Greetings to all,
Not much time between games this week to put a preview together, but certainly time to reflect on a great life in footy. A pall had already descended over Monday night’s game before the players put on that display with the announcement of Tom Hafey’s death. Special people transcend the game and it becomes an enabler for them to deliver their own special message to the world. We saw it in Jim Stynes, and Tommy T-Shirt’s message of positivity, fitness and work ethic would not have been as vociferous without footy – as a society we are better for listenin’ to Tom Hafey. His coachin’ record was outstanding, his work in the community touched so many more. I’ll be writin’ this week with the Tiger legend firmly in mind. Vale.
We have had much gnashin’ of teeth regarding the Monday night fixture – the game quality was commensurate with the attendance but what has been lost is the reason for the fixture. A number of years ago a game was played on the afternoon of Mother’s Day in front of a paltry audience, with that the league decided to leave Mum’s day free and use Monday night. Worked OK when St Kilda and/or Carlton could play, the fixture was first played in 2009 in front of 46,000+ fans. The problem with this week’s match was the quality not the fixturin’! By the same token with the schedulin’ of only 6 games for the weekend, there was plenty of room on the schedule to play an extra game on Saturday.
The benefit of only six games though was not lost on this pontificator who finally got his eye in and picked the lot. This week we have another six games and the pressure is on with an early start on Thursday night. Most interestin’ this week is that many of the underdogs are playin’ at home, so a few surprises are likely to be registered.
Goon Bags ($3.00) vs Happy Travellers ($1.49)
Adelaide fans were forced to downgrade their tipple after the Melbourne game and return to the scene of the crime to take on one of the form sides of the league in Collingwood. The Pies look to have a few vulnerabilities but they are playin’ even, predicable footy as a team and with a fit midfield look as good as any other outfit. The Crows are excited with the return of Tex Walker and with Jpod and Jenkins up forward they present a bigger challenge to the Pies than the lone hand that Henderson did for the Blues. But collectively they have to fire and whilst they may not travel much, the Pies travel well. With that I am tippin’ Collingwood, but on their home deck $3 is pretty luxurious for the Crows who I rate as about a $2.50 chance.
Show Cause ($3.40) vs Bloods ($1.39)
Show Cause letters maybe on the way, but perhaps the subject should be why Bomber players are in the team as they spluttered to victory over the undermanned Lions last week. They return to the Loungeroom to face the resurgent Swans who once again are workin’ themselves into the season and look even more imposin’ with the addition of Sam Reid and Kurt Tippett. Bellchambers impendin’ return will assist the Bombers structurally, but the Sydney midfield looks in form and will provide enough opportunity for the forward line to kick a winnin’ score. Again though the home side represents good value.
Tommy’s Team ($1.22) vs The Other Team ($5.10)
The G will be a blubberin’ mess on Saturday with the tribute to Tom. Win, lose or draw the Tigers will put on a fitting ceremony for one of their legends and I reckon I’d blubber a bit if I were to be there. Richmond are a team that plays on emotion and whether they win, lose or draw will be all about how they harness and handle that emotion and not much to do with Melbourne. Last year’s final put them “over the top”, I reckon this game for Tommy is almost as important and they will not let it go. Tiges to win, but again the underdog not without a chance.
Swallow this ($1.08) vs Cubs of the Jungle ($12.00)
The Kangas get their skipper back from injury, the Lions don’t quite have same prospects for their missin’ key players. They were terrific and unlucky against the Bombers, but away from the Gabba the Roos will present too tough an assignment.
Just Desserts ($2.04) vs Stoked Out ($1.83)
The Pav is served! Matthew Pavlich reaches his 300 game milestone as his team tries to find their mojo and remain in the hunt, a win over Geelong would certainly help. The Cats have had a great start and the week off will have freshened them up, they have a great chance. In fact given the likelihood of McPharlin and Dawson still bein’ injured they are my selection, however that would change if Freo can present reasonable structure in their team as Get Stuffed Lyon has built this team to beat Geelong. Which they have done 3 out of 4 times in the last 2 years.
Tell me Why ($4.10) vs The Hunt is Over ($1.30)
The Saints did not like Monday night and have their chance of redemption in the Sunday twilight, but they are up against Gazza’s Suns where their original banner boy in Karmicheal Hunt has been surpassed by the plethora of talented that was made available to them at inception. The Saints have loaded up some talent – but they are a couple of years behind now. Gold Coast should have enough fire power to win this one, but again the home team must be considered.
Racin’
The spotlight is now fairly and squarely on Brisbane and the Doomben Cup (G1, 2000m, WFA) is the main event. Early in the Brisbane season sees horses traversin’ the country in the search for riches and as such this race has multiple form lines to deal with. Going with the Hawkes trained Leebaz (7) who has not won beyond a mile, but from Zabeel certainly has the breedin’ to cover more ground. Streama (8) found form last start and usually holds it, Akzar (4) has been super consistent in lesser grades and has a great test now and Mr O’Ceirin (3) was not far off Streama (8). Very wary to have left out CJ Waller and PG Moody’s charges
Selections Brisbane Race 7 – 7-8-4-3
Friar Time
Well it wasn’t last week with the Seniors on the end of a sound beating by NOBSP and the Under 19s jumped by the runnin’ power of Old Trinity – both sound lessons learned! I hope. This week the Seniors take on Prahran at the renovated Toorak Park, while the Under 19s host Collegians at Friar Park and the Northies travel to the Snake Pit to meet St Bernards
No Blues this week but Go Friars, Go MGGS
And I’m off to do 30 Push Ups now,
Cheers, Sal
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