Round 11 – Preview: Oops a Daisy

Greetings All,

 

The culture vultures want the Blues to put Dale Thomas in the bin for the year after a couple of charddies too many before Sunday’s game.  Not quite sure that punishment fits the crime, by the same token a week in the VFL might not be quite sufficient.  Plenty of players have crossed this line before with varying degrees of wrath attached.  The Party Pies of the Malthouse era regularly tested the limits, Mick had an Orwellian approach that not all animals are equal.  The Hawks took virtually no action on Luke Hodge being caught drink driving.  It’s horses for courses and clubs will decide on expediency for themselves every time.

 

Being part of the Blues outfit also makes it tough – I had to drink heavily to try and forget that performance last Sunday.  My punishment will be to front up again this week!

 

The First Domino ($3.25) vs Restrung ($1.44)

 

The Roos play their first game under a new coach – usually provides a spike in performance.  Suspect that spike actually occurred last week once all the players know that Brad was coaching his last game for the club.  The Tigers get their skipper back from a nasty hamstring injury.  They have missed plenty through the journey but their game plan and belief in each other have stood up brilliantly.  Reckon that will continue.

 

Gee Wizz ($1.07) vs Not Miles Off ($13.50)

 

The Giants conquered the G last week, back at home they should be too good for the Suns who were feisty for a while against the Cats last week.  Feisty enough to have Gary lash out to Anthony Miles and get his first suspension.

 

Oh Wells ($1.18) vs And Another Point ($6.20)

 

A shame for Daniel Wells to get injured again, one of the most creative players in the competition but just can’t stay on field.  More than adequate replacements though with Moore, De Goey and Varcoe returning.  They face Freo who left it till after the siren to get over the Lions at home.  Suspect we will see them try and strangle the Pies, just not sure the MCG is suited to that lock down footy although the weather might assist.  Reckon the Pies will have all the answers.

 

Three Strikes ($1.20) vs Homecoming ($5.70)

 

Dan Menzel finally gets his debut for the Swans right back at his old home ground against his former club.  They will need all his local knowledge to get over the Cats who lose Ablett who finally succumbed to the MRO, handy to get Dangerfield and Ratugolea caming back though.  Cats should be too good at home.

 

Fanny Bay ($2.48) vs The Life of Reilly ($1.66)

 

The Demons head to their northern home and escape the southern winter, will they be able to take their last quarter form from last week into this game?  The endeavor seems to be there, just not playing well as a team.  The Crows are not going much better and have called back Gibbs and Jenkins from purgatory.  Reilly O’Brien has been toiling well in the ruck but comes up against the highly rated Max Gawn.  Just think if Gawn can win that battle his Demons can win this.

 

China Syndrome ($2.68) vs We have no Problem ($1.58)

 

The prize for the Saints after last week is play in China and to forego a home game on the whim of David Koch – absolutely ridiculous that this is not a Port home since they have driven this experiment.  Port get to celebrate the 50th game of Dan Houston – pick 45 has become one of their most reliable defenders a great effort from Jimmy’s boy.  Port were disappointing last week and lack consistency, the Saints were less disappointing than the Blues but overall would be pleased to be 5-5.  Thinking it might be a power week for Port and they will get up, almost a flip of the coin for me though.

 

Buzz, Buzz ($1.46) vs Writing on the Walls ($3.10)

 

The Bombers lose a couple of their best, we may see the debut of Irving Mosquito, the Blues also have a debutante in their squad losing three experience players.  Another big game for two coaches but one of little consequence for the competition.  Worsfold has pleaded for his job this week citing the success stories of Buckley and Hardwick – to counter those let me say Roos and Beveridge.  The club needs to look at every aspect in their decision and make the call on back him or sack him.  The Blues have been through this for a couple of years now with Bolton, they have Robert Walls watching closely – surely he has seen enough.  They have loads of young talent who are having all the creativity and flair being coached out of them.  With the Bombers depleted this is a game the Blues could win, pick them at your peril!

 

Happy Travels ($1.25) vs Drink Time ($4.70)

 

West Coast’s away record is improving – there Adelaide Oval record is incredible another victory sees them 8 and 2 at the venue.  Back at home they should be too good for the inconsistent Bulldogs – Beveridge’s boys can play some scintillating footy even within games the effort and execution varies.

 

Friar Time

 

A week off for the seniors saw the Under 23s try hard but ultimately succumb to a slick St Kevins outfit, they get travel to West Essendon and face the Snow Dogs.  The Girls love a close one this time sharing the points with Old Ivanhoe, they kick off the dew at Friar Park against Aquinas this week.  The Senior teams are back facing the Unicorns who are back on track winning their last two, with their reserves continuing to be a conundrum as they set the pace in that competition.  Should be a couple of cracking games at Friar Park.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars

 

Cheers Sal

 

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Comments

  1. I reckon there is an upset or two in the offing this week, Sal

  2. It will be interesting to note how many empty sets there will be for the Power’s China experiment. Some how I suspect most present will be ex-pat Aussies and not Chinese. For all that perhaps numerous Chinese will watch on TV.

    The Melbourne v Adelaide clash could go either way. Both teams need to improve their outputs quite radically. Recently the Crows have been smashed in the clearances, especially in the centre square. Should this be allowed to continue, I suspect the Demons will have a good win for Simon. As someone once said “VERY INTERESTING”

    I hope Smokie is right and there will be upsets this week.

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