Greeting All,
Maybe we were a week or two ahead of the coaches, however it appears we will have a change in interpretation of the “Holding to Ball/Man” rule. The initial AFL response was interesting where they announced on their own platform that the umpires were interpreting the game exactly as it should be, effectively saying the players and coaches were at fault. Fortunately the resulting noise received a more appropriate response. Hopefully the outcome will be more freekicks and less ball ups, also that there is a crackdown on incorrect tackles so the ball winner can also be rewarded.
The byes are kicking with only 7 games this week.
Not All Sweet and Rozee (67%) vs Sundowners (33%)
The Blues got back on track over the Suns and apparently without adding to the injury list, now they head to Adelaide Oval to face Port. They have not defeated an SA-based team at the venue. A task made slightly easier with captain Connor Rozee and Willie Rioli succumbing to injury, while they have also switched ruckmen with Soldo replacing Sweet. Carlton have started well recently and will need to continue to keep the crowd silent, but then need to keep it going unlike against Sydney. Going for the Blues to win this however that Adelaide record is a concern.
Winged Birds (43%) vs Ed Less (57%)
The Pies have lost plenty to injury but have been able to cover them all so far, this week they lose their rudder in Pendlebury. They take on the Dogs who have their own challenges with Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton on the sidelines. Pendles is so important for the Pies, however Richards and Naughton have been critical for the Dogs and losing them made such a difference against the Swans. Just think missing Pendlebury, Mihocek, Elliott and De Goey might finally break the Pies.
Lion Tamers (38%) vs Eagle Hunters (62%)
The Hawks continued their impressive record against Brisbane and host at the G against Adelaide who did as they pleased at home against the Eagles. They are both in good form with the Crows keen to get a win at the MCG after just missing against Collingwood a couple of weeks ago. As will Hawthorn who have not played there for a few weeks but lost all four games there so far in the season. Much will be riding on the fitness of Lloyd Meek who may not have inherited the earth, but he has certainly claimed the leading ruck mantle. His presence and the inclusion of Will Day has made such a difference. With that doubt over him and O’Brien’s capability going with the Crows at this stage.
Home Boys (55%) vs It’s a Battle (45%)
The Eagles are on the improve but only at home it would appear. At home they are 3-2 with a percentage of 110, while away they are winless and only 48%. They host the Saints who are really battling so that almost makes them a certainty.
Not so Awesome Foursome (99%) vs Don’t be Shai (1%)
The Cats have now lost four in succession for first time under Chris Scott’s tutelage, they should put to an end over the Tigers who add Shai Bolten to the list of unavailable players.
Playing Next Door to Alice (76%) vs Gone Amiss (24%)
The Demons travel to the red centre to host Fremantle in what should be a good battle. Fremantle took too long to release the shackles last week but eventually managed a draw. Before the release they took too long to move the ball into the forward line and were then profligate with their shots at goal. None more so than Jye Amiss whose monicker of Nev will need to be reassessed unless he can turn it around. Melbourne and Gawn toyed with St Kilda and expect a tougher contest here both collectively and in the ruck. Intriguing as to whether Freo play two ruckmen. The best of Freo can win this, however with their difficulty in scoring and the strong Melbourne defence suspect the Demons will prevail.
Big Mac (65%) vs Merrettorious (35%)
The Suns return home after another defeat away, they stayed close to the Blues but in reality lost the possession count by a significant margin, they host Essendon who continue with their impressive run. Mac Andrew was terrific for Gold Coast last week but probably needs better support from his sidekick in Collins and Ballard this week at the other end Ben King will need to produce against Ben McKay. McKay now also has the extra support of Jordan Ridley who just reads the opposition so well. The Suns have the home record and sting from last week and should salute. However, it is noted that they have only beaten Essendon twice and not since 2016. The other note being that this will be the Bombers’ last game outside Victoria at least until finals.
Friar Time
A tough weekend for the Friars with the Seniors, Reserves and Womens teams all going down, while the Threes came back in the final quarter to get the win. This week the Seniors and Reserves host the competition pacesetters Brunswick which will be a great test, while the Girls also host the competition pacesetters Hampton Rovers in the early game. The Threes are also at home to Box Hill North in what should be a hard fought battle.
Go Blues, Go Friars
Cheers, Sal
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