It only took one week for the umpires to again display their inability to apply the rules as they exist. There are so many lines on the ground that when an umpire doles out a 50 metre penalty that they should get it right or at least close to right.
In last weeks Collingwood versus Kangaroos game, umpire Wenn gave a 50 metre penalty for a mark clearly taken inside the 50 metre arc. Most experts said the mark was taken 46 metres out from goal which should have placed the recipient in the goal square with the man on the mark on the goal line. Not according to Wenn, 46 - 50 = 8. What about umpires Where and what? Of course what happens is the goal was missed and the Kanga's lost the game after a spirited fight back from the Magpies in the last quarter when all this happened. This was one of the few games where Trigger tipped correctly. Hot Pies.
Melbourne's usual fast start to the season was not on show in Rd 1 when they were extinguished by St. Kilda last Friday night. After an even first half, the Saints took control in the second half when the Demons suffered a couple of injuries. Big Fraser Gehrig was in good form up forward for the Saints while the Melbourne team had skipper David Neitz leading the way for his team. The St. Kilda team may finally live up to their promise.
Fremantle were being tipped as the boom team in season 2007 and after an 8 goal opening term looked to be over the line against the Port Power. But with 13 goals to 6 in the second half had Mr. Smug smugly saying that this was the teams best win since he has been coach the Power had powered to an unexpected win. Richmond discard David Rodan led the way for Port and Freo's magic man Pavlich will once gain be a thorn in all teams plans to topple Fremantle.
An ugly win was how most scribes described Brisbane's win over the hapless Hawthorn. Enough said about these two teams this week.
West Coast and Sydney continued their recent
history of close matches with the margin in lasts weeks game the same as in last years Grand Final, 1 point. 65,500 fans saw the Weagles come out smoking in the first quarter with 6 straight goals. Chris Judd was again a dominant factor for his team and was ably supported by Seaby and Sellwood. It was a even effort for the Swans but this game was one that they would have penciled in for a win given the Weagles "strange" preseason.
Essendon pulled off a major upset when they traveled to Adelaide and beat the Ravens. Scott Lucas was in great form for the Bombers and slotted through 7 majors and to his team mates surprise hand balled off for his team mates to kick another 2.
Of course, it may be early days again, but the strong demonstration by its senior players, especially Lucas, Lloyd, James Hird and Dustin Fletcher, the resilience of recruit Mal Michael, and the newfound dash best shown by first-game player Leroy Jetta, suggests Essendon really can climb the ladder after finishing 13th and 15th in previous seasons. Go Leroy.
The Western Bulldogs completely outclassed Geelong at the Telstra Rink and Digger has shortened his odds on Geelong coach Mark Thompson being the first coach sacked in 2007. No flair or team spirit from his players and again no plan B being put forward by the coach. The Bulldogs completely outshone the Cats and club champion Brad Johnson kicked a career best 8 goals in an evergreen performance. The western Bulldogs will be a force to be reckoned with this Premiership season.
Richmond led for most of their match against Carlton but managed to go down by 17 points when they went to sleep in the final term. Nuff said.
This weeks predictions by Digger are,
St. Kilda to beat Brisbane on the Brisbane home ground.
Sydney to beat Richmond at the ‘G.
West Coast Eagles to bring the Collingwood faithful back to earth with a resounding win in the West.
Dare I sat it! Geelong to bounce back with a win over Carlton at the rink on Saturday night.
Port Power to easily beat the Kangaroos in Adelaide.
Essendon to continue their resurgence in a close one over the mentals.
The Western Bulldogs to continue their winning ways over the Ravens.
Melbourne to inflict a further defeat on the hapless Hawks.
A bigger and better Digger will be back next week with Letter of the Week and more favourites.
Cheers,
Digger
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