AFL Preview
Round 13
It was interesting to read that Denis Pagan has become a real estate agent selling houses and land after leaving the AFL behind. That puts a new slant on the expression “Pagan’s Paddock” that was in use when he coached North Melbourne.
It’s no wonder Chris Judd has neck and shoulder injuries as he always has to turn his head to look over his shoulder to see who’s tagging him each week!
“Is there no way we can rubbish umpires?” asks the Carlton Football Club? Yes! Retire and become a spectator!
Buckley left Brisbane – what a brouhaha. Had he stayed he would still have won a Brownlow but also 3 premierships! Boak wants to leave Port? So what!
There are some good games this week hopefully resulting in no major thrashings. We tipped the 6 last week but then again so did 90% of the tipping population I reckon. Good luck this week.
Sydney V Geelong at the SCG Friday Night
Both teams are coming off a bye so being fresh enough for the game is no concern. Goodes returns for the Swans as well. The game is at the SCG. There seems to be a lot of positives for Sydney. The game should go down to the wire and expect it to be close. The only question mark against the Swans is their dramatic fade out against Essendon last week in the last quarter. While the Cats are not as good as they were last year they are steadily climbing the ladder and with two easy games to follow this one they would once again be somewhere in the top 4. Sydney’s improved midfield will be sorely tested here.
Geelong by 6
Western Bulldogs V Brisbane Lions at Etihad Saturday
These two teams have been showing similar form all season so far so picking the winner here is not a straightforward tip. The Bulldogs are staying in touch with the top 8 courtesy of some wins against lesser sides so you would think they could manage a win here as well. Brisbane play consecutive away games and they faded badly against the Hawks last week. The Doggies lose Will Minson over that sledging incident. He’s a big man with a big mouth. Demetriou said banter is ok – up to a point. Imagine if this rule was in when we played footy years ago? 20 players in the sin bin every week.
Western Bulldogs by 20
Collingwood V West Coast Eagles at the MCG Saturday
Is this the game between the likely Grand Finalists for 2012? Collingwood and West Coast have had their injury problems thus far but they continue to keep winning games. An unlikely loss to Brisbane 2 weeks ago by the Eagles might point to some weaknesses there. The MCG might not be West Coast’s favourite ground but they have won premierships there so a game like this will be a challenge. The Pies can move into the top 2 if they win. West Coast would retain top position. Collingwood comes off a bye and a rest and the Eagles had a tough win against Carlton last week.
Collingwood by 11
Fremantle V Essendon at Paterson Stadium Subiaco Saturday
Although the game is in Perth the recent form of Fremantle does not fill tipsters with a great deal of confidence. It was certainly a shock win against the Tigers a couple of weeks ago and that form would sway a tip their way against the Bombers who seem to be losing a bit of momentum albeit they almost snatched a most unlikely win against the Swans last week. This is a difficult tip because if Essendon bring their A game they will win easily. Anything less will see them beaten. A draw is most likely. Sandilands may seem a big loss to the Dockers but they won last week against Richmond virtually without him. Maybe midfield and clearance players from the opposition are used to feeding off him. At least it brings a new mix to the team.
Fremantle by 12
Melbourne V GWS Giants at the MCG Sunday
As much as we would like to see the Giants win a winnable game against the Demons I think experience and the venue being at the MCG might just swing the result Melbourne’s way. If the Dees put in a performance like a few this year a few times the Giants could win. Not a game that will have any bearing on the finals but important enough for a new, developing team and for a long term disappointing team.
Melbourne by 17
North Melbourne V Adelaide at Etihad Sunday
North struggled last week against Gold Coast scraping home for a win as did the Crows against the Saints as they held on to win by 4 points. North can play champagne football but not often enough and they would have to crack Bollinger level to beat the Crows at the moment. Expect a tight first half but more consistent form by Adelaide should see them prevail and possibly take top position on the ladder if another result goes their way. North are still developing and a few games under the belt of the younger players might lend them some consistency. The Adelaide forward line of Tippett and Walker is a strong focal point for the Crows.
Adelaide by 31
Article last changed on Thursday, June 21, 2012 - 5:11 PM EDT
