Co-broadcasters of AFL games this year and for the next 4 years the Ten Network are asking the AFL cadre to consider playing this years and subsequent years Grand Finals at night. Commandant Andrew, has poo pooed this idea but is considering a twilight Grand Final kicking off at 5.00 pm rather than the traditional 2.30pm start.
Digger considers this a move that only benefits the Ten Network and no-one else. You could start the game at mid night or 10.00 am and the MCG would still be full. The crowds would be drunker given that celebratory breakfasts would still occur. Probably have a few more on the ecky too to get them through the game. The argument is that all major sporting finales are played under lights so the Aussie Rules should do so.
Digger would like to hear your opinions. diggerafl@yahoo.com.au
Looked like it was going to be another dire night for Richmond when the Adelaide Ravens opened the match with a 7 goal first quarter. The Tigers fought back and it was an almost even game when the half time siren rang. The second half was tighter and the Ravens finally ended up 9 point winners. Not a bad result given the clubs injuries but no a good result given how woeful the Tigers have been. Scott Welsh slotted 5 majors for Adelaide and Matt Richardson had three goals before team mate Andrew Krakeour kicked him in the head and fractured his eye socket.
It always pays to listen to Digger. Digger tipped Essendon would bounce back given their coaches woes during the week. And they bounce back they did inflicting a 10 goal defeat against the Brisbane team. Maybe Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews will soon be under the pump. Veteran Bomber James Hird put in a vintage performance and Matty Lloyd kicked 4 big ones. Troy Sellwood was probably best for Brisbane.
It was one of those weekends for Fremantle when they traveled to Sleepy Hollow to take on the much improved Geelong. Firstly their plane was delayed 3 hours in Perth and them the team bus broke down between the Melbourne Airport and Geelong. The Geelong team, kicking against the strong breeze in the first quarter, kicked 6 and from them The Mentals could not get back in the game. Booze free Steve Johnson was the Cats leading goal scorer with 4 with former Fremantle captain Peter Bell kicking three in the final quarter for his team. Gary Ablett Jr. can now be considered amongst the games elite.
Described as ugly and possibly the worst game of AFL in 25 years, Hawthorn finally defeated St' Kilda by 28 points. ‘Nuff said.
It was known as Carrara but now known as Gold Coast Stadium this venue hosted the Kangaroos versus Carlton game. A free running game from both teams allowed numerous goal scoring chances and a total of 42 goals were kicked for the match. Fevola notched another 5 for the Blues and 5 also went to Shannon Grant of the ‘Roos. The two christian named played dominated for the ‘Roos with Grant, Thomas and Harvey among the best.
The Sydney Swans are back on track after defeated the Port Adelaide side on their own dung hill last Sunday. The Power still maintain second spot on the ladder despite their loss. COG (Cousin of God) played what was his best game of AFL football and he was well backed up by Michael O'Loughlin with 4 sausage rolls. Brett Ebert kicked for 4 the Power. The Swans who suffocated the Power but still managed to score a total of 17 goals ran out eventual winners by 31 points.
Are Collingwood starting to run out of legs after their unexpected good start to the season. Well it certainly looks that way after the Western Bulldogs came from 5 goals down to win by 5. Adam Cooney was top dog for the Bullies both around the ground and up forward and finished with 4 majors. Collingwood players are finding it hard to maintain form and for the last couple of games have relied on different players to carry them. Best for them this week was Tarkyn Lockyer.
Not too many injury excuses anymore for the Melbourne team who were humiliated when they traveled west to meet the Weagles. The Weagles bounced out of the blocks and never looked back outscoring the Demons in every quarter and eventually ran out 77 point winners. Chris Judd continues to fire and is again fave for the Brownlow with his chances further improved when team mate Daniel Kerr was rubbed out after this match. Travis Johnstone toiled away manfully for the Demons but really needs more support from his team mates.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
Dear Digger,
Three Sellwood brothers play for three different clubs, 2 Burgoyne brothers join 2 Cornes brothers at Port Adelaide while we see 2 Ablett brothers at Geelong. What other brothers have played together at AFL level.
Regards,
Howard I'no
Tonga
Dear Howard,
There have been many brothers playing for the same team over the history of AFL/VFL football. In eras passed, Colling had the Coventry's, Richards and Shaw brothers. Geelong had the Nankervis brothers who were also known as the Leyland brothers. But for me the best were the 4 Daniher brothers who thanks to Kevin Sheedy all played together in the one game. Brothers Neale, Terry, Chris and Anthony played together in round 22, 1990. Neale would have been the best but suffered serious knee injuries so he was second to Terry who had a stellar career. The boys were from the small town of Ungarie in New South Wales, current population 373. A grand family performance indeed.
Digger
Friday the 25th of May and the venue is Subiaco. Fremantle plays host to St. Kilda and will need to win with one to have any hope of a top 4 finish later in the year. Grant Thomas must be laughing his head off after being sacked last year. His replacement, Ross Lyon, has suffered team ravaging injuries and very indifferent form. His senior players such as Gehrig, Dal Santo and Riewoldt need to step up. Fremantle seem to rely too much on Pavlich and Tarrant and need small forwards to find form. As St. Kilda was dismal last week and the Mentals are playing at home Digger tips a win to Freo.
Next up see the clash between Carlton and Adelaide at the Telstra Dome on Saturday arvo. Credit where credit is due and this credit to the curator at the Dome where the surface is much improved. With all their injuries, the Ravens are still well placed and while not overly impressive against Richmond should have enough skill and endeavor to beat the Blues.
A battle of the big birds, the Hawks and the Eagles, will be an interesting clash at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. Hawthorn go well in Tassie and it is a long haul from Perth for the Weagles. Top full back Darren Glass will need to stop Buddy Franklin from scoring as Franklin is the Hawks only scoring option. Who will run with Judd? Who will run with Hunter? And Fletcher is back not flat on his back. The Weagles have too many guns and will win well.
The AFL website tells us that the Brisbane versus Collingwood match will kick off at 2.01pm. Should this be 2.10pm? Who knows but this website is still one of the worst going around. James Clement will need to be at his best in his match up with big Lion Jonathan Brown. Digger reckons this match will be won by the ruckman who can give his team first use of the ball, these days called clearances. This is where Brisbane has the edge and will see them back on the winners list.
Saturday nights are made for fighting and so it should be when Essendon and Richmond meet at the MCG. The winless Tigers form is not as bas as looks and have had a winning chance in 50% of their games. However, getting over the line has evaded them and with Richo out the task is difficult. Essendon looked very good last week but a little bit of inconsistency has assailed them. This match is the now annual Dreamtime match celebrating Aboriginal participation in the game. For the Tigers it would be a dream to win and for the Bombers it is time. Essendon for me.
Eighth versus ninth, the Western Bulldogs versus the Sydney Swans and time to stand up for both of these teams. The venue is Manuka Oval in the nations capital and is a Bulldog home game although the majority of support will be for Sydney. The key match up in this game is Shaun Higgins against Nick Malceski. These two relative unknowns have an important role to play in the outcome of the game and if Higgins can kick some goals the pups will be well on their way to kicking score. If not, the Swans will win. Digger is backing Malceski and his team mates. The Swans to sneak home.
The season surprise, the Kangaroos, take on the winless Melbourne and will win. Go Junkyard Dog.
And finally, second placed Port Adelaide host the Geelong team and anything can happen in this clash. 15 meetings between these two teams have seen both sides win 7 and there has been one draw. Was it the real Port beaten by the Swans last week or just an off night? Have Geelong turned the corner or about to disappoint their followers again? Brad Ottens is the key. If left forward by Mark Blake performing against seasoned Port ruckman Brendan Lade the Cat forward line looks so much better. Okay, so you know, Digger is tipping Geelong.
Remember all your AFL enquiries, questions and comments are welcome.
Digger
diggerafl@yahoo.com.au
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