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AFL Insider - June 2010

Wednesday Question: Brendan Fevola

The much anticipated clash between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions has lost its heat after Brendan Fevola was moved to the injury list late this week. The question: is he really injured, or is coach Michael Voss merely taking a back door opportunity to ground the form slumping star?



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June 30th 2010 @ 13:37

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Tuesday Predictions



Short Term Predictions

Riewoldt will return this weekend!

Hawthorn’s winning streak will come to an end

Long Term Predictions

West Coast to finish wooden spooners

Geelong’s window of success will close at the end of 2010


----------------------------- -----------------------------

Brownlow Medal: Luke Hodge

Coleman Medal: Jack Riewoldt

Top Four: 1. Geelong 2. St Kilda 3. Collingwood 4. Fremantle

Premiership Teams: Geelong v Collingwood

Premiership Winner: Geelong

Norm Smith Medal: Gary Ablett Jnr

Rising Star: Jack Trentgrove

All Australian Captain: Matthew Pavlich
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June 29th 2010 @ 10:41

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


The Wednesday Question: the wooden spoon

John Worsfold went publicly recently, with the bold statement that his West Coast Eagles would not win the wooden spoon in 2010. In my mind, there are five teams in the hunt for the spoon: Richmond, Adelaide, West Coast, Melbourne, Port Adelaide. Who will win the accolade, and why?

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June 23rd 2010 @ 03:40

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


The return of St Nick!

Warning:

To the other fifteen teams in the AFL competition. This article contains content that may shock and shake you; it may tremble the tips of your top four grasping fingers; it may lead to acts of desperation and severe inner reflection. If you are currently experiencing the symptoms of finals confidence— excitement, jitters, joy, smile headaches— then avoid this prescription at all costs. Those of you who take no notice of this warning, or ignore its potent message, beware…

For Nick Riewoldt is returning!


He left the literal and figurative park in the round three clash between Collingwood and the Saints. He suffered a severe, three month debilitating, hamstring injury. He has backed into the darkness of recovery and rehab and we’ve heard little from him since. In the next few weeks, he will emerge from the unknown darkness and fall back into the sharp spotlight.

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201004/r546218_3204113.jpg


At the end of last season and the start of this one, Riewoldt was doted as the most indispensable player in the league. Captain of St Kilda, he is a murderous force at centre half forward and demands perfection from his own game and the games of the seventeen other men that structure around him.

He was an integral feature of St Kilda’s 2009 campaign, in which his Saints finished runner up to the legendary Geelong Cats. Most predict that without St Nick at the helm, the Saints have no chance of repeating or bettering their 2009 feat.

However, until now, they’ve managed quite impressively in his absence. With the genius of Stevie Milne, and the hardened presence of Lenny Hayes as stand-in captain, St Kilda has kept its top four position.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,6640394,00.jpg


The question, quite unpredictably, has become whether coach Ross Lyon can reintroduce his endangered species back into the wild… without the entire ecosystem falling down around him.

To do it successfully, he will need to maintain his strong support for those who have stepped up in Riewoldt’s absence, to ensure the load does not merely burden itself back onto the skipper’s weary shoulders. Hayes, Milne, Goddard, Montagne. These are the names that need to be heard collectively above the often deafening praise for their broad shouldered leader.

If Nick needs any more incentive to return to the literal footy park, it will come with the revelation of his cousin, Jack. This younger cousin Riewoldt has kicked 26 goals in his last four outings and leads the Coleman Medal quite convincingly. For Nick to have any standing at the family Christmas barbecue this year he needs to return to what he did best…

… Dominating!

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/bUPZWPSX2p0/St Kilda Training Session/LS08niYXGK4/Nick Riewoldt



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June 18th 2010 @ 04:15

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 12, Week 1


(Game of the round: Carlton v Fremantle)

Round Twelve: Friday Night—Hawthorn v Essendon

Venue: MCG (Hawthorn Home)

Ladder Positions: Hawthorn (8th); Essendon (10th)

Last three games: Hawthorn (win/win/win); Essendon (lose/lose/win)

Favourite: Hawthorn

My Tip: Essendon by 10 points

Why?: Hawthorn aren’t Geelong!

Best on ground: Alwyn Davey




Round Twelve: Saturday Afternoon—Carlton v Fremantle

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Carlton Home)

Ladder Positions: Carlton (6th); Fremantle (4th)

Last three games: Carlton (lose/win/win); Fremantle (lose/lose/win)

Favourite: Carlton

My Tip: Fremantle by 33

Why?: Return of the Pav!

Best on ground: Matthew Pavlich




Round Twelve: Saturday Night—Brisbane v Richmond

Venue: Gabba (Brisbane Home)

Ladder Positions: Brisbane (11th); Richmond (16th)

Last three games: Brisbane (lose/lose/win); Richmond (win/lose/win)

Favourite: Brisbane

My Tip: Brisbane by 24

Why?: Home ground advantage!

Best on ground: Daniel Rich




Round Twelve: Sunday Afternoon— North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

Venue: Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne Home)

Ladder Positions: North Melbourne (9th); Port Adelaide (12th)

Last three games: North Melbourne (win/win/lose); Port Adelaide (lose/lose/lose)

Favourite: North Melbourne

My Tip: Port Adelaide by 15

Why?: Pride!

Best on ground: Dean Brogan




Round Twelve: Sunday Afternoon—West Coast v Western Bulldogs

Venue: Subiaco (West Coast Home)

Ladder Positions: Western Bulldogs (5th); West Coast (14th)

Last three games: Western Bulldogs (win/lose/lose); West Coast (lose/lose/lose)

Favourite: Western Bulldogs

My Tip: Western Bulldogs by 40

Why?: Top four!

Best on ground: Adam Cooney
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June 17th 2010 @ 13:13

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


The Wednesday Question: Drawn Games

Monday's Queen's Day Birthday clash saw Melbourne and Collingwood record the first draw for the season. It sparked the perennial question: should draws remain a reality in the home and away season, and the finals series; or, should the AFL install a time-on policy where play continues for another 5-10 minutes?

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June 16th 2010 @ 12:11

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Tuesday Predictions




Short Term Predictions

St Kilda to upset Geelong

Jack Riewoldt to kick 4 against the lions

Long Term Predictions

Fremantle to end season out of top four

Karmichael Hunt to leave AFL after contract expires

----------------------------- -----------------------------

Brownlow Medal: Luke Hodge

Coleman Medal: Barry Hall

Top Four: 1. Geelong 2. St Kilda 3. Collingwood 4. Bulldogs

Premiership Teams: Geelong v Collingwood

Premiership Winner: Geelong

Norm Smith Medal: Joel Selwood

Rising Star: Nathan Fyfe

All Australian Captain: Matthew Pavlich
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June 15th 2010 @ 12:18

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 11 Previews



(Game of the round: Fremantle v St Kilda)




Round Eleven: Friday Night—North Melbourne v Carlton

Venue: Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne Home)

Ladder Positions: Carlton (5th); North Melbourne (12th)

Last three games: Carlton (win/win/lose); North Melbourne (win/lose/lose)

Favourite: Carlton

My Tip: Carlton by 30 points

Why?: Good form!

Best on ground: Chris Judd




Round Eleven: Saturday Afternoon—Hawthorn v Adelaide

Venue: Aurora (Hawthorn Home)

Ladder Positions: Hawthorn (8th); Adelaide (15th)

Last three games: Hawthorn (win/win/win); Adelaide (win/lose/win)

Favourite: Hawthorn

My Tip: Hawthorn by 33

Why?: Buddy’s Back!

Best on ground: Lance Franklin




Round Eleven: Saturday Night—Essendon v Geelong

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Essendon Home)

Ladder Positions: Geelong (1st); Essendon (9th)

Last three games: Geelong (win/win/win); Essendon (lose/win/win)

Favourite: Geelong

My Tip: Geelong by 45

Why?: Too good!

Best on ground: Jimmy Bartel




Round Eleven: Saturday Night—Port Adelaide v Sydney

Venue: AAMI Stadium (Port Adelaide Home)

Ladder Positions: Port Adelaide (11th); Sydney (7th)

Last three games: Port Adelaide (lose/lose/lose); Sydney (win/lose/lose)

Favourite: Port Adelaide

My Tip: Sydney by 7

Why?: Better team!

Best on ground: Brett Kirk




Round Eleven: Sunday Afternoon—Richmond v West Coast

Venue: MCG (Richmond Home)

Ladder Positions: Richmond (16th); West Coast (14th)

Last three games: Richmond (lose/win/lose); West Coast (lose/lose/lose)

Favourite: Richmond

My Tip: West Coast by 14

Why?: For the coach!

Best on ground: Mark LeCras




Round Eleven: Sunday Afternoon—Western Bulldogs v Brisbane

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Western Bulldogs Home)

Ladder Positions: Western Bulldogs (6th); Brisbane (10th)

Last three games: Western Bulldogs (lose/lose/win); Brisbane (lose/win/lose)

Favourite: Western Bulldogs

My Tip: Western Bulldogs by 35

Why?: Top four hunger!

Best on ground: Adam Cooney




Round Eleven: Sunday Afternoon—Fremantle v St Kilda

Venue: Subiaco (Fremantle Home)

Ladder Positions: St Kilda (3rd); Fremantle (4th)

Last three games: St Kilda (win/win/win); Fremantle (lose/win/win)

Favourite: Fremantle

My Tip: St Kilda by 15

Why?: Mid season chokers!

Best on ground: Lenny Hayes



Round Eleven: Monday Afternoon—Melbourne v Collingwood

Venue: MCG (Melbourne Home)

Ladder Positions: Melbourne (13th); Collingwood (2nd)

Last three games: Melbourne (lose/lose/win); Collingwood (win/lose/lose)

Favourite: Collingwood

My Tip: Collingwood by 40

Why?: Premiership hunger!

Best on ground: Alan Didak




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June 11th 2010 @ 04:15

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Wednesday Question: Folau v Hunt

In 2011 and 2012, the new Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney Football Clubs will enter the AFL competition and we will hopefully start to see the fruits of the millions of dollars invested in Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt. Will we be satisfied with our investment? Which, if either, will meet and exceed our expectations? Which, if either, will fall dangerously short of them?



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June 9th 2010 @ 04:18

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Tuesday Predictions



Short Term Predictions

Richmond to get second win of the season against West Coast
Saints to take down Fremantle at Subiaco

Long Term Predictions

Lions to fall further after injuries and drop to bottom six team by end of 2010

Tigers to struggle for next two years with inception of two new teams into competition
----------------------------- -----------------------------

Brownlow Medal: Lenny Hayes

Coleman Medal: Matthew Pavlich

Top Four: 1. Geelong 2. Collingwood 3. St Kilda 4. Fremantle

Premiership Teams: Geelong v Collingwood

Premiership Winner: Geelong

Norm Smith Medal: Joel Selwood

Rising Star: Nathan Fyfe

All Australian Captain: Matthew Pavlich


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June 8th 2010 @ 13:32

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Monday Feature: Future for Richmond

2011 is going to be a tough year for whichever team finishes in the bottom four places on the ladder.

As part of the inception of the new Gold Coast team, next year’s draft arrangement has been significantly modified to give the new club enough chances to hit the ground running.



The AFL draft system is divided into three rounds. Ordinarily, it works in a reverse order to the previous years premiership ladder, designating the first pick to the team that finished 16th, and so on. However, this year and next, it will work differently to include firstly the Gold Coast team, and eventually the GWS club. The following illustrates how it will be implemented at the end of this year:

Round one
1 Gold Coast
2 Gold Coast
3 Gold Coast
4 Club 16 on 2010 ladder
5 Gold Coast
6 Club 15 on 2010 ladder
7 Gold Coast
8 Club 14 on 2010 ladder
9 Gold Coast
10 Club 13 on 2010 ladder
11 Gold Coast
12 Club 12 on 2010 ladder
13 Gold Coast
14 Club 11 on 2010 ladder
15 Gold Coast
16 Club 10 on 2010 ladder
17 Club 9 on 2010 ladder
18 Club 8 on 2010 ladder
19 Club 7 on 2010 ladder
20 Club 6 on 2010 ladder
21 Club 5 on 2010 ladder
22 Club 4 on 2010 ladder
23 Club 3 on 2010 ladder
24 Club 2 on 2010 ladder
25 Club 1 on 2010 ladder

Round two
26 Gold Coast
27 Club 16 on 2010 ladder
28 Club 15 on 2010 ladder
29 Club 14 on 2010 ladder
30 Club 13 on 2010 ladder
31 Club 12 on 2010 ladder
32 Club 11 on 2010 ladder
33 Club 10 on 2010 ladder
34 Club 9 on 2010 ladder
35 Club 8 on 2010 ladder
36 Club 7 on 2010 ladder
37 Club 6 on 2010 ladder
38 Club 5 on 2010 ladder
39 Club 4 on 2010 ladder
40 Club 3 on 2010 ladder
41 Club 2 on 2010 ladder
42 Club 1 on 2010 ladder

Round three
43 Gold Coast
44 Club 16 on 2010 ladder
45 Club 15 on 2010 ladder
46 Club 14 on 2010 ladder
47 Club 13 on 2010 ladder
48 Club 12 on 2010 ladder
49 Club 11 on 2010 ladder
50 Club 10 on 2010 ladder
51 Club 9 on 2010 ladder
52 Club 8 on 2010 ladder
53 Club 7 on 2010 ladder
54 Club 6 on 2010 ladder
55 Club 5 on 2010 ladder
56 Club 4 on 2010 ladder
57 Club 3 on 2010 ladder
58 Club 2 on 2010 ladder
59 Club 1 on 2010 ladder

This is dangerous for low finishing clubs, namely Richmond. While Adelaide also has the potential to finish at the bottom of the 2010 barrel, they’re not considered to be a “struggling” team in need of rebirth. Richmond, on the other hand, is a different story.

Comparison can be drawn with the Carlton Football Club. A few years ago they were tripping over the bottom rungs of the ladder. However, with three years in a row of number one draft picks, they managed to grab Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, and Matthew Kreuzer. These three men have become young superstars in the Blues’ infrastructure and their instalment has ensured Carlton’s growth and potential for consistent finals football.



In the past two years, Melbourne has scooped the top picks, adding Jack Watts and Tom Scully to their developing line-up. Now, with the 2011 season on the horizon, it should be Richmond’s turn. But it isn’t.

The effects? Prolonged struggle. By focusing all the attention on the new clubs, the long standing ones, the ones that have been with the AFL for over a hundred years, slip out of the limelight. Without a raft to float on, the Tigers will surely continue to sink over the next few years.

As a result, the primary aim of bringing in the two new clubs to boost the competition is completely undermined.




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June 7th 2010 @ 03:49

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Sunday Afternoon: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Collingwood Home)

Ladder Positions: Collingwood (4th); Western Bulldogs (5th)

Last three games: Collingwood (lose/lose/win); Western Bulldogs (lose/win/win)

Favourite: Collingwood

My Tip: Western Bulldogs


The game of the round, between two finals heavyweights. Both of these teams are at similar positions in the season. They’re considered definite top eight finishers and potential top four finishers. Last time they met, Collingwood won by 36 points. I doubt the Bullies will give them the same satisfaction again.

Both teams are coming off unexpected losses against mediocre sides in round 10 and will be under the same mental pressure. The game will by won by the team that rises above the pressure and forces themselves back into the contest.



Collingwood, with its selection of small running forwards, has a potent attack, unbeatable up until their rounds 9 and 10 losses to Geelong and Brisbane respectively. The Western Bulldogs, on the other hand, devise a more conventional structure around their tall forward in Barry Hall. If he plays well, which he has been, and the Bulldog midfield deliver him enough of the ball, Collingwood will have a significant task on their hands.

In the spirit of balance and rounded equilibrium, I am tipping the Bulldogs to get one back on the Pies in 2010…

By 27 points.

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June 5th 2010 @ 06:55

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Sunday Afternoon: Hawthorn v port Adelaide

Venue: MCG (Hawthorn Home)

Ladder Positions: Hawthorn (11th); Port Adelaide (10th)

Last three games: Hawthorn (win/win/win); Port Adelaide (lose/lose/lose)

Favourite: Hawthorn

My Tip: Hawthorn

Port Adelaide has fell far from form. Two of their last three losses were against low level teams in Melbourne and Richmond. It is a team who has the capacity to do great things, but a team who often fall short of the expectations they build.

Hawthorn... are no different.



On paper, I can’t see Hawthorn going down. With stars like Mitchell, Franklin, Hodge, and Roughhead, they’ve got the credentials to win against any team in the competition. However, this week they’ll have to do it without their star forward in Franklin, who was given a week suspension for a high bump in round 10. Like he often does, it would be good to see Roughhead stand up in Franklin’s absence and kick a bag to drag his team over the line.
Hawthorn should win...

By 5 points.




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June 5th 2010 @ 06:18

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Sunday Afternoon: Sydney v Essendon

Venue: SCG (Sydney Home)

Ladder Positions: Sydney (7th); Essendon (8th)

Last three games: Sydney (lose/lose/lose); Essendon (win/win/win)

Favourite: Sydney

My Tip: Sydney

Essendon are in stellar form. They’ve won their last three games, two of which were against St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs. After being subjected to close scrutiny early on in the season, coach Matthew Knights has managed to turn his group into a dangerous mid-season force. However, the big question to ask is how long can good form from a mediocre team last? Similar teams in Carlton and Hawthorn have the same curse of being able to beat the best teams one week, only to lose to the worst teams the week after.



That’s not to say that Sydney is by any measure a bad team. They had a genuine start to the season, with firing form from key new recruit Daniel Bradshaw. With news that 2010 will be coach Paul Roos’ last, many expected the Swans to rile up and pay a finals tribute to the longstanding premiership leader. However, that expectation has been significantly tempered of late with an injury to Bradshaw that has marked a dramatic drop in team form.

The win will be important for both groups in order to really establish themselves as 2010 finals contenders. The home ground advantage will help to tip Sydney into gear and I think it will be enough to get over the line against a historically inconsistent Bombers.


Sydney by 14 points

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June 5th 2010 @ 05:51

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Saturday Night—West Coast v Geelong

Venue: Subiaco (West Coast Home)

Ladder Positions: Geelong (1st); West Coast (14th)

Last three games: Geelong (win/win/win); West Coast (lose/lose/win)

Favourite: Geelong

My Tip: Geelong


There isn’t much to say; to tip an upset here is a gutsy tip to make. Fremantle and West Coast are renowned for their ability to rise to the occasion when they play in front of a Subiaco crowd. Evidence of this came early in round three when the Dockers played to the Subiaco advantage and broke the spirits of a confident Geelong outfit. However, West Coast is no Fremantle and Geelong is perhaps even stronger now than they were then.



The controversy surrounding West Coast coach, John Worsfold, and the talks of his forced retirement will have one of two effects on the Eagles: they’ll come to the defence of their long standing premiership coach and create a staggering upset; or they’ll fold to the pressure and succumb to the classy Cats.

While the first will give me something to write about post match, I doubt the struggling West Coast outfit have it in them.

Geelong will win by…

56 points.


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June 4th 2010 @ 14:44

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Saturday Night—North Melbourne v Brisbane

Venue: Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne Home)

Ladder Positions: Brisbane (9th); North Melbourne (13th)

Last three games: Brisbane (win/lose/lose); North Melbourne (lose/lose/win)

Favourite: Brisbane

My Tip: Brisbane


This game I think is more important for Brisbane. After a five game losing streak, they managed to deter the swooping Magpies last week at the ‘Gabba. Standout performances came from Luke Power (in his 250th game), Simon Black, Daniel Rich, Johnathon Brown, and Brendan Fevola. These five men are the big names at Brisbane; when they rise the Lions are tough to beat. While they all won’t need to rise again to defeat a struggling North Melbourne side, Coach Michael Voss would take pleasure in seeing his two gun forwards get back to their early season form.



North Melbourne has been a struggling club for some time now. They’ve had difficulty with membership and game attendance, which is largely due to their inability to stage themselves as a genuine finals contender. However, new coach Brad Scott has something to play for this weekend as he takes on his old playing club, and some of his old team mates in Brisbane.

After a long time in injury, Drew Petrie returned to the Roos last week only to be carried back to the “indefinite list”. Jarred Brennan, who has been missing in action from the Lions for several weeks with an ankle injury, will make his return after undergoing a “miracle” recovery.

To ensure they stay on track for this year’s finals, the Lions will be tough to beat this weekend and should get over the line…

By 18 points
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June 4th 2010 @ 14:43

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Saturday Afternoon: Adelaide v Fremantle

Round Ten: Saturday Afternoon—Adelaide v Fremantle

Venue: AAMI Stadium (Adelaide Home)

Ladder Positions: Fremantle (2nd); Adelaide (15th)

Last three games: Adelaide (lose/win/lose); Fremantle (win/lose/lose)

Favourite: Fremantle

My Tip: Adelaide


This game holds significant importance for both clubs. For Fremantle, who equally lead the competition with Geelong, a win will ensure they keep their place at the top and put them merely two games from meeting the mathematical requirement for finals. Adelaide will be celebrating the last career game of one of the clubs longest standing and premiership players, Tyson Edwards.

Fremantle has something to gain. Adelaide has something to lose. Both teams will want to take what is theirs.



Adelaide had a woeful start to the season and any chance of playing finals in 2010 is lost. Fremantle, defying all external expectations, have given them all the chances to play in and win a premiership in September.

Although it may be a risky tip, I think Adelaide will rise higher to the occasion. The crowd will be full, the emotions will be high, the contest will be fierce.

Adelaide by…

7 points
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June 4th 2010 @ 08:57

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Round 10: Saturday Afternoon—Melbourne v Carlton

Venue: MCG (Carlton Home)

Ladder Positions: Carlton (6th); Melbourne (12th)

Last three games: Carlton (win/lose/win); Melbourne (lose/win/lose)

Favourite: Carlton

My Tip: Carlton


Melbourne’s in-form start to the season has all but slowed to a halt. A severe bout of inconsistency has quelled any hope that they might be a 2010 finals contender. Last week’s outing at Skilled Stadium merely revealed the gaping distance between them and the quality sides like Geelong.

Carlton are equally known for their inconsistency—an ability to take down the best sides in the competition one week only to stumble over the bottom rungs of the ladder a week later. However, their young list shows extensive promise and they can be almost assured a finals campaign in 2010.



With a home crowd advantage, the Blues should be far too good from the Demons on Saturday afternoon. With some initial opposition last week, Chris Judd and his men ran over the heads of a weak West Coast Eagles side last weekend to further install some faith in their heavyweight credentials.

With Melbourne’s inclusion of Matthew Bate this weekend, they should have some class in the midfield, but it won’t be enough.

Carlton by…

22 points.
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June 4th 2010 @ 04:46

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk, Ladder
   


Round 10: Friday Night, St Kilda v Richmond

Venue: Etihad Stadium (St Kilda Home)

Ladder Positions: St Kilda (4th); Richmond (16th)

Last three games: St Kilda (win/win/lose); Richmond (win/lose/lose)

Favourite: St Kilda

My Tip: St Kilda



At the end of the 2009 season, the Saints were minor premiers and Richmond was the runner-up for the wooden spoon. After ten rounds, the Saints had won ten games to Richmond’s two.

At the midway point in the 2010 season, both teams have wavered in success. St Kilda has won 7 from 10 to keep them comfortably in the top four, while Richmond has just managed the one win against Port Adelaide in round nine.

On paper, the game’s outcome is predictable enough. Although the Saints haven’t sufficiently backed up from their 2009 success, they should nevertheless be feared as a serious finals contender. The hunger should still be burning and their ability to close down these low level games needs to be in tune to maintain a healthy opportunity in 2010.

The last time these teams met was in round 13, 2009; the Saints won by 56 points. The difference? Justin Koschitzke kicked five majors, while Jack Riewoldt kicked one goal, four behinds.



In lies the challenge to Jack (Riewoldt) and Richmond. Without cousin Nick parading the Saints’ forward fifty, responsibility again lies heavily on Koschitzke. So far in 2010, Jack has averaged 2.9 goals a game to Koschitzke’s 0.7. In rounds 9 and 10, Jack kicked four and six goals respectively. While I’m not suggesting that the hopes of either team rests solely, or even slightly, on the shoulders of these opposing men, statistics don’t lie and good form is perennial.



However, in that same breath, team form far outweighs player form and it would be dangerous to assume that Richmond has hit “good” form merely because the club achieved their first win for the season.

While, for the sake of the competition, I hope the teams meet at a contest, I can only assume that the Saints will take the four points…

By 36.
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June 3rd 2010 @ 04:07

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Tribute to Tyson

Tyson Edwards will play the last game of his longstanding career at AAMI Stadium on Saturday Afternoon, when Adelaide takes on Fremantle.

The farewell match comes amidst a cloud of controversy. It began when Edwards announced his immediate retirement after being demoted to the SANFL to regain his lagging form. Adelaide Coach Neil Craig took the news in his firm stride and initially refused to offer the club’s second longest standing player a farewell tribute game. However, backed by widespread support from the club fans and officials, the decision was revaluated and Edwards’ final run against the Dockers was approved.

Expectations of Edwards’ final game are high after the performance he manufactured in 2009 in his 300th game milestone, racking up 41 possessions in the Crows’ round 11 win over Essendon.



Edwards was drafted to the Crows in 1994 as a compact midfielder, and made his debut in 1995 against the Western Bulldogs. In his fifteen years for the Crows, he’s played 320 games, kicked 190 goals, and has been a part of two premierships.

Although his career was largely overshadowed by those of former team mates Andrew McCleod and Mark Ricciuto, Edwards will be remembered for his humble determination and effective contribution to every facet of the game.

AFL Insider wishes him well in his endeavours, footy related or otherwise.


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June 2nd 2010 @ 13:06

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


The Wednesday Question: Nick Riewoldt

Without Nick Riewoldt, can St Kilda still be regarded as a quality team and a genuine premiership contender, or is their playing structure so dependent on the presence of one player that they're likely to fall short of their 2010 finals goals?

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June 2nd 2010 @ 02:56

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Folau Confirmed



Kevin Sheedy confirmed this afternoon in a press conference that Israel Folau is officially the newest recruit at the prospective Greater Western Sydney Football Club.

Sheedy, foundation coach of team GWS, spoke positively and with uncontained enthusiasm of the Folau deal, speaking of the twenty one year old's natural football abilities and athleticism.

The 195cm and 103kg Brisbane Bronco is the perfect size for AFL football, with the potential to fit in well in GWS's forward or back line structure. To draw some comparison, Brisbane Lions captain and superstar forward Johnathon Brown is an even 195cm and weighs 104kg.

How much the deal is worth has not yet been revealed, but reports suggest it is up to $1 million a season.

The confirmation of the Folau code switch comes amidst rumours that Gary Ablett is likely to negotiate a deal with the prospective Gold Coast Football Club at the end of the 2010 season.






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June 1st 2010 @ 04:42

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


Tuesday Predictions



Every Tuesday, I'll include a list of short and long term predictions. Let's hope some eventuate....

Short Term Predictions

Jason Akermanis to leave the Bulldogs

Israel Folau to sign with GWS

Western Bulldogs to extend Collingwood losing streak

Port to beat Hawthorn at home without Lance Franklin

Long Term Predictions

Gary Ablett to go to Gold Coast in 2011

Pavlich to resign with Fremantle pending their 2010 finals campaign

----------------------------- -----------------------------

Brownlow Medal: Lenny Hayes

Coleman Medal: Matthew Pavlich

Top Four: 1. Geelong 2. Collingwood 3. Fremantle 4. Western Bulldogs

Premiership Teams: Geelong v Fremantle

Premiership Winner: Geelong

Norm Smith Medal: Joel Selwood

Rising Star: Nathan Fyfe

All Australian Captain: Matthew Pavlich

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June 1st 2010 @ 03:51

Posted By: Tom Slack 2 - Category: AFL Talk
   


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