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.
Redb
Roar Guru
Where is Malthouse from? Mars? Two flags as the coach of the West Coast Eagles - oppso Victorian coach has better rocrd than his current WA counterpart. I dont beleive this coach state=club connection. You get the best man for the job. What is more relevant is not to question of the origin state of the coach, but the mentality that just because they are premiership players they can coach. We have a predominance of Hawthorn and Essendon coaches in the system due to 1980's dominance. Gee the game might have changed a little since then don't ya think? Redb
Dave
Guest
The Crows coaches in order Cornes Shaw Blight Ayres Craig They have definitely done best with South Australian coaches though Ayres did get them to the finals three times.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Following on from WA's point, it's interesting to recall that the Crows thought their salvation rested in bringing in the hardness and discipline of a Victorian coach - enter Gary Ayres. But they were only half right. What they really needed was a South Australian well versed in all things Victorian - and Blighty duly delivered two flags in three seasons - a decent haul in anyone's language. Some funny observations from the Tagger at the back of the Age's sporting lift out today: 3. No chance Geelong will become another "team of the century" that only manges one in a row, is there? 6. When bulldog Scott Welsh ran on the ground for the final term - despite the fact that he was starting on the bench (resulting in a simple goal to the Saints), I wonder if the name Barry Hall suddenly flashed into Rodney Eade's head. 8. Have you heard Nathan Buckley wants a job? 10. WEst Coast tanks better than Freo.
Bob
Guest
David obviously did not watch the Swan's Sunday match with Melbourne that must have been the ugliest game in the last 5 years. The biggest problem was trying to determine who was the worst team. Melbourne won that honour by being worst in the one thing that really matters, goalkicking. Apart from not being able to pick up balls on the ground, find their team mates with either foot or hand passes, running too far without bouncing because nobody would lead (and this from the man who bounces the ball more than any player in the history of the game), taking each other out in tackles & marks and generally playing as if each player did not know who the other 21 people in red & white shirts were. the Swans were deserved winners. If they beat St Kilda next week every drug tester in Australia will be waiting in the SCG dressing rooms.
WA
Guest
The sooner Freo gets rid of their Vic coaching staff the better.
Redb
Roar Guru
Swans could lose by 100 points if the Saints kick straight.
megatron
Guest
Can't see it happening. Saints will only lose one, the Final to the Cats
LAINIE MERCIECA
Guest
I DON'T quite think so David :)