Last week tipsters either scored 7’s and 8’s or 3’s and
4’s. That’s the sort of round it was with some unexpected results. Those that
somehow scored an 8 or a 9 really have little understanding of the game! J Experience tells me to expect the
unexpected again and tips this week might be more from the heart and gut feel
rather than using any logic. Logic made up last week’s debacle. Let’s try
something else to see if we can improve.
St Kilda V Richmond at the MCG Friday night
The Tigers might just be pumped enough after last week’s
historic win against Carlton to go 2 from 2 and beat the Saints who created
their own bit of history by going down to the Gold Coast Suns. Both teams have
strong midfields so it will be forward entries and conversions on the night that
will determine the outcome. Some early wins can see Richmond make the finals –
incentive enough. The Tigers lost a few close ones last year and the fact that
they held on to beat a fast finishing Carlton shows they might have gained some
nerve. The Saints will be bringing back players that missed last week which will
strengthen them midfield and up forward. The odds of $1.35 for Richmond and
$3.20 for the Saints are dangerously generous.
Richmond by 16
Sydney Swans V Gold Coast Suns at the SCG
Saturday
The Suns scored a great victory last week against St Kilda
and must give themselves a chance against the Swans, even though it would be a
stretch of the imagination to think they can win it. Sydney unfurls the
premiership flag this week at the SCG so it will be a nice end to the day to
also win their 2nd game. Whether they are good enough to win back to
back premierships is a difficult question to answer. It’s a weird stat but the
Suns will be making their 1st appearance at the SCG and that fact, as
well as it being bad form to spoil somebody else’s premiership party, makes it
hard to pick them to win.
Sydney by 29
Western Bulldogs V Fremantle at Etihad
Saturday
Both teams had good wins last week but it’s hard to judge
just how good the Bulldogs are, considering the opposition, Brisbane, left their
A game behind. Fremantle won a much harder contest overcoming the Eagles who
were prelim finalists last year. I kept underestimating Freo last year, I’m in a
purple haze after last weekend and somebody has to win. Freo hasn’t beaten the
Bulldogs away from Perth for some years although they belted them at Subiaco
last year by more than 100 points. Fremantle has also been winning at Etihad,
something it couldn’t do for donkey’s years. So many stats to consider but the
gut feeling is the Dockers will prevail.
Fremantle by 18
Brisbane Lions V Adelaide Crows Saturday at the
Gabba
The Crows succumbed to Essendon after they started so well
and this is a tough travel game for them to the Gabba. The Lions will not be as
easy to beat as last week and on their home ground with their supporters they
should give Adelaide a better contest. Probably good enough to win. Midfield
players from both sides need to lift from last week. Games between these two
have always been close but the home ground advantage should have tipsters
penciling in the Lions.
Brisbane by 9
Essendon V Melbourne at the MCG Saturday
night
We all know the Demons will come out full of froth and
bubble in this match just to show their supporters that last week was an
embarrassing aberration. Can they improve by 100% which they will have to do to
beat the Bombers? No, but let’s hope they play a lot better. Bookies are quoting
the Dees at $7 which might tempt some Melbourne supporters seeing they beat
Essendon last year by a goal. Tipsters should save their money.
Essendon by 33
Port Adelaide V GWS Giants at AAMI Saturday
night
Watching the Giants last week I was impressed enough by
them to give the team a chance against the Power. Then again, there wasn’t a lot
wrong with Port’s game against Melbourne, a win that has them sitting on top of
the ladder even though we know that will be short lived. Port at home? Hard for
an up and coming team like GWS to win here even though they beat the Power last
season which caused a coaching change as well for Port. The Giants are not quite
there yet.
Port Adelaide by 26
Geelong V North Melbourne at Etihad
Sunday
The Cats and the Kangaroos played some wonderful football
last round, one winning and the other just losing. North – angry and upset after
the loss. Geelong – tired and having to lift for another big effort. Expect a
close game as both teams are coached by twin brothers who espouse hard footy.
North beat Geelong last year in their only clash but the Cats look a little
quicker on the ground than they did last season as well. They will need that
pace against the Kangaroos who can win if they stop stupid turnovers at crucial
times.
North Melbourne by 10
Collingwood V Carlton at the MCG
Sunday
At time of writing not sure who is in for the Pies but
regardless of whether they have a full team or not they have a lot of trouble
beating Carlton during the season….well last season at least when they lost both
games, one by 10 goals. Malthouse has revealed that when he left Collingwood it
was not a ‘nice’ departure and the press have built this game up to be more
about the coaches than the players I guess. I’m not sure where the Carlton goals
will come from with Eddie Betts out this week and just who can counter Cloke up
forward for the Pies. I think Collingwood have more avenues to goal and the AFL
rule makers have retained the one that says the highest score still wins the
game.
Collingwood by 25
West Coast V Hawthorn at Patersons
Sunday
Eagles and Hawks – birds of prey - but will be teams of
‘pray’ this weekend possibly looking at higher powers to help open their win
accounts for season 2013. Hawthorn on a downer after giving away the game
against Geelong will need to play at their best to defeat the Eagles at home
regardless of injuries to both sides. Weather forecast is for about 28C and
maybe some rain. The Hawks have tried hard to beat West Coast at Subiaco and
will struggle again. If the travel doesn’t get you the heat will. Past games
have been all close and this one will also go to the wire and be close to a
draw. Rumour is that Hodge is back for Hawthorn and that’s a big ‘in’ for them.
Tipsters can stick with home ground advantage here.
West Coast Eagles by 11
Author-footy.com.au
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