Hi everyone,
The departure of Michael Voss from Carlton early in the week was not a surprise. It was the first mid-season departure we’ve seen in the AFL for a while, and the Blues finally responded with a win this week for caretaker coach Josh Fraser. There were several unexpected results, but only two games were decided by 2 goals or fewer.
On the field
In the grand final replay last Thursday between Geelong-Brisbane, the defending premiers were never in the hunt, despite hosting the game at The Gabba. Final score Geelong 17.15.117, defeated Brisbane 11.10.76. On Friday night, an undermanned Collingwood bounced back from last week’s shellacking from the Cats to almost pinch the points versus ladder leaders Sydney at the SCG. The Magpies played a strong first half, but the Swans roared to life in the second half and finally emerged victorious by one goal. Also on Friday night, the Gold Coast Suns continued their excellent form at TIO Stadium in Darwin, emerging with a 25-point victory over Port Adelaide.
Saturday’s match between the Crows and Kangaroos at the Adelaide Oval was close in the first quarter. However, it started raining goals in Adelaide’s favour in the second quarter, as the home team put the game beyond doubt by halftime. The final margin was 68 points in favour of the Crows. A result that few people predicted, saw the Melbourne Demons trounce the Hawthorn Hawks 18.12.120 to 12.9.81. ‘Sack the coach and win the game’ is a theory many ascribe to, and for Carlton this week, it did come to pass. Remarkably, the Blues finished very strongly, booting 5 goals to 2 in the final quarter to record their first win in over two months. Carlton 10.14.74 defeated Western Bulldogs 9.8.62.
On Sunday, Freo made it nine wins on the trot with a comfortable 43-point victory over Essendon at the MCG. Across at Marvel Stadium, St Kilda were six-goal victors over Richmond. The final game from Perth Stadium was a closely fought affair between West Coast and GWS. The home team put a series of bad losses behind them as they surged ahead in the final term to win going away, 13.10.88 to 10.11.71 over their more fancied opponents.
Tipping
Congratulations to Skippy Oz, Lucky Lady, Jaci Tips, Ingilby and John Naughton, who led the way with 7 winners this week. Well done. John Naughton has regained the overall lead.
Ladder Leaders
John Naughton 72
Jeremy 71
Romo 70
Flying Doctor 70
P. Dallimore 69
Caramondo1 69
Pies London Fan 69
Big D 69
Barb 31 69
Bruce McBriar 69
Hawthorn will host Adelaide to start Round 11, this Thursday night. Please place your tips.
Don