swannies
Brownlow Medallist
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Apologies for being so slack to start the season, hopefully I can turn it around. 
I'll start doing a write up and complete it as the week goes on, or if you feel like doing a preview of your team's game, feel free to add it in here.
Lions v Sharks, Leederville, Friday 6:45pm
The Sharks have had trouble getting over the top of the Lions on a regular basis the past 4 or 5 seasons, but this promises to be a ripping match. The Lions are unbeaten so far in the WAFL season and the Sharks have beaten the highly fancied Tigresses, so this promises to be a great battle.
The Lions received a much appreciated bonus in Broadhurst coming back so early in the season, especially as Anthony looks like he might finally get games with Freo. The midfield holding up so well has probably been the biggest surprise for the Lions. Down back they are pretty settled and have some class acts so it's no surprise they can push younger kids around in the WAFL.
The Sharks midfield and defence are their strengths and probably have been for at least the past couple of seasons. Boasting 7+ AFL listed players, mostly local products too, plus a couple of previously listed players, this is a strong side on paper. The midfield battle will be the key to this match as McGough, Stevens, O'Briens', Griffin, Dalziell, Sheppard, Boyle take on the Lions mids. Griffin will be the toughest task for the Lions, so they will need to stay tight in the middle and not give the Sharks room.
Initially thought the sharks would win but since the 4 Eagles players withdrew from the team I thought the lions might win. Check my tipping if you don't believe me.
Swans v Thunder, Bassendean, Sat : pm
Pre season these teams had a pretty closely contested battle, with the Thuner getting over the line late in the game. Swans are also coming off a short break so should be another close game.
It was pretty tough conditions for players on Easter Monday, however, Swans reckon their conditioning has gone up a notch over the pre-season. We shall see I guess. Ames misses again so that forces either Simpson or Notte to CHB to cover. Still no Hansen either, but I presume they must be getting used to playing without him. I daresay a couple of the runners brought into the team like Faulkner and Twomey, will actually play.
Peel had a closish loss to the Sharks and will be looking to get some momentum going for the season. After a 7 day break they should be fresher and seem to be a decent running side so will use the expanses of Bassendean well. Lycett should be challenging Lammie all day in the ruck and trying to give the runners of Peel first use of the ball. Battye kicked a few last week but I haven't seen him back those games up much through his career, but he can play.
Overall, should be an interesting match and I think the Swans will get home in a tightish match.
Bulldogs v Tigers
After seeing Swans struggle coming off a 5 day break I see it difficult for the Bulldogs to beat the Tiges, but time will tell. Stopping the Tigers run will be critical in this one for the Doggies.
Souths have brought in Bewick and Collica, amongst others, presumably to add more run to the team, something they struggled with against Swans and Swans should have made more than 1 change yesterday, against the Tigers the dogs can't make the same mistake. The ruck is one position, with Hayward, that the dogs can gain some ascendancy, I believe, so if he can give the likes of Cook, McGrath, Schloithe, Bewick et al first look at the ball and make the Tigers chase you, then they have a chance.
The Tigers have a fantastic running side and you've got to make them compete for the ball and get it into contested situations, stoppages, to have a shot against them. Stevenson and Swift have been in great form early and curbing their influence will be critical. Interesting that McLernon is named in the first ruck, who is more defensive minded so I suspect he'll go to Cook and try to control his game.
Should be a ripping match, Tigers by 3-5 goals.
Falcons v Demons
This game will give the season of either team an impetus boost, as both were widely tipped to be top 4 sides, or thereabouts, but both have just the 1 win.
The Falcons have LeCras back, which is a massive boost, along with Strijk, and have included a couple of runners in Elisseou and Black, both very good u18 players from a couple of years back. Zanetti on the bench is an intriguing one because he seems to have found it hard to find his mojo from a couple of years back when he was a very good player.
The Dees always offer hope and promise good times, but rarely deliver and this year is shaping as more of the same, but they can get the season back on track in this game. Normally they would lose this type of game, we'll see if McMahon has ingrained anything different into the playing group. Lower and Butler back into the team (although Butler wasn't out) is a massive boost to this side. McInnes has given them a good focal point up forward but they have failed to make full use of his skills when I have watched.
Should be a very tight contest I reckon with the Falcons getting over the line by a goal or 2.
Enjoy your Sunday footy.
I'll start doing a write up and complete it as the week goes on, or if you feel like doing a preview of your team's game, feel free to add it in here.Lions v Sharks, Leederville, Friday 6:45pm
The Sharks have had trouble getting over the top of the Lions on a regular basis the past 4 or 5 seasons, but this promises to be a ripping match. The Lions are unbeaten so far in the WAFL season and the Sharks have beaten the highly fancied Tigresses, so this promises to be a great battle.
The Lions received a much appreciated bonus in Broadhurst coming back so early in the season, especially as Anthony looks like he might finally get games with Freo. The midfield holding up so well has probably been the biggest surprise for the Lions. Down back they are pretty settled and have some class acts so it's no surprise they can push younger kids around in the WAFL.
The Sharks midfield and defence are their strengths and probably have been for at least the past couple of seasons. Boasting 7+ AFL listed players, mostly local products too, plus a couple of previously listed players, this is a strong side on paper. The midfield battle will be the key to this match as McGough, Stevens, O'Briens', Griffin, Dalziell, Sheppard, Boyle take on the Lions mids. Griffin will be the toughest task for the Lions, so they will need to stay tight in the middle and not give the Sharks room.
Initially thought the sharks would win but since the 4 Eagles players withdrew from the team I thought the lions might win. Check my tipping if you don't believe me.
Swans v Thunder, Bassendean, Sat : pm
Pre season these teams had a pretty closely contested battle, with the Thuner getting over the line late in the game. Swans are also coming off a short break so should be another close game.
It was pretty tough conditions for players on Easter Monday, however, Swans reckon their conditioning has gone up a notch over the pre-season. We shall see I guess. Ames misses again so that forces either Simpson or Notte to CHB to cover. Still no Hansen either, but I presume they must be getting used to playing without him. I daresay a couple of the runners brought into the team like Faulkner and Twomey, will actually play.
Peel had a closish loss to the Sharks and will be looking to get some momentum going for the season. After a 7 day break they should be fresher and seem to be a decent running side so will use the expanses of Bassendean well. Lycett should be challenging Lammie all day in the ruck and trying to give the runners of Peel first use of the ball. Battye kicked a few last week but I haven't seen him back those games up much through his career, but he can play.
Overall, should be an interesting match and I think the Swans will get home in a tightish match.
Bulldogs v Tigers
After seeing Swans struggle coming off a 5 day break I see it difficult for the Bulldogs to beat the Tiges, but time will tell. Stopping the Tigers run will be critical in this one for the Doggies.
Souths have brought in Bewick and Collica, amongst others, presumably to add more run to the team, something they struggled with against Swans and Swans should have made more than 1 change yesterday, against the Tigers the dogs can't make the same mistake. The ruck is one position, with Hayward, that the dogs can gain some ascendancy, I believe, so if he can give the likes of Cook, McGrath, Schloithe, Bewick et al first look at the ball and make the Tigers chase you, then they have a chance.
The Tigers have a fantastic running side and you've got to make them compete for the ball and get it into contested situations, stoppages, to have a shot against them. Stevenson and Swift have been in great form early and curbing their influence will be critical. Interesting that McLernon is named in the first ruck, who is more defensive minded so I suspect he'll go to Cook and try to control his game.
Should be a ripping match, Tigers by 3-5 goals.
Falcons v Demons
This game will give the season of either team an impetus boost, as both were widely tipped to be top 4 sides, or thereabouts, but both have just the 1 win.
The Falcons have LeCras back, which is a massive boost, along with Strijk, and have included a couple of runners in Elisseou and Black, both very good u18 players from a couple of years back. Zanetti on the bench is an intriguing one because he seems to have found it hard to find his mojo from a couple of years back when he was a very good player.
The Dees always offer hope and promise good times, but rarely deliver and this year is shaping as more of the same, but they can get the season back on track in this game. Normally they would lose this type of game, we'll see if McMahon has ingrained anything different into the playing group. Lower and Butler back into the team (although Butler wasn't out
) is a massive boost to this side. McInnes has given them a good focal point up forward but they have failed to make full use of his skills when I have watched.Should be a very tight contest I reckon with the Falcons getting over the line by a goal or 2.
Enjoy your Sunday footy.
