Round 13

Friday Night: Hawthorn Hawks vs. West Coast Eagles

It’s the first of a nightmare run home for the Eagles, I have a suspicion however that it will be a closer game than expected. The 4 point win over Saint Kilda, while come from behind and not particularly impressive, was done without Captain Darren Glass, key forward Josh Kennedy and the Frenchman Mark LeCras. The possible returns of Nicoski, and former super-sub Dalziell coincided with Wellingham returning to training after a second ankle injury (although he probably won’t play for another three weeks) the Eagles are becoming a team finding their depth and when our stars come back into the side we will, once again, be a force to be reckoned. We are more than capable of making the 8 from here. Not taking anything away from Hawthorn though. They are a very good side, they would not be at the top of the ladder if they weren’t, but their victory over Carlton showed that they are far from unbeatable and a massive defensive flaw. I think a close game, with a possible upset.

My tip: Eagles (because I tip them religiously) by 10 points

Saturday Afternoon: Port Adelaide Power vs. Sydney Swans

This game is effectively a replay of Melbourne vs. Collingwood two weeks ago with Port taking the place of Melbourne and Sydney taking the place of Collingwood. So being, essentially, the same game it will have the same result. The debut of Kurt Tippet for the Swans will just be the icing on the cake.

My tip: Swans by 50 points

Saturday Afternoon: Saint Kilda Saints vs. Melbourne Demons

The first game for Neil Craig as care-taker coach of the Demons is by far easier than it could’ve been but by no means easy. Saint Kilda will be livid after supposedly being robbed in their match against West Coast will be looking for a big win to get their season back on track, but both teams unlikely to make finals from here (the Demons would need to win 10 of their next 11 games and even then they would be certainty and the Saints need to win 9 of their next 11 giving them at least one game in hand, but also would be no certainty to play in September)

My tip: Saints by 40 points

Saturday Night: Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond Tigers

A loss here to the Bulldogs would increase the probability of Richmond finishing in their reserved 9^th spot on the ladder. A Bulldog win (while unlikely) could be possible after the Bulldogs staged 34 point defeat at the hands of Collingwood (much closer than expected) showing that their bark is becoming nearly as bad as their bite. Still, Richmond are by far favourites to win.

My tip: Tigers by 25 points

Sunday Afternoon: Fremantle Dockers vs. North Melbourne

North’s horrible record in Perth, combined with the Dorkers suffocating defence, will hurt them here. But I would love to see North beat Fremantle just to see the arrogance of the Dorkers cult shut up. I’ll give you a typical conversation in Perth between a Fremantle (FDS) supporter and an Eagle’s supporter (WCS): FDS “(imagine someone with a voice that results from having a pole shoved up their ass that hasn’t been removed in at least ten years) Fremantle are so good. We’re going to win the Premiership this year”. WCS: *bitchslap aross the side of the FDS’s face* “sit the fuck down. You’ve been in the competition 18 years and you have nothing to show for it. The real Perth team won their first premiership in 5 years and then again 2 years later. The closest thing that renamed Cock Dockers have to a premiership is a number of Derby wins, which we still outnumber you in. So, I repeat, sit the fuck down and have a biscuit”. Then colourful insults are exchanged and then nothing else really happens. Back to topic though, Fremantle will probably win for two reasons. Reason 1: they’re playing North Melbourne who haven’t won in Perth since even Google doesn’t know when and, Reason 2: Fremantle are becoming one of the better defensive sides in the competition.

My tip: Dorkers by 35 points.

Sunday Afternoon: Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats.

Similar to Port vs. Swans. It’s, again, essentially Melbourne vs. Collingwood just different teams. Not much to say here.

My tip: Cats by 70 points.