in the outer
March, 27th 2008 04:29 AM

For all of those Digger fans out there who follow the tips I hope you did last week as we got off to a flier last weekend tipping 8 out of the 8 winners.  I am sure others did too but a great start to the year all in all. 

Matthew Richardson has the Tiger faithful roaring with his great display of leadership in kicking 5 in the Richmond win over a lack luster Carlton.  The Blues look unfit.  Nick Stevens looked good for the Carlton team and if stays fit should have a huge year.  Tiger Nathan Foley continues to impress. 

While Geelong had to hold off a fast finishing Power, coach Bomba Thompson would be happy with the effort given the game was in Adelaide.  Paul Chapman started his season off well and for the Power it was the usual suspects, the Cornes brothers who led the way. Geelong rookies, Gamble and West showed that the Cats have good depth. 

In a very scrappy affair Collingwood won over Fremantle and it could be a long season for supporters of both teams.  There should be some improvement in both sides given it was round one and Anthony Rocca's five goals gives heart to Pie supporters.  Let's see how the mentals travel when they play back in Perth. 

West Coast were made to work hard by Brisbane but eventually ran out 16 point winners in their clash in Perth.  Dean "Big" Cox was great for the Weagles and is the premier big man in the league.  For the Lions again it was Jonathan Brown who lead the way.  Both of these teams will win more than they lose this year. 

Boring was the chant at the Telstra Dome where a grand tally of 12 goals were kicked for the game.  It St. Kilda keep this type of game going they will not reach expectations.  Use the dominant forward line you have rather than smother games.  ‘Nuff said. 

The Western Bulldogs "lucked" their win over the Ravens in a heart stopper.  Brad Johnson continues to shine and is a great example to the young pups.  Raven Nathan Bock narrowly missed goal as the final siren sounded and if accurate would have stole the game for his team.  Good first up efforts by both sides. 

Rookie Melbourne coach Dean Bailey had a rude intro to the game when his insipid team went down to hawthorn by 104 points.  Buddy Franklin was sublime for Hawthorn but needs to be pulled aside and told to temper his goal scoring celebrations.  Beware the Hawks, they still have 4 of their best players to return to the team.  Where the Demons go from here is anyone's guess but can they fall any further? 

In the final game of the round, Essendon turned a second quarter 4 goal deficit into a 9 goal win in a game where North Melbourne could and should be described as ordinary.  Scott Lucas did his knee and is out for 10 weeks but Matty Lloyd stood up with 6 goals.  North players seem to read the newspapers too much and think they are good but being good is proven on the ground and last week was a huge wake up call. 

LETTER OF THE WEEK 

No letters this week.  What is going on?  Have I taught it all to you?  Come on, send letters to diggerafl@yahoo.com.au 

Round 2 should really start to show us who is going to be the big players in season 2008.  Injuries were light last week and remember that Digger tipped 8 for 8 and is very confident again this week, so without further ado, here we go. 

Collingwood travel to Brisbane and on last weeks performance Digger expects a triumph to the home side.  The Lions have too many guns up forward and apart from Rocca and Dale Thomas there doesn't seem anyone capable of kicking a bag.  Another big one for Jonathan Brown and it is how far the Brisbane team. 

If the Western Bulldogs are going to make a fist of it in season 2008 then Saturday they need to have a huge win against the Melbourne footy club.  We will see if the Demons have any pride but even if they come prepared to play.  Even if they do the Bulldogs should have too much leg speed and will notch up win number 2 for the season. 

Adelaide host the Weagles and both teams performances last week could herald an exciting season.  The Weagles hold sway over the Ravens in their last few encounters but past performance will count for little on Saturday.  Digger was pretty impressed y Adelaide last week and here is their chance to add a high flying scalp to their resume.  Adelaide by a couple of goals. 

Fremantle at home to Hawthorn and some home ground advantage it is.  However Hawthorn is one team that travels regularly and well and should have enough fire power to overcome Fremantle.  The Hawks by 3 goals. 

St. Kilda will prove far to strong for Carlton.  This game should allow the forward line to impress.  Let the strings go and run.  A 10 goal victory to St. Kilda. 

Port Adelaide are off to Sydney and will provide the Swans with a tough ask.  Adam Goodes was given a rocket up his arse during the week and this should inspire him to play well.  Will be another scrappy affair and Diggers sees the home team win in another low scoring affair. 

Geelong will have had 4 days extra rest by game time and this will be crucial to the outcome.  Essendon were impressive last week but the opposition is more formidable this time around.  Simply put, the Cats will be far too polished for the Bombers. 

Richmond on a high and the North Melbourne boys on a hiding to nothing.  In a game that will have no bearing on finals because both of these teams will not be there come September Digger reckons the Tigers momentum will carry them across the line.  Richmond by 4 goals.

 

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