the winning circle. The Blues need to find a consistent avenue to kick goals because over the past couple of games they haven't managed a decent score. Conversely the Crows have a potent forward line when allowed and it's that inconsistency in their game that makes them difficult to tip.

Carlton by 22

 

North Melbourne V Richmond at Etihad Sunday afternoon

If you've had a big Easter dinner with the family and you're not a North or Richmond supporter perhaps a picnic by the river is a better option than watching this game between two teams who have yet to win. Either team can win and another draw would not surprise in a season filled with draws already. Maybe the Tigers have a bit more goal kicking power. North coach Scott reckons his team is better this year than last so a hard fought win for them is as likely as a win for the Tigers. Toss of a coin really and it's a tip that will be difficult to pencil in until the final siren.

Richmond by 12

 

Essendon V Collingwood at the MCG Anzac Day

The traditional Anzac day game is on an Easter Monday so do people get an extra day off? The game was sold out over a week ago so expect 90,000 fans at the 'G' to see another Collingwood victory. The excitement of the day will help the Bombers with an adrenalin rush early but don't expect a young Essendon side to be beating  class players all day or for long enough to post a winning score. The margin last time they met was 98 points and while a repeat of that is not possible with the way the Bombers are playing under new coach Hird they do need to keep it under 10 goals.

Collingwood by 48

 

Fremantle V Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Monday night

This is a good test for Fremantle coming up against a Bulldogs side that had a rest last week and who won two easy games but got a hiding from Essendon. There was another big injury for the Dockers with the loss of Suban so their depth will be tested against a slick Bulldog side. Freo lost a close one to Geelong at Subiaco and it's possible that they will lose another close one at home to the Western Bulldogs. For tipsters it's difficult to pick the form of the Bulldogs as this is a better test for them than the last two outings. Most bets will be on Fremantle but I'm thinking for tipsters this might be a bit of an upset.

Western Bulldogs by 11

 

Hawthorn V Geelong at the MCG Tuesday afternoon

This round has stretched out over 6 days culminating in the game of the round between two of the likely contenders for runners up. Expect another big crowd interested to see what these teams can produce under pressure. The Hawks still look a little fragile at times but the Cats have shown that experience and class doesn't go away over a season. In two tight finishes Geelong has shown the value of its 'aging' brigade as they eked out thrilling wins against St Kilda and Fremantle, experience that will be needed against the Hawks – and it might be just enough.

Geelong by 17

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[AFL-Review] Round 4

AFL Review Round 4

 

Collingwood 24.17.161 defeated Richmond 13.12.90

At one stage early in the second quarter the Pies were 8 goals ahead and for some reason they allowed the Tigers right back into the game conceding 6 goals. It looked okay for Richmond until Collingwood applied their usual few minutes of pressure eventually winning the game easily by 71 points. The Tigers, although not happy with the end result, can gain some confidence in their third quarter when they outpaced and outplayed the Pies to get within 4 goals. But when a team gets close to Collingwood it seems like a sleeping giant is awoken and they play another class of footy for as long as it takes to snuff out a challenge. Swan had over 30 possessions and kicked 4 goals. I wonder who will get the Brownlow votes for the game. Collingwood meets Essendon on Anzac day and Richmond might register a win against North.

 

Carlton drew with Essendon

Two major Essendon injuries to Wunderlich and Dempsey did not help the Bombers much and will probably, in retrospect, say it cost them the game. Maybe.  It was an exciting last quarter with the lead changing a number of times. Another draw this season! Unbelievable!  A couple of late opportunities for the Blues when Simpson kicked out on the full and Fletcher ran down Garlett before he could get boot to ball for a score will be talked about as pivotal but remember it was Simpson who put the Blues in front with the last goal kicked in the match. "Inspector Gadget" Fletcher was judged best afield so not sure what that means when a 37 year old is the best player amongst such youth. Jobe Watson has certainly reached another level in his football and watch out Brownlow. The Bombers meet the Pies in their next game on Anzac Day and Carlton play Adelaide.

 

Hawthorn 10.12.72 defeated West Coast 9.11.65

The result was much closer than expected so is Hawthorn as good as they say they are and are the Eagles as bad as we say they are? If West Coast can win some of the close games they might be a final 8 contender. Franklin seems to have emerged as the match saver in the game kicking six for the day but his three goals in the last quarter was the difference. Sam Mitchell had the ball 37 times so his impact was also significant. Priddis played a great game for the Eagles and Kennedy was the avenue to goal for West Coast kicking 4. Rumour has it that Whoosha's coaching position is in doubt but maybe he can get the West Coast to a reasonable position if they can maintain this early season form. If the Hawks are on the second line of betting for the premiership then for the Pies it's a cakewalk!

 

Port Adelaide14.14.98 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66

Well who would have thought? At the end of the first quarter it was a question of Adelaide by how much. After the first quarter there was a total form reversal by both teams with Port, who were down by 5 goals kicking 14 while the Crows kicked 5, allowing Port to win by 5 goals. Rodan was a real spark for the Power but Westhoff with 2 goals, 10 marks and 24 touches won man of the match award. Port's miserable start to the season looks a lot brighter with games against the Suns and North to come but Adelaide looks like repeating last year's start as they have to play Carlton and St Kilda.

 

Geelong 11.15.81 defeated Sydney 7.12.54

The game was played in wet, tough conditions and that was a telling factor for Sydney who has had 3 tough games and a trip to the west. Geelong was far too good in the end and remains undefeated, like Collingwood, at the end of 4 rounds. Chapman and Johnson were match winners for the Cats and Jacks and Kennedy tried hard for the Swans. It's possible that Johno's mark might win him mark of the year although it's a bit early to say. Geelong has a tough one against Hawthorn next week and Sydney gets a bye.

 

Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Gold Coast 9.15.69

The Suns kicked their highest score and also won a quarter of football. All good signs for the Gold Coast but it would have been too much to think they would finish a lot closer than they did. Some much needed percentage for the Demons, another lesson for the Suns. An 8 goal to 1 last quarter was extremely disappointing for Gold Coast. There's nothing like urinating in public to give a guy motivation to play great footy and Brent Maloney of Melbourne showed why he should be re-instated as vice captain. He had 32 possessions and kicked a goal and was ably assisted by Trengrove a 2^nd year player for the Dees. Swallow for the Suns showed his class but with Ablett and Brown missing from their side Gold Coast were going to struggle even more. Melbourne also has a bye next week and Gold Coast…..well it doesn't matter does it?

 

Fremantle 18.19.127 defeated North Melbourne 14.14.98

As expected the Dockers took a while to shake North Melbourne off but they played a premiership 3^rd quarter which gave them a match winning lead. A nice start to the season for Freo and it's still disastrous for North. The Dockers lost another player with a broken leg, not a common injury in football so a bit unlucky. Young Nick Suban was going okay for them as well before that tragic injury. Pavlich was dominant with 34 possessions and Ballantyne kicked 4 goals for the Dockers. Swallow was the best for North. Freo gets another game at home when they play the Western Bulldogs.

 

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[AFL-Preview] Round 4

AFL Preview Round 4

 

17 / 24 = 70.8%

While the weather starts cooling down in Australia in Northern China we are experiencing some welcome, warm days. 25 today, while completely unexpected as it was 5 last week with a wind chill of -3, was fantastic and people, like hibernating bears, emerged from their apartment blocks and took to the streets to shop at recently set up roadside stalls, play cards on street corners, mah-jong in apartment courtyards and exercise in the parks on state provided gymnasium equipment. Bicycles and scooters have appeared on the streets and sidewalks in their hundreds. This city is only small with about 2.2 million but you get a better idea of just how many people that really is when they all decide to come outside into the summer weather. There is a distinct lack of AFL conversation on the street corners and inside shops and restaurants, probably due to the fact that (a) I cannot understand a word they are saying and (b) it's doubtful that AFL football holds a leading edge in the conversational interest of a Chinese person. While I would like to think that the confrontational stares I get as I walk down the streets is due to the Collingwood premiership t-shirt I am wearing I am sure it's more likely because there are so few foreigners in this part of the world so we are an oddity and in fact, probably more than 50% of the population in Heilongjiang Province have never even seen a white Caucasian, except maybe in Harbin, the capital of the area, because that city is overrun with Russians and incidentally has a population of around 9 million!!

If the AFL really wanted to expand their franchise I would suggest a foray into China might have some possibilities because let's face it, if only 5% of the population took to the greatest game on earth that would be an additional audience of 75 million!! I'm doing my bit to promote teams but the kids here do not know what a magpie, hawk, eagle or swan is let alone bombers, power, blues, suns and dockers! Lions and tigers? No problem. If North Melbourne continues to have identity difficulties I strongly suggest a name change to the Pandas with a move of training camp from Arden street to Beijing and let's see the rush for membership tickets then! I need a football here too, a Sherrin with pump,  because my opportunity to teach an outdoor game today resulted in a lesson in tunnel ball, an old favourite but hardly an introduction to the game of Aussie Rules. I think I have a long way to go because the girls' team beat the boys….convincingly.

In the first 3 rounds of AFL we can all agree that the surprise is the form of Essendon and St Kilda which is causing tipsters some teething problems. However, if the current form of both these teams continues then it will certainly add a bit of spice into the tipping results. Will the Bombers lighten up? Will the Saints intensify? Only 7 games this weekend because we have 3 teams taking a bye so if anybody tells you they got eight correct over round 4 you know they are full of it! Good luck.

 

Richmond V Collingwood at the MCG Friday night

The Tigers were given a football lesson last week against Hawthorn and it's safe to say that school is back in on Friday night with Collingwood taking over the tutoring from where the Hawks left off. It's very hard to see how the Richmond midfield can beat their Collingwood counterparts considering the class the Pies have in that area. Dawes and Cloke and even Blair up forward will challenge most backlines. The Tigers need to get the ball as often as possible to Riewoldt to have any chance…not to win, but to lessen the margin.

Collingwood by 60

 

Hawthorn V West Coast at Aurora Saturday

The Eagles will lose their competitive edge if they continue with injuries although even with their best 22 they would struggle to win this game against the Hawks. West Coast has been surprising with their two wins so far, particularly the win against Port in Adelaide but beating Hawthorn at Aurora is a bit beyond them albeit they have won here twice. The Eagles will win the ruck contests but that might be about it. Buddy and Roughead up forward will challenge the Eagle backline and there is the return of Rioli to contend with as well.

Hawthorn by 41

 

Carlton V Essendon at the MCG Saturday

This is certainly the game of the round and we can expect about 70,000 at the MCG to watch the contest. The Bombers have beaten the Saints and the Bulldogs, both supposedly better teams than Carlton so logical thinking leans towards an Essendon win. Maybe. Jobe Watson is doing most of the centre clearances on his own and he comes up against Judd, Scotland and Murphy. There might be just a bit too much experience in the Blues line up but don't underestimate the Bombers in this game.

Carlton by 22

 

Sydney V Geelong at the SCG Saturday night

The Swans have somehow worked their way into 3^rd position on the ladder and they play Geelong who is second. It's conceivable Sydney could win and expect a close game but Geelong will be a tough nut to crack for most teams this year. They have surprised many with their early season form as has Sydney. Goodes, apart from his first game, is in great form and in the company of Jacks and Bolton the team is going great guns early. The Cats have a few players like Bartel, Ling since his return, Kelley, Selwood after his concussion and Varcoe also in good form but Stevie Johnson probably needs to lift. Could we have another draw?

Geelong by 19

 

Port Adelaide V Adelaide at AAMI Saturday night

It's the SA derby and neither team is travelling too well. When in doubt pick the home team? Hmmm, can't say that either. The tip is Adelaide but there is no sane reason for the selection. The teams both hold low ladder positions but like all derbies expect a bit of passion in the play as city pride is on the line again.

Adelaide by 29

 

Gold Coast V Melbourne at the Gabba Sunday

The Suns have a couple of games experience in the big time and they meet Melbourne who narrowly beat the Brisbane Lions last week. Gold Coast won't be beaten by 12 goals this week but they won't win either. Campbell Brown didn't do the Suns any favours last week with some onfield stupidity that will see him missing for the next four games, an absence that a team like the Suns, lacking experienced players, can ill afford. Gold Coast need to establish a bit of pride and Melbourne needs to gain a bit of momentum.

Melbourne by 36

 

Fremantle V North Melbourne at Subiaco Sunday

The Dockers have won both their away games and were beaten at home by Geelong. Fremantle needs to account for weaker teams at Subiaco and while North almost beat the Eagles here in game one Freo should be too strong. It will be interesting to see whether a bye helps North recover from a Collingwood flogging and also helps them to travel to Subiaco (darned if I can call it Patterson stadium, I wasn't in Perth and don't even know why it was changed)twice in 4 weeks, a trip that is a killer once a year let alone twice a month! Harvs gave a few of his team mates a serve last week which didn't get good press and conversely the Dockers won the game against Adelaide last week without Sandilands who was injured early. They did it for Pav I reckon. It won't be easy for Freo but that's the tip.

Fremantle by 28

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[AFL-Review] ROUND 3

AFL Review Round 3

 

Collingwood 15.12.102 defeated Carlton 11.8.74

The result was as expected by those that understand their footy and Carlton supporters will go away thinking their team did okay because they didn't get rolled by 10 goals. Margin aside the result was still the same and Collingwood did enough to win the game in the second quarter. Centrelines probably broke even but the second tier Collingwood players were far too good. Shaw, Blair and O'Brien. A home and away record crowd turned up, some 88,000 plus, to see the Pies do what they do best lately – win. Funnily enough the coaches had opposite feelings to the result. Mick said he was unhappy and Ratten said he was happy? Go figure. The Pies face Richmond next week and Carlton have a tough one against a vastly improved Essendon a game at which you can expect another big crowd.

 

Western Bulldogs 18.14.122 defeated Gold Coast Suns 7.9.51

A fairly clinical display by the Western Bulldogs and the margin was under 100 points. Ablett back to his best with a great game for the Suns, Barry Hall kicked 5 and Cross finished with just under 40 possessions for the Bulldogs. It was just another game under the belts of the young Suns' players. Moving on. Commentary team thought the Bulldogs are not as good a team as they were a couple of years ago. With games won against Brisbane and the Suns it's hard to say because they were belted by Essendon in week 1. Where to the Suns? Well, they are not in the competition to win the flag this year. They just need the games experience including how to keep their banner together before the team emerges from the race. The Suns meet Melbourne next week and the Bulldogs will enjoy a bye.

 

Fremantle 11.13.79 defeated Adelaide Crows 7.12.54

Tipsters might have to rethink their assessment of either Fremantle or Adelaide based on that result. Sandilands injured and a few other key players out and the Dockers still accounted for the Crows easily. Pavlich broke the Fremantle playing record with his 239^th game and some of their players really stood up in a game that not many gave them a chance of winning. Kepler Bradley, Ballantyne, Fyfe all contributed and Hill was in scintillating form. Adelaide beat the Hawks last week? How? They play the home derby against Port next week and Fremantle might be able to consolidate with a win over North at home.

 

Hawthorn 17.13.115 defeated Richmond 6.16.52

The game was virtually over at quarter time when the Hawks had a 6 goal lead. It didn't get better for the Tigers after that either and the final margin was just the 10 goals probably due to the wet weather. Pundits now have Hawthorn on the second rung for betting in the premiership stakes behind Collingwood. Richmond just doesn't have the players to really mix it with the top teams although a more spirited display will get them a better result. Buddy booted 5 and Roughead kicked 3 and when these two Hawthorn forwards can kick 8 goals between them they usually win. Considering the Tigers drew with St Kilda and Adelaide beat Hawthorn it sure makes tipping form hard to follow.

 

Sydney Swans 15.11.101 defeated West Coast 13.10.88

Sydney found some untapped energy in the last 10 minutes of the game to come from 2 goals down to kick the next 4 goals. The match was close all the way through which is the norm for these two teams but a home ground loss to a team of about equal standing is not a good result for the Eagles. Goodes and his experienced crew turned this game around in the last few minutes and there's nothing like experience to help you win the tight ones. Sydney will have to play even better to win their next game against Geelong and the Eagles fly to Hobart to be beaten by the Hawks.

 

Melbourne 12.10.82 defeated Brisbane 11.5.71

The Demons took a looonng time to get over the top of the Lions but were finally able to register their first win. Not a game you would put into your great games of footy DVD collection but for tipsters an expected result. Melbourne coach Bailey was not a happy camper stating that his team was just not applying itself regardless of the win. Liam Jurrah was a shining light up forward with 5 goals for the Dees and Luke Power kicked 4 for the Lions. Nice to have him back said Voss.

 

Geelong 17.20.122 defeated Port Adelaide 6.7.43

The Cats made a slow start as the youthful enthusiasm of Port players took it up to the Geelong team. But the Cats were able to grind the Power down and eventually run away with a percentage boosting victory which kind of made up for their last two close wins. Goal kickers were evenly spread with no Geelong player kicking more than 2. Kelley racked up 38 possessions and Selwood, back after concussion, had 34. There were 16 Cats who had 20 or more possessions which is an indication of their dominance.  Boak and Pittard tried pretty hard for the Power. Geelong travel to Sydney and Port play their derby game against the Crows.

 

Essendon 21.10.136 defeated St Kilda 12.12.84

Good grief! There's something seriously wrong with both these teams which is going to make tipping hell. It seems the Bombers have come of age and based on that effort they could make the finals. The Saints are winless after 3 rounds! Last year's grand finalists – twice! Jobe Watson was Best On Ground with 33 possessions and 3 goals even though he was being tagged by Goddard, not a bad player himself at times. Reiwoldt was okay up front for the Saints until he smacked his head into the ground from a pack mark after which he did not contribute a lot, but, then again, neither did the rest of the team. Blockbuster next week for the Bombers against Carlton and I wouldn't be betting my mortgage payment on the Blues either in that game. Saints will be looking forward to their bye next week.

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[AFL-Preview] Round 3

AFL Preview Round 3

 

Collingwood V Carlton at the MCG Friday night

Both teams undefeated sitting 1 and 2 on the ladder. It's an AFL promoter's dream. Blockbuster!! Unfortunately the dream will turn into a nightmare for Carlton. In round 18 last year the Pies at one stage of that game were 12 goals ahead and went on, easing up, to win by 8 goals plus. What has changed since then? Swan and Judd, Pendlebury and Murphy, O'Brien and Gibbs. For every Carlton champion player there is an equivalent Collingwood player. So when you look at the next rung we can continue to name Collingwood players but not their equal Carlton player. Assuming the champs nullify each other in that they are as effective as each other then there seems to be more Magpies on that next level that will help them win this game. Depth they call it.

Collingwood by 30

 

Western Bulldogs V Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Saturday

The good news for the Suns is that they formed a team to join the AFL. Bad news is that they have to play 16 other teams and not a get a bye each week. This will be week two of an ongoing, hard initiation in season 1. A loss by less than 50 points will be a plus but they would have learnt a lot from last week. If some of the Gold Coast big names can contribute more then they might avoid a 100 point flogging.

Western Bulldogs by 72

 

Adelaide V Fremantle at AAMI Saturday

The Dockers let a great chance slip last week when they kicked poorly to lose to the Cats at home and meeting the Crows at home is not a good recovery game. They will struggle to win this but we can expect a close game. The injury list at Freo is looking a little ominous and as a team they cannot afford to lose too many of their front line players. Pavlich will become the highest game player for the Dockers this week and it will be a record hard to beat as he still has a few seasons left in him. Both teams have a good young list so it will be interesting to see how the two teams fare during the year. But it's Adelaide for me at home.

Adelaide by 10

 

Richmond V Hawthorn at the MCG Saturday night

Great effort by the Tigers last week to draw with the Saints. They should acquit themselves well again in this match and with Rioli out for the Hawks their chances have improved. However, reality says that Richmond is still not good enough to beat Hawthorn. The Tigers did alright without Reiwoldt as the spearhead after he was concussed early in the game and maybe Richmond get too Jack focused. It's an interesting argument and how does the coach react this week? I just can't see the Richmond backline stopping Buddy and Roughead enough times to win the game.

Hawthorn by 21

 

West Coast V Sydney at Subiaco

Another West Coast injury to one of their better players Beau Waters doesn't help their cause. Swans and the Eagles always put up a good scrap but can the Swans handle another close one? Can the Eagles? Will we get another draw? After a hard game last week and the travel west Sydney might struggle in the last quarter. Goodes, Bolton and O'Keefe were stand outs in their last gasp draw against the Bombers last week and it's the veterans at West Coast as well in Cox and Embley that have been playing well. The history of the two clubs indicates a close game.

West Coast by 14

 

Melbourne V Brisbane Lions at the MCG Sunday

When a cancer battler like Stynes gives the Demons a serve for their insipid second half effort last week you can bet there will be a reaction strong enough to make Melbourne try harder this week. Fortunately for them they play the Brisbane Lions so it's almost a guaranteed win. A bleak day last week for the Lions and it won't get a lot better after a day in Melbourne at the MCG.

Melbourne by 31

 

Geelong V Port Adelaide at Skilled on Sunday

It's almost impossible to give Port a chance to win this game so we won't and neither will the Cats. Geelong was supposed to be getting older and slower but they have 2 wins from 2 games and look okay. They will be there in September. Port is in a rebuild stage and an early phase of that as well. No hope to beat Geelong at Skilled where the Cats haven't lost since 2007 against…..well…it was Port Adelaide.

Geelong by 66

 

St Kilda V Essendon

Apparently the Saints are still depressed about their loss in the GF against Collingwood last year hence a lack of motivation. The loss of Lenny Hayes is not good either but the Saints should still be too strong for Essendon whose early season form faltered a little last week when they allowed the Swans to draw a game in which they had a 28 point lead. The Essendon pace might be a problem for the Saints but one would think that some tough games and all that experience will hold them in good stead to win their first game of the season.

Saint Kilda by 29

 

North Melbourne - bye

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[AFL-Review] Round 2

AFL Review Round 2

 

St Kilda 13.17.95 Drew with Richmond 14.11.95

The Saints on fire in the first quarter with Gram and Fisher getting plenty of the ball. Deledio, Grigg and Crotchin best for Richmond. Jack Reiwoldt has been knocked out in the first quarter but they won't substitute him. Milne has kicked almost half the Saints score. The Saints 14 points up at the end of the quarter. The Tigers started the second with a quick goal so the margin is down to 8 points. It's a substitute confusion – Jack is not going to be substituted but Richmond seems to be doing okay without him. Gram has had 16 disposals 10 minutes into the 2^nd quarter. Morton snaps another for Richmond after a deliberate out of bounds call against the Saints so the margin is only 3. Jack has a major fallout with the Richmond medical staff because they won't let him back on the ground. The substitute has taken place!! Jack is out with concussion. Nick Reiwoldt kicks a goal after a lead and a mark. Margin is 8 points. The sub Helbig has kicked a loooong goal for the Tigers. Margin just 2 points. Baaalllll!! Free to Jake King. He kicks the goal and the Tigers have hit the front! Milne marks but shaves the post for a Saints' point. The ball is cleared to the other end and Martin, playing really well, kicks his second goal for the quarter, extending the Richmond lead to 9 points. Tap by McEvoy to Del Santo who snaps a point. McGuane hits Farren Ray high, gets reported and Ray's free kick from 30 metres goes through the middle for a goal. Armitage gets a handball from Milne and kicks a goal. The Saints are back in front. Good clearance and the Tigers get it up forward, Clarke of St Kilda drops a mark allowing Jake King to kick another goal for Richmond putting them back in front by 2 points. Another late goal to the Tigers gives them a half time lead of 7 points and a 7 goal quarter.

Second half start and McEvoy taps to Milne from a stoppage and he strolls in and kicks a goal. Oh no. Lenny Hayes looks like he has done a knee or ankle – real bad. In the meantime Vickery gets a chance for Richmond and kicks an answering goal. Lenny has a bad injury alright. The Saints have called the substitute straight away. Half way through the quarter and the Tigers are dominating. 10 inside 50's to 3 so far but they can't put the Saints away on the scoreboard. Saints make another run into the forward line, Milne bouncing the ball twice but kicks over the head of Reiwoldt and scores a point. McEvoy takes a set shot from 50 but it's another point. A non-decision by the umpires on a Richmond mark which wasn't paid to Morton allows the Saints to clear. Back into the Richmond goal, umpires miss a throw right in front of goal and the Saints clear again. They are under pressure. After 22 minutes both teams have kicked just one goal apiece. Ball is going backwards and forwards between half back lines. Into the Richmond half forward line and a big mark by Morton, he plays on and passes to Cotchin, 20 metres out and he misses. Almost on the siren McEvoy takes a mark for the Saints and slots it for a goal. It's a 3 point margin at the last break. Deledio has 21 touches to three quarter time and Grigg 20 for Richmond. Armitage, Gram and Del Santo all  have over 20 disposals for the Saints who laid 30 tackles that quarter which certainly helped them keep the Tigers within reach. It has started raining during the break so scoring might be a bit harder in the last. Can the Tigers cause a huge upset? A quick clearance by the Saints and Milne just misses again for a point. Baaaalll!  Tigers pinged for holding and Montagna takes the free from 30 out and he misses as well. Margin is down to a point. Big kick for goal by Richmond is not touched and goes through the big ones. Rebound from the Tiger forward line and a spilled Goddard mark drops into Reiwoldt's hand and he puts it through for a goal. Another point for the Saints after the bounce and the scores are level. Gram puts it long into the forward line, Goddard can't take it, scramble in the Saints' forward line, the Tigers clear, work it into their forward line, Ray tries to make the ball safe and Martin takes the fumbled ball and slots it through for a goal! Back into the Richmond goal square after the bounce, Saints clear to the half forward line, then up into their own forward line, the umpire calls deliberate rush through the points on McGuane and Reiwoldt has the free. He kicks truly. The scores are level again. Clearance goes back into the Saints' forward line, Milne breaks clear and kicks his fourth goal putting the Saints 6 points ahead. Back into  the Richmond forward line, handball after handball and finally to Grigg from a standing start has kicked a goal. Scores are level again. Ball bounced, the Tigers push into their forward line again, handball comes to Edwards but his kick is touched on the line. A one point lead to the Tigers. Free kick to Richmond 60 out and the kick is marked by Grigg. Rain is getting heavier. Grigg misses the goal!!! 6 minutes left. The Saints clear it right to their forward line and Goddard kicks it low, the ball skids along the wet ground, heads toward goal and Blake races in and makes sure of it. The Saints get the lead. Richmond forces the ball forward, Nahas takes possession but in a hurry he kicks it out on the full. The Tigers push forward again but Morton gets Fisher in the kidneys with a stupid free and the Saints clear. Ball comes back, Fisher clears again. Richmond keeps pressing, they need a goal with 3 minutes of play left. A Richmond free to Astbury, a scramble in the goal square, ball up. Desperate play but finally Jackson for Richmond snaps an incredible goal and put the Tigers in front with 2 minutes left. After the bounce the ball is cleared by the Saints and Archer marks for St Kilda 40 metres out. He misses. 1 point the difference! Montagna gets possession after the kick out and passes to Milne. Can he kick his 5^th? Noooo, he's missed. The scores are level with 40 seconds left. Ball is out of bounds a few metres from the Saints' goal, scramble for the ball, time's up. It's a draw!!! Another draw at the G!! Incredible.

 

Collingwood 21.17.143 Defeated North Melbourne 7.14.56

North was totally outclassed and actually did worse than Port Power did the previous week against Collingwood. The result might put the Pies on top with percentage but let's see how big a margin Carlton can win by. Scott, North's coach, for some reason didn't tag Swan and Pendlebury and paid the penalty as these two players amassed 40 and 37 possessions respectively. Harvey played better this week but overall it would have been a disappointing result and effort by North. They have the bye next week.

 

West Coast 16.20.116 Defeated Port Adelaide 15.8.98

Commentators said last week that they thought Port Adelaide might be the worst team in the competition. After that result against the Eagles they might be right. The final margin flattered the Power and more accurate kicking by West Coast would have resulted in a big win. Veteran Eagle Andrew Embley is showing some champagne form early in the season and his 20 plus possessions and 4 goals, ably assisted by Shuey and Dean Cox helped West Coast beat Port at AAMi for the first time in 13 years! Port's problems were exacerbated with a bad knee injury to their captain Cassisi who will be sidelined for about 6 weeks. Daniel Kerr returned to the Eagles side after almost a year absent and eventually worked his way into the game. West Coast looks a little better after that win and will face Sydney next week at home. Port travel to Geelong and will have to work hard to avoid a thrashing.

 

Carlton 26.15.171 Defeated Gold Coast 7.10.52

This is not the start the new team of the AFL was hoping for. A 119 point thrashing seems to either indicate that they will not be competitive or that Carlton was in a zone for the night. Or maybe it was a bit of both. Not a lot can be said for the Suns. Carlton will have a better idea of just where they are this year when they meet Collingwood next Friday night. Chris Judd celebrated his 200^th game with 29 possessions and 2 goals and Murphy and Gibbs both had over 30 touches each. Garlett kicked 4 for the Blues along with Thornton who kicked 4. Daniel Harris and Rischitelli worked hard for their team but the Suns were outgunned across the ground. Karmichael Hunt did not debut well but it's early days. It doesn't get easier for Gold Coast who face the Bulldogs next week and I suspect another 100 point defeat.

 

Geelong 13.11.89 Defeated Fremantle 10.18.78

The game was tight right throughout and the Dockers had an untold number of chances to get ahead of the Cats in the last quarter but they just kept kicking points. For them to miss reasonably easy set shots in front of goal cost them the game. Bartel was all class during the night and kicked what was the deciding goal late in the last. Pavlich and Mundy were the best for the Dockers. Bradley is giving them a bit of a target up forward and Ballantyne works hard with pace as their small forward. To lose at home is a setback for Fremantle and they will be hard pressed to beat Adelaide next week at AAMI. Geelong has it a lot easier with Port Adelaide at Skilled.

 

Western Bulldogs 19.9.123 Defeated Brisbane 6.9.45

The Bulldogs showed that maybe last week was a glitch in their early season form although playing Brisbane is probably not a true indication of how good they might be. Teams travelling north of Sydney this year look like having easy games with the Lions and Suns really at rock bottom for competitiveness based on the results this week. Not a lot can be said for the Lions who were without Jonathon Brown for the first week of many after his face injury last week. The Bullies dominated in the centre with Cooney playing well alongside Griffen and Boyd. Second game player Tom Liberatore also made an impact and will be a great acquisition for the Bulldogs. It was surprising that Barry Hall could contribute only 3 goals and he was subbed off at three quarter time with what looked like a back problem. Voss is in for a long, hard season with the Lions while The Western Bulldogs showed what most pundits forecast for them at the season start. They have another percentage booster against the Suns next week before and Brisbane meet Melbourne at the MCG.

 

Sydney 14.14.98 Defeated Essendon 13.15.93

Almost the only time the Swans were ahead in that game was 25 minutes into the last quarter.  A reality check for the Bombers who were tipped by most to continue their winning way and another heart stopping close one for Sydney. No wonder Roos stopped coaching, nerves would be shot to pieces. This was a real pressure game of footy particularly in the last 10 minutes when the scores  were close and it was anybody's game.  Goodes made up for a poor game last week against Melbourne and when he went into the centre Sydney looked a little better. Jobe Watson continued his great form winning a lot of the ball and driving the Bombers forward. At one stage of the game Essendon held a 28 point lead and the Swans showed a lot of courage to whittle that lead back and eventually run out winners. Sydney heads to Perth next week to play the West Coast in what will be a hard one to win and Essendon play St Kilda.

 

Hawthorn 16.26.122 Defeated Melbourne 12.5.77

Just looking at the number of scoring shots for each team tells the story of the game. Had Hawthorn kicked accurately the game was over at quarter time. Had the Hawks kicked accurately the Demons would have been embarrassed. It's hard to believe that Melbourne led 8.3 to 3.13 at half time as a result of goal front inaccuracy by the Hawks. But after the long break Hawthorn kicked 13 goals to the Demon's 4 in the second half sealing the game in the third quarter. Rioli turned it on for Hawthorn ably assisted by Suckling. Buddy managed only 2 goals for his team and Burgoyne kicked a handy 4. Tapscott was the best for the Dees. The Hawks face the Tigers next week and Melbourne should beast the Lions at the MCG.

 

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