for tracking purposes again :
Friday August 1, 2003 Written by Sebastian Hassett
Friday Night, August 1
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
5.40pm (WA), 7.10pm (SA), 7.40pm (EST)
It?s a Friday night battle of anything but epic proportions. The Bulldogs are destined to finish last this season, while the Demons, still in the hunt for a priority pick, may find themselves succumbing to the temptation of securing some much-needed draft riches. If recent form is anything to go by, then you?d be striving to avoid both teams. At a pinch, Melbourne has been playing some slightly better football than the Doggies, and should have the height up forward and down back to get over the line.
Melbourne by 11 points.
LOSER
Saturday, August 2
Carlton vs Essendon
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
12.10pm (WA), 1.40pm (SA), 2.10pm (EST)
Barely a year or two ago, this was the match a nation stopped to see. Less than three years ago, 92,000 crammed into the MCG to see these gladiatorial teams go head-to-head. Since then, Carlton has nearly joined Fitzroy and University in football heaven, and the Bomber machine has virtually grinded to a halt. However, Essendon are still fighting for a finals spot, and that alone will be incentive enough for a comfortable victory, despite Mick Martyn?s 300th game.
Essendon by 32 points.
Fremantle vs Richmond
Subiaco Oval, Perth
1.40pm (WA), 3.10pm (SA), 3.40pm (EST)
First the first time in nearly three months, Richmond re-discovered their spirit in a morale boosting thumping of the Bulldogs. Fremantle, by contrast, threw everything but the kitchen sink at Sydney in a monumental battle at the SCG, but still fell short. This week the Dockers return to the more comfortable environs of Subiaco Oval, and will celebrate by serving out a display in hard and fast football to be leg-speed challenged Tigers.
Fremantle by 43 points.
Saturday Night
Brisbane Lions vs Kangaroos
Gabba Ground, Brisbane
5.10pm (WA), 6.40pm (SA), 7.10pm (EST)
Dean Laidley promoted his Round 13 clash with West Coast as ?12-point game? for both clubs, and he may well be inclined to privately do so again for this match against Brisbane this Saturday. The Lions are certainly struggling at the moment ? their fall to sixth has seen most pundits question if they have the drive to go three-in-a-row. However, Brisbane urgently needs this victory to restore both internal and external credibility, and while the Roos will be typically gallant, this will be a bridge to far.
Brisbane Lions by 13 points.
Geelong vs Collingwood
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
5.10pm (WA), 6.40pm (SA), 7.10pm (EST)
Geelong put up a mighty but ultimately failed resistance to the Anthony Stevens-inspired Kangaroos at Manuka last Saturday, while Collingwood opted for a training run by playing Carlton in what was a predictably one-sided affair at the MCG. The Magpies are in the hunt for a spot in the four, while the Cats are still an outside chance of ?winning? the wooden spoon. As a direct reflection of that, Collingwood should continue their charge toward the finals and comfortably account for Mark Thompson?s youthful Geelong outfit.
Collingwood by 35 points.
Sunday, August 3
Adelaide vs Sydney
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
11.10am (WA), 12.40pm (SA), 1.10pm (EST)
They don?t get much hotter than this ? the in form Swans travel to AAMI Stadium for a clash with Adelaide in what is comfortably the match of the round. The ?Fabulous Five? of Hall, Goodes, O?Loughlin, Davis and Schneider make up a super forward setup, but the loss of Jason Ball in the ruck is a huge blow. Adelaide warmed up last week with a handsome victory over St Kilda, and are perfectly primed to exploit Sydney?s ruck deficiencies in front of their parochial home fans.
Adelaide by 7 points.
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
12.10pm (WA), 1.40pm (SA), 2.10pm (EST)
Port Adelaide are finally beginning to fulfil the potential they have promised for so long ? a win against Brisbane at Gabba was surely a sign to the doubters that they are now officially premiership material. Hawthorn?s brief flirtation with challenging for finals football appears to have officially ended, and while a victory would keep their flickering hopes alive, it?s unlikely to be registered against the league?s premier team. The Power will be overjoyed at having another chance to play on the MCG prior to the finals, and should be able to back up for the second straight week away from home.
Port Adelaide by 28 points.
St Kilda vs West Coast
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12.10pm (WA), 1.40pm (SA), 2.10pm (EST)
St Kilda have seen their finals aspirations all but dissipate in recent weeks, losing five of their past six matches. There?s no doubting the Saints are a much better team at Telstra Dome ? their impressive 6-3 home ground record is a testament to this. West Coast are flying high both home and away, and playing in Melbourne certainly holds no fear for John Worsfold?s crusaders. It?s bound to be a close game, with two of the best midfields going head to head. Harvey, Hayes, Dal Santo and Powell against Chick, Cousins, Kerr and Judd promises to be worth the price of admission for what should be a cracker under the Dome, with the Eagles just holding out.
West Coast by 3 points.
Last Week - Sebastian picked 6 winners (West Coast, Kangaroos, Essendon, Sydney, Collingwood and Adelaide) for a total so far of 96 winners.
This Week - Melbourne, Essendon, Fremantle, Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Adelaide, Port Adelaide and West Coast.
Until next week, Happy punting!
