Let the "REAL" games begin.  The MCG is being dug up after the Empire games and will be ready for the ANZAC day clash.  For you non-Aussies and Kiwis out there that is the 25^th of April.  This Thursday night, season 2006 begins and Commandant Andrew and his cronies could not have arranged the opening clash better if they tried.  But the one thing that has made the opening round a strange one is that the number one umpire in the game is not getting a gig.

Umpy, Matt James has been suspended for the start of the season after being reported by a "disgruntled" club official, for being out socializing until 3.00 am after a NAB cup game in Cairns.  Digger has 2 questions, firstly, can the media tell us who he is and from which club is this official from.  Secondly, why are umpires not allowed to socialize after a game.  I am sure that this umpire, who has been voted the best by the players for the past 2 years, would be discreet enough not to divulge any sacrosanct information to those he is with, and further, as the umpires cannot be spoken of in a negative manner, as decreed the members of the cadre, surely any means of promoting good relations between umpires and other footy followers should be encouraged.  Digger is all for making the umpires more human.  Incidentally, the game in Cairns was between Geelong and the Kangaroos but one would suspect the disgruntled official may have been associated with Cairns or the Far North Queensland Association or whatever they call it.

The Saints travel to Western Australia this week to take on the Weagles.  The tall timber in the Saints forward line will prove formidable opposition for the miserly Eagles defence.  The pharmacist, Eagles coach, Worsfold was known as a strong and disciplined backman during his playing days and these traits have been passed along during his coaching tenure.  Subiaco Oval should be in pristine condition for the match and we should see plenty of fast paced, skilful action.  Both teams will be placed high on the ladder at seasons end but in the opener, the Weagles to sneak in by 13 points.

Let us hope that Saigons favourite player, Brent Staker gets a game for the Weagles.  His player profile on the West Coast Eagles website http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/ quotes "His season ended on a low note when he made a series of blunders in the final quarter of the Grand Final".  With friends like that .............

Speed, speed and more speed should be the flavor of the day when the Western Bulldogs take on Richmond at the Telstra Rink.  Both of these sides have many young guns and are tipped to be the big improvers in 2006.  Look out for Tiger's Mark Coughlan, who had a even 2005 after suffering from osteitis pubis in 2004 and Brett Deledio last years NAB Rising Star award winner.  Digger is tipping Brett for the Brownlow Medal this year and from game 1 he will turn it on.  Bulldogs in a close one.

Can you name the previous 3 Rising Star award winners who have gone on to win the Brownlow?

Geelong, having tasted success in the NAB Cup. host the Lions at Kardinia Park.  Yes, they call the ground Skilled Stadium but it is in Kardinia Park.  Cats easy.

Commandant Andrew has given a backhanded "sorry" to Paul Roos and the Swans over his comments of last year.  Do the Swans give a toss, no!  What does Kevin Sheedy have up his sleeve to take on the Swans, answer, not much.  In a low scoring game, Sydney by 3 goals.

In Adelaide, the Kangaroos take on the aging Port Adelaide.  The Kangaroos do not mind traveling and will hop right into the Power(less).  Kangaroos by 43 points.

Congratulation to Gavin "Rubberman" Wanganeen on the occasion of his 300^th AFL game.

Can Fremantle travel and can the leadership group get on with the coach?  That is the question that will determine the Dockers first outing of the year.  The Hawks are desperate to get a winning start to the year and may pinch this one.  Interesting to note the Dermy is getting off the Board of the Hawks and is this a case of deserting a sinking ship?  While Digger reckons Fremantle will go alright this year, the happy team from Hawthorn will prevail in this one.

Melbourne by 15 goals.  Cameron Bruce to be early Brownlow favourite yet again.

And in the final game of round one, on a Monday, Collingwood take on the Ravens from Adelaide.  Digger finds that the Adelaide players list has some of the most interesting surnames going around and from this springs the first competition of the year.

Your goal is to come up with the most interesting, humorous and likely piece of football commentary using the surnames of the following Adelaide players,

Bassett, Hart, Hinge, Johncock, Sugars, Shirley, Porplyzia and Rutten.

In this game, Adelaide by 27 points.

In a bit of grassroots footy news, 2 clubs in the Geelong Football League have been made to move their home games to different venues for the start of the season.  It seems that a black beetle, also known as the cockchafer beetle has destroyed the grass.  I used to think that this beetle occurred naturally by not using enough Vaseline during pre-season training.

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LETTER OF THE WEEK

Dear Digger,

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Regards,

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

Our celebrity tipsters, who have the unenviable task of proving their tips BEFORE  the team selections come out are here to help you with your tips.  These tipsters have years of AFL experience, at least one of them anyway, but the other are known experts in this field, well some of them, and for some its it like pinning the tail on the donkey.  The donkey is getting sick of it!  Please see below,

If three tipsters tip each side then Diggers selection will determine the Most Favoured.

8 matches over 5 days to kick off the season.  Footy is BACK !!!!!

Yours truly,

Digger in the Outer