With the Western Bulldogs leapfrogging Fremantle on the ladder in the last couple of weeks, the AFL ‘romantics’ have begun to wonder if the valiant Dockers can regain that all-important 4th spot before September arrives.
It is common knowledge that without that second chance, the possibility of making it to that last day in September is far more unlikely, especially in comparison with those teams that finish in the top four. And even if by some miracle a team does make it against the odds, it is difficult see any team having the depth or stamina to be able to front up to the biggest day of the year after a very long finals series.
The Fremantle Dockers, the surprise packet this year, started like a house on fire, but have been inconsistent in their efforts throughout the year, losing games that were seemingly certain wins.
This be said, the Dockers have lost only six games this year, one of them to the rampaging Magpies, twice to St. Kilda and then shock defeats to the struggling Adelaide and Richmond. And don’t forget the comprehensive belting that they suffered at the hands of the Western Bulldogs only two weeks ago.
But with continuing injuries plaguing the Dockers, including first year prodigy Michael Barlow and ‘pocket rocket’ Hayden Ballantyne, the AFL community has begun to wonder if the fairytale run of the young Dockers can continue.
Of course, they smashed the struggling West Coast last week, and Geelong are yet to beat them in 2010. But they were smashed by the Western Bulldogs, haven’t beaten Collingwood and have gone down to the Saints twice this year. So can the Dockers make that top four?
Their last four games include the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium, the Swans at Subiaco, Hawthorn at Aurora, and the last match is against the unpredictable Blues at home.
These are all games that if they are genuine contenders, they should win, with the only real task being the Hawks in Tasmania.
The Western Bulldogs run home is marginally more difficult because of their game against Geelong in two weeks. They also have to meet Adelaide at AAMI Stadium this weekend, the Sydney Swans at the SCG, and Essendon on the questionable surface of Etihad Stadium.
As an underdog lover, I will be hoping for the Doggies to go down to Geelong, and for the Fremantle Dockers to march into their first finals series since 2006 with a genuine chance to take home the ultimate prize.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Speaking to Channel Nine, Collingwood supporter Justin Witcombe apologised for the incident with West Coast's Harvey Johnston that saw him banned for 12 months.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
The fan leaned over the fence at Marvel Stadium and touched West Coast youngster Harvey Johnston.
Joe Richards got met solidly!
Yeah, he's pretty good!
The Eagles star wasn't happy about being called for holding the ball.
