AFL Preview Round 4

Author-www.footy.com.au

Meanwhile back at AFL: Is it just me or has anybody else noticed an inordinate amount of players with full beards? It’s like a Movember that has become a Decembeard! I think it looks kind of funny on players today but maybe it’s a fashion shift I haven’t picked up seeing I am living in China. Feel free to enlighten me on that. So last week 6 correct from 9 which was acceptable with a couple of picks that could have gone either way – Fremantle V Essendon and Brisbane V Gold Coast. It was surprising to see the Power knock off Adelaide. Tipping AFL is definitely a sickness because you find that you are supporting sides you really don’t want to win just because you have tipped them. Tipping the side you most want to win is a hazard particularly if you support Melbourne, with no reward other than a pure heart and peace of mind. Might be worth a try!

 

Sydney V Geelong at the SCG Friday Night

Two of the 5 undefeated teams face each other Friday night in what we can expect to be a great game of footy. The Swans are in good form shown by an 11 goal quarter against North Melbourne last week. The Cats keep coming from behind to win games but it wouldn’t be a good idea to give Sydney too big a start. Has Geelong what it takes for another crack at a premiership? Is Sydney good enough for back to back flags? It will be interesting to see which team has the dominant midfield in this match.

Sydney by 11

 

Hawthorn V Fremantle at Aurora Tassie Saturday

Although the Hawks lost that first game against the Cats their form has been awesome with 2 big wins against finalists from last year. They face another finalist in Fremantle but tipping against Hawthorn in this match is not really an option. The Dockers threw away a win last week against the Bombers and as mad as that might make them and determined to make amends it won’t be happening in this game. Fremantle can boast a stingy defence but Hawthorn seems to have so many options when they head for goal. Here’s hoping the Dockers can give a good account of themselves.

Hawthorn by 38

 

Richmond V Collingwood at the MCG Saturday

In past matches between these two it hasn’t been possible to pick the Tigers because they just have not been good enough to match the Pies. With a promising 3 wins from 3 games so far this season their chances seem a lot better. Collingwood will be trying to make up for its poor second half against the Hawks last week and might still have a bit more class than Richmond. Expect a big crowd and a good game. The Pies have a lot of injury concerns so early in the season and will miss big man Jolley again this week. Lynch was useful in the game against Carlton but he is not a permanent answer to the ruck position. If Richmond win this they will be well placed to make the finals this year.

Collingwood by 27

 

St Kilda V Essendon at Etihad Saturday

The Bombers have lost 2 players due to suspension and the Saints hope that is just enough to give them an edge in this game and inflict Essendon’s first loss for the season. The Bombers got out of jail last week with a come from behind win against Freo and again, you can expect a close game between the two teams. The Goddard move from St Kilda to Essendon will no doubt get a bit of press mileage. You can get generous odds for a Saints win – not justified.

St Kilda by 5

 

Gold Coast Suns V Port Adelaide at Metricon Saturday

Who would have thought the Power would be undefeated after the first 3 rounds? Mind you, they haven’t played the best teams although last week’s win against Adelaide, a prelim finalist from 2012, was a damn good effort. This will be a close game because the Suns are playing well enough for us to consider tipping them against Port. Gold Coast lost by 8 goals last time they played and you couldn’t say the Power was a good side so tipping the Suns is probably going out on a limb a bit.

Gold Coast by 14

 

West Coast Eagles V Carlton at Paterson Saturday

It’s hard to see any relief for a horror start to the season for the Blues and the only one probably enjoying this might be Brett Ratten. Even thought Hawthorn pounded the Eagles in Perth, it has been hard for teams to win there and Carlton is certainly no Hawthorn at the moment. West Coast played the lowly Demons so a win was expected but they were also expected to play a lot better than they did against Fremantle and the Hawks. Can Carlton open its win account in Perth? Can the Eagles consolidate from last week’s big win? Mick said there was a lot of work to be done when he took over as coach of the Blues. Looks like he was right. Carlton’s plight is not helped a lot by the loss of Kreuzer for 6 weeks either.

West Coast by 19

 

Melbourne V GWS Giants at the MCG Sunday

The 2 bottom teams playing off does not hold a lot of importance for non-supporters but is certainly the opposite for the teams involved. Can the Giants notch their first win of the season? Will Melbourne make some sort of effort and win one for their fans? This is a nightmare pick for the tipster and the result could go either way. Heads….it’s…..

Melbourne by 8

 

Adelaide V Western Bulldogs at AAMI Sunday

Well it was a nice opening to the season for the Bulldogs but it has been downhill from there and the slippery slope continues for them with this game against the Crows. Only percentage separates them on the ladder but eventually Adelaide needs to rediscover its winning form from last year, or, was that an inaugural flash in the pan for a new coaching team? The Bulldogs don’t seem to mind playing at AAMI having won at that venue more times than they have lost. Considering both teams sit at 1 from 3 the odds against a Bulldogs win look inviting.

Adelaide by 33

 

North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Sunday

The Lions scraped home last week against the Suns and the Kangaroos were thrashed by the Swans but the real downer for them was the 11 goals in a quarter kicked against them in that game. If you looked at their first two games against Collingwood and Geelong they played well enough to almost win so that effort in Tassie was a shocker. Harsh words from the coach should have them back in good enough form to dispatch Brisbane who has been anything but impressive so far.

North Melbourne by 24