It’s been a very sad couple of days for our AFL community after the tragic passing of former WCE premiership player Adam Selwood at age 41.
On the Field: Last Thursday night, Gold Coast continued their winning ways at TIO Stadium in Darwin with a hard-fought 8-point win over Hawthorn. The Suns have won their last 8 games at the venue and the win has them in third place on the AFL ladder after Round 10. These are heady heights for the Gold Coast. On Friday night, Sydney surged in the final quarter to overcome visiting Carlton at the SCG. The final score was Swans 78, defeated Blues 62. This was the fifth time this season that the Blues led at halftime, only to lose the game.
On Saturday, Collingwood hosted Adelaide at the MCG. It was the first wintry day we’ve had for football in Melbourne this season. The Magpies won 11.12.78 to 10.8.68, as the Crows gave the 2023 premiers a stern test. (The win moved the Maggies back to the top of the ladder and they stayed there after the Lions lost on Sunday). A big upset unfolded at Giants Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night, when visiting Fremantle brushed GWS aside to win by 34 points. The Bulldogs versus Bombers and Cats versus Power matches were blow-outs. The Doggies kicked seven goals to zero for Essendon in the first quarter and kept right on with it for the rest of the game. The final margin was a whopping 91 points. Geelong has a good record at the Adelaide Oval and they crushed Port Adelaide in the second half to break open a relatively even game at halftime and go on to win 17.13.115 to 5.9.39.
On Sunday, Richmond and North Melbourne fought out a very close game. After the Northerners kicked six of the first eight goals, the Tigers battled back strongly. There were several lead changes before North recorded its second win of the season. The final score was North Melbourne 78, over Richmond 74. The Melbourne Demons stunned the Brisbane Lions with a spectacular come-from-behind victory at the Gabba on Sunday evening. The score at the final siren was 14.15.99 to 13.10.88 in favor of the Dees.
The final game was played between WCE and St Kilda at Perth Stadium. Before the game started, there was a minute’s silence in memory of Adam Selwood. From there, the Eagles played with great determination to record their first win of the season. The final score was WCE 16.12.108, defeated St Kilda 12.8.80.
Tipping
Unexpected wins by the Freo Dockers, Melbourne Demons and West Coast Eagles ensured that nobody managed a perfect round this week. The highest score was 7, a score recorded by Bart03, Pies London Fan and Bruce McBriar. Congratulations, gents! Callum retains his two-point lead at the top of our ladder.
Ladder Leaders
Heaver13 65
Big D 64
Naples Road 63
‘Pies London Fan 63
Bruce McBriar 63
Valerderos 1964 63
Thrice Winner Hullsy 62
Flying Doctor 62
Super Storm 62
Martin Hunt 62
Warragul Lynda 62
CD Saint 62
Geelong will host the Western Bulldogs this Thursday night to begin Round 11. It should be a great game. Please remember to place your tips.
Don