AFL - Round 12 preview

Seven out of eight last week thanks to a moronic final quarter by Port Adelaide in their game against Carlton last Sunday evening.  No match focus this week, too busy what with little boys who won't have their daytime nap and all.  So a quick preview:

Essendon v West Coast:  The Bombers were competitive with Hawthorn last week and were it not for the freakish Mr Franklin may well have come away with a win (in that alternative universe I mentioned last week, I guess).  The final minutes of the Eagles' game against Sydney last Saturday night were some of the tensest I've seen and they'll be kicking themselves that they blew such a big lead during the second half.  Essendon should have the edge here, but it's a tough one.

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane:  This will be a real test for the Lions as they play a team that's looking like a genuine premiership contender after their win against Hawthorn and then their effort against the Saints last weekend.  No Bradshaw in the Brisbane side but they have a few running defenders returning which will help them against the hard-running Bulldogs.  I'd love to tip Brisbane for this but hey, I've got tipping comps to win.  Should be the Bulldogs tomorrow arvo.  Looks like I won't be able to watch the game live with some caselaw research to finalise at ANU instead.  Bugger.

Fremantle v North Melbourne:  The Dockers showed some promising signs last week, particularly the form of young forwards Palmer and Mayne, though you can see their inexperience in some of their decision making.  North, on the other hand, need a win to ensure they're cemented in the top eight.  The bookies have this one pretty even, so I'm going with Freo as they're playing at home and if they lose then it gives me something to bitch about for the rest of the weekend.  Though there's no shortage of topics in that regard, believe me.  Grumble grumble grumble.

Sydney v St Kilda:  Commentators are saying that St Kilda's window of premiership opportunity has now closed, and a loss against the Swans this weekend will only emphasise the point.  Barry Hall returns for Sydney after that punch and they shouldn't have too many problems beating the Saints at the SCG.

Adelaide v Hawthorn:  Another tough game to pick (odds are dead even), but I just don't think that the Crows "have it" this season.  AAMI stadium isn't too intimidating a task for visiting teams so I'm tipping the Hawks to win, especially considering they beat them easily in round 4 down at Launceston.

Geelong v Port Adelaide:  The Port Power should be pretty grumpy at themselves after such a stupid loss to Carlton last weekend, but considering they're facing the premiers the best they can probably hope for is to turn in a performance that commentators will call "competitive", i.e. they don't get absolutely thumped.  The Cats to win at home on Sunday afternoon. 

Collingwood v Carlton:  Again, I wonder aloud when the collywobbles are going to kick in.  Will it be this weekend in a match that the majority of tipsters, experts and random hobos expect them to win?  Carlton knocked over Collingwood in round 4 but the magpies will have hardened since then, and if Wakelin can keep Fev held down to a few goals at most then they'll be right.  Should be a couple of interesting matchups in the midfield, too.

Richmond v Melbourne:  Tigers fans will be pencilling this in as a much anticipated win, and rightly so against the hapless, hapless Dees.  Having said that, if there's a team that could lose it then Richmond joins Freo in such a category.  Tigers to win though.

That's it for this week then.  Interesting to see Voss' comment that

[n]ever before can I remember a top eight so clear-cut at the halfway mark of the season.

I think he has a point.  Be sure to check out the ABC's Grandstand AFL site occasionally as well, looks like they've got pods and interviews and all.  Enjoy your footy this weekend.