Round 9 – Sal’s Preview: Hey Boo Boo!

 

Greetings All,

 

The hysteria around the booing of Buddy Franklin got a bit out of hand – just like the booing.  As the AFL and Collingwood wrung their hands of the issue thinking it is a bad look for the game it would pay also to be circumspect.  The phenomena is not restricted to our game or even our shores, spectator sport is really just pantomime and every pantomime needs a villain.  Why Buddy was the villain is a little less clear – however plenty of Pies would know just being good can make you a villain as Nathan Buckley might attest to.  There does need to be a bit of balance though, Adam Goodes was hounded out of the game because of the insidious nature of what he copped.  We will see more this weekend Tom Stewart lining up against Richmond, JHF facing North, Liam Jones up against the Blues and Toby Greene.  While not a fan of it – not sure it is something the AFL and clubs can control.

 

 

Trouble on the Couch ($3.20) vs Close and Unpresent Danger ($1.44)

The Tigers going down to the Suns took them to six games without a win in the Loungeroom, they get back to preferred territory hosting the Cats at the G.  Geelong lose Dangerfield and Close however the Tigers have bigger personnel issues.  Geelong have a much better balanced line up and will be too good.

 

 

West ($3.70) vs Gold ($1.36)

The coastal duel is in the west so the Eagles have a bit of an advantage – in reality though they cannot take a trick.  Losing two more of there best 22 in Culley and Hurn and none coming back.  Gold Coast were terrific against Melbourne last week but for some costly errors and oversights, overall they are playing well and tough to beat.  I doubt West Coast will be able to.

 

 

Love Bites ($1.36) vs In the Purple ($3.70)

Tom Hickey makes a timely return for the Swans with the injury to Ladhams, however they lose Tom McCartin and continue to have to play with a makeshift backline.  Returning to the SCG will be handy against Freo who did their job to get over the Hawks last week.  Neither of these teams are firing on all cylinders at the moment and not entirely trustworthy, only picking Sydney on the SCG factor.

 

 

Ben Ten ($5.30) vs Home Coming ($1.22)

Jason Horne-Francis went home and now faces his original AFL Home.  Ben Cunnington has paid the price for the loss, his replacement Hugh Greenwood might just get the task on JHF.  It won’t matter Port are going too well and will win.

 

 

Firing Blancks ($8.00) vs May Day ($1.13)

James Blanck is one of five inclusions for the Hawks who get to host the Dees at the MCG.  Melbourne will be celebrating the 200^th game for Steven May a perfectly targeted recruit who rules the defense.  Not sure their win will be in the proportions of the North game a couple of weeks ago but won’t be too far away.

 

 

Great Dayne ($1.21) vs Be Hind ($5.40)

The performance of the Blues was pulled apart last week, not nearly enough credit went to their conquerors in the Lions.  There planning and execution was very good, their efficiency exceptional.  They get Zorko back and head home to host Essendon, they let Nick Hind loose in the last quarter to nearly pull off a come from behind win.  The Bombers are proving feisty customers, they may have lost the last three but all too quality opposition.  Expect the same this week a feisty effort but not quite good enough against a quality opponent.

 

 

Apples ($1.92) vs Another SOS ($2.06)

More turnovers than Maccas for the Blues last week, plenty due to physical pressure a few due to mental demons.  Good teams embrace the pressure and match it, this team does not.  The pasting they have copped might be disrespectful for Brisbane but still deserved.  They get some chance of redemption against the Dogs who will debut James O’Donnell the son of Simon.  Opposite to the Bombers they have won the last three, however their opponents were not of the highest quality.  However you can only beat what is put in front of you and they did the job.  The teams look evenly matched although Treloar will be missed.  The Blues have issues they need to address in the Loungeroom and must be more daring.  Suspect those adjustments will be made – will it make enough difference?  My heart says it will.

 

 

Thrill of the Chayce ($1.67) vs Jack be Nimble ($2.46)

The Crows were competitive against the two form teams of the competition but could close them out, they host another this week.  Jack Sinclair plays game 150 for the Saints – he has become such an important player for them.  They have chosen not to rush Max King back but do get Caminiti back – the forward line could be top heavy but Ross does have options with the magnets.  Adelaide will appreciate being back at home and while they coughed up against the Pies here, I suspect they will hold on here.

 

 

Duck Shooters ($1.20) vs Toby or not Toby ($5.80)

The Pies shot down the Swans last week and get the opportunity to cut down their cross town rivals in the Giants this week.  Their talisman and skipper Toby Greene remains in doubt and suspect their chances albeit slim ride on his presence.  Pies to win.

 

 

Friar Time

 

St Marys Salesian threatened the Friars closing the gap to 2 points at the oranges, a six goal last quarter restored the ascendency for a solid 29 point victory.  The reserves had a big win and the threes were too good for Mazenod.  The women gave up early goals against Glen Eira and were not quite able to close the gap.  It’s another triple treat at Friar Park with the boys taking on South Melbourne Districts while the girls kick off the dew against AJAX.  The 3s visit HQ and get to play next door against Elsternwick.

Go Blues, Go Friars

Cheers, Sal

 

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