All the AFL trappings
August, 21st 2008 07:03 AM

It seems to me that no-one can challenge Geelong for supremacy this season.  That not mean that they are assured of the Premiership but the are far and away the most dominant team we have seen this year.  Their one loss was a thrashing by Collingwood but they have not looked like losing since.  Meanwhile, the Hawthorn and Western Bulldog team have lost 5 games this year with the dogs also drawing one game.  The Cats percentage is also worth another couple of games. 

Two rounds to go before the finals start and we have 12 teams with a mathematical chance of playing footy at the pointy end of the season.  This week will go a long way to sorting the wheat from the chaff. 

Friday night and we see the Western Bulldogs taking on Essendon.  The ‘Dons have been ravaged by injury but still performing solidly while the Bulldogs have been off the boil in recent times.  With a whiff of Spring in the air and Scott West to resume soon, the Westerners should have too much class for the Essendon lads.  Bulldogs by 4 goals. 

Next up we have Richmond V Fremantle and if the Tigers expect to sneak into the eight this is a must win game.  The trouble is that Richmond have trouble winning two weeks in a row.  However, Fremantle appeared to go into holiday mode at half time last week and with nothing to play for may not mentally show up.  If Richmond play to 80% of lasts week effort they will win pulling up or doing a Bolt.  Tigers in a close one. 

Dullsville when Port Adelaide host Melbourne in the city of churches.  My tip, a pumped up Melbourne over a lethargic Power. 

Both Brisbane and Carlton are looking for eighth spot and the loser of this match will be confined to history for season 2008.  Carlton will be tired after their much improved performance in 2008 and Digger eckons the Lions will take full advantage of this.  Being at the ‘Gabba should give Brisbane enough advantage to win.  New boy, Pearce Hanley from Ballaghaderren, County MayoIreland makes his debut for the Brisbane side.  in

Reputations and positions in the top eight are on the line when Sydney travel to the Telstra Dome to meet Collingwood.  My heart says Sydney but the head says anyone in this toss of a coin game.  Sydney need more from the forwards which is exactly the same as Collingwood.  This will be a low scoring affair with Sydney coming out just on top. 

Match of the round see the charging North Melbourne along side competition leader Geelong.  It was about this time last year when Geelong dropped a match but it does not look likely to happen again.  North is in great form winning 5 of their last 6 and will offer stronger competition than the Cats last few opponents.  Expect a high scoring shoot out if it is not too cold and wet at Kardinia Park and with the Cats faithful cheering loud the home team should win another. 

The two pretenders meet at AAMI Stadium and I have no idea who will win this one.  Toss of the coin says St. Kilda. 

Hawthorn, although on the road, should be too strong for the hapless West Coast.  The Hawks who were embarrassed by Richmond last week will be way too strong for their opposition.  And Digger is tipping Buddy to notch a 100 goals for the in this return to his home state. 

Digger

 

 

Other news