The 2014 AFL season keeps throwing us curve balls. After another massive round of footy, the ladder has shifted once again.
I’ll review the big matches and my tips.
Richmond won their biggest match of the year
The Tigers dug deep and showed a lot of heart to pull off a stunning Friday night victory that has made the footy public take notice.
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST AFL HIGHLIGHTS:
>>Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers
>>GWS Giants vs North Melbourne Kangaroos
>>Carlton Blues vs Gold Coast Suns
>>Hawthorn Hawks vs Melbourne Demons
>>Port Adelaide Power vs Sydney Swans
>>Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers
>>St Kilda Saints vs Western Bulldogs
>>West Coast Eagles vs Collingwood Magpies
>>Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows
It will be very hard for them to make finals, but the Tigers will at least give fans some hope after six consecutive wins.
Brett Deledio kicked the first and raised the level of the Richmond faithful, before Essendon settled into a rhythm. The Dons then controlled most of the first quarter, with an even first half ending with Trent Cotchin converting after the siren to put his team a goal in front.
They then never looked back as Dustin Martin produced some third quarter magic, before Jason Winderlich rallied the Bombers. Sadly enough for Essendon, it wasn’t enough.
Richmond prevailed, but have their hardest task of the year next year in Adelaide.
Were Port good enough?
No. They were pretty good and definitely lifted after last year’s devastating loss to Collingwood, but they just couldn’t match a Sydney outfit that have become accustomed to winning.
Port Adelaide kept within three goals of the Swans, but just weren’t good enough to close the cap, as Sydney proved their worth in a strong away win.
Port have to build on last week’s improvement; they will be knocked out in the first week of finals if they don’t improve soon.
Sydney can keep on building and prepare to reach their peak in September – they are sailing smoothly as ever.
Tipping
I tipped 7/9, with my incorrect games being Essendon versus Richmond, and Collingwood versus West Coast.
As a side note, I was six points off for the margin of the Carlton versus Suns game, 15 off for the Bulldogs versus Saints game and 16 off for the Power versus Swans game.
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.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
The Western Bulldogs player collapsed in the centre of the ground after copping a hit from Jake Stringer - appearing dazed before playing out…
All class from the Bombers star.
That'll teach Craig Kelly to have a son who plays for Essendon!
"I thought I was a chance for a little one on the goal line!"
Draper's Dons got the win - but his SuperCoach team might not be so lucky!
