Round 18 – Sal’s Preview: The Great Number 1

 

 

Greetings All,

 

Sergio Silvagni’s death was very sad for footy and Blues supporters in particular.  The son of a migrant, a new generation of Australians identified with him and grew their passion for the game.  Long sleeves and socks down were his trade mark and blue collar was his style.  He was convinced out of retirement by Barassi during the 1970 season and was a key player in the club’s most famous victory.  A great clubman he served on the coaching panel and committee after his ultimate retirement.  His legacy and legend lives on with his grandson Jack playing for the Blues following on from his son Stephen.  A testament to their greatness Serge and Steve were both named in the Carlton Team of the Century.  It is fitting that the Blues take on the Pies this week but unfortunate that fans cannot be there.

 

Rest In Peace

 

Now finally for the footy after finally relenting and missing a Thursday Night.  Maybe the Blues can take some solace after being beaten by the Cats as they absolutely demolished the Dockers.  Freo found themselves in seventh place but certainly looked nothing like a finals contender and less so with the injury concern of Sean Darcy.

 

Jack Attack ($3.20) vs Hippy, Hippy, Shaken ($1.44)

 

A bit miffed not getting a bit from Jack for my article not sure he missed any other media outlet during the week on the eve of his 300th game.  His Tigers are battling and not helped by the game being moved to Queensland.  Not being at the Gabba helps.  Brisbane got their own share of issues losing key players at both ends of the ground in Hipwood and Adams.  Finding a replacement for Eric will be tough, plenty may malign him but he always took a good defender.  Adams maybe back for finals but leaves them short in defense against Riewoldt and Lynch.  Lambert and Nankervis are important inclusions for the Tigers and reckon they might get this one.

 

Break of Day ($4.70) vs He’s a very Naughton Boy ($1.27)

 

The Suns lose a key tall in Sam Day, while the Dogs get their talisman back in Aaron Naughton.  The Suns are going well late in the season for a change but the Dogs win this if they have premiership aspirations.

 

Petty Crimes ($1.10) vs Frosty Reception ($10.00)

 

Harrison Petty has slotted into the Melbourne backline beautifully after the injury to Tomlinson, he also replaced Sam Frost who lines up on the other side and is fulfilling his role well for the Hawks but with much greater challenges.  Losing Jiath hurts even with him reckon the Dees take this one.

 

Battle Hardened ($1.70) vs Not so Rozee ($2.40)

 

Conversing with a Saint last week as they pummelled the Lions I thought they were close to full strength till he let me know of a couple that are missing.  Great to have depth and needed a bit with the loss of Battle for the season.  They take on Port who are battling their own demons plus injury.  Losing Rozee and Butters takes plenty of talent away.  Their reliance on young skinny forwards in Georgiades and Marshall to support Charlie was problematic last week against the powerful Melbourne defense.  Potentially one of their core issues against top teams.  They need to bounce back here, but reckon the Saints have an insatiable appetite for the contest at the moment and can take this one.

 

24 Carat ($4.00) vs It’s Curtains ($1.32)

 

A great ruck contest between one of the all time greats in Goldy for the Roos and Sam Draper who will carry the Bombers rucks for years to come.  His team are flying at the moment after tearing the Crows apart last week.  North were as impressive with a great win over the Eagles.  Resting Cunnington makes this a Essendon win.

 

Jungle Hunter ($1.90) vs Decrippted ($2.08)

 

The Pies took the prized scalp of the Tigers last week and would love to follow up with the Blues this week.  They are somewhat assisted with the Blues forced into leaving Cripps out of the team due to injury.  The Blues need to be less dependent on him so overall this is not too bad.  More immediately though the Pies just have a stronger team on the park.  They have won from the coaches box in the last two encounters establishing mismatches through Plowman and taking him to the goal square one out.  This will be a test of Teague and his defensive assistant to ensure it does not happen for the third time in succession.  Hope Jack wears the long sleeves with socks down and the Blues win, but don’t think they are going well enough.

 

Bombed Out ($2.16) vs Bounced ($1.86)

 

Two of the more disappointing teams from last week in the Crows and Eagles, one will get redemption.  A couple of poor efforts from the Eagles were highlighted through the week, I doubt Adam Simpson would have missed them and expect a much better effort.  Meanwhile the Crows are talking about who won’t be getting contracts next year.  The Eagles have so much more to play for and should win.

 

Cog in the Machine ($2.68) vs Dog Catchers ($1.58)

 

The Giants get their skipper back but  in the process lose Mumford and Whitfield.  Vital players when taking on the Swans who showed their best is good enough to win it all with a thorough pounding of the Dogs.  The Sydney Derby is always hard fought so not discounting the Giants, just think the Swans are playing a great brand of footy capable against anyone.

 

Go Blues – do it for the Silvagni Clan

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

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