Craig Bolton of Sydney and Brad Miller of Melbourne in action during the AFL Round 17 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at Manuka. Slattery Images
In 2004 the Swans were the first team to defeat St Kilda. Could history repeat 5 years later? The Saints have to travel up to Sydney where they have only won nine times in 23 attempts.
Having spent a number of years up there as an assistant coach, Ross Lyon is well versed as to the brand of football which is the most effective at the SCG.
St Kilda will be all too well aware about what happened in 2004 and this should snap all complacency out of them – that is if any exists in the first place. You can bet your bottom dollar that they won’t be skipping training and going to the movies instead this week.
Tanking
The tanking discussion continues to fester although it isn’t clear what to make of Terry Wallace’s comments given that the Tigers seemed to be more competitive when he let go of the reins.
The irony of tanking is that it is because of the clubs’ intense competitive nature that they tank. Why win a meaningless game today when it means you can pick up one of the best players in the land?
As for the solution – who really knows? The AFL shouldn’t feel alone here – the NBA has a lottery in place and the amount of tanking there seems to be far worse.
Collingwood, or wouldn’t, do it for Buckley
It was a good week for Collingwood on-field, while it was a distracting one off it. They broke a run of three straight losses to Carlton and in doing so dealt the Blues’ finals hope a big blow. They also shored up their own claims for a top four finish.
As for the off-field, after much speculation it appears as though Nathan Buckley is going to serve an apprenticeship under Mick Malthouse. This should be a win-win outcome for both parties giving Buckley the experience of coaching in an AFL environment, while giving the Magpies the inside running to his services.
Eighth is enough for whom?
Who is going to finish in eighth spot? Essendon are in the eight now but only on percentage. The Bombers sit on eight wins along with Hawthorn and Port Adelaide. All three teams lost on the weekend as did Carlton who have nine wins.
The Swans have seven wins, but with their poor percentage and tough draw, appear to be unlikely to make the finals. Will experience get the Hawks over the line?
Rise and Fall of WA football
They may have played out a pulsating derby, but with their teams sitting in second last and third last, WA football fans don’t have much to cheer about. With their superior infrastructure you would expect the Eagles to bounce back before the Dockers.
The Dockers have never really gelled in the AFL and one can only wonder how long they are allowed to drift until the AFL steps in.
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There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.
Multicultural round was changed in 2018 showing that the AFL have not been as committed to multiculturalism as they should be.
Collingwood led by a point with minutes to go, Kyle Langford had the chance to be the hero with a set shot, however, he missed, and we saw the first draw of the season.
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