On the Field
Ladder leaders, Fremantle recorded a 9-point victory over Geelong at Perth Stadium last Thursday night. It was an impressive victory over a quality opponent. Freo were a bit slow to get going after having the bye last week – they trailed by 22 points in the second quarter. They hit their stride in the second half to win 14.15.99 to 14.6.90, avenging their Round 1 loss to the Cats. It was Freo’s 13th straight victory, the most ever by a WA team, surpassing the West Coast Eagles’ 12-game win streak in 1991. Hawthorn travelled to the Gold Coast for an important game against the Suns at a venue where they hadn’t recorded a win since 2014. The game had major momentum shifts and at three-quarter time was up for grabs. The Hawks were the ones who stood tall in the final term, winning 17.11.113 to 14.13.97. The loss dropped the Suns back to 9th on the ladder while Hawthorn sits in third spot.
At the Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, the visiting Melbourne Demons had a great chance to defeat last year’s minor premiers, the Crows. After leading by 8 points at quarter time, the Demons squandered their many chances in the second term. After booting an accurate 5.0 in the first term, the goals dried up for the Dees and they managed only four more majors for the game. In the final term, the Crows broke away late to win by 17 points. Carlton stunned GWS at Engie Stadium in Sydney with a solid 12.16.88 to 9.11.65 victory. The Blues have now won 5 straight games under caretaker coach Josh Fraser and improved their record to 6-8 for the season. Only one game separates 9th-placed Gold Coast from 14th-placed Carlton on the ladder. On Saturday night, Collingwood overcame a slow start to defeat Port Adelaide by 27 points at the MCG.
In the Sunday games, North Melbourne defeated Richmond 10.13.73 to 6.12.48 at the MCG in a low-scoring game, while the Western Bulldogs accounted for St Kilda by 22 points at Marvel Stadium. The win pushes the Bulldogs up to 7th place on the ladder, while St Kilda remains in 12th position, level on points with GWS and Carlton.
Tipping
Congratulations to Greg Hayes, who cleverly tipped all 7 games correctly this week. Greg, you win the $20.00 dining credit at the club. The Flying Doctor has again burst away to a 2-point lead atop our leaderboard.
Flying Doctor 97
Tedwood068 95
Jeremy 95
Cazza SG 94
Big D 94
Romo 94
GPD 49er 94
Dazzling Do 93
John Naughton 93
Heaver13 93
Janb100 93
Brisbane will host Sydney at the Gabba this Thursday night to commence Round 16. Please place your tips.