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St Kilda will bounce back with a high scoring win over the Blues which should see plenty of goal scoring (if that's your thing LOL). I reckon that the G Train will get back on the rails here against the league's worst defence and that Riewodlt will do likewise. Up the other end Fev and Betts and Fatnall will also kick a bag but under the roof the Saints actually look like a decent side and will get the points with a 22 point victory.
Essendon should edge out Hawthorn in it's clash on Saturday at the G. I reckon these two sides are evenly matched but the additonal preparation time afforded to the Dons will prove to be decisive here. George Lucas couldn't possibly be as ineffectual as he was against Collingwood and he and Lloyd should make 'Hay' (yeah I know he's retired) against an undersized Hawk defence. If the Hawks team up on one of the Bomber forwards as mally and sheeds suggest, either Lloyd, Lucas, Monfries and Davey will be free to create havoc. Still haven't got a Bomber game right but I reckon this is the one..Essendon by 8 points.
West Coast look a fair way ahead of the rest, with perhaps only the Power travelling as well at this stage of the season. Plenty of punters would be willing to plonk on the Dogs here based on their recent record in Perth but I'm not having any of it. The Dogs have come off a couple of soft wins and will find the reigning champions too tough on their home deck. Eagles by 45 points.
Adelaide will get a big boost out of the return of Scotty Welsh. The Crows have been struggling up front and the return of Welsh will help straighten them up against an opponent who also has the benefit of additional preparation. However, I believe that Crows can overcome this disadvantage and that the home ground advantage will also be telling. While the Pies do have a good record at AAMI, this does not apply during The Professor's tenure. Adelaide by 9 points.
Sydney will win this first ever clash with the Kangaroos at the Telstra Dome. Plenty like the Kangas here but you can bet your bottom dollar that Sydney will put the Roos under a hell of a lot more pressure than Geelong did last round. A lot of Roos youngsters are in for a shock this weekend I believe. The only downside for Sydney is the fitness (or lack of) of Adam Goodes and Luke Ablett. I expect a Swannie victory here by 17 points.
Brisbane can continue Freo's drought in Qld. The Dockers have never won in the Sunshine State and the Gorillas are starting to become formidable at the Gabbatoir once again. To me the Lions have a bit more run and some premiership stars have really lifted in combination with some exciting young talent. Freo have hit back with a couple of wins lately but I reckon it will be back to the drawing board for CC after another loss in Brisbane. Lions by 26 points.
Port will defeat Melbourne for the first time at the MCG on Sunday. The Power are looking fantastic at the moment, so good in fact that even my dodgy tipping cannot derail them. I've got so many Port players in my dream team now Mrs REB has accused me of being a Port supporter LOL. The Demons will get Neitz back but there's still nothing left in midfield and Port will *ahem* power home by 36 points. Bastards.
Geelong will defeat Richmond or destroy what is left of my dwindling sanity on Sunday afternoon. The reason why Geelong will win this game is that people are saying that Richmond is a big chance and being the flat track bullies that we are, we will respond with the talls getting amongst the marks and Geelong kicking a winning score. I think the Tigers might have pulled a clanger here by chosing this week to omit Greg Tivendale. Geelong to paper over the cracks here with a 35 point win.
Eight winners.
Too easy.
regards,
REB
