AFL Preview Round 14
Last week 7/8 = 77/101 (76.2%)
Seems I am having a good run with the tipping over the past 2 weeks and let’s hope the preview has jumped the right way in some of the closer contests again this week.
Good luck this week in the tipping as there are a couple of tricky ones.
Hawthorn V Essendon at the MCG Friday Night
The Bombers have definitely faded since the sensational start of the season and the best hope the Bombers have of winning future games is when they play mid level teams. Hawthorn, even without Buddy and Roughead, is not a mid level team. On form it’s hard to go past the Hawks. The novelty of a past champion as coach has worn off although James has warned supporters of this happening as being likely. Clarkson seems to think the Hawks are still a chance for the flag. Hmmph.
Hawthorn by 29
Gold Coast Suns V Western Bulldogs at Metricon Saturday
I’m tempted to pencil in the Suns to come close in this game that’s how bad the Western Bulldogs are playing. The Doggies will have to work very hard to win this game but experience should prevail over the last quarter and a half. The Suns represent a reasonable rough bet. They can probably match it with the Dogs for 3 quarters so it’s a matter of holding on at the end if they have a lead.
Western Bulldogs by 21
Richmond V Melbourne at the MCG Saturday
The game has reached blockbuster status – 2 Melbourne based teams that have given their supporters hope and frustration over many years. Expect 70,000 at the MCG to see whether the Tigers or the Demons can take that next step and pinch a spot in the 8. Inconsistency has been the name of the game so we can expect a close game – or not.
Richmond by 11
Sydney V Collingwood at ANZ Stadium
The Pies are coming off that dreaded bye and the Swans suffered a beating at the hands of Carlton last week. Collingwood players are returning from Arizona so hopefully those that play will not have their heads in the clouds. If you believe there is still a significant class difference between the two sides then pick Collingwood. If you think this as good an opportunity as ever will come for the Swans to get one back at the Pies at ANZ then pick Sydney. Really? Mumford out for the Swans and perhaps Jolly back in gives the Pies an edge in the ruck not to mention the Collingwood midfielders. Definitely a hard ask for Sydney but not impossible.
Collingwood by 39
Fremantle v Brisbane at Patersons Stadium Perth Saturday
On the basis of continually tipping Brisbane games incorrectly thinking that they might win, the lesson has been learnt and regardless of the poor form of Fremantle they should be too good at home for the Lions in this one. The Dockers are in danger of losing a place in the finals so the incentive is there.
Fremantle by 22
Geelong V Adelaide at Skilled stadium Sunday
Neil Craig, coach of the Adelaide Crows, has stated that the team and the supporters should brace themselves for a bit of pain as the team gains experience and bloods new players. The pain continues in this game.
Geelong by 66
Carlton V West Coast Eagles at Etihad Sunday
For followers of the game that think west Coast will come close to knocking off the Blues you must think that the teams are fairly level on skill and experience. I don’t believe this is so. The Eagles have come off the bottom of the ladder in sensational form but there is still a gap between them and the top 4 teams. Their winning run will be brought to a halt in this match and the winning run of Carlton continues.
Carlton by 38
Port Adelaide V North Melbourne at AAMI Sunday
North has won its last 3 games and it’s been a while since it won 4 on the trot. This will be one of those times.
North Melbourne by 41
Article last changed on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 6:36 PM EDT
