Hi everyone,
I will be running a FIFA World Cup tipping competition during this year’s tournament, which starts soon on 12th June and runs for 5.5 weeks. If you follow the ‘World Game’ (or know somebody who does) and would like to participate, please reply via return email, and I’ll send you the details. There will be a $20.00 entry fee, prizes will be distributed throughout the tournament, and my competition will be set up on the ESPN site we are all familiar with.
AFL
On the field
This past week, attention was focused on Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, who played career game #433 on Saturday to break Brent Harvey’s previous mark, which had stood for the last decade. In the game itself, the Magpies did just enough to hold off a competitive challenge from the visiting West Coast Eagles to emerge victorious by 10 points. In other close games, North Melbourne produced a barnstorming finish at Marvel Stadium on Saturday to run over the top of Gold Coast. The final score saw the ‘Roos 17.9.111 edge the Suns 16.9.105. Suns’ coach Damien Hardwick will be furious that his team coughed up a 43-point lead in this game, while it is another positive step forward for the Kangaroos. Another thrilling game unfolded at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the Western Bulldogs eking out a 3-point win (93-90) over Melbourne. There were four lead changes in the final quarter before a spilled mark by the Dees’ Harvey Langford deep in their forward line with about 20 seconds left, sealed Melbourne’s fate. The other close game this week saw Hawthorn defeat Adelaide 10.15.75 to 9.12.66 in Launceston. Last week was a tough one for the Hawks after the League advised them they would no longer be allowed to play home games at UTAS Stadium in Launceston once the new Tassie franchise joins the league. Hawthorn have been playing a couple of ‘home’ games at UTAS since 2001 and have a high winning percentage there.
There were some truly unexpected results in the other games. GWS shrugged off some pretty ordinary form in recent weeks to crush the defending premiers, Brisbane, by a whopping 13 goals (26.10 to 13.10) at ENGIE Stadium. The Giants exploded in the third term to kick 14 unanswered goals… a team record. On Saturday night at the Adelaide Oval, Carlton were untroubled in their 34-point win over favoured Port Adelaide. How are we to work these teams out? Geelong knocked Sydney from top spot on the ladder with an impressive 15.17.107 to 12.8.80 win over the Swans at GMHBA Stadium. This year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Essendon and Richmond went the way of the Tigers by 3 goals. It was another demoralising loss for the Bombers, who have dropped 22 of their last 23 games and currently sit in last place on the ladder. On Friday night, the Fremantle Dockers defeated St Kilda by 5 goals at Perth Stadium to notch their club record tenth straight victory. The win sees the Dockers a game clear at the top of the AFL Ladder. In their 31-year history, Freo have won only one minor premiership (2015) and reached one Grand Final (2013). These are heady times for them as they strive for their first premiership.
Tipping
Congrats to Campbell Martin, PG Tips , and Courtney Lynch, who led the way with 7 winners this week. Well done, as this was a difficult week for most tipsters. The big movers near the top of our overall ladder have been the Flying Doctor, whohas moved up to second spot and Tedwood068, who has cracked the top 10 for the first time this season.
Ladder Leaders after Week 11
John Naughton 76
Flying Doctor 76
Jeremy Posner 75
Romo 74
Tedwood 068 74
Cazza SG 73
P Dallimore 73
WJC Tipping 73
Caramondo 1 73
Big D 73
GPD 49er 73
Had a Gut Full 73
St Kilda will host Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium to begin Round 12 this Thursday night. Please place your tips.
Don