Critical round of footy this weekend. 

Teams such as the Western Bulldogs, Essendon, and Melbourne  who were all expecting more successful  seasons this year really cannot afford to drop another game, and all will be desperately seeking  a win.  Another loss may well see their finals hopes well and truly evaporating.

 

Bulldogs need to win and should have little difficulty in overcoming the Blues, though Carlton’s effort last week was a big improvement for them. However, the Blues will need to play well if they expect to win. Can they kick enough goals? I don’t think so.

 

Geelong, after their stirring victory against the odds last week, will be keen to continue that form at Kardinia Park against the Swans. With Buddy Franklin, along with Hannebery, missing from the Swans line-up makes it even more difficult for the Swans to win away from home. Though, often with their backs up against the wall, the Swans can overcome diversity and score a good win in these circumstances. However, I can’t see the Cats losing at home.  Good to see Stewart Crameri finally reach game number 100. 

 

Power and the Roos should be a good tussle. With Ben Brown in good form and North winning their past two games they should be confident of a victory over the Power who have been disappointing in the last two games.  The bookies suggest the Power should win but I’d be putting my money on North.

 

You would expect GWS to have no difficulty accounting for the Lions and they should achieve a percentage boosting win against them.

 

Adelaide, at home, should also have a good win against the Suns after a bit of a topsy-turvy start to their season.

 

St.Kilda, a little unlucky last week, will be keen to show the footy world that they are a better side than the punters take them for, and will be confident  to continue that  improvement against the Hawks this week. The odds suggest Hawthorn should win this game but the Saints just may provide the upset for this round and roll the Hawks! I’m taking a punt on the Saints.

 

Essendon and Melbourne both with disappointing results last round will be desperate to turn around their form but only one team can win. With a short turn around from their last games, it may well be the survival of the fittest to determine which team has recovered the best  from their loss. Odds are fairly even but Essendon were embarrassed by their loss on Anzac Day and will want to make amends as their supporters become restless. I’m sticking with the Dons!

 

West Coast Derby over in the west should be a keen, and probably, torrid event for both teams. The Eagles will look to continue their good form and should win the Derby, but Freo will make that task difficult.

 

The Collingwood Richmond game at the MCG should be a cracker. Both had very convincing and commanding wins over the Anzac Day Round and will want to continue that winning form. After losing their first two games, Collingwood are developing into a very, very good side, displaying a lot of confidence in themselves and their team mates to get the job done against their opposition. The money is on the Tigers to win but should the Pies continue their good form the bookies may well lose their money. This game is up for grabs but the Tiges should get over the line by the final siren.

 

 

About Colin Ritchie

Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.

Comments

  1. Len Rodwell says

    Glad you picked the Bulldogs Colin and i sincerely hope you are right. I am extremely concerned that I am starting to like the way Collingwood are playing, I have never had that feeling before. It is a pity they are playing with such a short break as I think that will affect their performance something they can ill afford against Richmond.

  2. Colin Ritchie says

    Thanks Len for you comments. The Bulldogs are a lot like Essendon I think. When they play well, they look fantastic, and when they play poorly they look poor. Both need to redeem themselves or their seasons are quickly slipping away. Everything seems to working for Buckley and the Pies at the moment. The faith in selecting the younger players is paying dividends and some mid-level players have also stepped up. I hate to admit it but the Pies were certainly impressive against my Bombers.

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