Bluey
1st September 2001, 00:30
AFLTips.Com Preview News
Round 22 - 31 August 2001
w: http://www.afltips.com/
e: adrian@afltips.com
* Brought to you in conjunction with BigFooty.com -
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+----------+
INDEX
1) Prize Draw
2) Quiz Questions from The Half Back Flanker
3) "Out of Bounds" - Phil Doyle sounds off.
4) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
5) "The Quick Snap" commentary article from The Half Back Flanker
6) Quiz Answers
7) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Prize Draw
Prize winner drawn on Sunday and announced in Monday's issue.
Read about the prize draw here:
http://www.afltips.com/prizedraw.html
Until next time,
Adrian Appleyard
adrian@afltips.com
+----------+
2) Footy Quiz No. 022 - Questions
by The Half Back Flanker
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
1. Who was the last coach of the Fitzroy Lions (in 1996), prior
to their merger with Brisbane?
2. Which legendary Hawthorn player kicked 110 goals in the 1977
season?
3. Who is the only current AFL player to be drafted from
Newcastle (NSW)?
4. How many premierships have North Melbourne (Kangaroos) won?
5. Which player won the Brownlow Medal in 2000?
Answers are at the end of this newsletter.
+----------+
3) Out of Bounds
- Phil Doyle's Bit
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
Phil did send in an article but I've left it at home (I'm putting
this together at work). Sorry Phil. I'll send out a special
edition in about 8 hours when I get home.
AA
+----------+
4) Weekly Round-Up
from our Regular Contributors
http://www.afltips.com/people/
(E-mail adrian@afltips.com if you'd like to become a
contributor.)
**********
Essendon v. Richmond
Friday, August 31, 2001
MCG 7:40 PM
Essendon v Richmond, Friday MCG 7.40 pm
The battle of the sashes looms tonight between Essendon and
Richmond. Both come into the game with some good form; Essendon
having a huge win over the Eagles 'way out west, while Richmond
broke the collective heart of the Kangaroos faithful last Friday
night with a last gasp victory at the hands of Matthew "Maybe
this time I'll kick a goal" Richardson.
Speaking of Gaspers, Darren for Richmond could be the key to this
match if he's able to contain Matthew Lloyd. Lloyd had a party
last week against the Eagle's insipid defence and will be keen to
continue the festivities this week (can just see him blowing up
party balloons, getting the CDs in order, buying the grog, etc).
At the other end for the Tigers, their tall forwards should do
well in the anticipated-to-be reasonable weather and they'll be
able to keep up with Essendon's marking ability or at least mark
as many times as they did last week against the Roos (Richardson
taking about 78 marks himself). Dustin Fletcher will certainly
get the job on Richardson and he managed it well last time they
met, a match which Essendon dominated from the first bounce (I
was there, drinking bevvies with two English lasses and getting
into all sorts – and I'm not talking liquorice all sorts either!
Eh? Eh? But that's another story).
Another key is Brad Ottens for Richmond, a dominating ruckman who
can actually kick and mark and run too. Essendon may a few
worries about who they'll play on him: Danny Jacobs has played
on talls in the past, Mark Bolton has returned to the side while
Dean Solomon can also play tall. Sean Wellman looks the obvious
choice but that would rob him of the chance to run through the
lines, something he does extraordinarily well.
At ground level for the Bombers, Mark Johnson, Damien Hardwick
and Dean Solomon will take on Rory Hilton, Joel Bowden and
Matthew Rogers. The Tigers will struggle to match up on James
Hird, the Essendon skipper being in good form. Similarly, the
Bombers midfield looks a bit too good for Richmond's Wayne
Campbell, Greg Tivendale and Matthew Knights. Joe Misiti, Jason
Johnson and Chris Heffernan should be able to cope with the
challenges thrown at them.
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, ever the romantic (that's putting it
kindly), has brought Michael Long back into the side, a rather
risky move given that Michael hasn't played for a Long time
(sorry, bad pun). Justin Blumfield has also been brought back
in to replace the suspended Paul Barnard, the injured Aaron
Henneman and Cory McGrath (dropped). The Tigers didn't risk
ruckman Brendon Gale and dropped David Bourke whilst including
Ray Hall and Ezra Poyas, for his first senior game of the season.
I'm annoyed because these two teams have made the finals while my
team is looking on from the sidelines. Roll on, season 2002!
Essendon by 34 pints. I mean points.
Others:
North by 10 points
Hawthorn by 33
Carlton by 14
Adelaide by 49
Brisbane by 28
Port Adelaide by 56
Melbourne by 20
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
Richmond v. West Coast
Saturday, 18 August 2001
Colonial Stadium 2:10 PM
The Round 20 clash between Richmond and the Eagles could not see
2 teams with a more differing story.
The Tigers will enter only their second finals series since 1982
whilst the Eagles will miss out on the Finals for the second year
in a row after playing September football every year from 1990 to
1999.
For the Eagles, their dynasty of the early 90s is slowing
disappearing. Age has wearied them and basically Glen Jakovich
and Drew Banfield are the only survivors from that halycon era.
The retirement of Dean Kemp today was only another reinforcing
that a chapter of football has been finished.
The Tigers on the other hand are trying to create a dynasty of
their own. A win here will give them 13 for the season and a
small opening of a top 4 spot. With North and Essendon to come,
they must win here to have any chance at all.
Matthew Richardson is playing well as the old firm of Matthew
Knights, Wayne Campbell and Nick Daffy.
For the Eagles, their lone shining light has been Ben Cousins. In
a beaten side, he has realy had his colour lowered and in a poor
team should poll highly in the Brownlow.
Tip: Richmond by 60 points
In other games:
Adelaide
Collingwood
Port Adelaide
Hawthorn
Carlton
Sydney
Brisbane
- David Wiseman
http://www.afltips.com/people/davidwiseman.html
**********
Carlton v. Geelong
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Optus Oval 2:10 PM
Lost in the mail – this will come out in the supplementary issue.
**********
Fremantle v. Adelaide
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Subiaco 6:40 PM - 8:40 PM AEST
Lost in the mail – this will come out in the supplementary issue.
**********
Hawthorn v. St Kilda
Saturday, September 01, 2001
MCG 7:00 PM
Well here we are just one round of the season to go before the
finals and there is no room for bad play now. Lets cast our minds
back to round eight of the season. Hawthorn had been running
better than expected and had yet to loose a match. They were on
top of the Bombers and people we beginning to ask if they would
repeat what Essendon had done the week before. At the same time
St Kilda had improved on their 2000 performance, but only just.
They were in third last position with just two wins on the board.
Well it's now round 21 and the Saints have really failed to
impress posting just one more win since that time and are now
sitting in second last spot, but cannot win the wooden spoon
(which I spose is a positive). Hawthorn has also dropped downward
winning just 5 of their next thirteen games after round eight.
The sides early domination was the only reason the Hawks are
going to be around for the final. The side started as serious
premiership contenders, but now people are writing them off as
not being able to stand up to the challenge of the likes of
Essendon (once again), Brisbane and Port.
Daniel Chick summed up Hawthorns position, "''We've just had
injuries at the wrong time of year. But it's a good test of our
character and our ability to fight back against adversity. In
previous years we have finished the season well and probably had
a good run with injuries." Before last weeks game, the Hawks lost
five of their key player, but three of these Dixon, Harford and
Chick are all set to return this week and try and push the
Hawthorn side into some form.
Part of the reason St Kilda have struggled this year after such
an amazing draft pick up is because of a very large number of
season injuries. N.Burke, J.Cripps, R.Harvey, L.Hayes,
S.Lawrence, S.Loewe and T.Schwarze. Its no wonder, with big names
like these missing that the side has really been struggling.
The Saints have been a tipsters dream this year and been very
consistent. It's not something they will be proud of, but they
really have not shined yet again and who knows what's in store
for the Saints in the next few season. I'm picking a Hawthorn win
because they will be desperate to go into the final with another
win under their belt to give them the best chance possible at
grabbing the flag. They are guaranteed a spot in the eight, but a
loss would push them down the ladder. If they win, they could
snatch spot from Carlton, depending on other results.
Other matches:
Essendon
Carlton
Adelaide
Port Adelaide
Brisbane
Collingwood
Western Bulldogs
- Josh Hemelaar
http://www.afltips.com/people/joshhemelaar.html
**********
Brisbane v. Sydney
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Gabba 7:40 PM
The finals start a week early for the Edelstens, as they travel
north to take on the Skases at Carrara. A win for the visitors
could very well earn them a home final, but to do so means taking
the points in the most hostile territory imaginable.
The Willessees had a nice soft kill last week against the
Butterss, but this round brings them perhaps the toughest
assignment in AFL football today. The Pelermans haven't lost at
home in living memory, have won 438 games in succession, and
consist entirely of cyborg footballers who feel no pain, remorse
or pity for their vanquished foes.
The Coathangers have a handy set of ins, with captain Paul Kelly,
star midfielder Wayne Schwass, solid bit-player Nic Fosdyke and
object-of-ridicule Greg Stafford back in the side. Brad Seymour
will be a loss after suffering a knee injury, while ticket sales
for the Troy Luff farewell tour didn't do so well in North Gold
Coast, consigning the Luffster to effective retirement a little
earlier than he might have hoped.
Fitzroy's in column looks like an out-take from Land of the
Giants, with Clark Keating, Darryl White and Sleepy Lynch all
returning, bringing the home side to absolute full strength a
week out from the September action.
In all seriousness, Brisbane are a fearsome combination at
present. Any side boasting a bench of Keating, Des Headland,
Luke Power and Brad Scott is obviously an extremely talented
line-up. There are legitimate stars on every line, and the their
mix of height, speed and skill is quite wonderful at present.
Mardi-Gras is a solid football team with some very good players,
but they seem to lack the overall presence and strength of the
Goodwill Games. Blokes like Daniel McPherson, Jared Crouch and
Brett Kirk will be forced to man up to a classy opponent, and
South Melbourne's only chance of winning is if these lesser-
lights have absolute blinders.
It does seem however that many teams save their worst
performances for the Cronins, and anything less than their
absolute best will see the Bloodstained Angels fall short.
Teddy Bears by 50 points
Other selections: Essendon (come on you b@stards!), Geelong (come
on you b@stards!), Hawthorn (come on you b@stards!) ... are there
other games on? Oh! Okay. The two Adelaides, Canberra and
Western.
- Mark O'Connor
http://www.afltips.com/people/markoconnor.html
**********
Port Adelaide v. West Coast
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Football Park 1:40 PM - 2:10 PM AEST
Port Adelaide play West Coast in a game where you cannot see Port
losing and can't see the Eagles winning. That being the case, the
game only has any relevance for Port if Brisbane lose to the
Swans. If that would occur, Port would climb from third to second
and play the Lions at Football Park and not the Gabba.
The Eagles are playing to lose their concession draft allowances.
Another win would see them lose a priority pick meaning they do
not have a lot to play for.
Ken Judge is on borrowed time and his tenure has coincided with
the Eagles worst ever era. Retirements from champions from the
golden days and injuries to seemingly everyone else and the side
has done anything solely on the efforts of Ben Cousins.
Given all that he and the club has been through this year, not
sure if even the winning of the Brownlow to him would be fair
compensation.
As low as the Eagles are, Port are flying as high. They are
playing the footy they always promised they could but this is the
real deal AFL, not the SANFL.
Nick Stevens and Matthew Primus are playing career best footy and
the Power should notch up its 16th win of the year without too
much effort.
Tip: Power by 60 points.
In other games:
Essendon
Brisbane
Hawthorn
Carlton
Adelaide
Western Bulldogs
Kangaroos
- David Wiseman
**********
Kangaroos v. Collingwood
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Manuka Oval 1:40 PM
It was reported in the papers that Mick Martyn was training his
guts out in an effort to try and play in this, the final match of
the year for North Melbourne. Someone sagely noted on the
bigfooty boards that this sounded like the actions of a man who
was not only wanting to retire, but looking at saying his final
farewells from the footy field.
North Melbourne, like every other club, has had their share of
players who have played the game with such skill and grace that
the game ceases to be a sport, but instead becomes art. In the
royal blue and white, we can point to names like Les Foote,
Malcolm Blight, Sam Kekovich, Keith Greig, and the Krakouer
brothers. But the soul of North Melbourne is to be found in the
players that have made the most of the abilities given to them,
in the same way that the club itself has extracted everything
they can from every precious dollar that passes through the doors
of Arden Street. It's the reason why names like Mick Nolan,
Matthew Larkin, and Anthony Stevens are so revered by North fans.
It's why John Law was made captain and it shows in the photo of
John Kennedy holding up an exhausted Wayne Schimmelbusch after
Shimma's one man demolition of Carlton in a finals match. It's
making the most of what you've got, and Mick Martyn certainly did
that.
So Mick takes his place in the starting eighteen of North
Melbourne's team of the century, albeit in the back pocket
alongside the REAL AFL fullback of the century, David Dench. But
sadly, Mick won't be taking his place on the field against
Collingwood.
North Melbourne versus Collingwood, and as appealing as it is to
hope for an honourable loss in order to stay as low as possible
so as to get a better draft pick, there is a greater principle at
stake. That principle is that it is NEVER acceptable to lose to
the Pies. Far away from the touchy feely sentiments from earlier
this year in the media that this bright, young, pacy, and okay,
I'll admit it, exciting Pies side winning games was a good thing,
people have forgotten that the only thing that can be guaranteed
to be good for footy is a Collingwood loss. Hell, they haven't
even made the finals, and the way that some Pies fans carry on,
you'd think that their team was aiming for their 4th straight
Grand Final win. Granted that they do have names like Tarrant,
O'Bree, Davis, and Fraser to get excited about, but they also
have names like Licuria, Freeborn, Wakelin, McKee, and of course,
Rocca to moan about. Still, with so dark years of finals free
footy, who can blame them for looking only at the few rays of
sunshine breaking through the clouds over McHale Stadium.
Oh well, by Sunday arvo, I won't have to care about the footy
until…..hmmm……draft time.
See you next year.
Shinboners
http://www.afltips.com/people/shinboners.html
**********
Bulldogs v. Melbourne
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Colonial Stadium 2:10 PM
Both the Dogs and the Dees will finish out of the eight this
season. It would be fair to say that the only people interested
in this game are the supporters of the competing clubs. And even
they wont be that interested. However, it is a chance to see the
players who will be representing their club for the last time on
Sunday. There is no doubt that some of the 44 players selected
for this game will not be around next year. Some will be at other
clubs and some may have retired.
Pride is just about the only thing at stake here. The Bulldogs
have had a great record against Melbourne in the last few years.
The last time Melbourne beat the Dogs was in 96. The Dogs
midfield has been the difference in these games. Last time these
teams met was in round 7 which was the Bulldogs "crunch time
game". Another thing to consider is that both teams will want to
finish the season on a high. It has been suggested that a win in
the last round motivates the players during pre-season.
The Dees have been pretty good the past two weeks with wins over
Sydney (in Sydney) and Fremantle. Meanwhile the Dogs beat
Hawthorn and got thumped by Port Adelaide. How Darcy recovers
from that shocker last week against Primus is an important
factor. The Dees ruckman Jeff White was best on ground last week.
Some match ups could be Luke Penny on Neitz. Funke and Godfrey
may get the job on Brown and West. Meanwhile, Libba and Dimattina
will probably play on Woewodin and Yze. An interesting thing to
look out for on Sunday is – will Nathan Brown play on Nathan
Brown?
The Bulldogs should win this game and keep their winning streak
against the Dees going. Although they lost last week, they have
been inconsistent all year. They have been a more dangerous team
coming off a loss than a win. The Bulldogs midfield looks
stronger than the Dees and should provide plenty of opportunities
to the Bulldogs forwards such as Grant and Johnson.
Tipping
Essendon to beat Richmond by 40 points
Carlton to beat Geelong by 40 points
Adelaide to beat Fremantle by 30 points
Hawthorn to beat St Kilda by 35 points
Port Adelaide to beat West Coast by 40 points
Brisbane to beat Sydney by 35 points
Collingwood to beat the Kangaroos by 10 points
Western Bulldogs to beat Melbourne by 25 points
- HahnPremium8
http://www.afltips.com/people/hahnpremium8.html
+----------+
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+----------+
5) The Quick Snap
One More Week
Comment from 'The Half Back Flanker'
Here we are, final eight already decided, and still one more
round of matches to go.
About the most interesting topics this week are "Will King Carey
retire?" and "How much is Big Lance going to get paid?".
Unless you support Richmond, Carlton or Hawthorn, who all have a
chance of securing a top four spot, there's not much going on
this week.
It would have to be one of the least interesting final rounds for
years... and no matter how badly they play Richmond can't even
maintain their record of finishing ninth.
The sooner the finals start the better...
Feedback to this article can be sent to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
6) AFLTips.Com Trivia No. 022 - Answers
1. Allan McConnell was the last coach of the Fitzroy Lions prior
to their merger with Brisbane (Michael Nunan started the 1996
season as coach of Fitzroy, resigned during the season and was
replaced by Allan McConnell).
2. Hawthorn legend Peter Hudson kicked 110 goals in the 1977
season.
3. Troy Luff (Sydney) is the only current AFL player to be
drafted from Newcastle (NSW).
4. North Melbourne (Kangaroos) have won 4 premierships – 1975,
1977, 1996, 1999.
5. Shane Woewodin (Melbourne) won the Brownlow Medal in 2000.
Any feedback, queries and/or corrections regarding AFLTips.Com
Trivia, please send an e-mail to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
7) Info about AFLTips.Com
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to your mates.
AFLTips.Com is not associated with the Australian Football League
in any way. We just talk about them. A lot.
The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those
of Adrian Appleyard. I recommend that you do your own independent
research before acting on ANY information found in this e-mail.
In fact I demand it - and let me know what you find out...
If you received this e-mail from a friend and wish to SUBSCRIBE,
go to http://www.afltips.com/ and fill out the form on the front
page.
Copyright (C) Adrian Appleyard, 2001
ENDS
************************************************************ *****
Round 22 - 31 August 2001
w: http://www.afltips.com/
e: adrian@afltips.com
* Brought to you in conjunction with BigFooty.com -
http://www.bigfooty.com/
+----------+
Network Solutions has just dumped over 100,000 expired domains
into the market after deciding not to auction them off.
Get lists here:
http://www.dotlookout.com/
(Why pay $35? Check out the $US15 a year registration deal!)
+----------+
INDEX
1) Prize Draw
2) Quiz Questions from The Half Back Flanker
3) "Out of Bounds" - Phil Doyle sounds off.
4) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
5) "The Quick Snap" commentary article from The Half Back Flanker
6) Quiz Answers
7) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Prize Draw
Prize winner drawn on Sunday and announced in Monday's issue.
Read about the prize draw here:
http://www.afltips.com/prizedraw.html
Until next time,
Adrian Appleyard
adrian@afltips.com
+----------+
2) Footy Quiz No. 022 - Questions
by The Half Back Flanker
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
1. Who was the last coach of the Fitzroy Lions (in 1996), prior
to their merger with Brisbane?
2. Which legendary Hawthorn player kicked 110 goals in the 1977
season?
3. Who is the only current AFL player to be drafted from
Newcastle (NSW)?
4. How many premierships have North Melbourne (Kangaroos) won?
5. Which player won the Brownlow Medal in 2000?
Answers are at the end of this newsletter.
+----------+
3) Out of Bounds
- Phil Doyle's Bit
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
Phil did send in an article but I've left it at home (I'm putting
this together at work). Sorry Phil. I'll send out a special
edition in about 8 hours when I get home.
AA
+----------+
4) Weekly Round-Up
from our Regular Contributors
http://www.afltips.com/people/
(E-mail adrian@afltips.com if you'd like to become a
contributor.)
**********
Essendon v. Richmond
Friday, August 31, 2001
MCG 7:40 PM
Essendon v Richmond, Friday MCG 7.40 pm
The battle of the sashes looms tonight between Essendon and
Richmond. Both come into the game with some good form; Essendon
having a huge win over the Eagles 'way out west, while Richmond
broke the collective heart of the Kangaroos faithful last Friday
night with a last gasp victory at the hands of Matthew "Maybe
this time I'll kick a goal" Richardson.
Speaking of Gaspers, Darren for Richmond could be the key to this
match if he's able to contain Matthew Lloyd. Lloyd had a party
last week against the Eagle's insipid defence and will be keen to
continue the festivities this week (can just see him blowing up
party balloons, getting the CDs in order, buying the grog, etc).
At the other end for the Tigers, their tall forwards should do
well in the anticipated-to-be reasonable weather and they'll be
able to keep up with Essendon's marking ability or at least mark
as many times as they did last week against the Roos (Richardson
taking about 78 marks himself). Dustin Fletcher will certainly
get the job on Richardson and he managed it well last time they
met, a match which Essendon dominated from the first bounce (I
was there, drinking bevvies with two English lasses and getting
into all sorts – and I'm not talking liquorice all sorts either!
Eh? Eh? But that's another story).
Another key is Brad Ottens for Richmond, a dominating ruckman who
can actually kick and mark and run too. Essendon may a few
worries about who they'll play on him: Danny Jacobs has played
on talls in the past, Mark Bolton has returned to the side while
Dean Solomon can also play tall. Sean Wellman looks the obvious
choice but that would rob him of the chance to run through the
lines, something he does extraordinarily well.
At ground level for the Bombers, Mark Johnson, Damien Hardwick
and Dean Solomon will take on Rory Hilton, Joel Bowden and
Matthew Rogers. The Tigers will struggle to match up on James
Hird, the Essendon skipper being in good form. Similarly, the
Bombers midfield looks a bit too good for Richmond's Wayne
Campbell, Greg Tivendale and Matthew Knights. Joe Misiti, Jason
Johnson and Chris Heffernan should be able to cope with the
challenges thrown at them.
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, ever the romantic (that's putting it
kindly), has brought Michael Long back into the side, a rather
risky move given that Michael hasn't played for a Long time
(sorry, bad pun). Justin Blumfield has also been brought back
in to replace the suspended Paul Barnard, the injured Aaron
Henneman and Cory McGrath (dropped). The Tigers didn't risk
ruckman Brendon Gale and dropped David Bourke whilst including
Ray Hall and Ezra Poyas, for his first senior game of the season.
I'm annoyed because these two teams have made the finals while my
team is looking on from the sidelines. Roll on, season 2002!
Essendon by 34 pints. I mean points.
Others:
North by 10 points
Hawthorn by 33
Carlton by 14
Adelaide by 49
Brisbane by 28
Port Adelaide by 56
Melbourne by 20
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
Richmond v. West Coast
Saturday, 18 August 2001
Colonial Stadium 2:10 PM
The Round 20 clash between Richmond and the Eagles could not see
2 teams with a more differing story.
The Tigers will enter only their second finals series since 1982
whilst the Eagles will miss out on the Finals for the second year
in a row after playing September football every year from 1990 to
1999.
For the Eagles, their dynasty of the early 90s is slowing
disappearing. Age has wearied them and basically Glen Jakovich
and Drew Banfield are the only survivors from that halycon era.
The retirement of Dean Kemp today was only another reinforcing
that a chapter of football has been finished.
The Tigers on the other hand are trying to create a dynasty of
their own. A win here will give them 13 for the season and a
small opening of a top 4 spot. With North and Essendon to come,
they must win here to have any chance at all.
Matthew Richardson is playing well as the old firm of Matthew
Knights, Wayne Campbell and Nick Daffy.
For the Eagles, their lone shining light has been Ben Cousins. In
a beaten side, he has realy had his colour lowered and in a poor
team should poll highly in the Brownlow.
Tip: Richmond by 60 points
In other games:
Adelaide
Collingwood
Port Adelaide
Hawthorn
Carlton
Sydney
Brisbane
- David Wiseman
http://www.afltips.com/people/davidwiseman.html
**********
Carlton v. Geelong
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Optus Oval 2:10 PM
Lost in the mail – this will come out in the supplementary issue.
**********
Fremantle v. Adelaide
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Subiaco 6:40 PM - 8:40 PM AEST
Lost in the mail – this will come out in the supplementary issue.
**********
Hawthorn v. St Kilda
Saturday, September 01, 2001
MCG 7:00 PM
Well here we are just one round of the season to go before the
finals and there is no room for bad play now. Lets cast our minds
back to round eight of the season. Hawthorn had been running
better than expected and had yet to loose a match. They were on
top of the Bombers and people we beginning to ask if they would
repeat what Essendon had done the week before. At the same time
St Kilda had improved on their 2000 performance, but only just.
They were in third last position with just two wins on the board.
Well it's now round 21 and the Saints have really failed to
impress posting just one more win since that time and are now
sitting in second last spot, but cannot win the wooden spoon
(which I spose is a positive). Hawthorn has also dropped downward
winning just 5 of their next thirteen games after round eight.
The sides early domination was the only reason the Hawks are
going to be around for the final. The side started as serious
premiership contenders, but now people are writing them off as
not being able to stand up to the challenge of the likes of
Essendon (once again), Brisbane and Port.
Daniel Chick summed up Hawthorns position, "''We've just had
injuries at the wrong time of year. But it's a good test of our
character and our ability to fight back against adversity. In
previous years we have finished the season well and probably had
a good run with injuries." Before last weeks game, the Hawks lost
five of their key player, but three of these Dixon, Harford and
Chick are all set to return this week and try and push the
Hawthorn side into some form.
Part of the reason St Kilda have struggled this year after such
an amazing draft pick up is because of a very large number of
season injuries. N.Burke, J.Cripps, R.Harvey, L.Hayes,
S.Lawrence, S.Loewe and T.Schwarze. Its no wonder, with big names
like these missing that the side has really been struggling.
The Saints have been a tipsters dream this year and been very
consistent. It's not something they will be proud of, but they
really have not shined yet again and who knows what's in store
for the Saints in the next few season. I'm picking a Hawthorn win
because they will be desperate to go into the final with another
win under their belt to give them the best chance possible at
grabbing the flag. They are guaranteed a spot in the eight, but a
loss would push them down the ladder. If they win, they could
snatch spot from Carlton, depending on other results.
Other matches:
Essendon
Carlton
Adelaide
Port Adelaide
Brisbane
Collingwood
Western Bulldogs
- Josh Hemelaar
http://www.afltips.com/people/joshhemelaar.html
**********
Brisbane v. Sydney
Saturday, September 01, 2001
Gabba 7:40 PM
The finals start a week early for the Edelstens, as they travel
north to take on the Skases at Carrara. A win for the visitors
could very well earn them a home final, but to do so means taking
the points in the most hostile territory imaginable.
The Willessees had a nice soft kill last week against the
Butterss, but this round brings them perhaps the toughest
assignment in AFL football today. The Pelermans haven't lost at
home in living memory, have won 438 games in succession, and
consist entirely of cyborg footballers who feel no pain, remorse
or pity for their vanquished foes.
The Coathangers have a handy set of ins, with captain Paul Kelly,
star midfielder Wayne Schwass, solid bit-player Nic Fosdyke and
object-of-ridicule Greg Stafford back in the side. Brad Seymour
will be a loss after suffering a knee injury, while ticket sales
for the Troy Luff farewell tour didn't do so well in North Gold
Coast, consigning the Luffster to effective retirement a little
earlier than he might have hoped.
Fitzroy's in column looks like an out-take from Land of the
Giants, with Clark Keating, Darryl White and Sleepy Lynch all
returning, bringing the home side to absolute full strength a
week out from the September action.
In all seriousness, Brisbane are a fearsome combination at
present. Any side boasting a bench of Keating, Des Headland,
Luke Power and Brad Scott is obviously an extremely talented
line-up. There are legitimate stars on every line, and the their
mix of height, speed and skill is quite wonderful at present.
Mardi-Gras is a solid football team with some very good players,
but they seem to lack the overall presence and strength of the
Goodwill Games. Blokes like Daniel McPherson, Jared Crouch and
Brett Kirk will be forced to man up to a classy opponent, and
South Melbourne's only chance of winning is if these lesser-
lights have absolute blinders.
It does seem however that many teams save their worst
performances for the Cronins, and anything less than their
absolute best will see the Bloodstained Angels fall short.
Teddy Bears by 50 points
Other selections: Essendon (come on you b@stards!), Geelong (come
on you b@stards!), Hawthorn (come on you b@stards!) ... are there
other games on? Oh! Okay. The two Adelaides, Canberra and
Western.
- Mark O'Connor
http://www.afltips.com/people/markoconnor.html
**********
Port Adelaide v. West Coast
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Football Park 1:40 PM - 2:10 PM AEST
Port Adelaide play West Coast in a game where you cannot see Port
losing and can't see the Eagles winning. That being the case, the
game only has any relevance for Port if Brisbane lose to the
Swans. If that would occur, Port would climb from third to second
and play the Lions at Football Park and not the Gabba.
The Eagles are playing to lose their concession draft allowances.
Another win would see them lose a priority pick meaning they do
not have a lot to play for.
Ken Judge is on borrowed time and his tenure has coincided with
the Eagles worst ever era. Retirements from champions from the
golden days and injuries to seemingly everyone else and the side
has done anything solely on the efforts of Ben Cousins.
Given all that he and the club has been through this year, not
sure if even the winning of the Brownlow to him would be fair
compensation.
As low as the Eagles are, Port are flying as high. They are
playing the footy they always promised they could but this is the
real deal AFL, not the SANFL.
Nick Stevens and Matthew Primus are playing career best footy and
the Power should notch up its 16th win of the year without too
much effort.
Tip: Power by 60 points.
In other games:
Essendon
Brisbane
Hawthorn
Carlton
Adelaide
Western Bulldogs
Kangaroos
- David Wiseman
**********
Kangaroos v. Collingwood
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Manuka Oval 1:40 PM
It was reported in the papers that Mick Martyn was training his
guts out in an effort to try and play in this, the final match of
the year for North Melbourne. Someone sagely noted on the
bigfooty boards that this sounded like the actions of a man who
was not only wanting to retire, but looking at saying his final
farewells from the footy field.
North Melbourne, like every other club, has had their share of
players who have played the game with such skill and grace that
the game ceases to be a sport, but instead becomes art. In the
royal blue and white, we can point to names like Les Foote,
Malcolm Blight, Sam Kekovich, Keith Greig, and the Krakouer
brothers. But the soul of North Melbourne is to be found in the
players that have made the most of the abilities given to them,
in the same way that the club itself has extracted everything
they can from every precious dollar that passes through the doors
of Arden Street. It's the reason why names like Mick Nolan,
Matthew Larkin, and Anthony Stevens are so revered by North fans.
It's why John Law was made captain and it shows in the photo of
John Kennedy holding up an exhausted Wayne Schimmelbusch after
Shimma's one man demolition of Carlton in a finals match. It's
making the most of what you've got, and Mick Martyn certainly did
that.
So Mick takes his place in the starting eighteen of North
Melbourne's team of the century, albeit in the back pocket
alongside the REAL AFL fullback of the century, David Dench. But
sadly, Mick won't be taking his place on the field against
Collingwood.
North Melbourne versus Collingwood, and as appealing as it is to
hope for an honourable loss in order to stay as low as possible
so as to get a better draft pick, there is a greater principle at
stake. That principle is that it is NEVER acceptable to lose to
the Pies. Far away from the touchy feely sentiments from earlier
this year in the media that this bright, young, pacy, and okay,
I'll admit it, exciting Pies side winning games was a good thing,
people have forgotten that the only thing that can be guaranteed
to be good for footy is a Collingwood loss. Hell, they haven't
even made the finals, and the way that some Pies fans carry on,
you'd think that their team was aiming for their 4th straight
Grand Final win. Granted that they do have names like Tarrant,
O'Bree, Davis, and Fraser to get excited about, but they also
have names like Licuria, Freeborn, Wakelin, McKee, and of course,
Rocca to moan about. Still, with so dark years of finals free
footy, who can blame them for looking only at the few rays of
sunshine breaking through the clouds over McHale Stadium.
Oh well, by Sunday arvo, I won't have to care about the footy
until…..hmmm……draft time.
See you next year.
Shinboners
http://www.afltips.com/people/shinboners.html
**********
Bulldogs v. Melbourne
Sunday, September 02, 2001
Colonial Stadium 2:10 PM
Both the Dogs and the Dees will finish out of the eight this
season. It would be fair to say that the only people interested
in this game are the supporters of the competing clubs. And even
they wont be that interested. However, it is a chance to see the
players who will be representing their club for the last time on
Sunday. There is no doubt that some of the 44 players selected
for this game will not be around next year. Some will be at other
clubs and some may have retired.
Pride is just about the only thing at stake here. The Bulldogs
have had a great record against Melbourne in the last few years.
The last time Melbourne beat the Dogs was in 96. The Dogs
midfield has been the difference in these games. Last time these
teams met was in round 7 which was the Bulldogs "crunch time
game". Another thing to consider is that both teams will want to
finish the season on a high. It has been suggested that a win in
the last round motivates the players during pre-season.
The Dees have been pretty good the past two weeks with wins over
Sydney (in Sydney) and Fremantle. Meanwhile the Dogs beat
Hawthorn and got thumped by Port Adelaide. How Darcy recovers
from that shocker last week against Primus is an important
factor. The Dees ruckman Jeff White was best on ground last week.
Some match ups could be Luke Penny on Neitz. Funke and Godfrey
may get the job on Brown and West. Meanwhile, Libba and Dimattina
will probably play on Woewodin and Yze. An interesting thing to
look out for on Sunday is – will Nathan Brown play on Nathan
Brown?
The Bulldogs should win this game and keep their winning streak
against the Dees going. Although they lost last week, they have
been inconsistent all year. They have been a more dangerous team
coming off a loss than a win. The Bulldogs midfield looks
stronger than the Dees and should provide plenty of opportunities
to the Bulldogs forwards such as Grant and Johnson.
Tipping
Essendon to beat Richmond by 40 points
Carlton to beat Geelong by 40 points
Adelaide to beat Fremantle by 30 points
Hawthorn to beat St Kilda by 35 points
Port Adelaide to beat West Coast by 40 points
Brisbane to beat Sydney by 35 points
Collingwood to beat the Kangaroos by 10 points
Western Bulldogs to beat Melbourne by 25 points
- HahnPremium8
http://www.afltips.com/people/hahnpremium8.html
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5) The Quick Snap
One More Week
Comment from 'The Half Back Flanker'
Here we are, final eight already decided, and still one more
round of matches to go.
About the most interesting topics this week are "Will King Carey
retire?" and "How much is Big Lance going to get paid?".
Unless you support Richmond, Carlton or Hawthorn, who all have a
chance of securing a top four spot, there's not much going on
this week.
It would have to be one of the least interesting final rounds for
years... and no matter how badly they play Richmond can't even
maintain their record of finishing ninth.
The sooner the finals start the better...
Feedback to this article can be sent to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
6) AFLTips.Com Trivia No. 022 - Answers
1. Allan McConnell was the last coach of the Fitzroy Lions prior
to their merger with Brisbane (Michael Nunan started the 1996
season as coach of Fitzroy, resigned during the season and was
replaced by Allan McConnell).
2. Hawthorn legend Peter Hudson kicked 110 goals in the 1977
season.
3. Troy Luff (Sydney) is the only current AFL player to be
drafted from Newcastle (NSW).
4. North Melbourne (Kangaroos) have won 4 premierships – 1975,
1977, 1996, 1999.
5. Shane Woewodin (Melbourne) won the Brownlow Medal in 2000.
Any feedback, queries and/or corrections regarding AFLTips.Com
Trivia, please send an e-mail to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
7) Info about AFLTips.Com
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The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those
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Copyright (C) Adrian Appleyard, 2001
ENDS
************************************************************ *****