Round 12 – Sal’s Preview: It’s Free Time

 

Greetings All,

 

It is probably the toughest sport to adjudicate in the world – decisions one way or the other need to be made in a split second.  Is the tackle fair?  Did the player dispose of  the pill correctly?  Did he have a chance to dispose of it?  All tough decisions – unfortunately they are not making enough of them and just deciding to do nothing and have yet another ball up.  Players know this and are happy to “take” the tackle, ruckmen are happy to wrapped up after taking the ball from the ruck contest.  To get the game moving again – there needs to be stricter interpretation of “prior opportunity” and to balance that out stricter enforcement of what is an is not a legal tackle.  The other rule that has all but disappeared from the game is the “push in the back”.  Players are now indignant should they be penalised for such as they so rarely get pinged, a return to the strict “hands in the back” rule would make it much easier and clearer for umpires, players and spectators.

 

And spectate we will this week although only seven games up for decision.

 

 

Gawn? ($1.48) vs Yippee Yi Yo ($3.00)

 

The Demons and Blues both have their concerns.  Melbourne have lost their last two but really have struggled to beat any team of significance this year.  The loss of McDonald adds to their woes up forward.  Their challenges pale into insignificance compared to Carlton.  Much has been written about the challenges of Harry McKay’s goal kicking yips.  It is far to easy to individualise – collectively the team as kicked 21.41 over the last three weeks not to mention how many have missed altogether.  Most importantly it is not just relate to goal kicking – the execution of kicking skills out of defense is substandard and costly.  As stated the Demons issue is beating teams of significance – at the moment the Blues are insignificant – so expecting the family feud not to go my way.

 

 

Holler for a Marshall ($1.14) vs 5 of the Best ($7.60)

 

Port get Todd Marshall but interestingly have left out their skipper Tom Jonas, they don’t need to tinker with much at the moment anyway.  They take on the Hawks who booted the last five goals to come and beat the Saints and going back-to-back.  Much tougher ask here and expect Port to win this one.

 

 

Eighteen ($16.00) vs One ($1.06)

 

The bookends collide in Perth with the Eagles hosting the Pies.  Not sure Dom Sheed will get many opportunities to repeat his 2018 heroics against the Pies in his 150^th game although Collingwood are weakened with the loss of Elliott and Sidebottom.  Won’t really matter.

 

 

K9s ($1.68) vs Felines ($2.42)

 

The Loungeroom gets to host the clash of domestic pets in a critical game for both clubs coming of losses.  Geelong’s record for the year is patchy and while on occasions they have looked as good as anyone in the competition, they have just not shown it enough.  The Dogs on the other hand have been consistent although hitting a bump in the road in Darwin last week.  They get Treloar back and are back to the pristine conditions of the loungeroom which suits their style much more.  Think they can bounce back over Geelong who are still missing Dangerfield.

 

 

Darwin ($2.06) vs The Rankine File ($1.92)

 

Izak comes up against his former club for the first time, how will the reception be.  Not an issue for the fans as it is up in the top end.  That should be advantageous to the Suns who played their last week and regularly play in slippery dewy conditions.  The Crows are not as familiar with those conditions and play are far more precise style.  Their form looks very good – but away from Adelaide Oval they are 1-4 and the 1 was a 3 point victory over the Hawks.  Should be an interesting encounter with the Suns having the edge in the conditions.

 

 

Buckley’s Chance ($1.94) vs Timmy Time ($2.04)

 

Another returning to face their previous club with Tim Taranto.  His Tigers have just fallen short in the last couple but are not going quite as badly as the 3½ wins suggests, the percentage of close to 100 attests to that.  The Giants are similar with only the Collingwood game getting out of hand.  Missing their best defender in Sam Taylor the likes of Jack Buckley and Connor Idun have stood up very well.  Richmond have lost their last four at the venue and suspect that will stretch to five unless they restrain the Orange Tsunami.

 

 

Tipped Out ($1.23) vs Corr Values ($5.10)

 

The Bombers have dropped Tippa but should not drop this one to North Melbourne who get a couple of handy ones back to shore up defense in Corr and Tucker while we also might see the return of Taryn Thomas from his enforced sabbatical.

 

 

Friar Time

 

Has not been a great time for the Friars who went down to Parade in both seniors and reserves while the Women also suffered defeat to the strong Oakleigh outfit.  The 3s though powered on with a win over UHS-VU.  The chance for redemption comes at Friar Park with traditional rivals Aquinas visiting for the first game for four points for many years.  The girls kick off the dew against the ladder leader Glen Eira.  The Thirds pay a visit to Canterbury.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars

 

Cheers, Sal

 

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