Round 17 Preview

 Last Week           6/7           Season Total      92/135

The World Cup is in full swing and remarkably I have seen more goals scored (live) than I have seen in my entire life up until now.  Australia made it through to the knockouts and will face Egypt first up.  If we are the Socceroos, I wonder what Egypt are called?  The Asps?  The Square Pyramids (or the Pentahedrons, or the Johnson Solids?).  I guess they could be The Pharaohs, led by top striker, Tutankhamen?

Wimbledon has also started and we are a week away from the LPGA major at Evian and two weeks away from the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and then the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham.  It’s a key period in European sports and one that will keep me busy.  Busy as in sitting on my ass on the couch eating foods not good for me.  I’ve earned it…perhaps.

Geelong vs Brisbane      Kardinia Park     Thursday Night

The Lions came out and whacked Sydney last week showing the rest of the competition that they forget them at their peril.  Geelong took a break which came at a good time off the back of three losses in the past four.  They will be looking to build the rest of their season into the finals and keep Brisbane down in the lower half of the top 8 so they have to do all travel come finals time.  Brisbane won their last match up down at the Cattery but otherwise hadn’t won there since 2002, which makes it hard to gauge just how much of an advantage this might be for Geelong.  In the end, they may lose on the odd occasion but its really hard to go against The Cats at home.  Geelong by 18 points.

Sydney vs Footscray       SCG        Friday Night

The Swans got a bit of a lesson last week and it might have been a nice reality check into how good they thought they were going.  Footscray had the week off but will be buoyed by the fact that they have won the last couple up at the SCG.  But, like the first match, they may lose on the odd occasion but it’s hard to tip against Sydney at home.  Sydney by 18 points.

West Coast vs Adelaide                                Perth Stadium   Friday Night

The Big Birds playing against the annoying birds than no other animals seems to want near them.  If I were The Eagles, I wouldn’t want the Crown over here either.  They’ll be all fired up too after losing the Showdown.  Adelaide by 46 points.

Hawthorn vs Melbourne              York Park             Saturday Afternoon

The Hawks will be taking on the D’s, and they managed to drag them away down to Tassie for it too.  The Demons can’t seem to lose at home but can’t seem to win away so this suits Hawthorn very well.  Does anyone travel to Tasmania to watch these?  I just priced up a golf trip down there.  Let’s just say I’ll be saving for a few years for that one…or juxtapositionally spending more on lottery tickets.  Hawthorn by 34 points.

GWS vs Fremantle          Manuka Oval     Saturday Afternoon

Is there any chance that Fremantle might lose again this year?  I don’t think so.  Unless the cold ACT weather gets to them.  Fremantle by 27 points.

Gold Coast vs Collingwood         Carrara                 Saturday Afternoon

It was a real drubbing at the hands of Fremantle for Gold Coast.  And Collingwood won but in unconvincing fashion against Richmond last week.  Gold Coast are on the slide and need this one badly.  I think that gives them enough incentive to put this one away, but if the Pies can weather the first angry storm, they might be a chance…maybe.  Gold Coast by 15 points.

Richmond vs Carlton      MCG      Saturday Night

…The 18 Princes, rejoicing in their victory over the Kings of the Big Game were living the life of freedom and high energy.  The samite-clad prince charming, who was leading them like a pied piper from one great experience to the next was now trying to keep a lid on it as the common-folk of Lygon were hailing him as not only the right person to lead the princes this year and subsequent years, but also to take control of the proletariat and rise up against the CGT touting ruling class.  Only needing to finish 10th this year to become the first caretaker coach to lead a team to “finals” could give him quite a boost on polling day.  If they did make the Wildcard, truly they would all live happily ever after.  Carlton by 31 points.

Essendon vs St Kilda      Marvel Stadium               Sunday Afternoon

In stark Contrast to what is happening at Carlton, Essendon are deplorable as they await the return of their own Prince Charming.  The Hird is looming.  St Kilda by 41 points.

Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne         Adelaide Oval   Sunday Afternoon

After a backs to the wall special by Port last week, this match just got harder to tip. Oh, hang on…North have never won at Adelaide Oval (at an average losing margin of 44!).  That makes it a bit easier.  Port Adelaide by 44 points.

My next couple of Previews will be coming from sunnier climates as I take the family on a mid-winter break to the tropics.  And maybe sneak some golf in.  Anyway, the previews may be a bit brief, depending on the strength of the cocktails.

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