Round 18: Sal’s thoughts and choices from monsoonal Hanoi.

Greetings all from monsoonal Hanoi,

 

An abridged edition this week after some intense training and socialising with work in Hanoi.  Was here four years ago and a few changes traffic lights are now mostly obeyed, Beer Street is still fantastic and the nightclub of choice is “The Toilet”.

 

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Footy news is thin on the ground up here so we are straight into it.

 

Blue Belters ($6.20) vs Home Boys ($1.18)

 

The Tiger trouble out of Melbourne continued last week, they are not quite back on the hallowed turf but should be too good for the Saints who will find this foe a bit tougher than the Blues.

 

The Quiet American ($1.58) vs Mr Higgins ($2.70)

 

The Pies and Roos may have lost last week, they did not lose too many admirers though in high quality contests.  Cox returning will certainly straighten Collingwood up, he may have been the difference last week.  They will though need to control the effectiveness of Shaun Higgins who is not only winning his share of the ball but uses it very well.  The Pies have the advantage at the G and are my selection, but the satchel swingers are providing great value on the Roos at anything over $2.40

 

Can’t go Ronke vs At Their Witt’s End

 

Another great display from Ronke to help get his Swans over the line and could not help but be impressed with the game of their match winner Allir Allir.  They take on the struggling Suns just trying to get another win on the board.  Won’t be this week.

 

Fantasialand vs Short Circuit

 

Freo shutdown the Power last week to hurt their top four aspirations. A win here would pretty much put an end to the Bombers finals fantasy.  They are not without a chance, Essendon back in the Loungeroom should prevail.

 

Kings of the Jungle () vs Charddy Sippers ()

 

The Lions are getting their moniker back after a very impressive month of footy. Beating the Hawks in Launceston is no mean feat and without Luke Hodge even more meritorious. Hosting the Crows whose fans are drinking a finer wine over the last couple of weeks.  Losing Walker is no issue with Mitch McGovern returning.  The ladder might say Adelaide, Brisbane are in as good a form as anyone and on their home deck can win this one.

 

Buzz Off vs InHibberded

 

Wylie Buzza has made way for Henderson’s return, which will stiffen the Cats defense, while Melbourne lose some drive from theirs with the injury to Michael Hibberd.  The Dees have prevailed at the cattery recently, just think this one is too important for Geelong and that the trinity might fire and get them over the line.

 

The Feast  vs Lion Prey

 

The Hawks might have been hunted by the Lions last week, this week they get their turn at the table to feast on the Blues.  Carlton still getting injuries and no stability in the team, the Hawks might not be that great either, but they are much better than this opponent.

 

Nic Nat Paddy Whacked  vs Time for a Beverage

 

How will the injury to Nic Nat really affect the Eagles, they were terrific last week in notching a solid win at the G.  They will not lose their structure with Lycett getting the main role, they will lose some of the dynamism that Natanui brings.  They take on the Dogs who have been disappointing again this season and probably need to assess their strategy for the future.

 

Paddy Whacked  vs Opening the Lids

 

Great finish to the round with Port Adelaide hosting GWS.  Losing Ryder will hurt Port and I suspect there will be some doubt around Robbie Gray.  The Giants get Deledio back who will help set them up from defense.  A great comeback from Toby Greene got the Giant forward line working well last week, will need a similar effort this week.  The Portress makes Port favoured in this one, I reckon the Giants are on a bit of a roll though and can prevail here.

 

Friar Time

 

Big wins over the cellar dwelling Turtles last week, however the Under 19s and Girls dropped their games.  The Seniors and Reserves head to Melbourne High’s Woodfull-Miller Oval to take on the 5^thplaced Unicorns.  The Seniors are currently a game ahead of them in fourth position, a win will put a handy break between the teams a loss will give the Unicorns hope of claiming a spot in the finals.  A critical game!  The Reserves also face a great test – half a game off top spot behind the Unicorns – a win puts the Friars in pole position!

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

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