The big topic this week is the possible return of State of Origin matches in 2008 which is the 150th anniversary of the invention of the game of Aussie Rules.
Wouldn’t it nice to see Chris Judd and Jonathan Brown running around in the Big V. Matthew Pavlich playing for South Australia and all the Sandgropers back in the W.A. state jumper.
There are many options for teams but some suggestions are,
Victorian Metro V Western Australia
Victorian Country V Western Australia
Queensland/NSW/ACT V The Rest
And who are the rest? Well let’s put Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the “ex-pats” together. We have Peter Bell with Korean heritage and there at least 4 Irishmen playing in the AFL. And do not forget the Tiwi islanders.
Bring it on! Bich Ngoc could be a water girl.
Last Friday night St. Kilda traveled to Perth to play Fremantle. In a totally one sided contest the Mentals seem to have their season back on track and in a good display beat the Saints by 46 points. The Saints suffered another injury this time veteran Robert Harvey pulled a hammy. The aforementioned Peter Bell was amongst the Fremantle best.
The Ravens flew into Telstra Dome and meet a full on Carlton side who blew the Adelaide team away in the first quarter opening blitz. Maybe it as the missing “Jose” who sparked the Blues. Jose was supposed to play the didgeridoo before the game but when officials ‘phoned him to see where he was they discovered he was at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney. Back to the game and the Ravens rallied well to lead by 24 points at half time. Carltonrd quarter and Adelaide drew away in the final stanza. bounced back in the 3
Down to Tassie next when on Saturday the Hawthorn team continued their love affair with Aurora Stadium by defeating West Coast. The Hawks had a 3 goal lead at half time but scores were level at the long break. A 7 goal third quarter by the hawks blew the game apart and at the end they were 35 point winners. Unsung Heroes for the Hawthorn team were Lewis, Young, Gilham and McGlynn with the latter bound for super stardom. Darren Glass was again in the Weagles best.
Brisbane who had a good start to the season have suffered another defeat this time at the hands of Collingwood on their home ground the ‘Gabba. The game was very tight for the first three quarters but Collingwood finished full of running, the Lions looked slow, and the hot pies won convincingly by 33 points. Best for the ‘pies were Ben Johnson (not the disgraced Canadian sprinter) and Tarkyn Lockyer. Brown and Black among the best for Brisbane.
Heart break again for Richmond when a free kick and 50 metre penalty against Matthew Richardson. What should have been a win for the Tigers turned into a win for Essendon and the Richmond boys remain winless. Hats off to Richo however as he played just a week after having his eye socket broken in 3 places. This is the courage that playing Aussie Rules is all about. However, Essendon supporters would say that if they kicked straight they would have one easily. Scott Lucas kicked goals of his own and contributed to other for the Dons while Bret DeledioRichmond. played his best game of football for
Hailed as the big Victorian hope in the pre-season, the Western Bulldogs slumped to 10th possy on the ladder after a humiliating defeat to Sydney at sunny Manuka Oval in Canberra. The only bright side for the Dogs was the effort of Brian Harris who held key Swan forward Barry Hall. Michael O’Loughlin was sublime for Sydney and had great support from Darren Jolly in the ruck. Sydney won this anti climatic clash by 43 points.
Melbourne cannot find a way to win but by playing 4 quarters of football would be a good start. In the first 3 quarters of the game they kicked a grand total of 4 goals and the Kangaroos looked home and hosed. However the Demons kicked into another gear in the final quarter and booted 7 for the quarter. Andrew Swallow (nicknamed Spitter), not known for his long kicking, booted one from outside the 50 arc inside the last minute and gave him team a one point win.
A Geelong finally the real deal? The Cats lead by 71 points at half time in their clash with Port Adelaide in last weeks Sunday twilight game. The Power won the second half of the game but this was of little consolation and they still went down by 56 points. Jimmy Bartel continued his excellent 2007 form and had a great ally in Joel Corey The Cornes brothers were best for Port. Why can’t Port fill the AAMI stadium? who had a mountain of possessions.
Diggers letterbox was empty again this week so no LETTEROF THE WEEK. Send your comments, questions or any other type of correspondence to diggerafl@yahoo.com.au
Friday night the 1st of June, the start of winter in Australia, brings us the clash between Collingwood and Fremantle at the ‘G. These 2 teams last meet and it was at the ‘G where the Mentals, on a roll, inflicted a 15 point loss upon the ‘Woods. Collingwood fans are sure to give a former ‘Pie Chris Tarrant a torrid reception but Tarrant is the type to use this in his favour and if he has a big one the mentals are a chance. Collingwood will not use Josh Fraser in the ruck and he will play as a tall forward. He is the key. For Digger, the ‘Pies to prevail in a close one.
Melbourne host the Ravens and are overdue for a win. Adelaide, while winning form is good form have not been overly impressive and have a long list of injuries. Look for the Demons to have their first win of the year.
West Coast have lost 2 of their past 3 and the Kangaroos are have the hot streak in the league going with 6 successive victories. Diggers analysis of the last few seasons says not many teams put together more than 6 on the trot and with the game being played in Perth, the West Coast should win.
Richmond are still looking to break the duck in season 2007 and will find it hard work against a team who reckon they can make the finals. Richmond to win.
Sydney will continue on their winning way when they take on Essendon at the SCG on Saturday night. Maybe the Swans can find Jose and give him a gig at half time as the difference in this game will be the form of Micky O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes. Essendon do have the fire power to trouble the Swans but not this week and Sydney to continue on their merry way.
Hawthorn have been the real surprise packet this season so far and with the Weagles scalp last week will been keen to keep the winning formula in their scrap against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. The Hawks travel well and will need to again this week as the Power will be keen to get back on the winners list. However, momentum is a wonderful thing and this points to another Hawk victory.
Crunch time for the Western Bulldogs and this should be enough for them to rise above a young Carlton team. Brian Harris will need to hold Fevola and young “Vin” Waite impressed last week and can further enhance his name with another strong showing. For me, the Bulldogs.
Geelong again have the Sunday twilight game and this time take on St. Kilda. These two teams have hugely differing form with the pussies running hot and the injury ravaged Saints meek and mild. Stephen Milne will tag young Ablett and Matthew Scarlett will try and put Gehrig off his game. Although these teams have fought out some fantastic battles in the last few seasons you cannot go past the Geelong teams fine form and they shall inflict another loss on the Saints.
Digger
