Round 17 – Sal’s Preview: The view from Macao

Greetings all from steamy south east Asia.

 

A week in Hong Kong and Macao is certainly away from the AFL bubble but a few snippets get through.

 

 

Last week we got a few upsets in but not the lot, let’s see what this week brings from afar.

 

Back-to-back ($1.35) vs Road Warriors ($3.70)

The Pies are not travelling well, but they do love a road trip having not lost a regular season game on the road since 2017.  They did lose a final last year through and it was to the defending champs at this venue.  The Pies love the backs to the wall stuff, just think the Eagles are right on their game and primed for a solid defence of the title.

 

Cleaning the House ($1.33) vs Back Markers ($3.90)

Sydney have tidied the house winning their last three at the SCG which means trouble for the Blues who have not won there since 2011, no surprise given the chasm between the two teams in that period. They do get Cripps back but lose a couple of keys down back. They have had to chase down leads in their last four and succeeded twice, a good start could see them and I reckon they might have the team in to do it.

 

Launceston ($1.50) vs Purple Horde ($2.94)

The Hawks proved again that system is worth a bit in defeating the Pies, they head to their safe haven in Tasmania and should get the chocolates against Freo who get Stephen Hill back but won’t quite be enough.

 

Chillin’ with Dylan ($1.95) vs A Shaw Thing ($2.02)

The Bombers will be part of the celebration of Dylan Shiel’s 150^th game, however suspect their opponents will spoil the party.  The Roos have set the bar for intensity since Rhyce Shaw has taken over, if they can maintain the rage I suspect it will be too much for Essendon.

 

At Their Witts End ($5.50) vs Steady with Eddie ($1.20)

The Suns and Crows are both coming off shockers last week.  Can Witts bring the rest of his team along?  Will Eddie survive another poor performance? The Suns are struggling, Eddie loves mauling inferior opposition – the Crows should get back on the winners list.

 

Rat Attack ($1.10) vs Let’s Park That ($10.00)

A couple of significant changes for the Cats and Saints. Esava is back for Geelong and should provide a much better structure up forward, while St Kilda have dropped their early season explosion in Matt Parker.  The Cats at home should be too good.

 

The Smell of 2017 ($1.50) vs Just Smelly ($2.84)

The Tigers are back up and running with what looks like a well-timed attack on September, Jack Reiwoldt back just adds to the capability. They host the disappointing Giants who really need to regroup after a couple of poor efforts, not sure the Maserati driver should have the L-Plates off yet and expect Richmond to roll on.

 

The Smell of 2016 ($1.65) vs Max Factor ($2.50)

The Dogs are getting on a roll too while the Demons celebrate a winning streak of one.  Reckon Bulldog form is better.

 

SA Champs ($1.57) vs Hippy Shaked ($2.66)

Port had their on week for the Showdown and need to back up against the top four bound Lions.  Hodge and Hipwood out will test them, Port should win at home but have little confidence in them.

 

Friar Time

After a week off the Friars take on the cellar dwellers Hawthorn who notched their first victory last round at Rathmines Reserve.  The Girls play host to Westbourne in a critical game to consolidate their position in the four and the Under 23s head to Fitzroy in a game they need to win to stay in the race for finals.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars and looking forward to going home!

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

 

Do you really enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over pleaseconsider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
One off financial contribution – CLICK HERE
Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE