Round 1 – Sal’s Preview: The Rematch (on a Wednesday?)

 

 

 

 

Greetings All,

 

 

Welcome to Season 2022.  Hopefully one with minimal disruption but who knows what the world will bring. The encroachment of AFL on the week continues with a Wednesday night to kick off the season. The Blues have been stinking up the opener for a few years just move them if the desire is to open with a Grand Final rematch. Certainly do not begrudge Melbourne being able to open the season at home after winning the flag in Perth.

 

 

Victors ($1.62) v Vanquished ($2.60)

 

 

Will we get a different result?  Both the Dees and Dogs have selected strong outfits so there is a pretty big gap for the Dogs to make up. Melbourne are missing a couple premiership defenders in Petty and Hibberd but have the depth to cover them.  Unless Tim English has had the best pre-season ever then the advantage Melbourne have in the ruck is decisive.  While the Bulldogs thrive on their midfield being able to take the ball off dominant ruckmen, the Demon midfield match them and the Dog’s agent provocateur in Libba is missing.  Any complacency from the Dees will have them in trouble but reckon they will be well set and should kick off the title defence in style.

 

 

Que Cerra Cerra ($2.56) vs Dusted Off ($1.60)

 

 

A bit harder to pick this one without selections, however recent history makes it a bit easier with Carlton not have beaten Richmond since 2013.  They have their co-captains in some doubt with injury, however the Blues will be missing two of their top five from 2022 with Walsh injured and Jones gone.  It’s a new look under Voss with a couple of key recruits to stiffen the midfield in Hewitt and Cerra.  How they cover the loss of Jones up against Lynch and Riewoldt will be a major test, not to mention a few forays forward from Dustin Martin.  The McKay and Curnow combination is an exciting prospect for the Blues at the other end.   Great to see Sam Docherty back playing footy after going through chemotherapy, he is a winner no matter the result of this game.  Expect a feisty performance from the Blues but need to win one of these before I start tipping them.

 

 

Max Factor ($1.72) vs Daics ($2.32)

 

 

The Pies will rejoice in Nick Daicos making his debut, what a great rule the parent-child is!  He and Josh will be important players for Collingwood for many a year.  They have some challenges against the Saints with wounded and suspended defenders.  Ratts has his share of headaches too with injuries to a number of key players, none more so than Ryder.  This should give the Pies an advantage in the middle with Grundy, just can they convert this year?  The Saints have more firepower up front led by Max King against a makeshift defense, just think this might be the edge to give this one to the Saints.

 

 

A few more games to preview coming once we have some idea of teams,

 

Go Blues,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

 

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