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Hopefully you aren’t comatose yet after your chocolate binge, because it’s time for some history. We’ll bring you all the live action as it happens from 1.10pm AEST as North Melbourne take on GWS Giants.
The reasons we’re in for some history today isn’t because it’s the GWS Giants’ first away game, or their first contest against North Melbourne.
Today’s match is at Blundstone Arena (formerly Bellerive Oval) in Hobart – the first time the AFL has played at the venue.
For footy followers, the dimensions are similar to Etihad Stadium (Blundstone 160m x 124m, Etihad 159.5m x 128.8m).
For sporting followers (that’s why you’re here), you’re probably still coming to terms with Bellerive Oval having a different name. So, let’s just call it Hobart for now while you acclimatise yourselves.
To the game itself – North Melbourne should win and win well, plain and simple.
Greater Western Sydney is the newest kid on the block and we can’t expect the team to be winning in game number two.
Having said that, it was Easter last year when the Gold Coast got their first win on the board against Port Adelaide (admittedly they were playing their fourth game in their history).
So for those holding out hope of an Easter miracle… I offer you that little bit of hope.
Today’s an important day for the $6m man Tom Scully. This will be the first time he plays for points for the Giants since his move from Melbourne.
There will be a lot of focus on him throughout the match, but is it warranted in a brand new team?
He will also have Luke Power making his club debut, after missing last week with a hamstring injury. We won’t be seeing the return of Dean Brogan – he continues to be out with his back not 100 percent, meaning we’ll see more of Jonathon Giles in the ruck.
We saw GWS coach Kevin Sheedy send everyone back when they were under attack by the Swans in round one.
We’ll probably see more of the same during the match, but hopefully with the inclusions of Scully and Power there might be a longer fight.
For the Kangaroos, it’s a matter of making sure they stick to their structures, sticking to their game plan and not getting sucked into elementary mistakes.
It’s no secret coach Brad Scott wants to see more from Todd Goldstein and Hamish McIntosh in the rucks this week.
They will have been hurting all week from their 2 point loss to Essendon at Etihad in round one (which is the equivalent of two Lindsay Thomas kicks on goal). So let’s see how aggressive they are today to write that wrong.
The Kangaroos will be hoping to impress their new faithful in Hobart – it’s a six game deal over three years.
Their president James Brayshaw’s done a lot of ground work to make this successful. Now, it’s up to the players to do the right thing.
There’s a few questions that need answering, and we’ll attempt to do that from 1.10pm AEST. So make sure you join in here and leave your comments on the game in the space below.
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.