Adelaide and Sydney both made the top 15 most liveable cities in the world for 2017 during the week.
Adelaide came in at number five on the list, while Sydney was not far behind in 11th. Sure, it might not have to do anything with football, but it’s a nice little victory of sorts for the state of South Australia ahead of this must win game against the Swans at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
The Crows look set to record a top two finish and sew up the coveted double chance as well as two home finals, putting them in a seemingly impregnable position come September.
The Swans have remarkably battled back from the brink to push for a top four spot, only losing to Hawthorn (twice) since round 6 this season. Their demolition of Fremantle seemed to act as an ominous reminder to the competition of how good they can be, the form team of the competition with only a fortnight remaining until finals.
The Crows sit top of the ladder, 6 points clear and a win here should be enough to sew up the minor premiership, a fitting reward for their efforts in the home and away season. While of course it counts for squat come the first week of finals, they still appear the team to beat.
This match could very well be a Grand Final preview if form is anything to go by, and it’s great to see two interstate teams get the chance to shine under Friday night lights in the city of churches. It isn’t all about the Victorian teams after all. Here is a complete preview of round 22 of the 2017 AFL season.
HAPPY MEMORIES: Lance Franklin and George Hewett celebrate a goal in the 2016 Semi-Final victory over Adelaide at the SCG. SOURCE: ABC.
Adelaide v Sydney
A Friday night blockbuster not featuring a Victorian team! Who let this happen? Sack the fixtures co-ordinator!
You might be wondering how many times a Friday night match has featured two interstate clubs since 2000. The answer? Twice. A Western Derby in 2005, and round 23 last season when the Crows hosted the Eagles at the Adelaide Oval. Welcome back to the 1970’s. This simply has to change moving forward in to 2018 and beyond.
Okay, enough complaining. This is going to be a belter. 1st v 5th on the table, but arguably the two form teams of the competition going head to head in front of a packed crowd at Adelaide Oval under lights. A final two weeks early. Just what we like.
Both teams appear settled and ready to hit their straps in September, so this one should go right down to the wire. The Crows go in unchanged for the second time in as many weeks, despite captain Taylor Walker (ahead of game 150) and Rory Sloane having injury doubts over them during the week after injuries sustained against Essendon last Saturday.
The Swans have a major inclusion in captain Josh Kennedy, youngster Nic Newman making way. Newman has been dropped, despite having a knee concern sustained during the 104 point demolition of Fremantle last Saturday.
Lance Franklin looks ready to rip a game apart having kicked four majors last week against the Dockers, the out of contract Jake Lever set for the match up on the Swans and former Hawthorn superstar.
The match will also see Kurt Tippett return to Adelaide to play his old side for the first time, in what is sure to be a frosty reception for the man who played 104 games for the Crows from 2008-12 before walking out on the club.
Really tough game to tip, both teams capable on their day. Going with the Crows at home in a tight one. Wouldn’t surprise me of the Swans get up, Adelaide coming off back to back six day breaks. Adelaide by 4 points.
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide
Eureka! We’ve finally got a game in Ballarat! In August. It’s going to be cold. Really cold. A top of just 9 degrees is expected on Saturday, the odds on a calf/hamstring injury pinging surely paying $1.001 in this one.
It’s going to be a hot contest though, with the Bulldogs striving to keep their finals hopes alive and the Power aiming to secure a home elimination final. The match has been sold out for several months, and no doubt the locals can look forward to a high quality game.
The Doggies have gone all out for this must win contest, recalling Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen and premiership team mate Dale Morris, Mitch Wallis omitted and Jack Redpath given perhaps the worst 3 game suspension in the history of the game for his ‘hit’ on Phil Davis. MRP, give me a spell.
The Power welcome back star first year player Sam Powell-Pepper for the clash, as well as youngsters Riley Bonner (2nd game) and Todd Marshall, who will make his debut for the club. Brendan Ah Chee and Jarman Impey have both been dropped, Jasper Pittard set to miss with a calf injury.
Robert Murphy joined the list of retirees during the week, the 35 year old veteran of 310 games calling it a day on Tuesday. The man known universally as ‘Bob’ is one of the most loved figures in the game and can retire knowing he left nothing in the tank. One of the enduring AFL images of the modern era is Luke Beveridge’s selfless decision to hand across his premiership medallion to Murphy after last year’s Grand Final, which Murphy would later hand back.
Sadly it doesn’t appear Murphy will have the opportunity to win one in his own right, with the Bulldogs needing to win both of their remaining matches in 2017 to make finals and then to repeat last year’s heroics to go back to back.
Ken Hinkley’s men can end their dream here, as they look to prove to the competition they deserve to be considered a genuine threat come finals. Their body of work so far would suggest they are not, but they need to find a way to get past the Dogs here on a cold Ballarat afternoon.
Another tough game to tip, both teams flaky at best throughout 2017. Might lean towards the Dogs, as they might be that little bit more hungry after an emotional week with the retirement of their skipper. Western Bulldogs by 11 points.
CALLING IT A DAY: Bob Murphy announces his retirement alongside coach Luke Beveridge on Tuesday. SOURCE: Bendigo Advertiser.
Collingwood v Geelong
Who was silly enough tip Richmond to beat the Cats last week? Not me. Geelong don’t lose consecutive games at home, and the Tigers aren’t that good. The umpires also help their cause at the Cattery no end, and I’m not even Damien Hardwick. Talk about a protected species.
The Cats had a particularly impressive victory last week considering the stars they had out, missing Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan for the clash. In front of 33,000 fans, the Cats held their nerve to beat the Tigers, Harry Taylor starring in a defensive forward role with four majors on Alex Rance.
The Pies are finishing the season full of running, despite their loss to Port Adelaide last Sunday. Injuries continue to mount, Jordan De Goey set to miss the remainder of the season with a hip complaint, Alex Fasolo out with a shoulder injury and Tyson Goldsack sore.
With Nathan Buckley’s job on the line, you get the sense the Pies may have more to play for here, and they have a good record against Chris Scott’s men in recent times having won 6 of the past 8 encounters.
Geelong welcome back Mitch Duncan from suspension as well as teenage sensation Wylie Buzza (what a name!), losing Rhys Stanley (calf) and Brandon Parfitt (omitted). Scott Selwood will play his 150th game of AFL football and looms as a key figure in this match, particularly in the absence of his older brother.
The Pies beat Geelong earlier in the season when the Cats were in better form, I’m just not sure I trust them enough to tip them this time around. Who would want to be leading a tipping competition with two rounds to go! Geelong by 14 points.
Greater Western Sydney v West Coast
Look out, the Giants are on the fly. After a poor patch of form mid-season, Leon Cameron’s men appear to be having a better run on the injury front in the run to the finals, playing better football as a result.
It was a fantastic performance against the Bulldogs at Docklands last Friday night, after a frenetic opening half the Giants settled better after half time, assuming control and kicking nine goals to one to secure a 48 point win.
Toby Greene was the major talking point out of the game after his boot collected Bulldog Luke Dalhaus high. He was fined for the incident but is free to face the West Coast Eagles in this round 22 clash, having played a starring role in his club’s first win over the Eagles in round 10 this year at Subiaco Oval.
The AFL’s newest club welcomes back a wealth of experience for this contest, Adam Tomlinson, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith and Shane Mumford all back in to the side, making an already difficult task that little bit tougher for the Eagles.
Adam Simpson’s men were lucky to escape with a 17 point win against lowly placed Carlton last Saturday night, finally running out a game and winning a last quarter. They have Josh Kennedy to thank in main, the former Blue kicking 6 majors and taking the lead in the Coleman Medal.
To have any chance of beating the Giants Kennedy simply must fire again up forward, Luke Shuey needing to have an impact in the middle of the ground as he did last year when he racked up 38 disposals in his best game of AFL football to date.
Unfortunately the Eagles have been a yo-yo side in the second half of the season, going win-loss-win-loss-win-loss since their mid-season bye. Since they had a win last week and they are facing the might of the young Giants on their home patch I’m tipping that record to continue. Greater Western Sydney by 37 points.
A GIANT IN: Shane Mumford returns to lead the ruck for the Giants on Saturday against West Coast. SOURCE: SEN.
Gold Coast v Essendon
Are the Gold Coast on holidays yet? They are certainly playing like it. 30 minutes of great football in the Q-Clash last week was followed by 90 minutes of rubbish, the Lions capitalising to beat their local rivals by 58 points.
The talk continues on whether Gary Ablett will remain at the club in 2018, reports this week suggesting he is as good as gone and has played his last game for the club. The year can’t end quickly enough for the beleaguered club that is arguably the worst team in the competition at this stage of the season.
They face an Essendon team with everything to play for in this fixture, the Dons needing to win both of their games to qualify for finals in 2017 and extend the careers of Jobe Watson and James Kelly, the latter announcing his retirement during the week after 310 games, 273 of those with the Cats with 3 premierships along the way.
Watson will miss this clash after being rested, Matthew Leuenburger (ankle) out with injury as well as star defender Michael Hurley, who has hurt his calf. Ben Howlett, Travis Colyer and Matt Dea all lose their place in the team that lost to the Crows last Saturday night.
Zach Merrett returns from a one game suspension along with Mark Baguley, Tom Bellchambers, Michael Hartley, Craig Bird and debutaunt Josh Begley, pick 31 in last year’s draft.
The Suns have also made 6 changes, the most notable being Jarryd Lyons who is out with an ankle injury. Pearce Hanley at least covers his absence as one of the six inclusions.
Not expecting a high quality contest here, or a big crowd in attendance at Carrara. It’s one of those late season games that will be forgotten quicker than the game is played. Bombers should have a nice profitable trip North. Essendon by 36 points.
Carlton v Hawthorn
The Blues must be sick of talking about competitive losses. Again they were better than serviceable against the Eagles in what could have been a daunting road trip, but ultimately fell short despite scores being level at three quarter time.
Sadly for all of their improvement in 2017 the Blues sit in 17th spot, just percentage off bottom of the ladder having failed to win a game since round 13. Like 2016 the end of the season has been a tough grind for Brendon Bolton’s team, and they will need to show more as a football club in 2018 or risk wasting another season in rebuild mode.
The Hawks are still a mathematical finals chance after their win over North Melbourne that was about as run of the mill as they come, but impressive all the same. Boom recruit Jaeger O’Meara returns from a knee injury that has plagued his first season at the club (and his last two years at the Suns) in for his first match since round 6.
Josh Gibson announced his immediate retirement from the game on Tuesday, the three time premiership player and two time best and fairest unable to overcome a groin injury to feature again in the brown and gold. Having been a serviceable player with North Melbourne, Gibson became one of the premier defenders of the competition at the Hawks in his 160 games for the club.
Irishman Ciaran Byrne is the only inclusion for the Blues, the retiring Dennis Armfield dropped after a poor match back in his home state of Western Australia last week.
The Hawks have hit a good patch of form late in the season and regardless of whether they make finals in 2017 can be proud of their fightback after a dismal start. They should account for the Blues here. Hawthorn by 35 points.
CALLING IT QUITS: Popular defender Josh Gibson retired during the week as a three time premiership player and two time best and fairest at Hawthorn. SOURCE: The West Australian.
Melbourne v Brisbane
The Dees are there! Finals! Wait, what? There are two games to go? Oh well they are going to make finals anyway. As long as they beat Brisbane. Lowly, 18th placed Brisbane. Surely they will cruise to a win? Nothing is straightforward for the Demons. Just ask their supporters.
While no doubt Melbourne fans are brimming with excitement at the prospect of playing September football, they probably woke up in cold sweats all week after yet another nightmare of losing to the Lions in this fixture.
Brisbane won’t be easybeats, as they have shown throughout this season despite being bottom of the table. Their victory over Gold Coast was their most clinical in 2017, after a poor first quarter they pulverised their local rival and kicked their highest score (142) since round 16, 2007, the day Jonathan Brown kicked 10 goals against Carlton.
Dayne Beams showed that when fit he is one of the elite players of the competition with 4 goals and 32 disposals in a best on ground performance, Tom Rockliff, Lewis Taylor and Stefan Martin also featuring prominently.
Melbourne held their nerve after a brilliant start to defeat the Saints, who appeared to have all the momentum early in the last quarter before running out of puff. Mitch Hannan was an unlikely hero with two clutch goals, while the return of Angus Brayshaw heartened Dees fans no end.
The home side loses co-captain Jack Viney to a foot injury, having been spotted on crutches mid-week. While he is expected to be back for the round 23 clash with Collingwood, his impact may be limited from here on in with the injury he has battled throughout the season.
The Lions have won 3 of their past 5 matches against the Demons, but Simon Goodwin’s men have too much to play for here to drop this one. Melbourne by 24 points.
GUS AND DETERMINATION: Angus Brayshaw made a successful return to AFL football against St Kilda in round 21. SOURCE: The West Australian.
St Kilda v North Melbourne
Do I have to write about this game? Ugh. These two teams played one of their worst Friday night games in recent memory back in round 13, and I’m not expecting much better from either team here.
The Saints finals chances appeared to end last week then they played a poor opening half against Melbourne, fighting back late but to no avail. It means Nick Riewoldt has two games left in his glittering career, this fixture against the Roos and one last chance to run out on to the MCG against Richmond next Sunday.
North’s sole aim from here should be to get the ball in to the hands of Ben Brown and give him a chance of winning the Coleman Medal that appeared to be taken away from him when he was concussed by Brodie Grundy a fortnight ago. That and avoiding the wooden spoon would mean this season has not been a complete waste.
Watching this game would be like going to a distant relative’s birthday party you haven’t seen for years. A complete waste of time. Saints will probably win, but who can even be sure? St Kilda by 27 points.
Fremantle v Richmond
This is it for Fremantle at Subiaco Oval. Game 265 at the venue will be the club’s last, boasting a 152-112 win/loss record at the home of WA Football since the club’s inception in 1995.
Some of the great moments for the club at Subi include the 2013 preliminary final win over Sydney, Matthew Pavlich’s last game in 2016, and the goals after the siren from Jeff Farmer and Justin Longmuir in 2002 and 2005 respectively.
The Dockers will be hoping for one last memorable moment at the ground on Sunday against Richmond, who had a dispiriting loss to fellow finals contender Geelong at Kardinia Park last Saturday. Having had 8 days to sit on it by the time the ball is bounced in the final game of round 22, Damien Hardwick’s men will no doubt be keen to atone for their efforts against the Cats.
Fremantle lose the services of Lachie Neale due to a knee injury, having battled through the 104 point loss at the hands of the Swans due to the ailment, recording just 9 disposals on a largely forgettable afternoon for he and his club.
Boom recruit Harley Bennell will finally debut for the Dockers, having failed to play a game since crossing to the club at the end of 2015. Persistent calf problems and off field indiscretions have plagued the former Gold Coast Sun, who has obvious talent but lacks the professionalism to match.
Despite failing to lay a tackle in WAFL ranks in his four matches for Peel Thunder and barely hitting top pace playing exclusively out of forward 50, Dockers fans must temper their expectations of Bennell here, although it serves as a nice preview of what might be in 2018 for Fremantle.
Richmond lose speedster Josh Caddy due to a hamstring injury sustained early in the round 22 loss to the Cats, and will need more out of smalls Dan Butler and Jason Castagna who registered just 7 disposals between them last Saturday.
The vast expanses should suit the Tigers and their running brigade, particularly Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin, who had just 21 disposals but did push forward to kick two goals last week. As a football fan it would be great to see ‘Dusty’ go head to head with 2015 Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, but that appears an unlikely match up.
No doubt the nostalgia of the afternoon will lift Fremantle in their last match at Subi, but the Tigers are pushing for a top four spot and simply must win this. Should be a good game to finish the round. Richmond by 13 points.
LONG AWAITED DEBUT: Former Gold Coast Sun Harley Bennell makes his debut for Fremantle on Sunday. SOURCE: BeyondTheGame.TV.
By Jacob Landsmeer.
Jacob Landsmeer is a sports broadcaster on 91.3 Sport FM in Perth. He blogs here at zombiecrowscricket. Follow him on Twitter: @jlandsme_93
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