Round 19 – Preview: Back to the footy

Greetings All,

 

Well after that batting display at we least have the footy.  Not quite as many issues this week and with that I am getting straight to the games.

 

Rorying Aloud ($2.20) vs De Lidds Off ($1.75) Ladbrokes have Richmond at the special price of $2

Great effort from the Tigers last week, I watched and watched waiting for a footy game to break out.  They were fanatical in their commitment to the cause and did not allow the Hawks any time and space.  This week they head to Adelaide to face a side chock full of Rorys – to think there is only Greg in the AFL but three Rorys in one team!  Adelaide pretty much play to form, they beat the teams below but struggle to get a result against higher rated opponents.  This holds Richmond in good stead for this week along with their impressive travel record.  They are my selection, however I am wary if Delidio does not play as their record is poor without him.

 

A Good Reid ($1.25) vs The Record Breakers ($4.60)

This Carlton team is breaking all the wrong records and the winning streak the Pies are developing over them is just another challenge.  The Pies have their own ugly streak to end not recording a win since June.  They have their woes up forward, but Ben Reid’s return might help – the Blues defence might as well.  John Barker lamented the lack of talent a couple of weeks ago, but has been forced to drop two of his most talented players due to lack of intensity in Yarran and Menzel.  The Blues are putting a non AFL standard team on the ground from week to week, can’t see the Collingwood drought continuing after this week.

 

It’s a Furphy ($1.69) vs Empty Cellar ($2.40)

Something not quite right with Bob Murphy out with general soreness, if it is any more than that it could certainly affect the Dogs while he is absent.  They are going beautifully, but his poise and skill will be missed in a crisis.  And they may face one this week against Port who have no Wines.  That will hurt but there is a fair bit of talent remaining.  This is the first year these teams play each other twice since 2006.  The Dogs in the Loungeroom are force to be reckoned with, but every week is an elimination final for Port – thinking they will go one more week at least.

 

Home Pride ($2.60) vs Lynch Mob ($1.61)

Returning to the Gabba will help the Lions who face the Suns coming of their draw to the Eagles thanks to Tom Lynch.  On form and with their forward firepower I think Gold Coast might have a better structure, which has been the Lions lament all year and displayed none more so than with Bewick and Rich named at CHF and CHB.

 

Exam Time ($2.20) vs Carlton Cursed? ($1.80)

The Eagles have been waiting all year for the examination, they have passed all the swotting so far although a bit of a slip last week.  The Hawks coming off a loss will present the sternest of tests – was the Hawks lower rating last week a return of the Carlton Curse?  The Eagles have as good a side in as they have had all year, the Hawks personnel typically runs deep.  The Hawthorn defence looks to match up pretty well against the big Eagle forwards, whereas at the other end the sheer volume of quality forwards for the Hawks is frightening.  Particularly with Cyril playing his 150^th!  Nic Nat will present some different challenges for the Hawthorn rucks, but Roughy into the middle is handy if they need to counter him at ground level.  Just favouring the Hawks in what should be a flip of the coin game.  This is a must watch particularly with the prospect of a number of finals to be played at Subi.

 

Selwood ($1.98) vs Nosey ($1.88)

A couple of milestones to recognise with the Geelong champ Joel Selwood notching his 200^th and one of my favourites “Nosey” Parker reaching 100.  They both have relentless attack on the footy and embrace the contest, great players.  But there is plenty more to this game, the Cattery has not been the usual fortress this year but the team is on a bit of a roll.  Sydney have lost Lance but played well last week and having Tippett contribute more in the ruck makes them better.  Not sure the Swans have turned the corner, but I do think their best is better than Geelong’s so making them my selection but without any confidence.

 

Dee-lighted ($3.75) vs Brownlow Quinella ($1.33)

Melbourne not only defeated their great rivals but did so with style – they may not have reached 100 points but an infinitely better spectacle.  They are fielding a pretty solid line up and face the finals bound Kangas who are also pretty healthy but did not really have much of a test last week.  In Todd Goldstein North has the outstanding ruckman of the competition and he must surely be well in contention for individual accolades of the highest order.  The lack of MCG exposure makes this an important game for the Roos, who probably have the edge over Melbourne with experience.  But I expect a keenly fought contest.

 

Return of the General ($1.32) vs Courting Time ($4.10)

GWS need plenty to go their way to participate in the Finals, getting Jonathon Patton back will help the cause.  They face the Bombers whose coach is once again caught up in litigation dramas, surely some of this stuff has to affect his day job?  But maybe after last Sunday he was trying not to think of his day job.  Finished up being on the Dogs with the withdrawal of Hurley, but I don’t think he would have made the difference.  While the Bombers will be keen for a better performance, the Giants look a more complete outfit and have so much to play for, I expect them to win.

 

Into the Dempster ($2.84) vs Zac Attack ($1.50)

Sean Dempster might not get the kudos of Joel Selwood, but he also plays his 200^th game.  He played in a premiership is his first season and has since moved to the Saints where he has served the club manfully.  His Saints get Reiwoldt back but face the Zac Dawson-less Freo.  This makes both Freo and the competition better!  I suspect even with Zac Freo would win.

 

Friar Time

The fairy tale looked “on” at ¾ time last week, but St Mary’s closed with a wet sail to beat NOBSP and make the hopes of a finals spot pretty difficult, but the possibility is still mathematical.  A convincing win over the doomed Yarra Valley had the Friars do their part.  The Under 19s however lost to Marcellin and have a critical game this week against Caulfield Grammarians.  The Seniors take on Prahran at Toorak Park who are a game behind the Friars and with an even less mathematical chance of playing finals.  In other great news for the club, Dick Baker has been reappointed as Friar Coach for 2016.

 

Go Friars, Go Blues,

Cheers, Sal