Round 11 – Preview: And now the end is here!

Greetings All,

 

I was privileged to witness Chris Judd’s last game, somewhat fittingly he injured his knee by once again winning a contested ball.  Earlier in the game his capabilities were on full display as he extricated himself with the ball from a pack and found Cripps with a handball only Judd could visualise.  Cripps went on to kick an easy goal.  But there are countless more moments like this in his glittering career that were enjoyed by not by his own clubs fans but by the football world.

He deserved a greater send off than to be on a cart and in front of only 33,000 but that is the cruelty of the game and it does not always go to script.

Well Played C Judd – 3 Votes.

Check out Ladbrokes prices for Round 11

 

It’s onto the split round which might only have 6 games but a couple of crucial encounters among them.

Fine Wines ($1.50) vs On the Prowl ($2.65)

Signs are looking better for Port in the last couple especially with Ollie Wines back, they should be relishing the prospect of matching up against the Cats.  A win will not only propel them onto the positive side of the ledger but would gain separation from one of their key rivals.  The same applies for the Cats who really proved a point over the Bombers.  They are very capable at their best, but there a real concerns on their ruck strength.  Lobbe will present a better battle than Bellchambers.  Geelong put paid to the 6 day break factor, but this is the second in a row.  Selecting Port as it looks like their midfield is up and going again – but Geelong at $2.65 looks enticing.

 

Rocket Men ($10.00) vs Who’s Crowley? ($1.06)

After their first loss for the season, the Dockers get to face the bottom team in the Suns.  They lose a couple of key players but should have the Suns covered who despite their performances Rocket can’t afford to drop players with their injury list.

 

Clementine ($1.18) vs Flakey Jake ($5.00)

“Oh my Darling” the Eagles will be saying as Jack returns to an already dangerous forward line.  They wasted their chance for greater recognition against North, some real concern with the panic in which the ball was bombed into the forward line in that last quarter.  Up against the Bombers who will be smarting from last week.  Jake Carlisle seemingly wanting to pick and choose where he plays doesn’t make life easy.  Despite Jimmy’s lament of the WADA cloud, this group has shown resilience in the last couple of years and I expect them to make a stand this week.  However the Eagles in Perth are tough to beat and are my selection, the Bombers can pull out a good one and are a much better chance than $5.00.

 

Loungeroom Lizards ($2.70) vs Sydney ($1.48)

Great win by North last week and back in their favourite abode this week, but up against Sydney who are steadily winding up.  Much introspection about Kurt Tippett – no matter how he is going a 6’8” forward will always attract defenders.  Tall defenders are thin on the ground at the Kangas.  He may also be required to spend time in the ruck against Goldstein.  In previous years Goldy has faded in games carrying the load on his own, this year he is seeing the game right out.  North not without a chance and they will get great kudos for a win, but I expect Sydney to prevail.

 

The Oxley is Slow ($1.60) vs Friday on my Mind ($2.40)

Not sure many thought the Pies-Giants clash would be so important – but we have 4th vs 5th – the boys in town up against the old firm.  It promises to be a beauty.  The Giants want some Friday Night action win this and they deserve it.  Last time they met Collingwood at the G Jeremy Cameron turned on a show with 7 goals – they will need to spread the goal kicking load, the Pie defence love predictable entries especially with luxury of Oxley as a spare.  Cloke was super last week with 7 goals and the GWS will need to get that match up right.  It’s not quite a flip of the coin game and I just favour the Pies, but pretty happy with the Giants at $2.48.

 

The Fisher Kings ($1.80) vs Hard of Hearing ($2.05)

Maybe the Demons didn’t listen, but surely at half time someone needed be given the task to quell Adam Oxley.  I doubt Roos will leave any ambiguity in his instructions this week, intriguingly Sam Fisher returns for the Saints and plays the spare defender role with aplomb.  These two teams are developing well and it should be a 50:50 game, but it is not.  Melbourne have not won in their last 20 tries in the Loungeroom – I will be waiting till they do win one there before I select them at this venue.

 

Friar Time

The next section of the season beckons with the Friars on the road to take on the undefeated Ormond.  Will be a great test and time to win one out of turn  The Under 19s host fellow contenders Fitzroy at Friar Park.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

Cheers, Sal

Check out all the Round 11 prices and the $2 offer on Port Adelaide

 

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