Silly Selections - Round 2

Carlton have a good recent history against the Bombers and despite the fact that they are a couple of defenders short for this match you can expect this form line to continue. The Roos are an expert side for providing reality checks but Essendon look to be in no shape to administer an additional dose to the Blues. Carlton might take a little while to shake off Essendon but should win quite comfortably in the end.

KANGAROOS by 14pts

The Swans were dead set flattered by the Hawks last week and will come crashing down to the frigid turf of Manuka with an almighty thud. The Roos are dirty on losing to Sydney there last season and will be keen to atone in this match. As long as Archer, Watts and Colbert remain sound at the back the Roos will be a reasonably tough opponent to crack.

MELBOURNE by 27pts

Plenty of people say the Dogs are barking again but Luke Darcy gave his midfielders an armchair ride against a Collingwood lineup bereft of Ruck options. This week Darcy will have to contend with Jeff White who is just a tad more experienced and accomplished than...er..what was that kid's name last week? Not too sure about Johnson and Smith in the forward six either as Melbourne's defence appears to be improving with every outing. The dogs will give a yelp but will go home without the bone this week.

GEELONG by 7pts

The Eagles were ordinary last week and were kept in check by what is a tragic lineup that is the 2005 Adelaide Crows. The Cats lineup will be strengthened and well rested after last week's walk in the park and as long as none of our players break a leg on that shite Putrico ground like last year, expect the Cats to reverse it's massive two point flogging we got last year. One thing you will not see however is a Geelong advantage in free kicks in the west. Just doesn't happen. Catters in an upset.

PORT by 3pts

This one is tough, as are both sides. While Port has overcome 0-2 starts in the past AND finished minor premiers but the 0-2 start is something that will not want to be repeated too often by the men from Alberton. The Lions showed that they are still a force last week but last year they smashed the Saints at the Gabba (and they had Reiwoldt for four quarters for that match)and as Gorilla Girl quite rightly points out, they are as undermanned as the Power are at the mo. With both sides less than what they can be look for the home ground advantage to prove decisive here.

FREO by 17pts

Cripes. I'm tipping Freo to win in bloody Tasmania, where Sandgropers just shrivel up and lose to such talented combinations as Hawthorn of 2004. However, I like Freo in this game because of the additional grunt provided by Carr and Black in midfield and Pavolavich will test the Sainter defence. No Riewoldt, with the G train still short of a run...it all points to Freo to start off 2005 in a big way.

COLLINGWOOD by 5pts

This game will be ugly with both teams piss farting about with the ball and cocking things up regularly. The Cows will win it out of the centre but will be repelled by Wakelin, Johnson and Clement who will rebound looking for Rocca and Tarrant. The Cows will own the centre but the Pies might not need many forward entries to kick a winning score against the underwhelming Crow forward line. The 3.50 for each team under 15.5 points looks to be a handy bet here. Collingwood just in a game that won't linger long in the memories of anyone unfortunate enough to witness it.

RICHMOND by 58pts.

The Tiggers will sail over the line against a team that does not have a lot to recommed it apart from a solid fighting spirit. Hawthorn won't roll over and that will be their advantage because if they can actually shock the world and kick four or five clear the Tigers will roll over and beg. However, I don't think the Hawks will kick clear and once Richmond get a bit of confidence I can see THEM kicking clear with plenty of goals to Richo and Nathan Brown. Plenty of Tigers are playing for their futures but the axe on the Hawk futures seem a bit more distant. Tigers need it more and should rack up another decent goal tally.

So there you have it folks. In this round I've selected a team with their two best backmen missing, Geelong to win away from Victoria, a team coming off a five day break, Freo to win in Tasmania and finally a side that has lost it's past 15 games. Get on the opposite and you could be on a winner here LOL.

regards,

REB

ps - Chuck em in would you Susso my good man.

r