Round 16 – Sal’s Preview: How Many is Enough?

 

Greetings All,

 

So they come out and say the umpires didn’t see the high contact to Jordan Dawson in the last minute of the game.  Incredible really, we now have four umpires on the ground, how many more do we need to not miss the obvious?  Actually, reckon it is bollocks – the bigger issue is that they do not work together and are too scared to make decisions.  The result is ball-up after ball-up and 36 players in 25% of the arene.  Pay free kicks for ‘holding the ball’, ‘incorrect tackles’ even ‘push in the back’ and get the ball moving.

 

We are back with a full set of matches this week as we hit the home stretch.

 

 

Hippy, Hippy, Shake (69%) vs Hoppy, Hoppy, Shake (31%)

 

Eric Hipwood found some of his best form last week against the Saints who also took the opportunity to give some to Harris Andrews by kicking the ball to him all night.  Their Lions host the Tigers who get Jacob Hopper back along with Marlion Pickett but lose Dion Prestia.  Richmond are in good form winning the last three and go to Gabba looking to steal this one.  The Lions though are better opposition than the vanquished and even tougher at the Gabba and should stretch their run to three.

 

 

Raise Your Bat (49%) vs Dangerous (51%)

 

The Swannies reached a double century last week but against very poor opposition, this week they host their grand final conquerors.  Based on their last two clashed some of that percentage built up might come in handy.  Geelong were very good last week and get Dangerfield back to only improve them, although balanced by the loss of Jeremy Cameron.  Sydney have most of the cavalry back but Buddy likely to remain on the sidelines.  The last two encounters would suggest Geelong should be too strong, however back on their home ground and with handy team selected reckon Sydney can get up.

 

 

Pecked (89%) vs Uniackeness (11%)

 

The Crows suffered another bitterly close loss to the Pies but will know that they are competitive with the best.  They won’t need to be that competitive to win this week.  They take on the Roos who will welcome Davies-Uniacke back to bolster the midfield but just won’t be enough.

 

 

Cody Red (64%) vs Action Jackson (36%)

 

Weightmam proved a terrific extra target against the Roos booting six, his Dogs host Freo who got back on the winners list at home with a terrific performance from Luke Jackson who appreciated playing in tandem with Sean Darcy.  A critical game for both sides, a win for the Dogs giving them a two break over the Dockers a loss and they are level.  The Loungeroom will provide some advantage for the Dogs, however they have a number of key players injured particularly in defence.  They win through their midfield though if they can get on top, Freo have the personnel to match most of them but then there is the Bont.  It is advantage Dockers in the Ruck and up forward, so if that Doggie midfield does not dominate they are in trouble.  Think they will be good enough, just.

 

 

Dew Point (42%) vs Two Points (58%)

 

Probably the most important match in Gold Coast’s history – certainly under Stuart Dew as they get to host the yardstick of the competition in the Pies.  They demolished the Hawks and have been very good at home only losing a close one to Melbourne.  It was an important win for the Pies last week, genuinely challenged and they again showed their mettle in a tight finish.  With school holidays on plenty of Pies will hit the road and expect plenty to be there.  Hard to tip against Collingwood at the moment and not going to here.

 

 

Curtain Call (37%) vs X-Factor (63%)

 

Sam Draper is still absent for the Bombers who get to host the rampant Port Adelaide.  To add to their challenge another Port young gun is likely to return in Xavier Duursma and they still can’t find room for the skipper.   Don’t think the Bombers will win this time at the MCG.

 

 

Mulligan? (28%) vs Out of the Blue? (72%)

 

Both the Hawks and the Blues had form reversals last game, interestingly both against the Suns.  Hawthorn were overrun by the Suns last week after posting the first three goals on the board, do they get excused for the performance?  Reckon at their stage of development they will have a couple of those.  The Suns effort was also in response to the beating they took from the Blues a week earlier, in reality it was one quarter where Carlton dominated.  The Blues got back on the board but need to be more consistent for an entire game before this judge believes again.  Expect a strong response from Hawthorn and the Blues coming off the bye could be a factor.  Think missing James Sicily is a bigger one, expect Carlton to be too strong here.

 

 

Cat Scratched (71%) vs Double Verdant (29%)

 

The Demons were in the game till ¾ time before the Cats took a hold and dominated them, not unusual to happen at the cattery but some concern as Geelong were missing a few.  They take off to the red centre to host the Giants who are becoming more consistent as the season progresses.  A Greene and Green have been very good, however they will miss the run of Whitfield this week.  A critical game for the Demons to stay in reach of the top two, while the Giants are hanging onto hope only one game out of the top eight.  Expecting a strong response from Melbourne who have generally been OK at the venue while GWS visit for the first time.  Won’t be easy but expect Melbourne to prevail.

 

 

What Next? (8%) vs In the Battle (92%)

 

The Saints battle for a spot in the top four could get a boost this weekend as it is their turn to pummel West Coast.  While there is much to dissect about their list management and current circumstances – any luck on the injury front would help.  Mind you St Kilda began the season with the longest injury list and won their first four.

 

 

Friar Time

 

All four teams were on the plus side last weekend with the seniors and reserves posting solid wins in the slop over St Marys Salesian, the thirds were way too good for Wattle Park and women got a few back and were able to get over Bulleen-Templestowe.  The girls kick off the day at Friar Park this week against Latrobe Uni where a win will keep them in contact with the top four.   The threes head to Box Hill North where they should prove too strong.  A critical game for the Seniors hosting Old Yarra Cobras a win will lift them back into the four, for the reserves a win vital also to stay in touch.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

 

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