It's a scary thought. Collingwood win the 2010 premiership. Believe it, it can happen. An easy on the eye Collingwood supporter (yes, they do exist) claimed that if they can get over a red hot Richmond, the premiership race is over. They completely smashed the Tigers, who barely gave a whimper. Having said this, I don't think they have the cup wrapped up just yet.
What makes the pending finals series exciting is that up to 5 sides are a legitimate chance to win. I apologize to the Dockers, but I don't believe they can travel to Melbourne twice and go on to win the grand final - at their stage of development though, they can be very happy with what they have achieved this season. Collingwood, St. Kilda, Geelong, Western Bulldogs and (as this blog predicted 8 weeks ago) Hawthorn are now in with a genuine chance.
It is going to come down to who times their run best. That is the biggest concern for the Magpies. They look unstoppable now, but they must continue this form for another month and then into September.
Looking at the other end of the table, the race to avoid the wooden spoon could not be tighter. What makes it even more exciting is that for the first time in years, there is no real reward for finishing last - because the Gold Coast get the majority of the good picks. West Coast sit on the bottom, after giving up a great chance to beat the stumbling Carlton. The travel for interstate sides give West Coast an advantage and should see them off the bottom. Despite their run of good form, I think the Tigers are still a big chance to fall and end up on the bottom. Considering many experts thought they'd go through the year winless, a wooden spoon wouldn't be that bad.
The other point of interest on the ladder is the battle for the final two spots in the finals. Carlton has been horrible over the last month, yet - thanks to a solid second half against West Coast - they sit 7th. It looked as though Sydney had a spot wrapped up, until they were belted by an exciting Melbourne on Sunday. Both the Blues and Swans should still finish inside the 8, given they are a game and massive percentage clear at this stage. The two sides outside the eight still with a chance to steal a finals berth both lost games they should have won. North Melbourne were 10points in front during the final term and were overrun by Essendon. Adelaide have no excuse, somehow losing to Port Adelaide. It seems its going to be a matter of who falls in, rather than a side really standing up and wanting to play finals. Either way, the final 2 sides in the 8 are going to be making up the numbers, so it is almost irrelevant anyway.
How do I think the ladder will finish after Round 22?
Geelong
Collingwood
St. Kilda
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Fremantle
Sydney
Carlton
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Gold Coast Experience
Can a second AFL team in the sunshine state succeed? Being up on the Gold Coast for their match against Frankston in the VFL was the perfect opportunity to analyse the chances of success this club has, both on and off the field.
It is obviously going to be difficult starting from almost scratch, and the side playing on Saturday (and that has won just two matches this year) will not be the side that runs out in Round 1 next year. Having said that, there certainly is plenty of potential for Gold Coast fans to get excited about.
Young guns such as David Swallow, Rory Thompson and Tom Nicholls were the highlights. The most impressive thing about the side as a whole was their size. Despite having an extremely young list, the side is full of both very tall and very strong players for their age. Another positive is the use of mature recruit Daniel Harris. He is no superstar, yet he seems a perfect fit for this side, showing great leadership on the field. He is hard at the ball and has a strong body - which is what the Gold Coast will need desperately as their younger players develop.
Now onto the negatives. The biggest headache Guy McKenna has right now is Nathan Ablett. He wasn't even in the VFL side, playing in the curtain raiser for QFL side Broadbeach, and struggling. He is either injured or completely unfit. He had the size and football brain (remember he is an AFL premiership player) to completely dominate his opponents, yet couldn't. He simply could not get to the contest often enough. The only reason the crowd was happy to see him out there is because it meant his father, Garry Ablett was at the match, with many people caught staring (including myself) as he watched on.
The second problem has been very well publicised. That is Karmichael Hunt. He was extremely quiet, and up until three quarter time had just 2 handpasses to his name. Thankfully the last quarter he was able to get his hands on the ball more often, and even set up a goal, running out of defence and linking two handballs together. The play did not validate his decision to take on the AFL challenge, but it certainly showed a glimpses as to where his ability may one day take him.
For me it is very easy to take the optimistic view of Hunt and his playing ability. The reason is the massive marketting goals the footy club is already kicking. Heading to the match as a Frankston supporter, I thought we might even outnumber the uninterested Queenslanders. How wrong I was. The oval was packed, the members of Broadbeach FC manning the canteen had a grin from ear to ear. It was surely one of the biggest crowds the VFL has seen to any fixture this year, and with the number of GCFC hats being worn, I am completely convinced that this side will not struggle with the same supported issues the Gold Coast A-league side has been burdened with. Even the Rebel Sport down the road was stocked with plenty of Gold Coast merchandise. Realistically the club is aiming for 10-15 thousand members next year, and they will reach that target with ease.
They may not be successful on the field from the outset, but I have no doubts that this venture is going to win the off-field battle, and become more than viable.
It is obviously going to be difficult starting from almost scratch, and the side playing on Saturday (and that has won just two matches this year) will not be the side that runs out in Round 1 next year. Having said that, there certainly is plenty of potential for Gold Coast fans to get excited about.
Young guns such as David Swallow, Rory Thompson and Tom Nicholls were the highlights. The most impressive thing about the side as a whole was their size. Despite having an extremely young list, the side is full of both very tall and very strong players for their age. Another positive is the use of mature recruit Daniel Harris. He is no superstar, yet he seems a perfect fit for this side, showing great leadership on the field. He is hard at the ball and has a strong body - which is what the Gold Coast will need desperately as their younger players develop.
Now onto the negatives. The biggest headache Guy McKenna has right now is Nathan Ablett. He wasn't even in the VFL side, playing in the curtain raiser for QFL side Broadbeach, and struggling. He is either injured or completely unfit. He had the size and football brain (remember he is an AFL premiership player) to completely dominate his opponents, yet couldn't. He simply could not get to the contest often enough. The only reason the crowd was happy to see him out there is because it meant his father, Garry Ablett was at the match, with many people caught staring (including myself) as he watched on.
The second problem has been very well publicised. That is Karmichael Hunt. He was extremely quiet, and up until three quarter time had just 2 handpasses to his name. Thankfully the last quarter he was able to get his hands on the ball more often, and even set up a goal, running out of defence and linking two handballs together. The play did not validate his decision to take on the AFL challenge, but it certainly showed a glimpses as to where his ability may one day take him.
For me it is very easy to take the optimistic view of Hunt and his playing ability. The reason is the massive marketting goals the footy club is already kicking. Heading to the match as a Frankston supporter, I thought we might even outnumber the uninterested Queenslanders. How wrong I was. The oval was packed, the members of Broadbeach FC manning the canteen had a grin from ear to ear. It was surely one of the biggest crowds the VFL has seen to any fixture this year, and with the number of GCFC hats being worn, I am completely convinced that this side will not struggle with the same supported issues the Gold Coast A-league side has been burdened with. Even the Rebel Sport down the road was stocked with plenty of Gold Coast merchandise. Realistically the club is aiming for 10-15 thousand members next year, and they will reach that target with ease.
They may not be successful on the field from the outset, but I have no doubts that this venture is going to win the off-field battle, and become more than viable.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Hypothetical Wednesday
GWS pulled off the impossible yesterday, signing NRL superstar Israel Folau to a four year deal. It has opened a whole can of worms as to whether the physically imposing Folau will be able to transfer his skill set over to the AFL. What I have done is create a team of Athletes from other sports, who might now be considering moving over to the AFL.
Full Back:
Paul Collingwood (Cricket)
Great defence and leadership qualities. Couldn't leave someone with that last name out of the side.
Billy Slater (Rugby League)
Has the physical attributes and I am reliably informed that many at Carlton (with whom the Storm train along side) believe he could step right into any AFL starting side. Would use his pace to run out of defence in the same manner as Matthew Scarlett.
Lleyton Hewitt (Tennis)
Dogged defender, whose determination on the field would make it very difficult to get the ball past.
Half Back:
Mark Webber (Formula 1)
Love his pace and skill off the half back line. Also not afraid to have a crack at Andrew Demetriou about the AFL becoming a 'Nanny State'
Payton Manning (American Football)
His direction from the back line will be crucial.
Ellyse Perry (Cricket & Soccer)
Plays just about everything else, why not give Aussie Rules a crack?
Centre:
Usain Bolt (Athletics)
Obvious wingmen with his blistering pace. Would really like to develop his key forward prospects too. He has the height for it, and I'd love to see a full back try to catch him on the lead.
Lebron James (Basketball)
Already has the body to deal with the wear and tear of AFL, my major concern is his mental ability. Can't have him cracking the sads everytime something goes against him on the field.
Greg Inglis (Rugby League)
Pace, Size and skill. He is a Lance Franklin clone, and hopefully his ability will match
Half Forward:
Harry Kewell (Soccer)
Devastating left boot that can easily be transferred onto the AFL field. His run will also be important.
Sharelle McMahon (Netball)
May need to bulk up, but her leadership skill, and ability under intense pressure is proven.
Tim Cahill (Soccer)
Can run all day, and will probably be moved onto the ball at some point. Also has a great leap. To compliment his game, he may approach the AFL to try and change the rules, allowing goals to be scored from headers.
Full Forward:
Geoff Ogilvy (Golf)
Fantastic under pressure, I expect Geoff will kick many goals late in big and close games, when others around him start to feel the pressure.
Lauren Jackson (Basketball)
Will use her height and agility to take plenty of big grabs.
Damien Oliver (Jockey)
Ready to crumb the ball as soon as it hits the deck from the tall forwards.
Foll:
Yao Ming (Basketball)
Couldn't look past his height for out number 1 ruckmen.
Lionel Messi (Soccer)
He is harder to tackle than Robert Harvey, with his amazing core strength. Also has the pace we love. He's biggest asset though is the ability to push forward and score goals.
Roger Federer (Tennis)
The Rolls Royce of the side. Glides across the field and will win the hearts of the purist quicker than most, with his exquisite skills and respect for the history of the game.
Interchange:
Steve Hooker (Athletics)
Our Back-up Ruckmen, who has an impressive leap.
Serena Williams (Tennis)
Will have the boys looking twice when she comes steaming out of the forward line
Casey Stoner (Moto GP)
Highly attacking player, who needs to work on his defensive skills and tempo footy.
Eamon Sullivan (Swimming)
Being in the starting side is like winning gold medals, and Eamon is just not quite there.
Full Back:
Paul Collingwood (Cricket)
Great defence and leadership qualities. Couldn't leave someone with that last name out of the side.
Billy Slater (Rugby League)
Has the physical attributes and I am reliably informed that many at Carlton (with whom the Storm train along side) believe he could step right into any AFL starting side. Would use his pace to run out of defence in the same manner as Matthew Scarlett.
Lleyton Hewitt (Tennis)
Dogged defender, whose determination on the field would make it very difficult to get the ball past.
Half Back:
Mark Webber (Formula 1)
Love his pace and skill off the half back line. Also not afraid to have a crack at Andrew Demetriou about the AFL becoming a 'Nanny State'
Payton Manning (American Football)
His direction from the back line will be crucial.
Ellyse Perry (Cricket & Soccer)
Plays just about everything else, why not give Aussie Rules a crack?
Centre:
Usain Bolt (Athletics)
Obvious wingmen with his blistering pace. Would really like to develop his key forward prospects too. He has the height for it, and I'd love to see a full back try to catch him on the lead.
Lebron James (Basketball)
Already has the body to deal with the wear and tear of AFL, my major concern is his mental ability. Can't have him cracking the sads everytime something goes against him on the field.
Greg Inglis (Rugby League)
Pace, Size and skill. He is a Lance Franklin clone, and hopefully his ability will match
Half Forward:
Harry Kewell (Soccer)
Devastating left boot that can easily be transferred onto the AFL field. His run will also be important.
Sharelle McMahon (Netball)
May need to bulk up, but her leadership skill, and ability under intense pressure is proven.
Tim Cahill (Soccer)
Can run all day, and will probably be moved onto the ball at some point. Also has a great leap. To compliment his game, he may approach the AFL to try and change the rules, allowing goals to be scored from headers.
Full Forward:
Geoff Ogilvy (Golf)
Fantastic under pressure, I expect Geoff will kick many goals late in big and close games, when others around him start to feel the pressure.
Lauren Jackson (Basketball)
Will use her height and agility to take plenty of big grabs.
Damien Oliver (Jockey)
Ready to crumb the ball as soon as it hits the deck from the tall forwards.
Foll:
Yao Ming (Basketball)
Couldn't look past his height for out number 1 ruckmen.
Lionel Messi (Soccer)
He is harder to tackle than Robert Harvey, with his amazing core strength. Also has the pace we love. He's biggest asset though is the ability to push forward and score goals.
Roger Federer (Tennis)
The Rolls Royce of the side. Glides across the field and will win the hearts of the purist quicker than most, with his exquisite skills and respect for the history of the game.
Interchange:
Steve Hooker (Athletics)
Our Back-up Ruckmen, who has an impressive leap.
Serena Williams (Tennis)
Will have the boys looking twice when she comes steaming out of the forward line
Casey Stoner (Moto GP)
Highly attacking player, who needs to work on his defensive skills and tempo footy.
Eamon Sullivan (Swimming)
Being in the starting side is like winning gold medals, and Eamon is just not quite there.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Round 10
FINALLY! For the first time this year we all get to hear the best club song sung after the game. The Tigers not only won their first game, they belted a terribly disappointing Port Adelaide. In the worst conditions I can remember seeing, the young Tigers out-muscled their bigger and older opponents. Jack Riewoldt was again very impressive with four goals to prove that he is much more than just a high marking forward. As for the Power, they were bad. Really bad. You would think the conditions would have favoured their more mature bodies, but all Port could produce was their lowest ever score in the AFL. It was not a day the club will be, or should be proud of.
The Cats kept their incredible record going, winning another match down at Kardinia Park. The Demons have developed a lot this year, but were no match for the reigning champs. James Podsiadly's good form continues, what a story this could become if he went on to win the Coleman medal. I smell a Disney movie - Ala Cool Runnings. One positive for Melbourne was the debut of Jordan Gysberts. The highly fancied youngster started on Garry Ablett and looked right at home, ending the day with a commendable 26 disposals.
The Lions got back on track this week, with an exciting win against Collingwood on Saturday night. All match it looked as though the Pies would continue their impressive away form, until Bredan Fevola lit a fire underneath himself and kicked four spectacular goals to drag Brisbane over the line. It was great to see the players get around 250 game player Luke Power after the final siren. He is obviously a much loved character at the club, and you couldn't help but be happy for the bloke.
On Friday night, just as I was starting to think the Bulldogs were right on track for their flag tilt, they slip up against Essendon. Yes the Bombers were great, but the Bulldogs just should of won this match. Their usually skillful midfield were horrible, and it not only cost the side, they cost my Supercoach team too! The most in form ruck combination in the competition were again potent. David Hille and Patty Ryder are fast becoming a very dangerous pair. The most in form ruck combination in the competition were again potent. The biggest asset both of these players bring to the side is their mobility, and using that up forward. Both can take a pack mark and have good skills.
Winners this week
* Geelong - The only side that look like they can maintain great football for more than 5 weeks
* Richmond - Can't leave them off this week!
* Fremantle - Don't think they are going to stumble as badly as people seem to expect
Losers
* Adelaide Teams - Both teams had a horrible week
* Rhys Shaw - Had plenty of time to kick the winning goal against the Hawks, but couldn't get it done
* Port Adelaide - were so bad they deserve to be in the losers twice
The Cats kept their incredible record going, winning another match down at Kardinia Park. The Demons have developed a lot this year, but were no match for the reigning champs. James Podsiadly's good form continues, what a story this could become if he went on to win the Coleman medal. I smell a Disney movie - Ala Cool Runnings. One positive for Melbourne was the debut of Jordan Gysberts. The highly fancied youngster started on Garry Ablett and looked right at home, ending the day with a commendable 26 disposals.
The Lions got back on track this week, with an exciting win against Collingwood on Saturday night. All match it looked as though the Pies would continue their impressive away form, until Bredan Fevola lit a fire underneath himself and kicked four spectacular goals to drag Brisbane over the line. It was great to see the players get around 250 game player Luke Power after the final siren. He is obviously a much loved character at the club, and you couldn't help but be happy for the bloke.
On Friday night, just as I was starting to think the Bulldogs were right on track for their flag tilt, they slip up against Essendon. Yes the Bombers were great, but the Bulldogs just should of won this match. Their usually skillful midfield were horrible, and it not only cost the side, they cost my Supercoach team too! The most in form ruck combination in the competition were again potent. David Hille and Patty Ryder are fast becoming a very dangerous pair. The most in form ruck combination in the competition were again potent. The biggest asset both of these players bring to the side is their mobility, and using that up forward. Both can take a pack mark and have good skills.
Winners this week
* Geelong - The only side that look like they can maintain great football for more than 5 weeks
* Richmond - Can't leave them off this week!
* Fremantle - Don't think they are going to stumble as badly as people seem to expect
Losers
* Adelaide Teams - Both teams had a horrible week
* Rhys Shaw - Had plenty of time to kick the winning goal against the Hawks, but couldn't get it done
* Port Adelaide - were so bad they deserve to be in the losers twice
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Round 9
Has the sleeping giant finally awoken? It won't surprise anyone that this weeks blog starts with Hawthorn, and their huge win over Carlton. Finally the Hawks showed the form that took them to the ultimate glory less than two years ago. It begs the question, where has this form been. What triggered the reversal? Maybe it was the fact that Hawthorn has not lost to Carlton since 2005, and with the exception of last years epic, have won many of those matches very comfortably. The Hawks are two games out of the 8, so they have to really get moving, but with a favourable percentage, there is hope for the Brown and Gold. As for the Blues, it is the first week that their forward line will really come under focus. Whilst recruit Lochie Henderson was encorouging, Setanta and his three little helpers had hardly any positive influence on the match.
The one side who are already in the 8, and are starting to look very strong, are the Western Bulldogs. They haven't made much noise, yet sit comfortably at 4th, and have an incredible drive, due to the failures of the last couple of finals campaigns. Their opponents on Saturday, North Melbourne, were absolutely slaughtered by their own supporters on talkback radio. It seems unwarrented to me. North are a very young side. They have been great to be as competitive as they have been so far this year, and surely they are going to have a couple of less than impressive games, especially when they play one of the premiership favourites.
The Dockers ticked off another unlikely win, this time in Sydney. If they keep winning away from home like they have been so far this year, they are a very serious top 4 threat, and no one is going to want to go over to Perth to play a final.
The big match of the year didn't quite live up to the billing. The one thing that the Friday night match did show us was that the Cats are every bit the premiership contender, and they have not dropped off in quality as many experts had predicted. I never thought they would miss the top 4, but I have to admit, I didn't think that they were as strong as they looked against the Pies. If they have improved on the last couple of years, I'd almost start engraving Gee on the cup now. Collingwood were the biggest dissapointment of the week. Simply put, they choked. Not just the players, but the coaches too. They completely changed the way they had been playing (and winning) and lost the ability to score. After belting all comers over the last month, why someone would change how they are playing is confusing to me. Maybe Mick, knowing this could be his last chance to coach a side to a flag tightened up?
Credit to St. Kilda this week. Under a lot of pressure and with many people questioning their ability to cover the larger Subiaco Oval, the Saints won, and won well. The may have struggled during the first 9 rounds, but they have been able to fall over the line for enough wins that they are still very much in the top 4 race
Big Winners
* Geelong. Go and get any price you can for them on the premiership.
* Darwin football lovers. They only get two games all year, and the first one was an absolute cracker!
* Hawthorn. Can they make a run at the 8? If so, who'd want to play them in the finals?
Losers
* Brisbane Lions. Where has it all gone wrong?
* Scott Thomson (NM). Obviously just a pest of a bloke. I'd have preferred to have seen Barry hit him to really teach him a lesson.
* Richmond. Again. But they can at least say they are the most consistant side in the league.
The one side who are already in the 8, and are starting to look very strong, are the Western Bulldogs. They haven't made much noise, yet sit comfortably at 4th, and have an incredible drive, due to the failures of the last couple of finals campaigns. Their opponents on Saturday, North Melbourne, were absolutely slaughtered by their own supporters on talkback radio. It seems unwarrented to me. North are a very young side. They have been great to be as competitive as they have been so far this year, and surely they are going to have a couple of less than impressive games, especially when they play one of the premiership favourites.
The Dockers ticked off another unlikely win, this time in Sydney. If they keep winning away from home like they have been so far this year, they are a very serious top 4 threat, and no one is going to want to go over to Perth to play a final.
The big match of the year didn't quite live up to the billing. The one thing that the Friday night match did show us was that the Cats are every bit the premiership contender, and they have not dropped off in quality as many experts had predicted. I never thought they would miss the top 4, but I have to admit, I didn't think that they were as strong as they looked against the Pies. If they have improved on the last couple of years, I'd almost start engraving Gee on the cup now. Collingwood were the biggest dissapointment of the week. Simply put, they choked. Not just the players, but the coaches too. They completely changed the way they had been playing (and winning) and lost the ability to score. After belting all comers over the last month, why someone would change how they are playing is confusing to me. Maybe Mick, knowing this could be his last chance to coach a side to a flag tightened up?
Credit to St. Kilda this week. Under a lot of pressure and with many people questioning their ability to cover the larger Subiaco Oval, the Saints won, and won well. The may have struggled during the first 9 rounds, but they have been able to fall over the line for enough wins that they are still very much in the top 4 race
Big Winners
* Geelong. Go and get any price you can for them on the premiership.
* Darwin football lovers. They only get two games all year, and the first one was an absolute cracker!
* Hawthorn. Can they make a run at the 8? If so, who'd want to play them in the finals?
Losers
* Brisbane Lions. Where has it all gone wrong?
* Scott Thomson (NM). Obviously just a pest of a bloke. I'd have preferred to have seen Barry hit him to really teach him a lesson.
* Richmond. Again. But they can at least say they are the most consistant side in the league.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Round 8
Round 8 saw the emergence of two teams clearly above the rest. Just like 2008 and 09 Geelong are one of the two teams, and the other is Collingwood. Fantastic then to see that the two line up against each other in Round 9. This game would have had the same build up as the St. Kilda v Geelong (2009) and Hawthorn v Geelong (2008) if it had of been later in the season as those two matches were. It is an absolute credit to Geelong that they have been the constant in these massive matches, and scary that they are still playing as brilliantly as ever.
Friday's nights game between Collingwood and Freo proved that the Magpies are the real deal (if you weren't already convinced). Despite the knockers, I believe the Dockers are here to stay, and the way Collingwood clinically took care of them was ominous. Having said that, I really like the Dockers. They remind me alot of Hawthorn in 2007, when they were in the top 3 for the majority of the year, before the extremely young side tired late. If there are any markets on next years premiership, I'd be having a serious look at the Dockers, and I suspect you'd get pretty good odds too.
Melbourne have finally had the down week they were overdue. They are a young side, and there's no doubt they have come a long way, but I don't think they will make the finals this year. They have been much more competitive, and the Melbourne faithful can look forward to some success in the not too distant future.
Richmond got even closer to their first win this week, and surely based on they way they played on Sunday they will fall over the line against someone. Only skill error cost the Tigers a win. They do play West Coast here in Melbourne, and if I were a Tiger supporter, I'd pencil that one in as a must attend game. Hawthorn have nothing to celebrate about. Had they have played anyone else yesterday, they would've lost and gone 1-7. Plain and Simple.
Carlton announced themselves as a very serious top 4 threat with a great win over an in-form Port Adelaide. Coming off a short turnaround after the Monday night game, the Blue's looked in real trouble late in the third quarter, yet found the strength to overrun the Power. I think right now Carlton are the third best team in the league. The buzz that could be created around Melbourne if Collingwood play Carlton late in September would be enormous.
St. Kilda have fallen deeper into trouble, losing their third game out of four. Again the Saints couldn't find a reliable path to goal, even with Essendon's two best defenders (Pears & Hooker) missing a large chunk of yesterday's game. It's hard to imagine the Saints challenging late in September on their current form, even with the inclusion of Riewoldt, but I'm not willing to write them off just yet.
Round 8 Big Winners
* Collingwood - Scary good at the moment. Didn't look to be dominating against Freo or Carlton, yet beat them both very comfortably.
* Western Bulldogs - Sneaking under the radar a little after they didn't start the season as we all expected. In the top 4, and I don't think they are going anywhere
* East Perth - Signed Andrew Lovett. Will absolutely dominate the WAFL, as long as he keeps his life on track.
In Trouble This Week
* Hawthorn - Won no fans this week, despite winning.
* Ben Nason - Got his hair pulled, and to be honest, deserves it given how shocking it looks. Needs to take a leaf out of Tyrone Vickery's book and get a hair cut.
* Sydney & Brisbane - After great starts to the year, both have really struggled in recent weeks, and now look like they will both be battling for a top 8 spot.
Friday's nights game between Collingwood and Freo proved that the Magpies are the real deal (if you weren't already convinced). Despite the knockers, I believe the Dockers are here to stay, and the way Collingwood clinically took care of them was ominous. Having said that, I really like the Dockers. They remind me alot of Hawthorn in 2007, when they were in the top 3 for the majority of the year, before the extremely young side tired late. If there are any markets on next years premiership, I'd be having a serious look at the Dockers, and I suspect you'd get pretty good odds too.
Melbourne have finally had the down week they were overdue. They are a young side, and there's no doubt they have come a long way, but I don't think they will make the finals this year. They have been much more competitive, and the Melbourne faithful can look forward to some success in the not too distant future.
Richmond got even closer to their first win this week, and surely based on they way they played on Sunday they will fall over the line against someone. Only skill error cost the Tigers a win. They do play West Coast here in Melbourne, and if I were a Tiger supporter, I'd pencil that one in as a must attend game. Hawthorn have nothing to celebrate about. Had they have played anyone else yesterday, they would've lost and gone 1-7. Plain and Simple.
Carlton announced themselves as a very serious top 4 threat with a great win over an in-form Port Adelaide. Coming off a short turnaround after the Monday night game, the Blue's looked in real trouble late in the third quarter, yet found the strength to overrun the Power. I think right now Carlton are the third best team in the league. The buzz that could be created around Melbourne if Collingwood play Carlton late in September would be enormous.
St. Kilda have fallen deeper into trouble, losing their third game out of four. Again the Saints couldn't find a reliable path to goal, even with Essendon's two best defenders (Pears & Hooker) missing a large chunk of yesterday's game. It's hard to imagine the Saints challenging late in September on their current form, even with the inclusion of Riewoldt, but I'm not willing to write them off just yet.
Round 8 Big Winners
* Collingwood - Scary good at the moment. Didn't look to be dominating against Freo or Carlton, yet beat them both very comfortably.
* Western Bulldogs - Sneaking under the radar a little after they didn't start the season as we all expected. In the top 4, and I don't think they are going anywhere
* East Perth - Signed Andrew Lovett. Will absolutely dominate the WAFL, as long as he keeps his life on track.
In Trouble This Week
* Hawthorn - Won no fans this week, despite winning.
* Ben Nason - Got his hair pulled, and to be honest, deserves it given how shocking it looks. Needs to take a leaf out of Tyrone Vickery's book and get a hair cut.
* Sydney & Brisbane - After great starts to the year, both have really struggled in recent weeks, and now look like they will both be battling for a top 8 spot.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Hypothetical Wednesday
It's that time of the week again. There's been a lot of talk about whether clubs will be properly compensated for players leaving to play for the Gold Coast. This week is has been suggested that there may be a panel of ex players set up, to decide each players worth.
I thought I'd take 6 players who have been linked with the Gold Coast side, and decide for myself what these players are worth in a draft.
Garry Ablett - Picks 1 & 3
Easily the most publicised link to the Coast, Ablett demands massive compensation for the Cats. I have loosely based these picks on what the Blues received for Chris Judd. Not only is Ablett the Cats best and most skillful player, he is also a marquee marketing player (in his own right, as well as the link to his dad).
Campbell Brown - Pick 50
Probably the man most believe has already signed (despite vehemently denying the fact). Not an overly skillful player, but has been important to Hawthorn as a 'Team Man'. Don't think he is worth a top pick, and probably not a player I'd be looking at if I were at the Gold Coast. He is a battler at best, and deserves only a later pick for the Hawks.
Michael Hurley - Pick 4
Despite a rocky start of the field, this kid really looks the goods to me. Can play back, but I saw him destroy Hawthorn up forward last year, and that's where the Bombers are really lacking at the moment. Is worth better than what they picked him at, even at this early stage, because he has shown more than enough potential to justify the Bombers receiving a top 5 pick.
Nick Riewoldt - Pick 1, 2 & 5
The pin up boy of the competition right now. He is the most important player of the premiership favourites. This demands respect from the new AFL club, and the Saints (despite not really needing it) should receive this most favourable compensation. With the access to younger players the GC already have, coupled with the fact Riewoldt would become a hometown hero/icon, you could still argue it'd be worth giving these picks up to secure his services.
Joel Selwood - Pick 3
The Cats must be thinking that Selwood is there next captain, and at 21, Selwood is young enough that it is fair to presume he still has a good level of improvement in his game. That thought would be scary to any midfielder who has played on him. Just think what sort of compensation the Cats would be in for if Ablett and Selwood both headed north.
Jarrod Harbrow - Pick 15
The latest player to be spoken about in the media in the GC conversation, Harbrow, given his come from the rookie list, and is still quite young is not considered to be a great commodity under the current compensation system. Despite this, Harbrow has to be worth a first round pick, given he has really stepped his game up in the last year or so. I really like the way he plays, and would be a great addition to any side, let alone a new one.
Let me know what you think about these players, and any others you might be interested in knowing the worth of.
I thought I'd take 6 players who have been linked with the Gold Coast side, and decide for myself what these players are worth in a draft.
Garry Ablett - Picks 1 & 3
Easily the most publicised link to the Coast, Ablett demands massive compensation for the Cats. I have loosely based these picks on what the Blues received for Chris Judd. Not only is Ablett the Cats best and most skillful player, he is also a marquee marketing player (in his own right, as well as the link to his dad).
Campbell Brown - Pick 50
Probably the man most believe has already signed (despite vehemently denying the fact). Not an overly skillful player, but has been important to Hawthorn as a 'Team Man'. Don't think he is worth a top pick, and probably not a player I'd be looking at if I were at the Gold Coast. He is a battler at best, and deserves only a later pick for the Hawks.
Michael Hurley - Pick 4
Despite a rocky start of the field, this kid really looks the goods to me. Can play back, but I saw him destroy Hawthorn up forward last year, and that's where the Bombers are really lacking at the moment. Is worth better than what they picked him at, even at this early stage, because he has shown more than enough potential to justify the Bombers receiving a top 5 pick.
Nick Riewoldt - Pick 1, 2 & 5
The pin up boy of the competition right now. He is the most important player of the premiership favourites. This demands respect from the new AFL club, and the Saints (despite not really needing it) should receive this most favourable compensation. With the access to younger players the GC already have, coupled with the fact Riewoldt would become a hometown hero/icon, you could still argue it'd be worth giving these picks up to secure his services.
Joel Selwood - Pick 3
The Cats must be thinking that Selwood is there next captain, and at 21, Selwood is young enough that it is fair to presume he still has a good level of improvement in his game. That thought would be scary to any midfielder who has played on him. Just think what sort of compensation the Cats would be in for if Ablett and Selwood both headed north.
Jarrod Harbrow - Pick 15
The latest player to be spoken about in the media in the GC conversation, Harbrow, given his come from the rookie list, and is still quite young is not considered to be a great commodity under the current compensation system. Despite this, Harbrow has to be worth a first round pick, given he has really stepped his game up in the last year or so. I really like the way he plays, and would be a great addition to any side, let alone a new one.
Let me know what you think about these players, and any others you might be interested in knowing the worth of.
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