Round 14 included many controversies in umpiring decisions, some close games, some blockbusters and some surprise results. I’ll take you through the latest round of AFL football and review my tips.
Who won the big Saturday arvo blockbuster?
Hawthorn but not by much. The Pies came out ready to inflict an upset. Jarryd Roughead scored the first major before Clinton Young scored his side’s first goal against his old club. The sides went goal for goal in the first term before a quick double by Luke Breust gave the Hawks an eight-point quarter-time lead.
Hawthorn threatened to burst the game open in the second quarter, but the Pies reeled in a three-goal lead to just nine points with a brilliant Travis Cloke major on the half time siren, which was set up by a dashing run by Young.
The third quarter swung in Collingwood’s favour, as a Cloke dribbler brought the margin back to two points. Even though Cloke scored a fifth goal through a magnificent set shot kick, the Hawks finished the Pies and some late goals made sure that the margin was only 29 points. It’s hard to blame a game on umpires, but it’s interesting to think what might have happened if Scott Pendlebury wasn’t called for illegal disposal and the Pies still had the momentum.
That’s what makes AFL such an interesting game and proved that Saturday afternoon is still the best timeslot for AFL footy.
Did the Suns produce a great win?
Yes. The Cats have now well and truly dropped off from their form from the past few years, as the Suns produced their second huge win of the season as they make a statement towards their hopes to play finals footy.
Geelong started off well and obtained a two-goal lead throughout the first half but the Cats tapered off as Gary Ablett scored his first win against his old team.
Gold Coast have a great chance of making the finals. If the Suns can maintain their fitness and form then they can scrape into the top eight for their first time ever. Ablett may have made the right choice overall.
Did Melbourne do it again?
No. This time they met a team that was just too good. North Melbourne blew away any chances of another comeback victory in the third quarter by slamming on five goals in ten minutes, just like they did against Richmond a few weeks back.
The 41-point margin could have easily been way more as the Dees managed to defensively stop the Roos before they could absolutely massacre the Demons.
Melbourne will still hold their heads high after an amazing season so far, while the Roos will crave some consistency as they look towards finals.
Tips
I tipped 6/9 correct, with the incorrect games being Collingwood-Hawthorn, Essendon-Adelaide and GWS-Carlton.
Sidenote: I was 11 off for my margin on Port/ Bulldogs and 6 off for Melbourne-North Melbourne.
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Diplomatically answered, Darcy!
For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
Old mate summing it up better than anyone possibly could!
