Matt PoyntingAFL Round 15 Previews
July 10th 2008 02:30
With the half-way point of the season gone, there are a few teams now striving for a finals berth. Let's preview all the action for Round 15 of the AFL
Friday July 11, 2008 - Telstra Dome, 7:10pm
ST KILDA vs. CARLTON
Should be a very good game. Both sides are now making a real bid for the 8, more than halfway through the season. Stephen Milne returned two weeks ago to kick 4 goals and has once again found his place in the side. With the solid win over the improved Kangaroos, Saints find themselves in 8th on the ladder once again. The Blues came away with a good 30-point win over Richmond before having two week’s break. They come into this game with a hope of being in the top 8 at its conclusion. The Blues have not been in the 8 this far into a season since 2001. Of course, Chris Judd will be one to watch while Brendan Fevola will remain a threat up forward as he strives for a Coleman Medal.
Tip: Carlton by 3
Saturday 12 July, 2008 – MCG, 2:10pm
COLLINGWOOD vs. ADELAIDE
As Adelaide plummeted to 6th on the ladder with their thumping at the hands of Geelong last week, Collingwood found themselves once again in the hunt for the top 4 on Sunday morning after sitting in 7th the day before. The 5th placed Magpies derailed the Swans away from home and will thrive on what should be a large home crowd. In the past, these two teams have built a rivalry based on the Crows defeat by the Pies in the Preliminary Final of 2002. For the Crows, Simon Goodwin was at his best, picking up 34 disposals, while Brett Burton only kicked 1 goal – a number he has become familiar with over the past few weeks.
Collingwood’s Alan Didak and Dane Swan both had great games last week and will be a threat for the Pies. Paul Medhurst has been quiet of recent after a brilliant start to the season. He and Travis Cloke must fire to secure the win for the Magpies.
Tip: Collingwood by 32
Saturday 12 July, 2008 – Skilled Stadium, 2:10pm
GEELONG vs. FREMANTLE
A monumental mismatch here as basement dwellers Fremantle take on all-powerful league leaders Geelong. Jimmy Bartel picked up a colossal 41 disposals last week and the Brownlow Medallist is hitting form in a big way. Corey Enright and Joel Corey both had great games against Adelaide and it seems the Cats are just unstoppable at the moment. Fremantle went down to a spirited Essendon two weeks ago where Matthew Pavlich kicked 6 goals. Chris Tarrant has also finally hit a good patch of form and kicked 2 last week. The key for the Dockers may lie in their 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands who collected 45 hit-outs in that game. Des Headland and Luke McPharlin may both be out for this game.
It is interesting to note that last time these two teams played, in round 6, the Cats recovered from a huge deficit to win by a mere 2 points. Different story here though as the location is the very unwelcoming Skilled Stadium.
Tip: Geelong by 49
Saturday July 12, 2008 – Telstra Dome, 7:10pm
ESSENDON vs. BRISBANE LIONS
Essendon have won 3-in-a-row thanks to their nailbiting victory over Fremantle in a thriller two weeks ago. Will the break slow them down? Matthew Lloyd went missing in action again after his 4 against Carlton the week before. He only managed 1. Scott Lucas kicked 2 and will be a threat this week while Dustin Fletcher is also available for selection. Essendon’s only woe is that their 3 consecutive victories have come against West Coast, Carlton and Fremantle. Hardly powerhouse teams. The Bombers will struggle against the Lions, who don’t mind playing away from home. Their line-up rivals those of most top 8 teams with Simon Black in Brownlow form, Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw kicking buckets every week and Luke Power also providing a spark in the backs and midfield. Essendon’s supposed ‘late charge’ to the finals will be derailed here. Travis Johnstone returns for the Lions.
Tip: Brisbane by 30
Saturday July 12, 2008 – AAMI Stadium, 7:10pm
PORT ADELAIDE vs. NORTH MELBOURNE
Port were humiliated last game by the Western Bulldogs and are losing support from even their Coach Mark Williams who has repeatedly enforced that his side ‘will not make the playoffs’. This is a very worrying sign for the Power and their woes may continue against a North side determined to return to the 8. The Kangaroos suffered a painful loss to inconsistent St Kilda and can only reach 9th if they win here. Port Adelaide are always a dangerous side – even despite their 13th placing on the ladder. Their line-up allows for punters to back them, even in situations when it seems they are no chance. The Kornes brothers, Shaun Burgoyne, Warren Tredrea and Daniel Motlop always provide some lift to their side. Shannon Grant, Brent Harvey and Nathan Thompson will be the ones to watch on Saturday night. Due to Port’s inconsistency, I can’t go past North here.
Tip: North Melbourne by 16
Sunday July 13, 2008 – MCG, 1:10pm
HAWTHORN vs. SYDNEY
A top of the table clash and it doesn’t get much better than this. A great offensive side comes up against a great defensive side in what should be the match of the round. Sydney’s forwards let the Pies get away last week but I believe that with Barry Hall stood down indefinitely, a huge chunk of distraction will be removed from the game. Hall attended training which is supposed to have boosted team morale and they will come into this game with a hunger for victory. The Hawks have been beaten only twice this year which has earned most of its players movie star status in the football states. Although the Hawks will possibly missing Brad Sewell, Stuart Dew and Chance Bateman, the trio of Lance Franklin, Jaryd Roughhead and Luke Hodge make up one of the best forward lines in Hawks history. Add to that Sam Mitchell, Brent Guerra, Trent Croad and Cyril Rioli and suddenly you have a team that is very, very hard to beat. The Western Bulldogs did it through their midfield and defensive work. The Swans will need to do the same. Luckily, the two areas that stand out for the Swans are their defense – led by All-Australian Craig Bolton and Leo Barry – and their midfield with the return of Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Martin Mattner and Jude Bolton. The forward line is not a problem either for the Swans with Michael O’Loughlin, Ryan O’Keefe and young Kieran Jack very capable. The Swans are away from home which may trouble them, coming up against this calibre of opponent. The Swans will remain in the top 4 even with a loss whereas Hawthorn can slot back into 2nd with a win.
Tip: Hawthorn by 21
Sunday July 13, 2008 – Telstra Dome, 2:10pm
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. MELBOURNE
Not many are giving the Demons a chance here as they come up against the 2nd placed Bulldogs at the Dome, despite the fact that Melbourne pulled off an unthinkable upset over Brisbane last game. The challenge here is far too great for any Cindarella stories though. Jason Akermanis is in scintillating form, as is Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen and of course Adam Cooney. Colin Sylvia and Brad Miller both kicked 4 last game for the Demons but it’s young talent Austin Wonaeamirri that has impressed this year.
The Bulldogs should hold onto 2nd spot on the ladder here.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 58
Sunday 13 July, 2008 – Subiaco Oval, 2:40pm
WEST COAST EAGLES vs. RICHMOND
A dead-rubber game with the Eagles struggling to remove themselves from second last on the ladder while Richmond cannot progress up the ladder even with a win. The Tigers have found themselves in the situation where they are playing to improve their chances of moving up the ladder in future weeks. This is a dangerous position because they have no real immediate motive for winning. They were provided with that motive last week when captain Graeme Polak was hit by a tram on Dandenong Rd in Melbourne. He is still layed up in hospital and although he is recovering, it is likely he has suffered brain damage and whether or not he will be able to live his life again is yet to be seen. The Tigers will be fiercely trying to win for their captain and with players the likes of Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson (who will undergo a hamstring test) and Nathan Foley, they are a definite chance. Although West Coast are hard to beat at Subiaco, they are fighting of the wooden spoon and their former powerhouse players – Cox, Embley, Kerr and Hunter – cannot carry the team on their shoulders alone. They may be boosted by the possible return of key defender David Wirrpanda.
Tip: Richmond by 10
Last Week = 7/8
The preceeding article contains the views entirely of the author and not necessarily those of Orble.com or the AFL.
Friday July 11, 2008 - Telstra Dome, 7:10pm
ST KILDA vs. CARLTON
Should be a very good game. Both sides are now making a real bid for the 8, more than halfway through the season. Stephen Milne returned two weeks ago to kick 4 goals and has once again found his place in the side. With the solid win over the improved Kangaroos, Saints find themselves in 8th on the ladder once again. The Blues came away with a good 30-point win over Richmond before having two week’s break. They come into this game with a hope of being in the top 8 at its conclusion. The Blues have not been in the 8 this far into a season since 2001. Of course, Chris Judd will be one to watch while Brendan Fevola will remain a threat up forward as he strives for a Coleman Medal.
Saturday 12 July, 2008 – MCG, 2:10pm
COLLINGWOOD vs. ADELAIDE
As Adelaide plummeted to 6th on the ladder with their thumping at the hands of Geelong last week, Collingwood found themselves once again in the hunt for the top 4 on Sunday morning after sitting in 7th the day before. The 5th placed Magpies derailed the Swans away from home and will thrive on what should be a large home crowd. In the past, these two teams have built a rivalry based on the Crows defeat by the Pies in the Preliminary Final of 2002. For the Crows, Simon Goodwin was at his best, picking up 34 disposals, while Brett Burton only kicked 1 goal – a number he has become familiar with over the past few weeks.
Collingwood’s Alan Didak and Dane Swan both had great games last week and will be a threat for the Pies. Paul Medhurst has been quiet of recent after a brilliant start to the season. He and Travis Cloke must fire to secure the win for the Magpies.
Saturday 12 July, 2008 – Skilled Stadium, 2:10pm
GEELONG vs. FREMANTLE
A monumental mismatch here as basement dwellers Fremantle take on all-powerful league leaders Geelong. Jimmy Bartel picked up a colossal 41 disposals last week and the Brownlow Medallist is hitting form in a big way. Corey Enright and Joel Corey both had great games against Adelaide and it seems the Cats are just unstoppable at the moment. Fremantle went down to a spirited Essendon two weeks ago where Matthew Pavlich kicked 6 goals. Chris Tarrant has also finally hit a good patch of form and kicked 2 last week. The key for the Dockers may lie in their 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands who collected 45 hit-outs in that game. Des Headland and Luke McPharlin may both be out for this game.
It is interesting to note that last time these two teams played, in round 6, the Cats recovered from a huge deficit to win by a mere 2 points. Different story here though as the location is the very unwelcoming Skilled Stadium.
Tip: Geelong by 49
Saturday July 12, 2008 – Telstra Dome, 7:10pm
ESSENDON vs. BRISBANE LIONS
Essendon have won 3-in-a-row thanks to their nailbiting victory over Fremantle in a thriller two weeks ago. Will the break slow them down? Matthew Lloyd went missing in action again after his 4 against Carlton the week before. He only managed 1. Scott Lucas kicked 2 and will be a threat this week while Dustin Fletcher is also available for selection. Essendon’s only woe is that their 3 consecutive victories have come against West Coast, Carlton and Fremantle. Hardly powerhouse teams. The Bombers will struggle against the Lions, who don’t mind playing away from home. Their line-up rivals those of most top 8 teams with Simon Black in Brownlow form, Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw kicking buckets every week and Luke Power also providing a spark in the backs and midfield. Essendon’s supposed ‘late charge’ to the finals will be derailed here. Travis Johnstone returns for the Lions.
Tip: Brisbane by 30
Saturday July 12, 2008 – AAMI Stadium, 7:10pm
PORT ADELAIDE vs. NORTH MELBOURNE
Port were humiliated last game by the Western Bulldogs and are losing support from even their Coach Mark Williams who has repeatedly enforced that his side ‘will not make the playoffs’. This is a very worrying sign for the Power and their woes may continue against a North side determined to return to the 8. The Kangaroos suffered a painful loss to inconsistent St Kilda and can only reach 9th if they win here. Port Adelaide are always a dangerous side – even despite their 13th placing on the ladder. Their line-up allows for punters to back them, even in situations when it seems they are no chance. The Kornes brothers, Shaun Burgoyne, Warren Tredrea and Daniel Motlop always provide some lift to their side. Shannon Grant, Brent Harvey and Nathan Thompson will be the ones to watch on Saturday night. Due to Port’s inconsistency, I can’t go past North here.
Tip: North Melbourne by 16
Sunday July 13, 2008 – MCG, 1:10pm
HAWTHORN vs. SYDNEY
A top of the table clash and it doesn’t get much better than this. A great offensive side comes up against a great defensive side in what should be the match of the round. Sydney’s forwards let the Pies get away last week but I believe that with Barry Hall stood down indefinitely, a huge chunk of distraction will be removed from the game. Hall attended training which is supposed to have boosted team morale and they will come into this game with a hunger for victory. The Hawks have been beaten only twice this year which has earned most of its players movie star status in the football states. Although the Hawks will possibly missing Brad Sewell, Stuart Dew and Chance Bateman, the trio of Lance Franklin, Jaryd Roughhead and Luke Hodge make up one of the best forward lines in Hawks history. Add to that Sam Mitchell, Brent Guerra, Trent Croad and Cyril Rioli and suddenly you have a team that is very, very hard to beat. The Western Bulldogs did it through their midfield and defensive work. The Swans will need to do the same. Luckily, the two areas that stand out for the Swans are their defense – led by All-Australian Craig Bolton and Leo Barry – and their midfield with the return of Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Martin Mattner and Jude Bolton. The forward line is not a problem either for the Swans with Michael O’Loughlin, Ryan O’Keefe and young Kieran Jack very capable. The Swans are away from home which may trouble them, coming up against this calibre of opponent. The Swans will remain in the top 4 even with a loss whereas Hawthorn can slot back into 2nd with a win.
Tip: Hawthorn by 21
Sunday July 13, 2008 – Telstra Dome, 2:10pm
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. MELBOURNE
Not many are giving the Demons a chance here as they come up against the 2nd placed Bulldogs at the Dome, despite the fact that Melbourne pulled off an unthinkable upset over Brisbane last game. The challenge here is far too great for any Cindarella stories though. Jason Akermanis is in scintillating form, as is Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen and of course Adam Cooney. Colin Sylvia and Brad Miller both kicked 4 last game for the Demons but it’s young talent Austin Wonaeamirri that has impressed this year.
The Bulldogs should hold onto 2nd spot on the ladder here.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 58
Sunday 13 July, 2008 – Subiaco Oval, 2:40pm
WEST COAST EAGLES vs. RICHMOND
A dead-rubber game with the Eagles struggling to remove themselves from second last on the ladder while Richmond cannot progress up the ladder even with a win. The Tigers have found themselves in the situation where they are playing to improve their chances of moving up the ladder in future weeks. This is a dangerous position because they have no real immediate motive for winning. They were provided with that motive last week when captain Graeme Polak was hit by a tram on Dandenong Rd in Melbourne. He is still layed up in hospital and although he is recovering, it is likely he has suffered brain damage and whether or not he will be able to live his life again is yet to be seen. The Tigers will be fiercely trying to win for their captain and with players the likes of Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson (who will undergo a hamstring test) and Nathan Foley, they are a definite chance. Although West Coast are hard to beat at Subiaco, they are fighting of the wooden spoon and their former powerhouse players – Cox, Embley, Kerr and Hunter – cannot carry the team on their shoulders alone. They may be boosted by the possible return of key defender David Wirrpanda.
Tip: Richmond by 10
Last Week = 7/8
The preceeding article contains the views entirely of the author and not necessarily those of Orble.com or the AFL.
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