The annual Grand Final cavalcade of the retired stars is rumored to be being shelved this year as a new company takes over the responsibility of the pre game entertainment. One reason bandied around for the change is that there is a chance of rain and the cars would get bogged on the hallowed MCG turf. What, rain in Melbourne?
Some players who will miss out on their car ride around the ‘G will be Carlton champ Anthony Koutafides and Luke Darcy of the Western Bulldogs who both retired this week. Others who will most likely join these two luminaries will be Nathan Buckley, James Hird, Glenn Archer and Fraser Gehrig although the latter is being encouraged to play on.
Last weeks round opened when the Western Bulldogs hosted the West Coast. And the Weagles gave the Bulldogs there second straight thrashing getting home by 87 points. The Bulldogs have become the Geelong of 2007 disappointing fans of their own and footy followers in general. But back to the Weagles who were at their clinical best. They were best served by gun mid fielders Daniel Kerr and Chris Judd. Enigmatic forward Quentin Lynch slotted thru 5 for his team and Saigon's favourite player Brett Staker got 4.
Carlton showed a lot more fortitude when they faced up to St. Kilda under care taker coach Brett Ratten. St. Kilda looked to be in cruise control but the Blues kept coming back at them and the Saints only got home by 10 points. Not a lot of highlights from this game and a lot of Fishers and Fischers running around. Unfortunately no loaves for the Carlton team.
Geelong continue to impress while the Mentals continue to regress. Did not see any of this game but New Zealander Mark Wildblood reckons Geelong played well. They must have as playing away they won by 68 points with little fella Matthew Stokes kicking five goals and another BOG from Gary Ablett.
Brisbane traveled to the MCG to take on Collingwood who were looking to bounce back after a defeat a week earlier. But like they have throughout the naughties, Brisbane handed the cold ‘Pies a thrashing. An opening 7 goal first quarter blitz set the scene and Collingwood were never in the hunt. Dread locked Jared Brennan ran riots for the Bears kicking 7 goals with Adcock ( and what do you get) 4. No-one of note for poor old Collingwood.
A good old fashioned belting was handed out to Richmond by the revitalized Sydney team. 6 sausage rolls to Barry Hall, 4 to Nick Davis and a total of 10 to the entire Tiger team tells the story. Jolly and Goodes were best for Sydney. No-one of note for the boys from Tigerland.
It was a clash of the second and third teams on the ladder when Hawthorn hosted the Kangaroos at A Roar Ra Stadium, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. To be perfectly honest for most of the match it looked like an under 11 game that were using a square football. 3 "junk" goals late in the final quarter made the Hawks look good but they deserved to be beaten by 15 goals. Enough said about this game and my best player was Horatio Cain of CSI Miami.
The "Say good bye to Sheedy" carnival kicked off last Sunday and the Essendon turned up for the party by delivering a 2 goal victory over the Ravens from Adelaide. Matthew Lloyd led the way for the Bombers with 5 majors and he was well supported by son of Tim, Jobe Watson in the mid-field. Tyson Edwards continued his good from for Adelaide. Do you believe in miracles, go Bombers.
Port Adelaide moved to third spot on the ladder when they belted Melbourne by a record 89 points at AAMI Stadium.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
Dear Digger,
Have you heard any news on what is happening for the Grand Final of the AFL in Ho Chi Minh City for season 2007. Rumors abound but I know that you will have your finger on the pulse.
Regards,
Footy Fan
Hi Footy Fan,
Yes, I have got the early scoop for you. The event will be held on Grand Final Day again at The Legend Hotel. It is rumored that former Carlton great and mosquito fleet member Rod Ashman will be the special guest. The funds generated will again go to the Loreto Australia - Vietnam Foundation and the event will be a great day. More details as they come to hand.
Digger
Is this weeks game between the Western Bulldogs and St. Kilda be the end of the road for one of the teams finals aspirations in season 2007? This clash between 9th and 10th teams on the ladder should be a ripper. The Saints appear to be coming good at the right end of the season while the Bulldogs continue their disappointing season. This could be the final season for a few bullies and this weeks retirement of Luke Darcy could be a Sheedy like catalyst. The outcome will be decided by the height factor and the Saints win this easily. St. Kilda to triumph in a close fought encounter.
Carlton take on Collinwood and while the Blues were better last week and the ‘Pies got flogged it will be a similar outcome for the embattled Blues. Collingwood to bounce right back and the Carlton boys to suffer another defeat.
Geelong to kick this weeks sweep when they host Richmond at Kardinia Park this Saturday. The only doubt that Digger has on the Geelong side is the said inclusion of former captain Stephen King. He should have hung the boots up by now having played one decent game in three years. Still, they are only playing Richmond. Another 3 Brownlow votes on the horizon for baby Jesus.
The first local derby on the weekend takes place in Adelaide with the Ravens clashing with cross town rival Port Adelaide. The Ravens season is certainly over if they cannot beat Port but Port are flying with the Cornes boys and Ebert, Burgoyne and the likes in red hot form. Port lead the head to head clashes 13 - 9 and will extend this this weekend.
Sydney come to Melbourne to meet Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and that is about how many mentions the Melbourne team will get when best players are discussed. Sydney to win and win easily consolidating their place in the eight and continuing their annual late season barn storming form.
Hawthorn are starting a slide down the ladder and their form of late has not been at all flash. Both Lance "Buddy" Franklin and his likely opponent Dustin Fletcher were late withdrawals last week and this match up holds the key to the outcome to this game. Players do not beat Fletcher twice very often and by winning this match up will see the carnival continue. Do you believe in miracles? Digger does and a 19 point victory for the ‘Dons.
The Western Australian derby is the final match of the weekend and as usual form would see the West Coast winning by a large margin. However this is one clash that the Mentals always get themselves up for and one must consider a boil over. All the Weagles have to do is hold Matthew Pavlich and in form full back Darren Glass is just the man for the job. Fremantle fans will be the unruly mob they always are but this will not be enough to overcome the truly great Weagle team.
Remember, any questions to Digger can be sent to diggerafl@yahoo.com.au
Digger
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