Tips for Round Eight
May 15th 2008 15:50
So I'm thinking of turning this into a regular segment in my blog. I feel I have some authority to dictate tips, as I came equal first in my hotly contested competition last year. Be warned though - sometimes I run with fairly wild theories that almost pay off, but you don't get points for that...
Collingwood v St Kilda
Both teams have significant players out, especially St Kilda, so their depth are being tested. St Kilda has better players replacing them, with the likes of Steven King, Leigh Fisher, Max Hudghton and Jason Blake all inclusions. Collingwood, on the other hand, throws Chris Bryan into starting ruck, and has second-gamer Sharrod Wellingham in the team as well.
Collingwood just seems to be on a downward slide, whereas St Kilda can't afford to be on theirs much longer.
St Kilda by 7 points.
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Both teams have been treated fairly well by the injury gods. While the Hawks have Hodge out and the Power are missing Chad Cornes, the rest of their lists remain largely intact. The Hawks are in sensationaly form, and are coming of a big win over the Magpies. The game is in Tasmania, traditionally Hawthorn's happy hunting ground, but the Power did take the points there last time they met.
Port were convincing last week against the Bombers, but are yet to really challenge any of the main contenders this year. This game will be a good litmus test for where the Power are at in 2008... and I don't think it will be a good sign.
Hawthorn by 28 points.
Richmond v Geelong
Don't we all remember what happened last time? Most likely, Richmond fans conveniently don't!
I don't think the Cats will have as happy a time as they did then, but they will still take the points. The addition of Gary Ablett will only help their cause, while Joel Bowden is a welcome recall for the Tigers. He will have his work cut out for him, as any defender does against the all-conquering Cats.
Geelong had several players in the Hall of Fame tribute match, but I don't see that affecting their performance this weekend.
Geelong by 41 points.
Carlton v Brisbane
A glance over my recent posts will remind you that I am warming to Carlton and their style of play since Brett Ratten took over. They welcome back Richard Hadley to play against his old side. Brisbane have included some big names, Brown and Black head the list, but have omitted some solid contributors like Leuenberger, Copeland and Henderson which may hinder their cause, especially as they try to improve their youth.
This game will come down to the midfield. Both sides have power forwards that could exploit each others' weakish defences, it just depends on who can get the ball inside 50 the most. Brisbane have made a mistake in omitting a ruckman.
Carlton by 9 points.
North Melbourne v West Coast
How quick we are to write the Eagles off! Sure, they may be missing Cousins, Kerr and Judd, but their midfield still boasts Embley, Priddis, Stenglein, Cox and Rosa. That said, their forwards and defence still have their L-plates on and if Quentin Lynch continues to shoot for goal as he did against the Blues the Eagles will continue to lose.
The Kangaroos, on the other hand, have strength at all ends of the ground in some unheralded heores (Watt, Harding, McMahon, Jones), but are very tall. If the Eagles can take advantage of their running game they will leave the Kangaroos with only a few players to contribute.
Neither team will have the crowd advantage... as there won't be a crowd at all! Don't be surprised if the Eagles get up, but it's just not a safe bet.
North Melbourne by 3 points.
Adelaide v Melbourne
Of all the games Melbourne could hope to follow up their maiden victory with, a trip to Adelaide was probably last on their wishlist.
The Crows have some serious talent running around on the ground. Melbourne simply don't. They may be 50 points down again at half time, but don't expect miracle turnarounds this week. Adelaide just have class that the Dees had years ago, but not today.
Make an Adelaide player your DreamTeam captain.
Adelaide by 30 points.
Sydney v Essendon
Essendon have some industrial strength inclusions this week, in the form of Fletcher, McVeigh, Ramanauskas and Laycock. They will miss McPhee and Lovett-Murray, though.
All eyes will be on Sydney and Nick Malceski's knee, the defender set to play just 11 weeks after reconstructive surgery. In the event he doesn't end up playing, which I would say is likely, the Swans still have the depth and the discipline to play matchwinning football, and shouldn't be tested by the Dons who are quite clearly rebuilding.
Sydney by 17 points.
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
Too few Dockers are carrying too many others. Big names such as Pavlich and Sandilands, and even youngsters like Palmer and Ibbotson are lugging a burdensome load, and it will only be a matter of time before the axe is harshly wielded over at Freo.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are playing outstanding football, regularly registering ten or more goalkickers and currently leading the league in points scored.
Subiaco is no longer a guaranteed loss, and the Dogs have learned from last season. You would be a brave punter to back the Dockers.
Western Bulldogs by 22 points.
Collingwood v St Kilda
Both teams have significant players out, especially St Kilda, so their depth are being tested. St Kilda has better players replacing them, with the likes of Steven King, Leigh Fisher, Max Hudghton and Jason Blake all inclusions. Collingwood, on the other hand, throws Chris Bryan into starting ruck, and has second-gamer Sharrod Wellingham in the team as well.
St Kilda by 7 points.
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Both teams have been treated fairly well by the injury gods. While the Hawks have Hodge out and the Power are missing Chad Cornes, the rest of their lists remain largely intact. The Hawks are in sensationaly form, and are coming of a big win over the Magpies. The game is in Tasmania, traditionally Hawthorn's happy hunting ground, but the Power did take the points there last time they met.
Port were convincing last week against the Bombers, but are yet to really challenge any of the main contenders this year. This game will be a good litmus test for where the Power are at in 2008... and I don't think it will be a good sign.
Hawthorn by 28 points.
Richmond v Geelong
Don't we all remember what happened last time? Most likely, Richmond fans conveniently don't!
I don't think the Cats will have as happy a time as they did then, but they will still take the points. The addition of Gary Ablett will only help their cause, while Joel Bowden is a welcome recall for the Tigers. He will have his work cut out for him, as any defender does against the all-conquering Cats.
Geelong by 41 points.
Carlton v Brisbane
A glance over my recent posts will remind you that I am warming to Carlton and their style of play since Brett Ratten took over. They welcome back Richard Hadley to play against his old side. Brisbane have included some big names, Brown and Black head the list, but have omitted some solid contributors like Leuenberger, Copeland and Henderson which may hinder their cause, especially as they try to improve their youth.
This game will come down to the midfield. Both sides have power forwards that could exploit each others' weakish defences, it just depends on who can get the ball inside 50 the most. Brisbane have made a mistake in omitting a ruckman.
Carlton by 9 points.
North Melbourne v West Coast
How quick we are to write the Eagles off! Sure, they may be missing Cousins, Kerr and Judd, but their midfield still boasts Embley, Priddis, Stenglein, Cox and Rosa. That said, their forwards and defence still have their L-plates on and if Quentin Lynch continues to shoot for goal as he did against the Blues the Eagles will continue to lose.
The Kangaroos, on the other hand, have strength at all ends of the ground in some unheralded heores (Watt, Harding, McMahon, Jones), but are very tall. If the Eagles can take advantage of their running game they will leave the Kangaroos with only a few players to contribute.
Neither team will have the crowd advantage... as there won't be a crowd at all! Don't be surprised if the Eagles get up, but it's just not a safe bet.
North Melbourne by 3 points.
Adelaide v Melbourne
Of all the games Melbourne could hope to follow up their maiden victory with, a trip to Adelaide was probably last on their wishlist.
The Crows have some serious talent running around on the ground. Melbourne simply don't. They may be 50 points down again at half time, but don't expect miracle turnarounds this week. Adelaide just have class that the Dees had years ago, but not today.
Make an Adelaide player your DreamTeam captain.
Adelaide by 30 points.
Sydney v Essendon
Essendon have some industrial strength inclusions this week, in the form of Fletcher, McVeigh, Ramanauskas and Laycock. They will miss McPhee and Lovett-Murray, though.
All eyes will be on Sydney and Nick Malceski's knee, the defender set to play just 11 weeks after reconstructive surgery. In the event he doesn't end up playing, which I would say is likely, the Swans still have the depth and the discipline to play matchwinning football, and shouldn't be tested by the Dons who are quite clearly rebuilding.
Sydney by 17 points.
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
Too few Dockers are carrying too many others. Big names such as Pavlich and Sandilands, and even youngsters like Palmer and Ibbotson are lugging a burdensome load, and it will only be a matter of time before the axe is harshly wielded over at Freo.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are playing outstanding football, regularly registering ten or more goalkickers and currently leading the league in points scored.
Subiaco is no longer a guaranteed loss, and the Dogs have learned from last season. You would be a brave punter to back the Dockers.
Western Bulldogs by 22 points.
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