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.
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.
