Round 22 – Sal’s Preview: Tough tipping round

 

 

Greetings All and welcome to the penultimate round,

 

Plenty of news fodder this week with a numbers of players announcing the end of the road, another coaching slot filled in and the death of a legend of the game.  Polly Farmer’s legacy has gone well beyond footy setting the scene and stage for so many of the indigenous players who grace the field today.  All of this and a tantalizing fixture with the top four facing off, so we are straight into the matches.

 

 

Maynard ($1.83) v Smith ($2.18)

 

A couple of retirement announcements from this week’s Friday Night combatants, not sure how much the Dees will miss Corey Maynard however no doubt the Swans have missed Nick Smith whose injuries have forced his hand. Neither of them get a run this week although it may be the last time Jordan Lewis and Kieran Jack play at the G. The teams are playing for not much more than pride.  Melbourne will have distinct advantage with Max Gawn, but they are running out of soldiers and think Sydney have more of their top players in and can win.

 

 

The Train is in the Station ($2.04) v The Next Slot ($1.93)

 

Another game with teams finishing off the season, lost a bit of intrigue with the appointment of David Teague at the Blues.  A positive move giving the club clear air into the off-season. For the Saints Ratten awaits his fate – suspect they will also announce his appointment before the season’s end unless they do go for an alternative. In the meantime is appears Daisy may be playing his last game at the G, his footy has been pretty good it would come as no surprise if another club asked for his services in 2020. As for the game the Blues will appreciate not being up against a top four team, the Saints have a couple of players who like to feast on Carlton – in particular Membrey and Steven.  Think the Blues have the means to keep them in check notch another.

 

 

KOTJ ($1.85) v Roo Cullers ($2.16)

 

Not sure the fixture-writers though this was going to be a battle for the minor premiership back on Derby eve last year, but what a match up we have.  The Lions now going for nine on end while the Cats got back to their winning ways in obliterating the Kangaroos last week.  Both teams are well stocked with personnel it is the perfect test for both teams warming up for September.  Statistically the Gabba holds no fears for the Cats, winning their last three at the venue however this Lions outfit is a different proposition.  Geelong are still trying to find the right ruck combination which is a worry this close to finals, Ratugolea looks a good match up for Stefan Martin in this instance.  While the Gabba may hold no fears, it has returned to be a fortress this year while the Cats have been inconsistent away from Kardinia Park – so going with the home team.

 

 

Charddy Sippers ($1.67) v Phil Ins ($2.44)

 

While the top four battle it out the Crows-Pies encounter will also shape September action.  The Pies have battled manfully through a long injury list using fill ins to play their role every week, Brayden Sier has helped throughout but his venture on the basketball court while injured seemed quite bemusing.  At least they lost no-one to injury this week.  Interesting selection for the Crows bringing back O’Brien to join Jacobs to battle the dominance of Grundy.  They put in a mighty effort last week against the premiers with the inclusion of Fogarty providing a spark up forward.  Travelling holds no fear for the Pies, however the Adelaide Oval is not a happy hunting ground for them winning in only one of their five visits.  Hard to trust the Crows from week to week, they can win this with a reproduction of last week’s effort.

 

 

Munsters Cancelled! ($1.68) v Crash Landed ($2.44)

 

Herman and Eddie get their send off at home – Sandilands and Ballantyne have been great servants and players for Freo even if the latter was not universally appreciated by all fans.  It might be hard for Sandilands to get up each week, his form of late has been very good and linking up with Fyfe, Walters and Hill will be a challenge  for the Bombers.  Essendon showed last week that they are not ready to contend yet, but do have a better line up in.  They will respond but think Freo will be too good at home.

 

 

Not so Shaw ($2.18) v Buttering Up ($1.83)

 

Are the Roos questioning their decision on Rhyce?  Only one goal against the Cats might have sparked alarm bells, clearly not the case with only one change to the lineup.  Sometimes at the Cattery you just have accept and move on.  There will be a spirited response and Port will have to take the brunt of it.  They took the Swans apart last week but away from home is another challenge, they get Butters and Burton back which makes them better.  They need to win to strengthen their position however not sure they have the consistency and picking the Roos.

 

 

Daniel ($1.56) v Willie ($2.72)

 

The Riolis’ clash with the victor going into prime position to host a final in week one.  Richmond have move to favouritism for the premiership largely on the back of the once likely outcome of playing Geelong in week one at the G, this week’s matches could change that outcome.  This game is a perfect test in the lead up for both teams.  The Tigers are on a roll with some assistance of a favourable draw, coming up against the reigning champs will provide them an audit of exactly where they are.  The Eagles are in a similar position who will be very keen to test themselves in the cauldron of the MCG.  There are some great matchups if Darling and Kennedy can split their contests that will help the Eagles, at the other end Lynch and Riewoldt will be tested the Barrass-McGovern combination.  Picking the Tigers purely on the ground factor.

 

 

The Lid’s Off ($1.77) vs Drink Time ($2.26)

 

When on the ground Brett Deledio was a weapon for the Giants, injuries have taken their toll with him pulling the pin after yet another soft tissue injury.  Further diminishing the prospects of the Giants being a force in September.  They take on the Dogs who Luke Beveridge has firing at the right end of the season but is it too little too late.  Remember they squeezed in in 2016!  They need to win this, but I suspect the Giants will make up for last week’s shocker.

 

Roughing It ($1.06)  v Concession Time ($15.50)

 

The Hawks giving the send off a true champion deserves.  Not many players have gone the battles that Jarryd Roughead has to play the game, he not only did that but was such a driving force behind the culture and attitude of the Hawks winning three flags on the trot. They should be too good for the Suns who are lining up their special requests from the league – they are well entitled.

 

 

Friar Time

 

The Seniors were challenged early by Power House who took advantage of the breeze early, a ten goal 2nd term put paid to that and ending up a 99 point victory.  The Reserves had a tougher time having to kick two last quarter goal into the wind to notch the victory.  This week Ivanhoe visit Friar Park in the last home game for the season.  The Under 23s proved too good for Fitzroy and head down to Beach Oval to take on Old Brighton to try and lock in the 4th position on the table.

 

Go Blues, Go Friars,

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

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