Round 15 – Sal’s Preview: Only fans left out

Greetings All,

 

Quite incredible that the league is reinstating the AFL Competition Committee.  What is incredible is that it was ever dismissed.  Surely with all the challenges of compromised drafts, NGOs, compromised fixturing and more this is a committee that should be in place all the time.  With the announcement they indicated the presence on the committee of representatives of all the key stakeholders, with one glaring exception.  There is no representation for the fans and surely, they are the stakeholders that keep the competition in business.  How they are represented and in what format is beyond scope here, but at least representation from both Victorian and Interstate would provide a better perspective for the remaining stakeholders.

 

No Mr Darcy (97%) vs Wherever you go Vigo (3%)

 

A sodden Perth Stadium and an opposition with limited ruck resources sees Fremantle taking the chance to rest Sean Darcy and leave the big man duties all to Luke Jackson.  The decimated Bombers give Goldy a much-needed rest for a debutante in Vigo Visentini– not the ideal circumstances but such has been Essendon’s plight this year.  The Dockers were challenged by North last week but have won their last four and should make it five.

 

 

Holmes Ground Advantage (82%) vs Major Payne (18%)

 

The Cats are purring along and none of them more so than Max Holmes, the run he and Smith provide have taken the Cats up a level making them the biggest challenger to the Pies as premiership favourite.  The host last year’s premiers who need to replace their defensive lynchpin Jack Payne, they are already battling to cover the hole Big Joe left at the other end.  It’s not do-or-die for the Lions here, but a win at the cattery would give them a great boost after dropping 4 of the last 6.  Just not sure they will be able to against a very slick unit.

 

 

25% (91%) vs In the Pink (9%)

 

This game has a completely different complexion compared to their encounter on Good Friday.  The Blues have won their last two in unconvincing fashion, blitzing the first quarter in both and unwatchable for the remaining three.  In both games failing to match their first quarter score for the rest of the game.  While they are hit with injuries, the backline has remained intact.  North pushed Freo last week and are a great chance to knock off the Blues here.  Toby Pink and the defence get great relief that Curnow will not 100% if he plays and they will be confident their mids can run out the entire game.  Convincing myself that the Blues backline will be able withstand any onslaught and get them back to an even ledger.

 

 

Corked Wines (64%) vs Flying Ducks (36%)

 

Port was too well coached for the Dees last week and get to host Sydney.  They lose Wines probably for Travis Boak and some doubt about Allir.  The Swans though are regaining flight.  Amartey returns along with Roberts, most importantly they could also get Papley and Gulden back.  Their injury list significantly diminished.  Will that be enough to beat Port?  Hard to imagine given they have not beaten them in Adelaide for 10 years.

 

 

On Point (97%) vs Dog Bitten (3%)

 

The Pies got the Dees by a point and had a week off to prepare for the Saints.  The Saints preparation could not have been much worse after being mauled by the Dogs.  Expect the Saints will make if tough in the Loungeroom but the Pies have too many weapons and should put this one away.

 

 

Airon (51%) vs Twilight (49%)

 

Aaron Cadman ruled to skies last week for the Giants pulling in 13 marks and booting 5, is this the coming of age for him and if so, how dangerous is their forward line now?  They take on the Suns who have lost their last two.  Have we seen this movie before with the Suns setting early?  This will be good test of that but not definitive.  They get an advantage with the absence of Sam Taylor, his replacement Leek Allir is no slouch though.  Going with the Giants at home.

 

 

Mr Ed (99%) vs Oozing (1%)

 

The Saints had Windhager lock up the Bont last week only for Ed Richards to tear them apart, he has been a phenomenal player this year.  How will Yze and the Tigers approach the pair this week?  Suspect it won’t matter, the Dogs will deal with another lowly ranked team as we await their next test.

 

Go Blues,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

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