...and a huge win by the Saints...
September, 04th 2008 06:09 AM

Let’s not worry about last weeks results too much.  Suffice to say that there were a couple of upsets and a huge win by the Saints that lifted them into the top four.  Adelaide were fourth for a wee bit but dropped to fifth with the consolation being not having to pay Geelong and getting a home final. 

In order of games to be played this week let Digger give you a preview. 

Friday Night – Hawthorn V Western Bulldogs @ the M.C.G. 

It was all about Buddy last week as he steamed to and then recorded his 100th goal of the season.  This week it will be all about stringing enough goals together for both teams.  Really, the Bulldogs have been in poor form over the last two months and have this game to deliver a decent result.  Brad Johnson needs to lift and kick at least 4 goals for his team to have a show.  Hawthorn has a powerful forward line capable of kicking 20+ goals each week. 

Shut down Buddy and the Roughy steps in or Williams or Junior Rioli.  Brian Lake is the key Bulldog defender and if he controls Buddy it will lift the likes of Morris and Gilbee. 

Hawthorn to have a comfortable 5 goal win. 

Saturday Afternoon – Adelaide V Collingwood @ AAMI Stadium 

Digger tipped it last week when he said Fremantle would beat Collingwood.  As results went last week, Collingwood now have to travel two weeks in a row, a rarity for the ‘Pies.  Although Digger has said all along the Ravens are pretenders, they should have enough to beat the biggest pretenders of them all, Collingwood. 

No goal kickers for the “pies apart from Medhurst but if he is held where do they come from?  “Neon” Leon Davis?  Not likely. 

The Ravens have the motivating Porplyzia and a host of grizzled veterans.  Enough fire power in fact to march through to the second week of the finals.  I 4 goal win to Adelaide. 

Saturday evening – Sydney V North Melbourne @ ANZ Stadium 

What happened to the North Melbourne team last week?  Who knows?  But redemption is there for the taking in this elimination final.  The Sydney team look old and slow and quite a good finals record.  North suffered the yips twice in last years finals and will need a decent blast from the coach to overcome it.  Corey Jones is the key to this match and if he kicks 4 or 5 the Kangaroos are winners.  For Sydney to take the points they need Goodes, Hall and Jolly up and about.  Not a clear cut result but Digger sees the North Melbourne progressing to week two of the finals. 

Sunday Afternoon – Geelong V St. Kilda @ the M.C.G 

What a great win by the Saints last week which allowed them to sneak into 4th position.  But what a reward.  You get to take on the team that has the best statistical record in 50 years.  The Cats only problem this week is who to select.  With 3 to 4 regulars available this week the pressure is on the selectors. 

Let’s hope this game is a shoot out as that is the best way that both these teams play.  If St. Kilda try to negate the Geelong free flowing game they do so at their own folly.  To beat Geelong you need to kick 18 goals minimum.  The Saints can only do this by running the corridor in the Cats manner.  Gee, St. Kilda is in fine form but it is hard to see them overcoming the Geelong juggernaut. 

The game will be tight and Geelong’s ability to fins another gear when needed will see them through.

 

 

 

 

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