On the Field: An undermanned Collingwood was coming off a five-day break and had to travel to Perth for their match versus Fremantle last Thursday night. The Dockers had been stung by criticism after their dreadful performance a week earlier and were expected to hit back hard this week. They started well by kicking the first three goals, but the Magpies quickly fought back, despite the absence of several of their big names. Jamie Elliott’s six goals and Freo’s inability to hit targets were telling in this game. Final score, Collingwood 97 defeated Fremantle 83. Friday night’s game between St Kilda and Carlton was ‘Spud’s game’ in tribute to Danny Frawley. The game helps raise awareness of and funds for mental health in Australia. It was a low-scoring arm-wrestle for most of the night with the Blues’ twin forward threats of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow proving the difference. Carlton won 11.11.77 to St Kilda 9.8.62 with McKay and Curnow contributing three goals each.
Melbourne took the game up to Hawthorn on Saturday for the first three quarters. In the final term, the Hawks raced away to record a 35-point victory. Essendon got off to a flier in their game versus Sydney and opened up a 33-point lead in the second quarter thanks to very accurate kicking. The Swans rallied late but fell short by 8 points. The Gold Coast hosted the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night. Both teams have been in good form this season. The Suns withstood a last quarter Bulldogs’ fightback to win 15.16.106 to 14.12.96. The win keeps the Suns in fourth place on the ladder. The SA ‘Showdown’ between Adelaide and Port Adelaide is a keenly anticipated match and this one lived up to the hype. It was another tough, hard game, featuring lead changes and a close finish. The Crows prevailed, 13.11.89 to 12.12.84.
On Sunday, the WCE came agonizingly close to winning their first game of the season when they played Richmond at the MCG. There were 25 lead changes in the game, but at the final siren, Richmond was in front by 2 points. At Geelong, the GWS Giants recorded their fifth win in a row at GMHBA Stadium with a thrilling 4-point victory over the Cats. Geelong failed to convert two late set shots, which cost them dearly. In the final game, North Melbourne surprised premiers Brisbane, rallying in the second half to get a draw versus the defending premiers. Each team earned 2 points, and all of us got a correct tip for the draw.
Tipping
Congratulations to Barney 2 and Maggies 25, who tipped 9 winners this week—terrific tipping by both of you. Barney 2 wins the $20.00 dining credit at the club by virtue of being closer than Maggies 25 on the margin game. In fact, Barney 2 tipped a 14-point Collingwood win last Thursday night, so he was spot on with his margin.
Heaver13 remains on top of our overall ladder, but there has been movement right behind him in the peloton. Our first 20 tipsters are within 3 points of each other.
Leaderboard after Round 9
Heaver13 59
Naples Road 58
Big D 58
Thrice Winner Hullsy 57
Warragul Lynda 57
Valerderos1964 57
Andy Mul 56
CazzaSG 56
Pies London Fan 56
LamboM 73 56
Flying Doctor 56
Super Storm 56
The Urq 56
Connor 103 56
Martin Hunt 56
Bondy07 56
Huwp 56
CK1 56
CD Saint 56
Bruce McBriar 56
Weazr1 56
The first game of Round 10 will be played at TIO Stadium in Darwin between the Gold Coast and Hawthorn this Thursday night. Please place your tips.