Round 16 Preview

 Last Week           5/7           Season Total      86/128

The Straight of Hormuz is open, Fuel prices are down and Australia will (probably) make the knockout part of the World Cup.  Can life get any better?  Don’t answer that.

Let’s get straight into it.

Brisbane vs Sydney         Gabba   Thursday Night

Again, the week opens with the match of the round.  The reigning premier up against one of this year’s Premiership fancies.  There’s been a few close encounters between these two at the Gabba in the last few meetings, with the biggest margin in recent history being 16 points and a 2-2 win/loss record.  Both of these teams are coming off a bye so any rampant bye malaise will be shared out in equal portions.  Sydney gets Errol back, which is a strong name and Sydney will be full of plans to rob the rich, just like his namesake.  Although Sydney are probably the rich in this case, so it is a case of robbing the rich to pay the rich.  Lester comes back in for Brisbane which might free up Andrews to be his intercepting best.  I’m trying not to have a beer on Thursday night, but this might be a good night to settle in with a solid red ale before I watch the Australian girls try to raid another LPGA Major.  Brisbane by 12 points.

Hawthorn vs GWS           MCG      Friday Night

Annoyingly, Hawthorn are a good side.  GWS can be a good side too, it’s just a case of them wanting to be which doesn’t happen often.  Down at the MCG I can’t see any other result than a Hawks victory.  Hawthorn by 22 points.

Carlton vs West Coast                    Marvel Stadium               Saturday Afternoon

For Phil…

Once upon a time, 18 Princes gathered weekly in a park to play their favourite sport.  Unfortunately, they were ruled over by their cruel and evil stepmother, known throughout the land as The Voss.  She would conspire and confect new ways to get in their heads and lose at their favourite game.  Then, one day the happy-go-lucky Princes’ parents, The Board, banished The Voss and asked a shiny Prince Charming called Fraser to watch over the princes.  They flourished and began to enjoy their game, winning all the time and even playing musical instruments after the game had finished.  It was a fine time in the Kingdom of Lygon, and it seemed like the good times would never come to an end.  One day, 18 Eagles came to town and said, “I don’t think you can beat us. We’re kings of the Big Game”  A grand match was scheduled and the 18 Princes squared off against the 18 Eagles.  Could Fraser give them the freedom to enjoy victory once more?  Will we see a Trombone in the rooms afterwards?  Tune in next week for another installment in this grandest of fairytales.  Carlton by 10 points.

Collingwood vs Richmond           MCG      Saturday Afternoon

Last week The Pies took control of the match as Port Adelaide players went down one by one.  Richmond meanwhile stuck around for half a game before eventually relenting against the North Melbourne tide.  Richmond continues their learning journey this week as Collingwood strives to build some momentum in a listless season.  Collingwood by 28 points.

Port Adelaide vs Adelaide           Adelaide Oval   Saturday Night

The return Showdown for the year and this time it gets a fixture spot all on its own.  Port Adelaide will be reeling after losing some key players last week and Adelaide have hit their straps, and a win here might invoke the term Juggernaut.  Adelaide by 41 points.

North Melbourne vs Essendon  Marvel Stadium               Sunday Afternoon

A bye last week gave Essendon players a chance to go over Hird’s PowerPoint presentation before he submits it to the board for approval.  Word is that Solomon is not as savvy with PowerPoint and will rely on a puppet show to unveil his grand strategy.  I think the Board (or is it the factions) like the shiny look of a slick PowerPoint.  A good opportunity for North Melbourne to chalk up their 8th win of the season and consolidate a spot in the Wildcard rounds.  North Melbourne by 31 points.

Fremantle vs Gold Coast              Perth Stadium   Sunday Afternoon

The last match of the round promises to be a doozy.  Gold Coast need to get the lead out if they want to make a good show of the season and Fremantle will have revenge on their minds against the team that kicked them out of last years finals race.  If they get their act together, I think Gold Coast have one of the best midfields going around, but Fremantle’s is not too shabby and with their backs and forwards all aligned in a common goal they’ll be too strong at home.  Fremantle by 20 points.

It’s still Bye time.  Surely this is the last one?

Byes: Footscray, Geelong, St Kilda, Melbourne

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