Hi everyone,
On the Field
Last Thursday night, North Melbourne finally got back on the winner’s list with a 23-point victory over the Western Bulldogs. It was the Northerners’ first win over the Bulldogs since 2019. On Friday night, the Brisbane Lions bounced back emphatically from their horror loss to the Blues last week to trounce Hawthorn 18,17.125 to 8.10.58. The 143-point turnaround was impressive, but a long way from the five biggest turnarounds in the last 50 years. FYI, in 1992, Hawthorn achieved a 235-point turnaround; in 1979, Melbourne achieved a 219-point turnaround; Melbourne again in 1991, 210 points; Collingwood swung things their way by 206 points in 1979 and Brisbane in 1993 by 205 points.
The most exciting game of the round was played at the MCG on Saturday afternoon between Fremantle and Melbourne. There were 9 lead changes before the Dees emerged with a thrilling 17.11.113 to 17.7.109 victory. The Dockers have been far and away the dominant team this season, but they don’t get to play on the MCG often and will no doubt be disappointed that they didn’t take the four points this week. In other Saturday games, the Sydney Swans consolidated second spot on the ladder with a thumping 97-point victory over Port Adelaide at the SCG, while Geelong crushed Essendon by 67 points at GMHBA Stadium. Adelaide hosted Richmond and needed to win to keep pace with Brisbane & Melbourne, but they made hard work of it. The Tigers left a lot of goals out there as the Crows squeaked home 9.9.63 to 7.12.54.
On Sunday, the Gold Coast Suns finally ended their ten-game losing streak when they recorded a narrow 11.13.79 to 11.11.77 win over GWS at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The loss dents the Giants’ chances of making this year’s finals. Collingwood moved up to 8th position with a hard-fought 19-point victory over the West Coast Eagles in Perth. Nick Daicos again proved the difference in leading the injury-riddled Magpies to an important victory.
The final game of round 22 saw St Kilda square off against Carlton in ‘Spud’s Game’ at Marvel Stadium. The game, in honour of former St Kilda star Danny Frawley, raises awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. It was the second game of a double-header, which featured the AFLW match earlier in the day, also between St Kilda and Carlton.
The Blues improved their chances of making the top ten with a 16.10.106 to 8.14.62 victory over the injury-hit Saints.
Tipping
Congratulations to Danger Dee, Gazza, PG Tips, Will Crothers, Darty, Yehno and John Naughton who were our top tipsters this week with 7 winners. GPD49er retains his narrow lead at the top of our leaderboard.
Leaderboard after Round 22 (including the cumulative margins in brackets)
GPD49er 141 (646)
John Naughton 140 (610)
Jeremy Posner 140 (620)
Big D 139 (594)
Tedwood068 139 (614)
Flying Doctor 139 (624)
Croc Junior 138 (558)
Cazza SG 138 (564)
Richard Jones 138 (594)
Pauline Dallimore 138 (599)
Fremantle will host Adelaide this Friday night as the Dockers look to clinch top spot. Have a lovely week.