Scott 5Round 1 AFL Premiership Season 2010
March 25th 2010 00:31
So the summer of cricket/soccer/basketball etc has come to an end and now all sports fans turn their attention towards the upcoming AFL Premiership Season. It has been a hectic summer with the AFL stealing the NRL's thunder with a series of off-field incidents. We've had a bit of everything with assaults, drug busts, drunken nights and who could forget the Fevola/Bingle saga which was close to bringing the game into disrepute. Anyway, all that is over and now we can focus on the on-field action
Richmond vs Carlton
The season opening clash for the 3rd year running sees 2 teams dealing with opposite pressure. Carlton have been under the pump for not only their off-field indiscretions but also their decision to get rid of Fevola. Some argue that getting rid of Fev could make Carlton's forward line unpredictable but others have pondered where the goals are going to come from.
As for Richmond, they've had a tough off-season. New coach, 14 new players, changes off-field, it has been a really tough time for them. They've been considered heavy wooden spoon favourites this season but there is a guarantee that under new coach Damien Hardwick, they will be hard at the ball. In terms of their forward line also, losing Richo and Nathan Brown is a savage blow and it'll be important for Jack Riewoldt to step up and deliver on his potential.
In terms of the game, it'll be interesting to see footy back in town. Carlton have a dodgy forward line and are missing Judd while Richmond have a new coach and 14 new players. You would think that the extra class that Carlton have would get them over the line but really there's no telling as pre-season form isn't a guide
Prediction: Carlton by 30 points
Essendon vs Geelong
Friday night at the MCG sees the reigning premiers take on one of the most exciting teams in the competition in Essendon. Essendon unfortunately have had a torrid time of it in the off-season. They were active in the trade window getting rid of Andrew Lovett and bringing in Mark Williams and this move was designed to sort out a forward line of no Lloyd and no Lucas. There was talk of Neagle being the lead forward and this makes me cringe because Neagle isn't that great. Then they're talking that Scott Gumbleton would be the lead forward but he's been injured for the best part of 2 years.
As for the reigning premiers, they've not had the best pre-season. Loss in the NAB Cup along with a match cancelled, big loss to Richmond and modest win over Freo. Add that to the Matthew Stokes fiasco and things haven't been great. To add to it all, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood are still being courted by the Gold Coast franchise and massive dollar amounts are being thrown around in a bid to lure one of them.
Honestly, this Geelong side have been the best for quite some time and really they should go into this game as red-hot favourites. Essendon want to be considered men instead of young boys but I've a strong feeling this will be a night of pain for them
Prediction: Geelong by 47 points
Melbourne vs Hawthorn
Saturday afternoon at the MCG sees the 2 nearly merged clubs from way back when play each other. Melbourne have had a horror pre-season with 4 losses and numerous injury worries (Sylvia, Wonaemirri, Jurrah etc). Having said that, this is the most important year in their history. They've stockpiled draft picks and players over the past 3 years and it's time that Dean Bailey showed something this year. Bewilderment though surrounds the fact that Bailey got a contract extension till 2011 and he needs to justify it here.
Hawthorn meanwhile can't take a trick either. In the most unprecedented injury crisis, the Hawks are actually left with no rucks, not to mention potentially missing their livewire Cyril Rioli. Having said that, redemption is very much on the mind of the Hawks' players after a horror premiership defence saw them depart in a screaming and bitter heap following a Round 22 loss to the Bombers.
This game is one of the few that will be easy to tip somehow as the Hawks have superior experience and superior skill to Melbourne. In fact, excluding the ruck division, the Hawks are superior all over the ground and should start off the season with a convincing win
Prediction: Hawthorn by 45 points
Brisbane vs West Coast
It's a sense of deja vu here again as for the 3rd consecutive year, Brisbane and West Coast play in the opening round but this time it's at the Gabba. Brisbane set trade week alight as footballers were like footy cards in a swap meet. The biggest trade undoubtably was picking up Brendan Fevola but the downside was treating Daniel Bradshaw like a dispensible piece of candy. Having said that, there's a lot of pressure on Voss to back up his amazing debut opening season with something just as special.
As for West Coast, well they've spent a couple of years at the bottom stockpiling draft picks and young players and you get the sense with them that anything less than finals could see John Worsfold under the most intense of pressure. Still, the excitement here is the form of Nic Naitanui and everyone is looking forward to him continue to develop
The long trip to QLD is undoubtably going to play a major part in the outcome of this game and to be honest, I dunno who can stop Brown and Fevola
Prediction: Brisbane by 24 points
Sydney vs St Kilda
Here's another Round 1 matchup with a bit of deja vu written all over it. Yet again, Sydney and St Kilda are playing in the opening round but this time it's at ANZ Stadium. Sydney have had a mixed off-season. They finally won a game in the NAB Cup under Roos but they lost Darren Jolly and Amon Buchanen and picked up Mark Seaby, Shane Mumford and Daniel Bradshaw, not to mention the returning Tadhg Kennelly. It's Roos' last year as coach and Sydney will want to perform for him and send him out on a high or as good a high as possible.
St Kilda on the other hand have had a rough off-season. Runners-up in the NAB Cup is all well and good but who can forget the fiasco of losing Luke Ball for nothing not to mention the Andrew Lovett assault allegations. In this regard it's been a pretty tough year and the only notable addition besides Lovett is Brett Peake. St Kilda though are a well-drilled side as well and their pressure will be here from the word go.
Tough game to call. Runners-up last year will see St Kilda looking to go one better but playing at ANZ Stadium could produce a more exciting opening round between these two teams than past round 1 encounters
Prediction: St Kilda by 7 points
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne
This matchup in my view is one of complete irrelevance. Neither side capable of drawing a crowd and frankly this match only appeals to the 2 sets of supporters because it's a shite matchup. The only redeeming fact is that Dean Laidley is now in the opposite box, installing some hard, tough, accountable football into the Power.
As for North Melbourne, new facilities, new coach, Sports Science the new buzzword, not to mention walking huddles and really it has been quite strage. Frankly I felt blessed having witnessed the walking huddle and there's no point denying it does make a difference. What that is, I honestly don't know.
This match will be played in front of 50 spectators at AAMI Stadium and the highlight will be seeing seats covered like segregation although rumour has it they're looking to advertise and raise some money
Prediction: Port Adelaide by 12 points
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood
Without a doubt this is the Match of the Round. At the moment though there's one story threatening to overshadow and that is the return of Big Bad Bustling Barry Hall to the Bulldogs. 17 goals in 3 pre-season matches suggest he's fit and ready to fire and some have tipped him as the missing link for a Dogs' flag while others reckon he'll win the Coleman Medal. Still, the Bulldogs look like they have the goods.
As for Collingwood, they have made some moves of their own, bringing Darren Jolly to the club and also Luke Ball. These 2 additions have many talking up Collingwood's chances of winning a flag. Personally I'm not convinced especially when their forward line is led by Travis Cloke. Still, they'll certainly be up there
Honestly this will be a cracker. I'm prediction either Presti or Nathan Brown to take Barry Hall but I just think the Dogs have what it takes to win this game
Prediction: Bulldogs by 19 points
Fremantle vs Adelaide
Last match of the round kicking off at a ridiculous 8:10pm (AEST) and leaving Sporttalk very much frustrated, being a Freo supporter. Freo had a good pre-season and unearthed players like Barlow and Silvangi however the end to the pre-season suggests that there are still a lot of issues to be fixed. Probably one of the best chances for a win in the opening 4 rounds as well (Adelaide, Essendon, Geelong, St Kilda).
As for Adelaide, they've had a lot of injury issues so far and there's talk that Neil Craig is set to name up to 8 players who have limited preparation. They haven't done a lot in the pre-season and some are talking they can break into the top 4. Somehow I doubt their ability to beat St Kilda, Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
Adelaide have the experience but Freo have the better preparation and this makes this game, probably one of the hardest to call. The heart says Freo and the head says Freo with the only reason being better preparation
Prediction: Fremantle by 12 points
So to recap, my tips are:
Carlton
Geelong
Hawthorn
Brisbane
St Kilda
Port Adelaide
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
Happy tipping and good luck to all sides in the 2010 season
Richmond vs Carlton
The season opening clash for the 3rd year running sees 2 teams dealing with opposite pressure. Carlton have been under the pump for not only their off-field indiscretions but also their decision to get rid of Fevola. Some argue that getting rid of Fev could make Carlton's forward line unpredictable but others have pondered where the goals are going to come from.
As for Richmond, they've had a tough off-season. New coach, 14 new players, changes off-field, it has been a really tough time for them. They've been considered heavy wooden spoon favourites this season but there is a guarantee that under new coach Damien Hardwick, they will be hard at the ball. In terms of their forward line also, losing Richo and Nathan Brown is a savage blow and it'll be important for Jack Riewoldt to step up and deliver on his potential.
In terms of the game, it'll be interesting to see footy back in town. Carlton have a dodgy forward line and are missing Judd while Richmond have a new coach and 14 new players. You would think that the extra class that Carlton have would get them over the line but really there's no telling as pre-season form isn't a guide
Prediction: Carlton by 30 points
Essendon vs Geelong
As for the reigning premiers, they've not had the best pre-season. Loss in the NAB Cup along with a match cancelled, big loss to Richmond and modest win over Freo. Add that to the Matthew Stokes fiasco and things haven't been great. To add to it all, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood are still being courted by the Gold Coast franchise and massive dollar amounts are being thrown around in a bid to lure one of them.
Honestly, this Geelong side have been the best for quite some time and really they should go into this game as red-hot favourites. Essendon want to be considered men instead of young boys but I've a strong feeling this will be a night of pain for them
Prediction: Geelong by 47 points
Melbourne vs Hawthorn
Saturday afternoon at the MCG sees the 2 nearly merged clubs from way back when play each other. Melbourne have had a horror pre-season with 4 losses and numerous injury worries (Sylvia, Wonaemirri, Jurrah etc). Having said that, this is the most important year in their history. They've stockpiled draft picks and players over the past 3 years and it's time that Dean Bailey showed something this year. Bewilderment though surrounds the fact that Bailey got a contract extension till 2011 and he needs to justify it here.
Hawthorn meanwhile can't take a trick either. In the most unprecedented injury crisis, the Hawks are actually left with no rucks, not to mention potentially missing their livewire Cyril Rioli. Having said that, redemption is very much on the mind of the Hawks' players after a horror premiership defence saw them depart in a screaming and bitter heap following a Round 22 loss to the Bombers.
This game is one of the few that will be easy to tip somehow as the Hawks have superior experience and superior skill to Melbourne. In fact, excluding the ruck division, the Hawks are superior all over the ground and should start off the season with a convincing win
Prediction: Hawthorn by 45 points
Brisbane vs West Coast
It's a sense of deja vu here again as for the 3rd consecutive year, Brisbane and West Coast play in the opening round but this time it's at the Gabba. Brisbane set trade week alight as footballers were like footy cards in a swap meet. The biggest trade undoubtably was picking up Brendan Fevola but the downside was treating Daniel Bradshaw like a dispensible piece of candy. Having said that, there's a lot of pressure on Voss to back up his amazing debut opening season with something just as special.
As for West Coast, well they've spent a couple of years at the bottom stockpiling draft picks and young players and you get the sense with them that anything less than finals could see John Worsfold under the most intense of pressure. Still, the excitement here is the form of Nic Naitanui and everyone is looking forward to him continue to develop
The long trip to QLD is undoubtably going to play a major part in the outcome of this game and to be honest, I dunno who can stop Brown and Fevola
Prediction: Brisbane by 24 points
Sydney vs St Kilda
Here's another Round 1 matchup with a bit of deja vu written all over it. Yet again, Sydney and St Kilda are playing in the opening round but this time it's at ANZ Stadium. Sydney have had a mixed off-season. They finally won a game in the NAB Cup under Roos but they lost Darren Jolly and Amon Buchanen and picked up Mark Seaby, Shane Mumford and Daniel Bradshaw, not to mention the returning Tadhg Kennelly. It's Roos' last year as coach and Sydney will want to perform for him and send him out on a high or as good a high as possible.
St Kilda on the other hand have had a rough off-season. Runners-up in the NAB Cup is all well and good but who can forget the fiasco of losing Luke Ball for nothing not to mention the Andrew Lovett assault allegations. In this regard it's been a pretty tough year and the only notable addition besides Lovett is Brett Peake. St Kilda though are a well-drilled side as well and their pressure will be here from the word go.
Tough game to call. Runners-up last year will see St Kilda looking to go one better but playing at ANZ Stadium could produce a more exciting opening round between these two teams than past round 1 encounters
Prediction: St Kilda by 7 points
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne
This matchup in my view is one of complete irrelevance. Neither side capable of drawing a crowd and frankly this match only appeals to the 2 sets of supporters because it's a shite matchup. The only redeeming fact is that Dean Laidley is now in the opposite box, installing some hard, tough, accountable football into the Power.
As for North Melbourne, new facilities, new coach, Sports Science the new buzzword, not to mention walking huddles and really it has been quite strage. Frankly I felt blessed having witnessed the walking huddle and there's no point denying it does make a difference. What that is, I honestly don't know.
This match will be played in front of 50 spectators at AAMI Stadium and the highlight will be seeing seats covered like segregation although rumour has it they're looking to advertise and raise some money
Prediction: Port Adelaide by 12 points
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood
Without a doubt this is the Match of the Round. At the moment though there's one story threatening to overshadow and that is the return of Big Bad Bustling Barry Hall to the Bulldogs. 17 goals in 3 pre-season matches suggest he's fit and ready to fire and some have tipped him as the missing link for a Dogs' flag while others reckon he'll win the Coleman Medal. Still, the Bulldogs look like they have the goods.
As for Collingwood, they have made some moves of their own, bringing Darren Jolly to the club and also Luke Ball. These 2 additions have many talking up Collingwood's chances of winning a flag. Personally I'm not convinced especially when their forward line is led by Travis Cloke. Still, they'll certainly be up there
Honestly this will be a cracker. I'm prediction either Presti or Nathan Brown to take Barry Hall but I just think the Dogs have what it takes to win this game
Prediction: Bulldogs by 19 points
Fremantle vs Adelaide
Last match of the round kicking off at a ridiculous 8:10pm (AEST) and leaving Sporttalk very much frustrated, being a Freo supporter. Freo had a good pre-season and unearthed players like Barlow and Silvangi however the end to the pre-season suggests that there are still a lot of issues to be fixed. Probably one of the best chances for a win in the opening 4 rounds as well (Adelaide, Essendon, Geelong, St Kilda).
As for Adelaide, they've had a lot of injury issues so far and there's talk that Neil Craig is set to name up to 8 players who have limited preparation. They haven't done a lot in the pre-season and some are talking they can break into the top 4. Somehow I doubt their ability to beat St Kilda, Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
Adelaide have the experience but Freo have the better preparation and this makes this game, probably one of the hardest to call. The heart says Freo and the head says Freo with the only reason being better preparation
Prediction: Fremantle by 12 points
So to recap, my tips are:
Carlton
Geelong
Hawthorn
Brisbane
St Kilda
Port Adelaide
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
Happy tipping and good luck to all sides in the 2010 season
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