Hi everyone,
The AFL will be concerned about the gap between weaker and stronger teams, as again this week, we saw some lopsided results. Fortunately, we also saw three games that featured big comebacks and close finishes. Tipsters will have a better chance to tip a perfect score this season as there are many rounds when less than nine games will be played. This week we only had seven games.
On the field:
Hawthorn faced a stern test when they hosted Sydney at the MCG last Thursday night. The Swans had recorded two strong wins prior to this game and they led the Hawks for much of the night. However, Hawthorn dug deep and finished very strongly in the final quarter to run out 17-point winners. On Friday night, the Western Bulldogs flexed their muscles and knocked off last year’s minor premiers, the Crows, at the Adelaide Oval. The Doggies were in control most of the night until a furious Crows’ fightback late in the final term saw the home team take a one-goal lead. The Dogs showed great composure at this critical time, kicked the final two goals of the game and left town with a gutsy 14.10.94 to 13.10.88 win.
On Saturday, the Gold Coast Suns continued their perfect start to the season with a thumping 19,14,128 to 9.6.60 win over Richmond at the MCG. In Sydney, the Saints were desperate to win their first game of the year when they faced GWS at Engie Stadium. St Kilda got the job done… just, hanging on for an 11.12.78 to 10.14.74 victory. Fremantle also got its first win of the season with a comfortable 8-goal win over Melbourne at Optus Stadium in Perth.
On Sunday, Port Adelaide recorded an easy 20.13.133 to 10.10.70 win over Essendon at the Adelaide Oval. In the final game, North Melbourne were looking to build on their winning start to the season when they faced West Coast in Perth. The Northerners started strongly, opening up a four-goal lead in the second quarter. From there, and to the surprise of most, the Eagles fought back. They closed the gap by halftime before surging to the lead in the third quarter. The final score was WCE 17.9.111 over North Melbourne 15.4.94.
Tipping
Congratulations to Ingilby Dickson, who was our only tipster to tip a perfect round this week with 7. Very well done! By sticking with his team in the final game, Ingilby has also moved to the top of our leaderboard. You win a $20.00 dining credit at the club.
Tipping Leaders after Round 2
Ingilby 15
Lynchey 15
Barb 31 15
CazzaSG 15
LamboM73 15
Bruce McBriar 15
John Naughton 14
Crippa Rippa 14
Bart73 14
Darty 14
Tye Webb 14
Murray 3194 14
WJC Tipping 14
Gebster 14
Yehno 14
Luke 14
Andrew0711 14
Minksy 14
The first game of Round 3 will see Geelong host Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night. Please place your tips.
Don