Round 14 – Sal’s Preview: All in the Family

Greetings All,

 

So many issues to cover Blues in review, David McKay’s collision, Bucks last stand…the one that stands out for me has been the commentary around Seb Ross and Tim Membrey decisions to spend last weekend at home with their families rather than in Cairns.  We all have priorities in our lives but for the majority of people I know family is number one and probably two and three.  With the uncertainty of travel restrictions around the country and the stress of ‘hub life’ last year it came as no shock that players chose to be at home.  With continued restrictions over the next couple of weeks, further absentees from interstate trips can be expected.

 

Now for some footy!  Only 5 games this week, but community footy is back in Victoria.  No spectators in suburban Melbourne but I expect their will be plenty of tired dogs on Saturday night!

 

Felines ($1.62) vs Canines ($2.60)

 

The Battle of Domestic Pets deservedly gets top billing this week.  Unfortunately only 7000 local members allowed in, let’s hope those five Bulldog fans get treated with respect!  Should be a great game just not sure how the Dogs handle Hawkins, Cameron and Rohan along with the trip to the Cattery.  Geelong should win here.

 

Another Day ($2.82) vs Gray’s Day ($1.53)

 

The perils of Wednesday night pontification burnt this prognosticator last week going a week early with the return of Sam Day.  He is in this week along with Sam Collins, they will both provide strength to the Suns spine.  They will need it up against Port who again struggled against a top team last week.  They celebrate Robbie Gray’s 250^th, what a player he has been for them.  They have a few issues to sort out but should deliver against lower ranked opposition as they usually do.

 

The Orphans ($1.67) vs Under Review ($2.42)

 

GWS host the Blues without their Mummy.  They will be smarting from the draw last week and will want to respond.  The Blues are under review and really have been all season, they have needed to respond to a number of poor performances and have come up short too often.  They will be buoyed with the recommitment of Harry McKay for two year, they’ll need to get better or it will be ugly when that time comes.  Murphy was the big name dropped, noting that Plowman was not selected either after serving his suspension.  Giants might have too much artillery in the middle and handy being at home.

 

The Apprentice ($6.20) vs The Master ($1.18)

 

David Noble faces off against Chris Fagan, both were key factors in the Lions becoming a destination club.  David Noble is the ‘boy with the barrow’.  Last week was a step in the right direction despite only claiming the two points.  Brisbane will be without Zorko after a silly act, they should still have enough strength in middle to get the job done.

 

Soap Opera ($2.60) vs Could Give a Zac ($1.61)

 

A great sign for the Bombers with Merrett committing for six years, they travel to Launceston to face the Hawks.  They may bring in a player who may not be out of place at General Hospital in Tyler Brockman.  It can be a bit of a soap opera with every coach being mooted for a job elsewhere – they all did pretty well last week in stopping Sydney.  Draper back for the Bombers is important, Ceglar and McEvoy a tough combination.  Going with the Hawks with the Tassie connection but should be an entertaining game.

 

Friar Time

 

The Ammos are back and Friars make the turn at 6-1.  Heading to Brunswick for the seniors and reserves – how both clubs handled and return from the lockdown will be interesting.  Friar Park will host the thirds against Monash Blues while the Girls host Williamstown.  Time to get the dog in the car!

 

Go Friars, Go Blues,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

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