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As mentioned in my Round 15 Results and Critique, Round 16 is a tough one to call.  After making my initial selections, I went back and changed one.  Not a good sign of confidence.  With that said, the games all promise to be exciting to watch.  Unless you are cheering for your favorite, in which case it may be a bit nerve wracking.  Enough preliminary small talk.  On to my tips.  This week you should find much to quibble with.

Kangaroos v Collingwood:  I went with the Magpies for the Friday evening opener.  The Roos have been a bit spotty through the middle of the season and the Magpies seem to be not only in good form, but also on a mission to get into the top 4.

Geelong v Western Bulldogs:  This is the one I changed.  I initially picked Geelong . (I am a believer.) However, Ling and Ablett are out.  And with the year Ablett is having, whoever goes in to replace him will leave something to be desired.  Plus, with two of their key players out, the chemistry among the team players will be a bit off.  Further I believe the Western Bulldogs want to go into Skilled Stadium and make a statement.  So, I changed from tipping the Cats to tipping the Western Bulldogs.

Richmond v Essendon:  This should be an excellent game to watch.  I believe the teams are pretty evenly matched.  Clearly, either team can win this one.  I picked the Bombers because they seem to be on a roll right now.  They are clicking and have won several games in a row.  Besides, Richardson, is hurt and may not even play.

Brisbane v West Coast Eagles.  This is the only game I'm reasonably comfortable with.  I picked the Lions.  One must respect Leigh Matthews' team.  On the other side, the Eagles' coach seems to be a bit down and of course Kerr won't be playing.

St Kilda v Hawthorn:  I went with the Hawks, but inter-neighborhood rivalries may get the Saints, who seem to have found their form again, past the Hawks.

Carlton v Sydney:  Being a Swan fan, I went with the Swans.  However, I probably should have changed this tip, too.  The Swans seem to be a bit out of form, their collective heads do not seem to be in the game, and the Blues are trying to get into the top 8.  I am still impressed with the team play of Fevola, Stephens, Gibbs,  and Judd.  Should be a tight game (provided the Swans practiced their goal kicks this week.)  Maybe I will change my tip.

Port Adelaide v Adelaide:  Adelaide has not been doing too well lately.  They seem to have been a bit weak all year except in Round 3 when the played the Power.  (What a game.) With my perception that the Crows being off form, Burton gone, (I will truly miss 'The Birdman'), and the Power being hungry; I tipped the Power.

Fremantle v Melbourne:  Is this the battle for the Wooden Spoon?  No, the Eagles aren't in it.  The Demons are improving, but I went with the Dockers.  The Dockers have played well, but have fallen short on many occasions.  (I believe this frustration has worked on the Dockers' psyches and contributed to Solomon's unsportsman-like forearm to the Cameron Ling's cheek last week.)  Solomon aside, I think the Dockers are better than their record indicates and so I chose the Dockers to end Round 16 with a win.

With all the above rationalization I used to make my Round 16 selections, I can see a 4-4 week for me this week.  There are so many close match-ups.  Still the question lingers, 'Should I re-tip the Blues over the Swans?'

Howard of Virginia


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