Round 2 Preview – Fixing it for the Fans?

Greetings All,

 

Big crowds and some pretty good footy featured in the opening round, but a couple of the “fan experiences” leave a bit to be desired.  For me the movement of the advertising hoardings made it difficult to pick up the movement of the players.  But time is on the wane this week so we are straight into it!

 

 

The Corporation ($1.54) vs Friday Night Frights ($2.82)

West Coast head back to Subi against the Blues that have consistently come up short when they are in the spotlight!  It is shining on them fiercely now, they have had the occasional propensity to respond – but it would take a massive turnaround in effort and commitment to see them toppling the Eagles who have their own set of demons to deal with.  Incredible that there were no players dropped from the Carlton line up from last week – and based on that I can’t have them this week.

 

Undimmed ($1.38) vs Refreshed ($3.50)

Dimma’s Tigers were very slick last week, but were allowed to run unhindered for most of the match.  Can Beveridge’s Bulldogs apply enough pressure to stem the Tiger tide?  I suspect they will be better at it than Carlton, but it won’t quite be enough.  Nevertheless the $3.50 on offer is fair value for the Bulldogs.

 

Mummies Boys ($1.51) vs Is it a Roos? ($2.92)

Great test for both GWS and Melbourne coming off Round 1 victories.  If the game were in Sydney, I would appreciate the odds differential.  But this is in the nation’s capital and the Giants are yet to establish any advantage there.  I am happy to pick the Demons here.

 

Thumbs Down ($2.96) vs Big as Tex ($1.47)

Lots being read in to the Crows performance last week – but in some perspective it was on their home deck against a perennial poor starter.  The Pies though will miss Steele Sidebottom with his injured thumb.  He is a genuine footballer who reads the play well, with other midfielders missing it will be backs to the wall.  Just how they love it.  Adelaide will have a better defence than Brisbane and with that I suspect will be able to hold out, but underestimate the Pies at your peril anything better than $2.40 is good value.

 

Rocket Launched ($1.21) vs They Call Him Bruce ($4.80)

The Suns coming off their first Rocket rocket should have too much talent for the Saints at home.  But St Kilda will win plenty of followers if Josh Bruce can launch like that regularly – loved St Nick’s reaction too.

 

Challenger 2 ($1.74) vs Challenger 1 ($2.30)

The two favoured teams to challenge Hawthorn face off to see who will be the Number 1 contender!  Port had a tough encounter in Perth and Sydney had no walk in the park either.  Going for Port mainly the strength of playing at home and also some concerns about Sydney if they don’t start well again.  The game of the round.

 

Motloppy Crew ($2.10) vs Purple Haze ($1.82)

Geelong are renowned for their player driven punishment and have been forced into another one with Stephen Motlop breaking the rules.  The short term pain has usually paid off them.  But it might not this week against Freo who have just about their best 22 named.  Nevertheless Geelong at Geelong is a tough trip and great value if they are ever better than “flip of the Coin”, Cats for mine.

 

3 Quartermasters ($5.20) vs Smokin’ the Ceglar ($1.22)

The Bombers reigned till ¾ time last week – was it conditioning or was it poor play?  A combination of both for mine with some pretty sloppy execution and decision making costing them dearly.  They can afford none of that up against Hawthorn who spiflicated the Cats last week.  Plenty writing off Geelong as result – I suspect it will be a common headline for Hawk opponents through the year and probably the Bombers on Monday!

 

Flops from the Blocks ($1.18) vs Without Merrett ($5.60)

The Roos last jumped out of the barriers with a win in 2009 – their record in Round 2 is mixed.  Last week can’t be ignored but they were dealt a similar pasting by Essendon last year and played in a preliminary final.  Up against Brisbane this week who have lost one their best midfielders in Rockliff and their best key player in Merrett.  Can’t see North dropping this one.

 

Friar Time

Ammo Round 1 is finally upon us and Friars are hosting a triple header.  The Under 19s take on Old Brighton before the older chaps take on Ormond who have come from Premier C.  Best wishes to Dick Baker making his coaching debut.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

Cheers, Sal

 

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