Let’s have a look at the games shall we?
First off the Eagles looked pretty convincing against Essendon despite the Bombers narrowly leading at the first break and a good fight back in the last quarter.
The fact is the boys from the west are on a mission – and are doing a good job at it.
On Friday night Sydney started really well and lucky they did because Hawthorn fought back strongly through the second and third quarters. Even after losing Buddy Franklin with a hamstring injury, the Swans held on to prove they are not a one-man team.
This was a great game to watch as the fierce rivalry between these two stalwarts continues to thrill us all.
Melbourne won but only just over Fremantle and it’s fair to say that injuries to the Dockers may have played a part in the outcome.
Fremantle’s biggest problem is that their skills pool is very shallow and it doesn’t take much to drain it with a few injuries to key players.
Brisbane is out there and they are sending us all a very clear message,” Do not underestimate the Brisbane Lions”.
As for their hapless opponents this week the Saints, All I can say is keep an eye on the positions vacant column because it is my belief there will be another coaching position coming before the end of this season.
Who would have bet their life savings on Port not only beating the flag favourites Geelong but they did it in style by leading almost the entire game.
Let’s analyse this for a moment, yes the game was played in Adelaide and yes top teams tend to lose a game or two away from home. However come finals time it would only take one single game like this to oust the Cats from the finals.
Food for thought.
Okay the Magpies beat the Western Bulldogs but seriously this game could have gone either way.
All the stats were very even except for hitouts.
Collingwood smashed the Dogs 56 to 17. During the second quarter the scoring was pretty even with the Dogs holding the majority of lead time but come the third quarter and the Magpies turned up the heat and took control however in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter the Dogs fought back.
Sadly though it was a case of too little too late.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I agree the Pies playing average, poor even but thanks to some close wins they are still close enough for a big launch at it if and only if they can find some form. A belting of North by ten goals plus should kick it off.
Cat
Roar Guru
Its no guarantee though
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
And mine just a little.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
While '' Ross is the Boss'' its not going to change in a hurry.
Aus in Engerland
Roar Rookie
Shane, why do you say... 'It’s actually going to take “two games like that” to knock Geelong out this year.'? In 2018 Richmond finished on top, won in week one, had a weeks rest, lost in the prelim and went home. The Prelim, that's the one bad game that could kill Geelong.
StumpyPeter
Roar Rookie
“Fremantle just continues to create anxiety so no one can tip against them or bet on them” Well said!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Oh, Moggo! Freo's skills pool is deep. That's why they've done so well despite injury. Fyfe, Walters, Mundy, Hill, Ryan, Wilson, Hamling, Cerra, Langdon, Blakely, Darcy (as good a tap ruckman as there is)...it goes on. It is even deeper if you add the injured.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Authors can suggest titles and if the editors like them they won’t change them. Most of mine have gone straight through
Shane
Roar Rookie
It's actually going to take "two games like that" to knock Geelong out this year. Wheels would have to fall off like North in 2017 for Cats to miss the double chance. I understand you have to put lipstick on a pig, but I don't think too many Cats coaches or players are worried by that loss. For those keeping tabs, Geelong do their mid season heavy loads around the bye, and this year's was particularly hard. That is the reason behind our post bye record, nothing more.
Grand-Dag
Guest
Exactly my assessment Eagles best game of the year apart from the kicking at goal. Sydney won over a lackluster Hawthorne so West Coast will have to bring their 'Boys from the Betterland' to get a grip on an admonished Hawks. Fremantle just continues to create anxiety so no one can tip against them or bet on them. We should probably put Port in the same boat because you never know. Geelong will be there but top class pressure seems to undo them somewhat. Brisbane playing well enough to hit the eight but probably not go far into Spring. Crows are crowing at the moment but don't know for how much longer, last three games will be telling. Giants are playing good footy, menacing lower teams but have some tests coming up over the next six or seven weeks. And Collingwood. Played above expectations last year and playing well below expectations this year. Some wins but not a lot of good footy over the last four to six weeks. Then you could go all the way from Richmond down to the Bulldogs and mount a case for them making the eight - but for what purpose. This year is still open to conjecture and the positioning of teams in the eight can change dramatically with the final three rounds possibly churning things up.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
The author doesn’t get to choose the title.
AJ
Roar Rookie
The title isn't really relevant to the article itself.