Round 6 – Sal’s Preview: Singing the Blues

Greetings All,

 

If I was told last Saturday that Carlton lost to Port by 28 points, as a supporter I would have been disappointed but not as apoplectic as so many have been this week.  A couple of other clubs suffered significantly worse defeats but have escaped the blowtorch.  As Julius Sumner Miller asked “why is it so?”

 

One reason is they deserved it.  28 points was flattering, the effort and skill level was not up to scratch.  I watch the Hawks go down to Melbourne by 50 points but their effort could not be questioned.  Another is “Blood in the Water”, the Blues are good at eating their own and the press know it and love it.  The sports talkback hosts salivate at the prospect of Blue Nuffies getting on air and going off without rhyme, reason or intelligence.  Of course there is also the great schadenfreude as much as I loved the Pies copping it a week earlier it was the Blues and their haters turn this week.

 

They have plenty to do – in life and footy “nothing is as bad as it seems and nothing is as good as it seems”.  The Blues need to work out the bad and fix it.  As do plenty of other clubs.  They get their chance to start this week.

 

Duck Shooters ($3.60) vs Hawaii 5-0 ($1.37)

 

The Giants shot down the Swans for consecutive wins, both featuring Shane Mumford in the team.  He is being rested this week against the Bulldogs sitting on top with the Hawaii record, they shoot from both barrels in the ruck with Martin and English.  The venue is Manuka in Canberra, the last night game the Giants played there was in arctic conditions and they simply froze.  While the snow is not expected it will be very cold, attitude in the conditions will be significant.  There is nothing in the Bulldogs to suggest any weakness, the five “ins” probably making them stronger.  The Giants have found something but the Bulldogs are just going too well.

 

Out of Danger ($1.58) vs Academy Award ($2.68)

 

West Coast won the Oscar with the brilliance of Allen.  Getting the right talent at the right time has seen Oscar develop behind Kennedy and Darling, now well in the slipstream to overtake them.  His Eagles have the Kardinia Park challenge, listened to a pundit indicate that the venue holds no fears for them.  An 8w-1d-9l record at the venue would suggest so, however that does not take into account the last six encounters.  They are now 8-1-15 have not won their since 2006 and the average margin has been almost 60 points.  No Dangerfield gives some hope, but picking Geelong at Geelong is a safe strategy.

 

Schmackos ($2.30) vs Love Bitten ($1.74)

 

The Dogs treated themselves to the Suns last week, leaving the second half to toy with the carcass.  The Suns have been smashed by injuries but need better efforts.  The Swans are not far behind on the injury toll now losing Hickey for an extended period; add Buddy, Heeney and Rampe to the list and there are some challenges.  Stewie Dew should be priming his team for this contest, up against another young side and reckon they can go close.  Just think the leadership of Parker, Kennedy and Mills can get the Swans over the line.

 

Add some Stocker ($2.26) vs Nealey Back ($1.78)

 

Whatever the Blues are cooking it is slow, we should see the addition of Liam Stocker to the mix.  Already covered them, no doubt they need to spread the midfield load.  They will have to contend with a regular nemesis in Lachy Neale who found some form last week and racks ‘em up for fun against the Blues.  Expect a significant response from Carlton who do match up quite well.  The trust relationship with them aligns with that of the Giants, but the heart says they just might do it.

 

A Nice Problem ($2.30) vs The Yardstick ($1.73)

 

The Demons booted 15 goals last week while their two prime forwards Weideman and Brown shared 10 in the reserves, plenty of clubs would love that dilemma at selection.  They are 5-0 the true test is this week against the Tigers the ultimate examination.  The Saints failed how will the Demons fair?  The tests are everywhere.  The Melbourne forward line has been fantastic at applying pressure and locking the ball in, can they do that against the Tigers rebounding defense?  At the other end May and Lever have led a stingey mob, Jack’s pack will put them to the sword.  Will Gawn be able to dominate over the physicality of Nank and who will contain Dusty?  Reckon just the job for the Demon Jack.  Looking forward to a beauty.  The Tigers love nothing more than to put a feisty challenger back in their box, reckon that will be motivation enough to get them home.

 

Crow Eaters ($1.09) vs A Noble Cause ($10.50)

 

The Dockers head home after takin an away scalp in Adelaide last week, they are building nicely and should to strong for David Noble’s earnest Roos who are trying but just not good enough.

 

Launceston ($1.64) vs Kicking Butts ($2.50)

 

The Hawks play host to Adelaide in their Tasmanian fortress.  They were valiant against Melbourne before being blown away in the last quarter.  Some questions have started to form after the Crows good start after losing at home.  Does O’Brien need help?  Is the midfield good enough without Rory?  After Tex where do the goals come from?  No question about their developing defender Jordan Butts who has established himself well thus far.  A tough one to pick and just going with the Hawks with their familiarity with the venue.

 

Striking a Korda ($1.77) vs Mauled ($2.26)

 

A few Friars on the ground, now one leading the Pies.  Mark Korda is a leader in business recovery can he help the Pies in theirs?  Collingwood has a few issues to deal with, they have addressed the main one first.  Without a clear leader the rest would have fumbled, this sets the tone for more decisive actions.  They start by playing Essendon in a 14th vs 16th blockbuster!  The Lions made a mess of Essendon last week, they will be keen to rebound and should fancy themselves.  Collingwood will have four forced changes with De Goey, Howe, Greenwood and Keane out.  A tough call but going with Collingwood with the advantage of Grundy in the ruck.

 

Blue Murderers $1.24() vs Sinners ($4.70)

 

Port had their way with the Blues, one aspect forgotten in the maelstrom of Blue bashing.  This mob is pretty good, they do deliver the effort and skill required to contend!  They host the Saints who were anything but that against Richmond with a poor capitulation.  Expect a strong response but despite a couple more injuries for Port they will be too good at home.

 

Friar Time

 

The first senior home game day was a beauty with the Past Players hosting a great lunch featuring Ben Crowe and his wisdom.  It was preceded by the Girls recording a big win over Latrobe University.  While that was going on the thirds headed to Old Camberwell and battled well but were well beaten.  The reserves got a win on the board over St Mary’s, the main event was a great match with the Friars reeling a four goal half time deficit to record a victory.  This week the Senior men’s teams head to Therry to resume pleasantries with an old foe, the women are Elsternwick Park in a huge game against Old Melbourne while the 3rds play are at Friar Park against Elsternwick.

 

Track Time

 

The Final Day of the Championship with a double header weekend in Melbourne, Caulfield Saturday and the traditional Anzac Day meeting at Headquarters on Sunday.  Just missed with All of Brighton (Sat R5, #6) but happy to stump up again just won’t get the $26 this time.  A few double bookings for Sunday but we will go early with the best but very short on Persan (Sun R1, #1), then reckon there is good each way value in the time honoured St Leger with Salto Angel (Sun R6, #7).

 

Randwick

 

Race 6 – The Champagne Stakes (G1, 1600m, 2yo SW)

 

Looking for Robbie Griffiths to go one better this year, Glenfiddich won the 2yo race on Mornington Cup day then ran second in this, Daily Bugle (4) has been set the same assignment and while the opposition is handy Anamoe is not here.  After that respect the form of the Sires with Hilal (2), Captivant (1) and the filly Queen of Wizardry (13).

 

Selections – 4-2-1-13

 

Race 7 – All Aged Stakes (G1, 1400m, WFA)

 

The sprinters and the milers collide over 7 furlongs in the final group one of the championships.  Savatiano (10) has become a model of consistency and looks up to this.  Main challenger is Masked Crusader (2) who has also found consistency just a query at the trip but has the brilliance to win.  The prospect of a firm surface gives I am Superman (9) a chance and the best of Tagaloa (11) is up to this.  As are plenty more in what is always an interesting affair.

 

Selections – 10-2-9-11

 

Quaddie

 

We are waiting till Sunday and the Flemington meeting to have a crack.

 

Leg 1 – 1, 2, 4, 5, 7

Leg 2 – 1, 3, 7

Leg 3 – 1, 3, 7, 8, 9

Leg 4 – 1, 2, 5, 6

 

300 Combinations, $30 – 10%

 

Go Blues, Go Friars

 

Cheers, Sal

 

 

 

For more from Sal, click HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. I’m also rooting for the Friars, but mine are the Friars AKA Padres of San Diego, who’ve just completed a 4-3 April home and away stand win over the World Series champs, the hated LA Dodgers, in a pulsating 11-innings 8-7 victory at Dodger Stadium, coming back from 1-7 down at the end of the 6th.
    The tragedy is that the Dodgers and Friars will never meet in a World Series, both being National League teams, but their rivalry this year will surely be the highlight of the MLB season.

    Just thought I’d slip that in…

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