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.