AFL Preview
Round 21
Excuse the shortness of the preview but I am on holiday and short on time.
Geelong V St Kilda at Etihad Friday night
The Saints have lost Reiwoldt at a bad time considering they had a faint hope of making the finals and they really needed players like Nick available for games like this. Geelong will make the finals and a win in this game will ensure that happens. Rumour has it that the Saints might try younger players in preparation for next season.
Geelong by 27
Essendon V Carlton at the MCG Saturday
The importance of this game is difficult to assess because Carlton’s chances of playing in the finals basically hinges on beating a fast dying Essendon team. Judd is back for the Blues in time for this and the Bombers have too many of their key players injured. Both teams have a lot to play for so the going will be tough. A friend sent me the KFC gag about Juddy – Karlton Football Club. Try Juddy’s chicken wings – each wing expertly twisted with Juddy’s 11 different justifications and excuses. Well, I thought it was funny!
Carlton by 17
GWS Giants V Melbourne at Manuka Saturday
There’s no doubt the Giants have a chance of winning the game considering the poor form of Melbourne but the Demons have a lot more experience than the new AFL team and that will be telling factor. Take away talks of tanking and there’s little other interest in the game.
Melbourne by 37
Fremantle V Richmond at Paterson Saturday
Simple basic fact here: Fremantle must win. No ifs or buts they have to beat the Tigers in Perth to have any chance whatsoever of making the finals. With the possibility of an Essendon loss the opportunity is too great for the Dockers not to take. Unfortunately for Fremantle Richmond is playing well so if they win it will be by a narrow margin.
Fremantle by 7
Collingwood V North Melbourne at Etihad Saturday
North Melbourne has taken all before them and put together a string of wins that leaves them in a great position to play finals football this year. Some significant injuries to a couple of key players from last week’s game will not help them to beat the Magpies who must maintain their winning form to settle in the top 4. More talent in more positions should see Collingwood maintain its winning habit against North.
Collingwood by 31
Brisbane Lions V Adelaide Crows at the Gabba Saturday
The Crows are pushing for minor premiers so this game against Brisbane still holds some importance for them and the reward of a home final. Brisbane has played a few good games but against quality opposition they have fallen a bit short. Okay they beat West Coast. The game has some great match ups with on ball players like Black, Rich, Dangerfield and Thompson. Even though the game is at the Gabba it’s hard to go past the Crows.
Adelaide Crows by 36
Port Adelaide V West Coast Eagles at AAMI Sunday
Not a bad effort by the Power against a rampant Hawthorn last week and again this week they face a team which has the ability to kick a lot of goals when they are on song. West Coast is maintaining its endeavour to finish top 4 although that does look a bit difficult at the moment with a significantly lower percentage than Hawthorn. Port just needs to keep playing the young kids and getting experience. Oh, and impress the new coach, whoever that might be.
West Coast Eagles by 44
Western Bulldogs V Sydney at Etihad Sunday
The Bullies really look a lot more like puppies, sick puppies at that. Meeting an unhappy Sydney after their close loss to Collingwood last week will not be a positive experience and there is the likelihood of an embarrassing margin if the Bulldogs don’t put in a 4 quarter effort. All that preview coaching aside – they have no hope of beating Sydney who just needs to win to hold top position on the ladder.
Sydney by 49
Hawthorn V Gold Coast at the MCG Sunday
Speaking of embarrassing margins, just what the Hawks needed was another percentage boosting game against one of the new teams – NOT! The Suns won last week but that first win on their home ground will be a distant memory after the siren goes to end this game. A Rioli injury to Hawthorn is countered by a Buddy return for them and he could kick a bag to wrest the Coleman lead from Pavlich. Gold Coast needs to work hard for 4 quarters to keep the margin under 100 points.
Hawthorn by 97
Article last changed on Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 7:54 PM EDT