Let me start by saying this: The AFL and their involvement in the ongoing drugs scandal at Essendon has been nothing less than a farce. Infact this is just the most recent of shambles that has occurred, since January there has been nothing but big negative AFL news story after another. Whether it be salary cap breaches, sliding rule, umpiring standards, crowds, differences between the haves and have nots, illicit drugs, tanking, or just a general sense of head-in-the-sand from the higher-ups at AFL House. The PED scandal is priotity number 1 for now, moreso as the findings are due soon.
Reports this week have conflicting stories involving each of Andrew Demetriou, David Evans and James Hird from February about the then upcoming investigation by the ACCC and ASADA. The timeline of events is different from each party, but it seems that AD and Evans had discussed that it would be in Essendon’s best interest if they opened themselves up for investigating. This quote from Neil Mitchell who was interviewing AD on 3aw this morning is the same question I’ve been thinking about since reading the news:
”You get a briefing from the ACC which is confidential that a number of clubs will be under some sort of investigation. You then talk to David Evans … and knowing the background to the Essendon problem … it isn’t mentioned that Essendon could be under investigation?”
AD then says, he did not know which clubs were under investigation. This I struggle to believe, and IF there has been a tipoff, the potential punishment for leaking details to those involved with the case could be harsher than taking PED’s.
Reading through this article showing their exact words, it appears to me to be alot of covering one’s own arse, and I daresay the scenario will become worse when the eventual findings are released. As posted in my NRL preview, there was accusations that the AFL had tried to broker a deal with ASADA for lenient penalties. Again I’ll say the best guys on twitter to follow these ongoing stories are @BenCuzzupe and @ringsau also, like her or loathe her, Caroline Wilson is definitely worth reading. The next 2 months will be crunchtime on and off the field.
Anyway, back to the on-field dramas instead! Last round we got 6/9 and if honest, nobody would have given the Crows much of a chance to win, maybe cover the line at best. Disappointed in not tipping my own team to come away victorious but a pleasant surprise all the same! The other 2 games missed out on was the incredible showing from the Gold Coast Suns, who led the Pies for almost 90% of the match for another strong win at home. If these young stars make the finals, of which they are a slim at best chance, they will surprise a fair few! Also, was dissapointed in my tip for Fremantle to win against the Tigers, a great game by Richmond, but with some late and important outs, it wasn’t quite Freo’s best possible side available. If the 2 sides were to face off again later in the finals, I’d say Ross Lyon would have his charges primed for a reversal of fortunes. A stunning 1 point win for Carlton started off last round, can we start off this round with a Friday Night Thriller too??
By the time this goes online, it’ll be full time in the top of the table Match of the round clash between the Bombers and Hawks, but have still made a rough preview for the big games this round. Why this game is played at Etihad, I haz no clue?! But the location isn’t the issue as it should still be a cracking game. Leaning Hawthorn, expecting a tight game, expect Twitter to literally explode if the Bombers fly up, and don’t be surprised if Roughead kicks more than Buddy tonight too. (UPDATE: Hawks by 9 goals, Buddy kicks 8, lots of schadenfreude online)
Saturday’s best match is it’s first coming from the Gold Coast as the Suns face the Blues. The same fixture last season saw the Suns finish off 2012 on a high and put the nail in the coffin for Brett Ratten’s coaching career, and on form there’s every chance of history repeating itself. Should they win, Gold Coast could ruin Carlton’s finals hopes 2 seasons running. Infact, I’m rather bullish on Gold Coast, they’ve been extremely competitive in almost every game this season, with or without Ablett. A big confidence boosting win against the Pies last week won’t do them any harm, and brings in good form to face Carlton who snuck over the line by the slimmest of margins last Friday night. While they lack a strong consistent forward option, the smalls for the Blues have been more than handy kicking majority of the goals and setting them up too. The defence will be key too, Suns have been inaccurate at goal, costing them potentially a couple of wins this year, Blues need to force them wide or make them rush. At home, I’m leaning the Suns here, one stat worth looking at is the Blues haven’t won at the GC since 1992, admittedly not much footy has been played there but still, Suns by 2 goals.
Sunday isn’t quite as Super as the NRL lineup, but still 2 cracking games starting with Port hosting the Lions at Footy Park. Hard to think the Lions are a chance to make finals still, after looking pathetic so often this season. But that’s how 2013 has been, have a good roll win a couple of games in a row and suddenly things aren’t so gloomy! The Power are the same, 5 wins, 5 losses, then been good since their bye, with impressive wins against more highly fancied opponents. This game I’m liking Port at home, the way they play when they win is how they need to play every week, have to be impressed with what Hinkley has done with this side especially the tackling pressure. But saying that they tried their best to cock it up last week against the Saints! Lions much the same, on song a fantastic frenetic side to watch, but too often they let themselves down away from home. First quarters have been poor for Brisbane although they do have the wood over Port, not lost to them since 09, but struggling to find reasons strong enough to see them defeating Port, so tipping the Power to be too good at home.
Second big Sunday game looks a ripper at the SCG with the Swans playing the in form finals bound Tigers. Finally Richmond are living up to the big promises of years gone by, and this is the ultimate test, nothing harder than facing the Swans at the SCG. Good news for the Tiges with Jack Riewoldt re-signing for another 3 seasons, but they’d need to repeat the same effort and then some to best the Swans. Tipping Sydney here by 3goals.
The rest of the week’s matches below:
Melbourne v North Melbourne
: If there’s one thing you can count on with the Kangas it is they absolutely smash the teams below them they should win against. But North have been so up and down it’s impossible to know which team runs out, should win but strangely feel this will be close. North to win
Collingwood v GWS: The Giants have made some strides in 2 of their last 3 games, should’ve won in Canberra against the Dogs, and were more than competitive against an uninspiring Essendon outfit. But in between there was a 100+ loss, and I dare say the same result could happen at the G, Pies to win by as many as they want. Pies to win
Fremantle v Adelaide: Some have said this is a tough one to pick, well Freo at home against any opposition, letalone on the rebound, tough tough ask. And for Adelaide, the win last week was more a one-off, unsure if it’s the sort of win that starts a long string of more wins. Knowing the way the Dockers play this should be lowscoring, and a tight win at home. Freo to win
Geelong v St Kilda: Much like Freo, the Cats on the rebound would be a formidable side to face at Kardinia Park! Simply don’t feel the Saints have any chance here. Cats to win
Western Bulldogs v West Coast: Tough one this, Bulldogs wouldn’t be the worst tip here. Big outs for the Eagles plus they’ve been poor, and in Melbourne too. Roughy for the week, tipping the Dogs!
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