Matt PoyntingRound 9 AFL Previews
May 22nd 2008 04:26
We had a great week last week and Indigenous Round in the AFL this week should be no different. With "Boomer" Harvey playing his 250th for the Roos and Shaun Burgoyne gone for 3 weeks, it will be an interesting week!
Collingwood vs. Geelong – Friday 7:10pm MCG
Last time these two met, a kick decided who advanced to the Grand Final. As Paul Medhurst, Nathan Buckley and Anthony Rocca plus others all tried to kick the goal that would beat the seemingly unbeatable Geelong, one could see that the players knew it was over. Another season in the history books. The Cats, on the other hand, were jubilant as the final siren went with the ball in their own defensive 50. Almost 8 months have passed since that night and now, the two sides meet in what many are claiming will be a rematch of the preliminary final classic. Now though, Nathan Buckley won’t be out on the field. Nor will James Clement. The Magpies find themselves in a situation where winning will become a lot harder. Their young guns haven’t performed to their full potential so far and the Magpies have struggled to pull off victories. To make matters worse, they will possibly miss ruckman and vice captain Josh Fraser, while Brodie Holland is also subject to a test. Geelong are as powerful as ever this season. An undefeated record speaks for itself and a win for Geelong has come to be as expected as a swoop from a Magpie in Spring. In contrast to Collingwood, the big players have stood up this season, with Jimmy Bartel, Gary Ablett and Joel Corey all backing up fantastic seasons last year with equal performances this year. Last week’s win over Richmond may have been disappointing by the Cats’ standard but a 30 point margin will keep them level headed going into this blockbuster. Geelong will miss Brad Ottens this week with a foot injury. The Pies had a very hard fought victory over fancied Saints on Friday night and will build on their solid performance.
Tip: Geelong by 23
Carlton vs. Fremantle – Saturday 2:10pm Telstra Dome
Fremantle has now put in two titanic efforts against undefeated teams this season. A 1 point loss to Geelong in round 6 and last weekend a 3 point loss to the Western Bulldogs. Unfortunately in AFL, losses just don’t cut it. Carlton have turned their fortunes around somewhat but still struggle to muster a win. Last week they went down to a red hot Brisbane side who have been on and off this season, but the Blues just don’t seem to have the fire needed to be a top 8 challenger. This game could lift them to a 4-5 record and potentially a top 7 position. Carlton have a huge injury list with Ryan Houlihan (indefinite) and Bret Thornton (1-2 weeks) the most painful. Fremantle will be missing Des Headland for another 8 weeks, while Paul Hasleby won’t see the rest of the season. After the Dockers near upset over the Dogs on Sunday, one would hope they could repeat the performance, although their ability to win games continues to come into serious question. Chriss Judd continues to play his best football while Brendan Fevola is second on the Coleman list. While I think Fremantle have a better side, Carlton will be hard to beat.
Tip: Carlton by 6
Port Adelaide vs. Sydney – Saturday 2:40 AAMI Stadium
Port proved last week they could match it with the best after a shocking start to the season going down to Hawthorn in a close one. Many positives came from the game for the Power but also a big blow to the lineup with Shaun Burgoyne charged with rough conduct and suspended for 3 weeks. Port have also been hit hard on the injury front with Chad Cornes subject to a test on his finger. It’s been a rough trot for the Power but a win here could really lift the spirits of the maligned last year’s grand finalists. Sydney had their best win of the season over lowly Essendon on Sunday at home with an emphatic 91 point hammering. The Dons were shocking but the Bloods were on fire as they surged home to record their 4th win of the season and secure 5th spot on the ladder for now. Michael O’Loughlin put in a rare 6 goal haul and will look to repeat the performance in the absence of Barry Hall. Looking at injuries the Swans also have an imposing list and the man that stands out is Tadhg Kennely. He will miss this game and may be back next week. This will most likely have a big effect on the game with the Swans sure to miss the Irish recruit’s defensive prowess. With both sides missing key players, this could be closer than what most think. Sydney should still be relishing their dominating victory over Essendon and that will carry them to a victory here.
Tip: Sydney by 16
West Coast vs. Adelaide – Saturday 5:40pm Subiaco
West Coast again were again poor against North Melbourne and remain on equal points with Melbourne at second last on the ladder. North won by 6 but West Coast could have easily defeated their opponents. Should have too. The ongoing woe will continue against a powerful Adelaide side who should win this easily. West Coast’s Beau Waters, Adam Hunter and possibly Ashley Hansen will all miss this week but the Eagles will be boosted by the return of Daniel Kerr. The dynamic midfielder will be welcomed especially by Dean Cox who has had to shoulder a lot of the work in his absence. Adelaide continue to assert themselves before the rest of the league with another huge win on the weekend this time against Melbourne. The 76 point margin will have its effect on Adelaide come Saturday evening. With the Eagles all over the shop and Adelaide with all guns blazing, the Crows should go to 7-2. Apart from Rhett Biglands (season), there are no big names on the injury bench for the Crows and they weren’t troubled by the judiciary either. A big win for the Crows beckons.
Tip: Adelaide by 32
Essendon vs. Richmond – Saturday 7:45 MCGYour text goes here
A very disappointing season so far has rocked Essendon’s confidence and it showed last week in their 91 point loss. There is something missing in the picture for Essendon as yet again they slumped down the ladder, this time to 13th. Matthew Lloyd has kicked only 19 goals this season and the Dons must find additional options up front. Richmond have been inconsistent this season pulling off some stunning results but falling short of victory on 5 occasions. They sit 12th on the ladder and a win could only put them as high as 10th. The Tigers were not affected by the judiciary at all this week and with no big injuries, could be a real chance against an Essendon team that just hasn’t delivered. To add to their worries, Essendon will be missing key forward Scott Lucas (1-2 weeks), Jobe Watson (test) and of course, Alwyn Davey (season). After a 30 point loss to the Cats, Richmond can face this game thinking it could have been a lot worse. Their defence will need to hold up so they can feed it to Matthew Richardson who has kicked goal after goal for the Tiges this season. Nathan Brown will be outstanding.
Tip: Richmond by 10
Brisbane vs. St Kilda – Sunday 1:10pm Gabba
This will be a very important game in both these sides’ seasons. St Kilda dropped out of the 8 with their loss to Collingwood last week while Brisbane climbed snugly into 8th spot with a huge victory over Carlton away. The Lions return to the Gabba this week where they are very hard to beat and will host the inconsistent Saints who are still reeling from their loss to Collingwood. St Kilda’s players simply haven’t stood up this year as they should have. Justin Koscitzke, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes have been fantastic for the Saints this year and have given them the lift they need to hold on desperately to a top 8 position. Stephen Milne was quiet against the Pies as was Luke Ball but Collingwood was helped by the absence of Nick Riewoldt. He should return this week but will his presence lift the Saints to victory? His stats this season would suggest not. He has kicked only 16 goals from 61 marks. Riewoldt undergoes a test to determine whether or not he will play. Fraser Gehrig has placed himself on the long term injury list after battling arthritis in the hand and niggling groin problems that have kept him quiet this season. Brisbane have been very unpredictable this season. They had another win on the weekend against Carlton which lifted them to 8th on the ladder and I believe they will continue that form on Sunday. Daniel Bradshaw has been electric this season and sits 3rd on the Coleman count with 31 goals. Jonathan Brown has been quiet early so far but has kicked 21 goals and with a bag of 6 last week, he will again feature prominently in this one. Nigel Lappin remains the only key injury to Brisbane (2 weeks).
Tip: Brisbane by 25
Melbourne vs. Hawthorn – Sunday 2:10pm MCG
I’d be a fool if I thought Melbourne were a chance here. Their one win came from a shocking Fremantle performance and other than that, they haven’t looked like going close to victory. Thumped by 73 points last week at the hands of Adelaide, there won’t be much to preview here. David Neitz retired earlier in the week and this may not have the effect on Melbourne that is normal after a legend retires. He hasn’t played since round 5 this year. Hawthorn were again superb last week, keeping their cool against a resurgent Port Adelaide and showed that they could put a good side away. Lance Franklin again kicked 6 and he is going to run rampant against the Demons. Jaryd Roughhead is also featuring prominently on the goalkicking list in 4th spot with 27. Although Brent Guerra, Luke Hodge and possibly Tim Boyle will be out, this match won’t be a contest. The first time these two sides met it was a 104 point affair. In the spirit of the season of big wins:
Tip: Hawthorn by 79
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne – Sunday 4:40pm Telstra Dome
The Bulldogs have been an overwhelmingly impressive side this season having beaten an array of top teams and holding an undefeated record going into round 9. Their players both young and old have stood up as one and met every challenge that has been thrown their way. Last week was no exception. Perhaps the Bulldogs should have comfortably beaten Fremantle. But the Dockers were highly favoured prior to round 1 this season and have troubled a number of top teams including Geelong. The Dogs rallied, however and showed their fighting spirit to come back and win by 3 points. Jason Akermanis, Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney have all been marvellous so far while Brad Johnson is performing in his usual tough style. The Kangaroos have been another wildly inconsistent side but beat some good sides including Collingwood and a draw against Sydney. The Roos currently sit at 7th on the ladder and are proving to be a top 8 side much like they were last year. Daniel Pratt and Daniel Wells will undergo tests for the Roos while for the Western Bulldogs Scott West will miss.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 9
Last Week: 8/8 - Average margin difference: 22 points
Collingwood vs. Geelong – Friday 7:10pm MCG
Last time these two met, a kick decided who advanced to the Grand Final. As Paul Medhurst, Nathan Buckley and Anthony Rocca plus others all tried to kick the goal that would beat the seemingly unbeatable Geelong, one could see that the players knew it was over. Another season in the history books. The Cats, on the other hand, were jubilant as the final siren went with the ball in their own defensive 50. Almost 8 months have passed since that night and now, the two sides meet in what many are claiming will be a rematch of the preliminary final classic. Now though, Nathan Buckley won’t be out on the field. Nor will James Clement. The Magpies find themselves in a situation where winning will become a lot harder. Their young guns haven’t performed to their full potential so far and the Magpies have struggled to pull off victories. To make matters worse, they will possibly miss ruckman and vice captain Josh Fraser, while Brodie Holland is also subject to a test. Geelong are as powerful as ever this season. An undefeated record speaks for itself and a win for Geelong has come to be as expected as a swoop from a Magpie in Spring. In contrast to Collingwood, the big players have stood up this season, with Jimmy Bartel, Gary Ablett and Joel Corey all backing up fantastic seasons last year with equal performances this year. Last week’s win over Richmond may have been disappointing by the Cats’ standard but a 30 point margin will keep them level headed going into this blockbuster. Geelong will miss Brad Ottens this week with a foot injury. The Pies had a very hard fought victory over fancied Saints on Friday night and will build on their solid performance.
Carlton vs. Fremantle – Saturday 2:10pm Telstra Dome
Fremantle has now put in two titanic efforts against undefeated teams this season. A 1 point loss to Geelong in round 6 and last weekend a 3 point loss to the Western Bulldogs. Unfortunately in AFL, losses just don’t cut it. Carlton have turned their fortunes around somewhat but still struggle to muster a win. Last week they went down to a red hot Brisbane side who have been on and off this season, but the Blues just don’t seem to have the fire needed to be a top 8 challenger. This game could lift them to a 4-5 record and potentially a top 7 position. Carlton have a huge injury list with Ryan Houlihan (indefinite) and Bret Thornton (1-2 weeks) the most painful. Fremantle will be missing Des Headland for another 8 weeks, while Paul Hasleby won’t see the rest of the season. After the Dockers near upset over the Dogs on Sunday, one would hope they could repeat the performance, although their ability to win games continues to come into serious question. Chriss Judd continues to play his best football while Brendan Fevola is second on the Coleman list. While I think Fremantle have a better side, Carlton will be hard to beat.
Tip: Carlton by 6
Port Adelaide vs. Sydney – Saturday 2:40 AAMI Stadium
Port proved last week they could match it with the best after a shocking start to the season going down to Hawthorn in a close one. Many positives came from the game for the Power but also a big blow to the lineup with Shaun Burgoyne charged with rough conduct and suspended for 3 weeks. Port have also been hit hard on the injury front with Chad Cornes subject to a test on his finger. It’s been a rough trot for the Power but a win here could really lift the spirits of the maligned last year’s grand finalists. Sydney had their best win of the season over lowly Essendon on Sunday at home with an emphatic 91 point hammering. The Dons were shocking but the Bloods were on fire as they surged home to record their 4th win of the season and secure 5th spot on the ladder for now. Michael O’Loughlin put in a rare 6 goal haul and will look to repeat the performance in the absence of Barry Hall. Looking at injuries the Swans also have an imposing list and the man that stands out is Tadhg Kennely. He will miss this game and may be back next week. This will most likely have a big effect on the game with the Swans sure to miss the Irish recruit’s defensive prowess. With both sides missing key players, this could be closer than what most think. Sydney should still be relishing their dominating victory over Essendon and that will carry them to a victory here.
Tip: Sydney by 16
West Coast vs. Adelaide – Saturday 5:40pm Subiaco
West Coast again were again poor against North Melbourne and remain on equal points with Melbourne at second last on the ladder. North won by 6 but West Coast could have easily defeated their opponents. Should have too. The ongoing woe will continue against a powerful Adelaide side who should win this easily. West Coast’s Beau Waters, Adam Hunter and possibly Ashley Hansen will all miss this week but the Eagles will be boosted by the return of Daniel Kerr. The dynamic midfielder will be welcomed especially by Dean Cox who has had to shoulder a lot of the work in his absence. Adelaide continue to assert themselves before the rest of the league with another huge win on the weekend this time against Melbourne. The 76 point margin will have its effect on Adelaide come Saturday evening. With the Eagles all over the shop and Adelaide with all guns blazing, the Crows should go to 7-2. Apart from Rhett Biglands (season), there are no big names on the injury bench for the Crows and they weren’t troubled by the judiciary either. A big win for the Crows beckons.
Tip: Adelaide by 32
Essendon vs. Richmond – Saturday 7:45 MCGYour text goes here
A very disappointing season so far has rocked Essendon’s confidence and it showed last week in their 91 point loss. There is something missing in the picture for Essendon as yet again they slumped down the ladder, this time to 13th. Matthew Lloyd has kicked only 19 goals this season and the Dons must find additional options up front. Richmond have been inconsistent this season pulling off some stunning results but falling short of victory on 5 occasions. They sit 12th on the ladder and a win could only put them as high as 10th. The Tigers were not affected by the judiciary at all this week and with no big injuries, could be a real chance against an Essendon team that just hasn’t delivered. To add to their worries, Essendon will be missing key forward Scott Lucas (1-2 weeks), Jobe Watson (test) and of course, Alwyn Davey (season). After a 30 point loss to the Cats, Richmond can face this game thinking it could have been a lot worse. Their defence will need to hold up so they can feed it to Matthew Richardson who has kicked goal after goal for the Tiges this season. Nathan Brown will be outstanding.
Tip: Richmond by 10
Brisbane vs. St Kilda – Sunday 1:10pm Gabba
This will be a very important game in both these sides’ seasons. St Kilda dropped out of the 8 with their loss to Collingwood last week while Brisbane climbed snugly into 8th spot with a huge victory over Carlton away. The Lions return to the Gabba this week where they are very hard to beat and will host the inconsistent Saints who are still reeling from their loss to Collingwood. St Kilda’s players simply haven’t stood up this year as they should have. Justin Koscitzke, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes have been fantastic for the Saints this year and have given them the lift they need to hold on desperately to a top 8 position. Stephen Milne was quiet against the Pies as was Luke Ball but Collingwood was helped by the absence of Nick Riewoldt. He should return this week but will his presence lift the Saints to victory? His stats this season would suggest not. He has kicked only 16 goals from 61 marks. Riewoldt undergoes a test to determine whether or not he will play. Fraser Gehrig has placed himself on the long term injury list after battling arthritis in the hand and niggling groin problems that have kept him quiet this season. Brisbane have been very unpredictable this season. They had another win on the weekend against Carlton which lifted them to 8th on the ladder and I believe they will continue that form on Sunday. Daniel Bradshaw has been electric this season and sits 3rd on the Coleman count with 31 goals. Jonathan Brown has been quiet early so far but has kicked 21 goals and with a bag of 6 last week, he will again feature prominently in this one. Nigel Lappin remains the only key injury to Brisbane (2 weeks).
Tip: Brisbane by 25
Melbourne vs. Hawthorn – Sunday 2:10pm MCG
I’d be a fool if I thought Melbourne were a chance here. Their one win came from a shocking Fremantle performance and other than that, they haven’t looked like going close to victory. Thumped by 73 points last week at the hands of Adelaide, there won’t be much to preview here. David Neitz retired earlier in the week and this may not have the effect on Melbourne that is normal after a legend retires. He hasn’t played since round 5 this year. Hawthorn were again superb last week, keeping their cool against a resurgent Port Adelaide and showed that they could put a good side away. Lance Franklin again kicked 6 and he is going to run rampant against the Demons. Jaryd Roughhead is also featuring prominently on the goalkicking list in 4th spot with 27. Although Brent Guerra, Luke Hodge and possibly Tim Boyle will be out, this match won’t be a contest. The first time these two sides met it was a 104 point affair. In the spirit of the season of big wins:
Tip: Hawthorn by 79
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne – Sunday 4:40pm Telstra Dome
The Bulldogs have been an overwhelmingly impressive side this season having beaten an array of top teams and holding an undefeated record going into round 9. Their players both young and old have stood up as one and met every challenge that has been thrown their way. Last week was no exception. Perhaps the Bulldogs should have comfortably beaten Fremantle. But the Dockers were highly favoured prior to round 1 this season and have troubled a number of top teams including Geelong. The Dogs rallied, however and showed their fighting spirit to come back and win by 3 points. Jason Akermanis, Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney have all been marvellous so far while Brad Johnson is performing in his usual tough style. The Kangaroos have been another wildly inconsistent side but beat some good sides including Collingwood and a draw against Sydney. The Roos currently sit at 7th on the ladder and are proving to be a top 8 side much like they were last year. Daniel Pratt and Daniel Wells will undergo tests for the Roos while for the Western Bulldogs Scott West will miss.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 9
Last Week: 8/8 - Average margin difference: 22 points
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