AFLTips.Com Preview News
Round 16 – 20 July 2001
w: http://www.afltips.com/
e: adrian@afltips.com
* Brought to you in conjunction with BigFooty.com -
http://www.bigfooty.com/
* ShirtFront Issue 2 is out now at your local newsagent.
+----------+
INDEX
1) Prize Draw
2) Quiz Questions from The Half Back Flanker
3) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
4) "The Quick Snap" commentary article from The Half Back Flanker
5) Quiz Answers
6) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Prize Draw
Winner announced Monday.
Read about the prize draw here:
http://www.afltips.com/prizedraw.html
+----------+
2) Footy Quiz No. 017 - Questions
by The Half Back Flanker
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
1. Which player won the Brownlow Medal in 1994?
2. Who captained Adelaide from 1991 to 1994?
3. Collingwood legend Peter McKenna was their leading goal scorer
from 1967 to 1974. On how many occasions did he score 100 goals
or more in a season?
4. During the 2000 season, which Melbourne player appeared in 25
games, had 544 possessions and kicked 20 goals?
5. Who was the only player to play over 300 games for Fitzroy?
Answers are at the end of this newsletter.
+----------+
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.)
**********
Richmond v. Melbourne
Friday, 20 July 2001 - MCG 7:40 PM
Tonight's game between Richmond and Melbourne has huge
implications for the final set up. Melbourne remains miles from
the eight but hey, stranger things have happened. And Richmond
is desperately hanging on to a spot in the top bracket after two
successive losses.
In a week that has seen Tigers forward Matthew Richardson come
under enormous pressure, we've also seen the coaches of the
opposing sides come out with some classic lines.
Melbourne coach Neale Daniher tried to portray the Demons as
underdogs against Richmond. This is a bit Joe Gutnick-ish (ie, a
bit rich), after all, they defeated Carlton at Optus Oval last
week, and they are also the team that came second last year.
Unlike Richmond, which must dream that one day Wayne Jackson will
decree that we should have a Top Nine. And Richmond coach Danny
Frawley pleaded with Richmond "supporters" to come to the G and
give the Tigers a stack of support. Well, there'll certainly be
a stack of something – a pile of chicken poo at Punt Road Oval,
perhaps? – if the Tigers don't win this one.
Richardson's confidence in front of goal hit rock bottom last
weekend against Port Adelaide, booting 0.3 – hitting the top of
the point post on one memorable occasion - and putting another
shot out on the full from close range. The burning question is
whether he'll stick his finger up at anyone who annoys him on the
night – even better, what about mooning the taunting crowd?
C'mon Richo, we need 'characters' like you in the game! Show us a
cheek or two!
On a serious note, for Melbourne, a loss will end any hopes of
making the finals this year. Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin
makes his return for the Dees who must surely be feeling
confident after last week's win. For Richmond, Richardson might
be in a slump but Brad Ottens continues to take plenty of marks
for the Tigers.
Another of Melbourne's midfielders, Guy Rigoni will be out for at
least another week while Richmond loses midfielder Nick Daffy and
tall defender Royce Vardy has been dropped. Kiddies Mark
Coughlan and Aaron Fiora come in.
I'm going to tip Richmond by 1 point. These two teams both have
a wealth of talent, if only they knew what to do with it. It's a
hard one to call – so I'm almost tempted to taking the coward's
way out by tipping it'll be Even Stevens at the end of the game.
That reminds me, I have to do the Essendon v Kangaroos preview
too so I'd best go and do that.
Other games:
Kangaroos by 4 points (no need to read my preview now!)
Collingwood by 35 points
Carlton by 15 points
Bulldogs by 40 points
Brisbane by 12 points
Adelaide by 15 points
West Coast by 20 points
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
Carlton v. Fremantle
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Optus Oval 2:10 PM
MODRA OUT, BLIGHT IN FOR DOCKERS?
Tony Modra really ought to play this weekend - for Carlton. The
glitterballing ex-Crow and now ex-Docker could just about slip
into the under-manned Blues forward line, one that is presently
without guns Lance Whitnall and Brendan Fevola due to injury, as
well as the omnipresent lingering absence of Aaron Hamill who
defected to The Moorabbin Money Burners last summer. If given the
chance, 'Mods' would probably acquire some kind of attitudis
interruptis and stack on ten neatly laid out goals against his
estranged club.
The Carlton ruck situation is a whole other story. Matthew Allan
has been on the sidelines for some time and joining him is
quality backup Mark Porter. Fortunately for Carlton though, this
week their opponents Fremantle are 16th on the ladder, winless
and playing at Carlton's home ground. The Dockers' only salvation
is that a new coach for next year may have just become available,
the old salt whose CV includes coaching five grand finals - some
won, some lost - and of course a deadset disappointing 2001...but
it's a pretty big maybe and it probably won't happen. There is
also the fact that Freo got within one point of The Blues when
last they met.
But I digress. Carlton will win this one unhandsomely before
suitably going down in flames against Hawthorn and then Essendon.
Their season will spiral steadily downwards to finish around
sixth before Kouta does the other knee. President Jack will be
fined heavily for being drunk and disorderly with Matthew Lappin
at a nightclub owned by Tony Modra. Conversely Brett Ratten will
win the best and fairest after a stellar final few rounds.
As for Fremantle, like the rest of us, I don't think even they
give a ****.
- matto
http://www.afltips.com/people/matto.html
**********
Collingwood v. Hawthorn
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
In what looms as potentially one of the most crucial matches of
the sesason to date, Collingwood and Hawthorn will battle on
Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Although this match has been lost in all the hype surrounding the
Blight and Modra stories this week, both sides would consider
this match crucial to their finals aspirations.
A loss to the Magpies would be their 3rd in a row, and the
September action their supporters were so happily talking up a
month ago could be under serious threat. For the Hawks, a loss
would see them tumble out of the Top 4, and with Carlton the
following week, a loss simply cannot be afforded.
Last time these clubs met the match was absolute shocker with the
Hawks falling over the line by 3 points. Daniel Chick did a
fantastic job keeping the usually unstoppable Nathan Buckley to
23 possessions.
However in Round 1 the Hawks had Rehn and Holland playing, whilst
this time their tall timber looks severly depleted. Once again
it will be up to Nathan Thompson to shoulder the majority of the
ruck work against the returning Josh Fraser, Stephen McKee and
maybe Anthony Rocca.
This game really is a throw of the dice and could go either way.
The only thing I will confidently predict is a huge crowd with
Saturday's weather tipped to be fine. Although my heart says
Hawthorn, their recent form has been disappointing and the tall
timber of Collingwood, combined with the brilliance of their
skipper, may just be enough to get them over the line.
However, if the Hawk midfield of Crawford and Chick fires up,
even the loss of Daniel Harford may not be enough to stop a
Hawthorn victory.
This game means too much to either side for them to lose, and
that's why I'm going to do a Garry Lyon, sit on the fence, and
tip a draw. I really can't separate these two - although no
doubt one side will come out and win by 10 goals now!
Tip: Draw
Other games:
Richmond by 7
Carlton by 28
Bulldogs by 91
Adelaide by 33
Geelong by 38
Brisbane by 22
Essendon by 55
- Dominic Milesi
**********
St Kilda v. Western Bulldogs
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Colonial Stadium 7:00 PM
I would like to write about the game but I've got to get this off
my chest first.
What a disappointment for the Saints fans. Through thick and thin
they support their team. Just when thing start to look up, their
committee gets involved with the footy side and blows it. Malcolm
Blight was recruited to the club as a successful coach to change
the attitude and lift the performance. The Saints spend up big on
some recruits before he arrives and have two young guns learning
the game who will develop with time.
Blight gets sick of the attitude and acceptance of defeat and
criticises the culture at the club. He is supported in his claims
by two ex coaches who comment that committeemen told them to go
easy on certain players making discipline impossible. Blight
himself has said that he spent the first few months at the club
doing counseling trying to get rid of the bad habits and instill
professionalism.
So as a committee what do you do? Show him the door. Don't accept
that there is a need for a new broom or things need to change.
Don't accept that this was why you recruited him. Don't think
what a disaster this is in the eyes of your supporters. Don't
think how other clubs and potential recruits will now look at
you. Just close your eyes and it will go away. I'm sorry to say
it as I have a soft spot for the Saints but this could be the
beginning of the end for them. What coach will want to go there?
The Saints have some good players and were developing a system
and style of play for the future. The Bulldogs are still
smarting over blowing the chance for a percentage boosting win
last week against Freo and will be fired up. Darcy and Everitt
will probably break even in the ruck but it's around the centre
where the Saints will badly miss Burke Harvey and Hayes. The Dogs
will have Romero and Libba in tagging roles and Johnson Smith
running free.
Given the events at Moorabbin this wek I expect the Saints to be
flogged by the Bulldogs on the weekend by 50 points.
Other matches
Tigers v Demons - Tigers to win if Gale is fit
Blues v Dockers - Blues at Optus
Pies v Hawks - Hawks to be too big and strong
Lions v Power - Lions at home
Eagles v Cats - Cats to win
Crows v Swans - Crows at home
Dons v Roos - Dons just too good
- Amazonstud
**********
Brisbane v. Port Adelaide
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Gabba 7:40 PM
What should we call this one? "The Season Opener Re-Match"?
"The Ansett Cup Grand Final Re-Match"? Good enough.
The Lions mid-field is pretty much intact, but there are some
names missing from both sides due to injury and suspensions.
My money is on the Lions at home after the win over the Pies away
last week. Port has a knack of stepping on the accelerator
towards the end of the match, but I think Brisbane is ready for
them this time.
- AA
**********
Adelaide v. Sydney
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - Football Park 1:40 PM (2:10 PM AEST)
There's no shortage of contrived, meaningless rivalries in
today's football - look no further than the Collingwood vs
Essendon fabrication for a so-called "rivalry" which is nothing
more than a media creation.
Well, this is the media. A medium at least. So let's make up a
rivalry. I hereby declare Sunday's Adelaide vs Sydney clash to be
...
"The Traditional Clash Of The Clubs With Former Hawthorn
Defenders Who Are Now Defensive Styled Coaches".
The TCOTCWFHDWARNDSC Cup will be struck, although it'll have to
be a pretty wide cup. And the fringe finals dwellers, the Crows
and the Swans, will belt seven shades of purple out of each other
in trying to cement a spot in the top eight come September, when
we don't have to worry about stupid, petty rivalries to get
interested in the games.
This game is interesting in its own right, with two in-form teams
doing battle. Adelaide seemed to be on the wane after a narrow
loss to Collingwood and a lacklustre four points over the Wet
Toast Beagles, but they struck back in powerful fashion last
week, doing a number over the coach-less Saints by 16 goals. With
Darren Jarman returning from half back duties to make life hell
for defenders, and Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod
combining to form a midfield of high quality, the Crows look a
distinctly more dangerous opposition than one might have supposed
pre-season.
The Swans are also in form. After dropping what has now been
officially sanctioned by the AFL as "the single worst game of
football in 143 years of the sport" against Geelong, the Sin City
Slammers have knocked off Carlton at the toy ground, and then
comfortably accounted for Hawthorn at the real ground.
Home ground advantage favours the Throws, who are still a tough
nut to crack at Football Park. Sydney will be strengthened by the
return of Jason Ball. Hang on, read that back. Strengthened?
Jason Ball? The individual words I understand, but together they
make no sense.
Jarman should prove the difference between these two sides.
Sydney are still short of a reliable goalkicker to have them
scoring consistently enough to worry the Crows, while Jarman's
freakish talents, and the lack of an obvious match-up for him
(perhaps Jason Saddington or Brad Seymour, who devoured Ben Dixon
last week) has me leaning towards a Crow victory.
Adelaide by 11 points.
Other winners (as if you lot care, I'm now officially last on
work's tips ladder): Richmond (see why I'm last?), Carlton,
Hawthorn, Bulldogs, Brisbane, West Coast, Essendon.
- Mark O'Connor
**********
Essendon v. Kangaroos
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
You've just got to love North Melbourne. They won one game out
of their first six this year and now, on the eve of Round 16,
they're knocking on the door of the eight. They've got a stack
of talented kiddies rising through the ranks, their Captain is
slowly climbing back to the top of the mountain (where he
belongs) and they've won three in a row. All is as it should be.
So that's why I'm bloody peeved that they're playing Essendon
this week. It's just not fair. And how unlucky is Anthony
Stevens? It's not enough that his face is ripped to shreds in
round one last year against the Eagles. Oho no. He does his
knee against the accursed abovementioned WCE, at Subiaco. And
Mick Martyn has done his hammie again. So it's just as well for
Essendon that they're not coming up against a full-strength North
Melbourne side or it would have been ugly. Very ugly. But now
that Martyn's not playing, it won't be half as ugly (sorry Mick).
Some bloke called James Hird ('Oo?) makes his return for the
Bombers while Glenn Archer and tagger Adam Simpson come back for
the Shinners. Bomber McVeigh comes back for Essendon, which got
a bit of a fright against Geelong last week and will make life
hard for the Arden St lads.
Essendon has won its last several against North and in Round one
thumped the Roos by a tidy eighty points (it should be noted,
however, that North's lineup was particularly depleted on the
night). Although the panel on C7 sport was unanimous in tipping
Essendon for Sunday, I don't think it'll be a walkover for the
Bombers. North have significantly changed their gameplan and
whole attitude since that Round one debacle and have oh so subtly
hushed the doomsayers who speculated that they were destined to
end up in the bottom region of the ladder. If it pours, all the
better for the Roos who are the wet-weather specialists (and the
Bombers haven't had much game time in the rain this year).
Key players for the Kangaroos will be Corey McKernan, David King,
Glenn Archer, Brent Harvey and That Man Carey. For the Bombers,
well, they've got too many good players to single out any
individuals but they say that Hird bloke plays okay. Matthew
"I'm catching flies" Lloyd will probably take advantage of Mick's
absence and it will be interesting to see if Pagan puts McCartney
on him or goes with Archer or even Colbert. North's midfield
will be hard-pressed to match Essendon's, especially without
Stevo, but the challenge of beating the Bombers should have any
dyed-in-the-wool Kangaroo gnashing his teeth (or whatever
Kangaroos do when they're fired up).
A tough call but I have to tip North by four points.
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
West Coast v. Geelong
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - Subiaco 2:30 PM (4:30 PM AEST)
If Geelong are to have any chance of making the Top 8 this year
then this is a game they need to win. They are one win and
percentage out of the eight at the moment, and you'd think if
they lost then their finals chances are down the toilet. West
Coast at Subiaco will be a hard test for Geelong, especially
since you dont know which Geelong will show up. There is the
exciting Geelong like they played against Collingwood where
Burns, Bizzell and Houlihan fire... or there is the boring
Geelong which showed up against Adelaide which plays overly
defensive football.
Geelong didn't look too bad against Essendon. Bizzell and Burns
had strong games while you could argue between Murphy and Clarke
being the cats best. They pushed Essendon after the first quarter
and made a good game out of what could of been a thumping. West
Coasts non-existent forward line showed up last week to score
their 3rd highest score of the year but they still lost.
West Coast are a chance to win if they can get some sort of
forward structure working. If they can kick 15 goals against
Geelongs suspect defense and if Cousins can dominate in the
middle you would say they are a strong chance. Cousins is in
Brownlow winning form at the moment while Merenda has been a
fantastic pick up for the Eagles throughout the season.
The last time they met Stephen King ended Sierakowskis season,
Murphy got suspended for hitting Cousins and Geelong won by 10
goals. Geelong have a fair record against West Coast at Subi as
well - 6 matches for 3 wins.
If exciting Geelong show up, then Geelong will win fairly simply.
If boring predictable Geelong show up then West Coast may sneak
over the line. If Geelong are hungry enough to play finals footy
they will win this game. I'm picking exciting Geelong will show
up this week.
Geelong by 47 points.
- Macca19
+----------+
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+----------+
5) The Quick Snap
Comment from 'The Half Back Flanker'
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
"Don't Come Friday"
All AFL coaches know that, sooner or later, they will get the
sack. And, usually, the decision is entirely beyond their
control.
In most instances, media rumours and rumblings hint at the
possibility, leading up to the actual sacking itself.
But, nothing ever seems to be normal at St Kilda.
Totally out of the blue, they decide to sack yet another coach.
The difference is that Malcolm Blight had some credibility and
was only in his first year, even if results this season weren't
flattering.
This year St Kilda has already won 3 matches, better than their
entire 2000 season, and there are still 7 rounds left. While
Blight was given a fairly talented playing list, there obviously
is still a way to go before the Saints will be a competitive
unit.
But the St Kilda board, in their infinite wisdom, has decided
that someone else will be in charge over that journey. The
'culture' that Blight criticized the St Kilda Football Club for
would seem to be showing itself yet again.
Just whom will they appoint for next season, and how long will
they last before getting the traditional Saints' heave-ho?
Ross Smith, Mike Patterson, Alex Jesaulenko, Tony Jewell, Graeme
Gellie, Darrel Baldock, Ken Sheldon, Stan Alves, Tim Watson, and
now Malcolm Blight... it's like a 'Sacked Coaches Hall Of Fame'.
And not being one to want to start rumours, but if Richmond miss
out on the finals this year I wonder if Danny Frawley would be
interested in coaching his old club?
If he does, he'd better realize that it's only a matter of time
until he too will get to join the illustrious names mentioned
above.
And, as a footnote, watch out Western Bulldogs ... everyone knows
that teams play above themselves in the match immediately
following the sacking of a coach.
Feedback to this article can be sent to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
6) AFLTips.Com Trivia No. 017 - Answers
1. Greg Williams (Carlton) won the Brownlow Medal in 1994. He
also tied for the 1986 Brownlow Medal while playing for Sydney.
2. Chris McDermott was captain of Adelaide from 1991 to 1994.
3. Peter McKenna scored 100 goals or more in a season on 3
occasions – 1970, 1971 and 1972. He just missed out in 1969 when
he scored 98 goals.
4. Melbourne's Shane Woewodin appeared in 25 games, had 544
possessions and kicked 20 goals during the 2000 season. He also
won the Brownlow Medal.
5. Kevin Murray was the only player to play more than 300 games
for Fitzroy, playing a total of 333 games from 1955 to 1964 and
1967 to 1974.
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 Groves. 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 Groves, 2001
ENDS
*****************************************************************
Round 16 – 20 July 2001
w: http://www.afltips.com/
e: adrian@afltips.com
* Brought to you in conjunction with BigFooty.com -
http://www.bigfooty.com/
* ShirtFront Issue 2 is out now at your local newsagent.
+----------+
INDEX
1) Prize Draw
2) Quiz Questions from The Half Back Flanker
3) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
4) "The Quick Snap" commentary article from The Half Back Flanker
5) Quiz Answers
6) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Prize Draw
Winner announced Monday.
Read about the prize draw here:
http://www.afltips.com/prizedraw.html
+----------+
2) Footy Quiz No. 017 - Questions
by The Half Back Flanker
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
1. Which player won the Brownlow Medal in 1994?
2. Who captained Adelaide from 1991 to 1994?
3. Collingwood legend Peter McKenna was their leading goal scorer
from 1967 to 1974. On how many occasions did he score 100 goals
or more in a season?
4. During the 2000 season, which Melbourne player appeared in 25
games, had 544 possessions and kicked 20 goals?
5. Who was the only player to play over 300 games for Fitzroy?
Answers are at the end of this newsletter.
+----------+
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.)
**********
Richmond v. Melbourne
Friday, 20 July 2001 - MCG 7:40 PM
Tonight's game between Richmond and Melbourne has huge
implications for the final set up. Melbourne remains miles from
the eight but hey, stranger things have happened. And Richmond
is desperately hanging on to a spot in the top bracket after two
successive losses.
In a week that has seen Tigers forward Matthew Richardson come
under enormous pressure, we've also seen the coaches of the
opposing sides come out with some classic lines.
Melbourne coach Neale Daniher tried to portray the Demons as
underdogs against Richmond. This is a bit Joe Gutnick-ish (ie, a
bit rich), after all, they defeated Carlton at Optus Oval last
week, and they are also the team that came second last year.
Unlike Richmond, which must dream that one day Wayne Jackson will
decree that we should have a Top Nine. And Richmond coach Danny
Frawley pleaded with Richmond "supporters" to come to the G and
give the Tigers a stack of support. Well, there'll certainly be
a stack of something – a pile of chicken poo at Punt Road Oval,
perhaps? – if the Tigers don't win this one.
Richardson's confidence in front of goal hit rock bottom last
weekend against Port Adelaide, booting 0.3 – hitting the top of
the point post on one memorable occasion - and putting another
shot out on the full from close range. The burning question is
whether he'll stick his finger up at anyone who annoys him on the
night – even better, what about mooning the taunting crowd?
C'mon Richo, we need 'characters' like you in the game! Show us a
cheek or two!
On a serious note, for Melbourne, a loss will end any hopes of
making the finals this year. Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin
makes his return for the Dees who must surely be feeling
confident after last week's win. For Richmond, Richardson might
be in a slump but Brad Ottens continues to take plenty of marks
for the Tigers.
Another of Melbourne's midfielders, Guy Rigoni will be out for at
least another week while Richmond loses midfielder Nick Daffy and
tall defender Royce Vardy has been dropped. Kiddies Mark
Coughlan and Aaron Fiora come in.
I'm going to tip Richmond by 1 point. These two teams both have
a wealth of talent, if only they knew what to do with it. It's a
hard one to call – so I'm almost tempted to taking the coward's
way out by tipping it'll be Even Stevens at the end of the game.
That reminds me, I have to do the Essendon v Kangaroos preview
too so I'd best go and do that.
Other games:
Kangaroos by 4 points (no need to read my preview now!)
Collingwood by 35 points
Carlton by 15 points
Bulldogs by 40 points
Brisbane by 12 points
Adelaide by 15 points
West Coast by 20 points
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
Carlton v. Fremantle
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Optus Oval 2:10 PM
MODRA OUT, BLIGHT IN FOR DOCKERS?
Tony Modra really ought to play this weekend - for Carlton. The
glitterballing ex-Crow and now ex-Docker could just about slip
into the under-manned Blues forward line, one that is presently
without guns Lance Whitnall and Brendan Fevola due to injury, as
well as the omnipresent lingering absence of Aaron Hamill who
defected to The Moorabbin Money Burners last summer. If given the
chance, 'Mods' would probably acquire some kind of attitudis
interruptis and stack on ten neatly laid out goals against his
estranged club.
The Carlton ruck situation is a whole other story. Matthew Allan
has been on the sidelines for some time and joining him is
quality backup Mark Porter. Fortunately for Carlton though, this
week their opponents Fremantle are 16th on the ladder, winless
and playing at Carlton's home ground. The Dockers' only salvation
is that a new coach for next year may have just become available,
the old salt whose CV includes coaching five grand finals - some
won, some lost - and of course a deadset disappointing 2001...but
it's a pretty big maybe and it probably won't happen. There is
also the fact that Freo got within one point of The Blues when
last they met.
But I digress. Carlton will win this one unhandsomely before
suitably going down in flames against Hawthorn and then Essendon.
Their season will spiral steadily downwards to finish around
sixth before Kouta does the other knee. President Jack will be
fined heavily for being drunk and disorderly with Matthew Lappin
at a nightclub owned by Tony Modra. Conversely Brett Ratten will
win the best and fairest after a stellar final few rounds.
As for Fremantle, like the rest of us, I don't think even they
give a ****.
- matto
http://www.afltips.com/people/matto.html
**********
Collingwood v. Hawthorn
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
In what looms as potentially one of the most crucial matches of
the sesason to date, Collingwood and Hawthorn will battle on
Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Although this match has been lost in all the hype surrounding the
Blight and Modra stories this week, both sides would consider
this match crucial to their finals aspirations.
A loss to the Magpies would be their 3rd in a row, and the
September action their supporters were so happily talking up a
month ago could be under serious threat. For the Hawks, a loss
would see them tumble out of the Top 4, and with Carlton the
following week, a loss simply cannot be afforded.
Last time these clubs met the match was absolute shocker with the
Hawks falling over the line by 3 points. Daniel Chick did a
fantastic job keeping the usually unstoppable Nathan Buckley to
23 possessions.
However in Round 1 the Hawks had Rehn and Holland playing, whilst
this time their tall timber looks severly depleted. Once again
it will be up to Nathan Thompson to shoulder the majority of the
ruck work against the returning Josh Fraser, Stephen McKee and
maybe Anthony Rocca.
This game really is a throw of the dice and could go either way.
The only thing I will confidently predict is a huge crowd with
Saturday's weather tipped to be fine. Although my heart says
Hawthorn, their recent form has been disappointing and the tall
timber of Collingwood, combined with the brilliance of their
skipper, may just be enough to get them over the line.
However, if the Hawk midfield of Crawford and Chick fires up,
even the loss of Daniel Harford may not be enough to stop a
Hawthorn victory.
This game means too much to either side for them to lose, and
that's why I'm going to do a Garry Lyon, sit on the fence, and
tip a draw. I really can't separate these two - although no
doubt one side will come out and win by 10 goals now!
Tip: Draw
Other games:
Richmond by 7
Carlton by 28
Bulldogs by 91
Adelaide by 33
Geelong by 38
Brisbane by 22
Essendon by 55
- Dominic Milesi
**********
St Kilda v. Western Bulldogs
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Colonial Stadium 7:00 PM
I would like to write about the game but I've got to get this off
my chest first.
What a disappointment for the Saints fans. Through thick and thin
they support their team. Just when thing start to look up, their
committee gets involved with the footy side and blows it. Malcolm
Blight was recruited to the club as a successful coach to change
the attitude and lift the performance. The Saints spend up big on
some recruits before he arrives and have two young guns learning
the game who will develop with time.
Blight gets sick of the attitude and acceptance of defeat and
criticises the culture at the club. He is supported in his claims
by two ex coaches who comment that committeemen told them to go
easy on certain players making discipline impossible. Blight
himself has said that he spent the first few months at the club
doing counseling trying to get rid of the bad habits and instill
professionalism.
So as a committee what do you do? Show him the door. Don't accept
that there is a need for a new broom or things need to change.
Don't accept that this was why you recruited him. Don't think
what a disaster this is in the eyes of your supporters. Don't
think how other clubs and potential recruits will now look at
you. Just close your eyes and it will go away. I'm sorry to say
it as I have a soft spot for the Saints but this could be the
beginning of the end for them. What coach will want to go there?
The Saints have some good players and were developing a system
and style of play for the future. The Bulldogs are still
smarting over blowing the chance for a percentage boosting win
last week against Freo and will be fired up. Darcy and Everitt
will probably break even in the ruck but it's around the centre
where the Saints will badly miss Burke Harvey and Hayes. The Dogs
will have Romero and Libba in tagging roles and Johnson Smith
running free.
Given the events at Moorabbin this wek I expect the Saints to be
flogged by the Bulldogs on the weekend by 50 points.
Other matches
Tigers v Demons - Tigers to win if Gale is fit
Blues v Dockers - Blues at Optus
Pies v Hawks - Hawks to be too big and strong
Lions v Power - Lions at home
Eagles v Cats - Cats to win
Crows v Swans - Crows at home
Dons v Roos - Dons just too good
- Amazonstud
**********
Brisbane v. Port Adelaide
Saturday, 21 July 2001 - Gabba 7:40 PM
What should we call this one? "The Season Opener Re-Match"?
"The Ansett Cup Grand Final Re-Match"? Good enough.
The Lions mid-field is pretty much intact, but there are some
names missing from both sides due to injury and suspensions.
My money is on the Lions at home after the win over the Pies away
last week. Port has a knack of stepping on the accelerator
towards the end of the match, but I think Brisbane is ready for
them this time.
- AA
**********
Adelaide v. Sydney
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - Football Park 1:40 PM (2:10 PM AEST)
There's no shortage of contrived, meaningless rivalries in
today's football - look no further than the Collingwood vs
Essendon fabrication for a so-called "rivalry" which is nothing
more than a media creation.
Well, this is the media. A medium at least. So let's make up a
rivalry. I hereby declare Sunday's Adelaide vs Sydney clash to be
...
"The Traditional Clash Of The Clubs With Former Hawthorn
Defenders Who Are Now Defensive Styled Coaches".
The TCOTCWFHDWARNDSC Cup will be struck, although it'll have to
be a pretty wide cup. And the fringe finals dwellers, the Crows
and the Swans, will belt seven shades of purple out of each other
in trying to cement a spot in the top eight come September, when
we don't have to worry about stupid, petty rivalries to get
interested in the games.
This game is interesting in its own right, with two in-form teams
doing battle. Adelaide seemed to be on the wane after a narrow
loss to Collingwood and a lacklustre four points over the Wet
Toast Beagles, but they struck back in powerful fashion last
week, doing a number over the coach-less Saints by 16 goals. With
Darren Jarman returning from half back duties to make life hell
for defenders, and Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod
combining to form a midfield of high quality, the Crows look a
distinctly more dangerous opposition than one might have supposed
pre-season.
The Swans are also in form. After dropping what has now been
officially sanctioned by the AFL as "the single worst game of
football in 143 years of the sport" against Geelong, the Sin City
Slammers have knocked off Carlton at the toy ground, and then
comfortably accounted for Hawthorn at the real ground.
Home ground advantage favours the Throws, who are still a tough
nut to crack at Football Park. Sydney will be strengthened by the
return of Jason Ball. Hang on, read that back. Strengthened?
Jason Ball? The individual words I understand, but together they
make no sense.
Jarman should prove the difference between these two sides.
Sydney are still short of a reliable goalkicker to have them
scoring consistently enough to worry the Crows, while Jarman's
freakish talents, and the lack of an obvious match-up for him
(perhaps Jason Saddington or Brad Seymour, who devoured Ben Dixon
last week) has me leaning towards a Crow victory.
Adelaide by 11 points.
Other winners (as if you lot care, I'm now officially last on
work's tips ladder): Richmond (see why I'm last?), Carlton,
Hawthorn, Bulldogs, Brisbane, West Coast, Essendon.
- Mark O'Connor
**********
Essendon v. Kangaroos
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
You've just got to love North Melbourne. They won one game out
of their first six this year and now, on the eve of Round 16,
they're knocking on the door of the eight. They've got a stack
of talented kiddies rising through the ranks, their Captain is
slowly climbing back to the top of the mountain (where he
belongs) and they've won three in a row. All is as it should be.
So that's why I'm bloody peeved that they're playing Essendon
this week. It's just not fair. And how unlucky is Anthony
Stevens? It's not enough that his face is ripped to shreds in
round one last year against the Eagles. Oho no. He does his
knee against the accursed abovementioned WCE, at Subiaco. And
Mick Martyn has done his hammie again. So it's just as well for
Essendon that they're not coming up against a full-strength North
Melbourne side or it would have been ugly. Very ugly. But now
that Martyn's not playing, it won't be half as ugly (sorry Mick).
Some bloke called James Hird ('Oo?) makes his return for the
Bombers while Glenn Archer and tagger Adam Simpson come back for
the Shinners. Bomber McVeigh comes back for Essendon, which got
a bit of a fright against Geelong last week and will make life
hard for the Arden St lads.
Essendon has won its last several against North and in Round one
thumped the Roos by a tidy eighty points (it should be noted,
however, that North's lineup was particularly depleted on the
night). Although the panel on C7 sport was unanimous in tipping
Essendon for Sunday, I don't think it'll be a walkover for the
Bombers. North have significantly changed their gameplan and
whole attitude since that Round one debacle and have oh so subtly
hushed the doomsayers who speculated that they were destined to
end up in the bottom region of the ladder. If it pours, all the
better for the Roos who are the wet-weather specialists (and the
Bombers haven't had much game time in the rain this year).
Key players for the Kangaroos will be Corey McKernan, David King,
Glenn Archer, Brent Harvey and That Man Carey. For the Bombers,
well, they've got too many good players to single out any
individuals but they say that Hird bloke plays okay. Matthew
"I'm catching flies" Lloyd will probably take advantage of Mick's
absence and it will be interesting to see if Pagan puts McCartney
on him or goes with Archer or even Colbert. North's midfield
will be hard-pressed to match Essendon's, especially without
Stevo, but the challenge of beating the Bombers should have any
dyed-in-the-wool Kangaroo gnashing his teeth (or whatever
Kangaroos do when they're fired up).
A tough call but I have to tip North by four points.
- Jane Woolard
http://www.afltips.com/people/janewoolard.html
**********
West Coast v. Geelong
Sunday, 22 July 2001 - Subiaco 2:30 PM (4:30 PM AEST)
If Geelong are to have any chance of making the Top 8 this year
then this is a game they need to win. They are one win and
percentage out of the eight at the moment, and you'd think if
they lost then their finals chances are down the toilet. West
Coast at Subiaco will be a hard test for Geelong, especially
since you dont know which Geelong will show up. There is the
exciting Geelong like they played against Collingwood where
Burns, Bizzell and Houlihan fire... or there is the boring
Geelong which showed up against Adelaide which plays overly
defensive football.
Geelong didn't look too bad against Essendon. Bizzell and Burns
had strong games while you could argue between Murphy and Clarke
being the cats best. They pushed Essendon after the first quarter
and made a good game out of what could of been a thumping. West
Coasts non-existent forward line showed up last week to score
their 3rd highest score of the year but they still lost.
West Coast are a chance to win if they can get some sort of
forward structure working. If they can kick 15 goals against
Geelongs suspect defense and if Cousins can dominate in the
middle you would say they are a strong chance. Cousins is in
Brownlow winning form at the moment while Merenda has been a
fantastic pick up for the Eagles throughout the season.
The last time they met Stephen King ended Sierakowskis season,
Murphy got suspended for hitting Cousins and Geelong won by 10
goals. Geelong have a fair record against West Coast at Subi as
well - 6 matches for 3 wins.
If exciting Geelong show up, then Geelong will win fairly simply.
If boring predictable Geelong show up then West Coast may sneak
over the line. If Geelong are hungry enough to play finals footy
they will win this game. I'm picking exciting Geelong will show
up this week.
Geelong by 47 points.
- Macca19
+----------+
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+----------+
5) The Quick Snap
Comment from 'The Half Back Flanker'
http://www.afltips.com/people/halfbackflanker.html
"Don't Come Friday"
All AFL coaches know that, sooner or later, they will get the
sack. And, usually, the decision is entirely beyond their
control.
In most instances, media rumours and rumblings hint at the
possibility, leading up to the actual sacking itself.
But, nothing ever seems to be normal at St Kilda.
Totally out of the blue, they decide to sack yet another coach.
The difference is that Malcolm Blight had some credibility and
was only in his first year, even if results this season weren't
flattering.
This year St Kilda has already won 3 matches, better than their
entire 2000 season, and there are still 7 rounds left. While
Blight was given a fairly talented playing list, there obviously
is still a way to go before the Saints will be a competitive
unit.
But the St Kilda board, in their infinite wisdom, has decided
that someone else will be in charge over that journey. The
'culture' that Blight criticized the St Kilda Football Club for
would seem to be showing itself yet again.
Just whom will they appoint for next season, and how long will
they last before getting the traditional Saints' heave-ho?
Ross Smith, Mike Patterson, Alex Jesaulenko, Tony Jewell, Graeme
Gellie, Darrel Baldock, Ken Sheldon, Stan Alves, Tim Watson, and
now Malcolm Blight... it's like a 'Sacked Coaches Hall Of Fame'.
And not being one to want to start rumours, but if Richmond miss
out on the finals this year I wonder if Danny Frawley would be
interested in coaching his old club?
If he does, he'd better realize that it's only a matter of time
until he too will get to join the illustrious names mentioned
above.
And, as a footnote, watch out Western Bulldogs ... everyone knows
that teams play above themselves in the match immediately
following the sacking of a coach.
Feedback to this article can be sent to:
afl.info@excite.com
+----------+
6) AFLTips.Com Trivia No. 017 - Answers
1. Greg Williams (Carlton) won the Brownlow Medal in 1994. He
also tied for the 1986 Brownlow Medal while playing for Sydney.
2. Chris McDermott was captain of Adelaide from 1991 to 1994.
3. Peter McKenna scored 100 goals or more in a season on 3
occasions – 1970, 1971 and 1972. He just missed out in 1969 when
he scored 98 goals.
4. Melbourne's Shane Woewodin appeared in 25 games, had 544
possessions and kicked 20 goals during the 2000 season. He also
won the Brownlow Medal.
5. Kevin Murray was the only player to play more than 300 games
for Fitzroy, playing a total of 333 games from 1955 to 1964 and
1967 to 1974.
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 Groves. 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...
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go to http://www.afltips.com/ and fill out the form on the front
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Copyright (C) Adrian Groves, 2001
ENDS
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