AFL Round 15 Preview: Demons and Swans Set for Friday Night Blockbuster

The Melbourne Football Club hasn’t played finals football since 2006. It’s been a long, painful and at times tortuous decade for supporters of the AFL’s oldest club, but it appears there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

The Dees win over West Coast in Perth was their first at Subiaco since 2004, their first over the Eagles since 2002. It was also the first time they have won four consecutive games since 2006, surely the best indication yet that finals is back on the agenda for Simon Goodwin’s team.

The challenges keep coming however, in this ridiculously even season of AFL football that sees just four wins separate 2^nd from 16^th. They face the rejuvenated Sydney Swans in a genuine blockbuster to commence round 15, having failed to beat the red and whites in a match for premiership points since round 17, 2010. That win fuelled belief the Dees weren’t far from a finals assault. It was a false dawn then, but will this be the start of something bigger for the Demons? We will soon found out. Here is a complete preview of round 15.

 

DEMON DELIGHT: Tom McDonald and Dom Tyson embrace after Melbourne’s thrilling 3 point win over West Coast last Saturday. SOURCE: Yahoo Sports.

 

Melbourne v Sydney

It’s been a while since Melbourne beat Sydney, in anything other than the vote for Australia’s most liveable city. All I will say is Melbourne probably wins each year because it’s too expensive in Sydney for the locals to even vote, but that’s a completely separate conversation.

The last time the Demons beat the Swans in a game for premiership points, overlooking the round 1, 2011 draw between the sides was in 2010. Brad Green kicked 5 goals, while Lynden Dunn finished with 3.

Colin Sylvia got the three Brownlow votes, Aaron Davey two and James Frawley one. Green and Davey are long retired, while Dunn and Frawley now ply their trade at other clubs and Sylvia kicks a footy around in suburban Melbourne somewhere. No Ross Lyon to tell you off for having a few excess kilos there, is there Col?

While the teams have only met once a year since, it’s fair to say it’s been a while between drinks for the Dees against the Swans. It doesn’t take much for Melbourne supporters to get excited considering the lack of success in the past decade, but four consecutive wins reflects significant growth with this young group that is only going to get better.

Last week’s drought breaking three point win in the west over the Eagles was one of their best since the turn of the millennium, their long suffering Perth fans finally getting a chance to celebrate a win with their team. It was a heroic performance, coming from 16 points down in the last to snatch it at the death, Tom McDonald the unlikely hero with five goals.

If the Demons stole it at the death, then Sydney ventured in to the afterlife and returned with the four points in their win against Essendon, in one of the most remarkable games in a simply stunning season.

In a year that is breeding unlikely heroes by the week, it was the much maligned Gary Rohan who kicked the match winner after the siren to keep the Swans afloat in 2017, their second Houdini style escape in as many weeks.

It’s been quite some time since these two teams have had a genuine heavyweight contest, but this certainly looms as one under Friday night lights at the home of footy.

Melbourne lose two in form stars for the match, both Jeff Garlett and Christian Salem out with hamstring injuries. Mitch White and Josh Wagner are the inclusions.

Former captain Jarrad McVeigh returns for just his third game of an injury interrupted season for Sydney, Zak Jones also back from suspension. Young gun Will Hayward is out with a foot injury, while ruckman Callum Sinclair has been dropped, leaving Sam Naismith to ruck one out against Max Gawn.

Tipping is as hard as it’s ever been, but three consecutive 6 day breaks plus returning from Perth will count against the Dees here for me. Swans have too much going for them at the minute. Sydney by 11 points.

Western Bulldogs v West Coast

Are the Bulldogs back? Probably not just yet, but the one point win over North Melbourne last week has at least kept them within striking distance of the top eight after a tough fortnight that saw them lose convincingly to both Sydney and Melbourne.

The fact the Doggies scored over 100 points is heartening, as even in their premiership triumph last year they struggled to kick more than 12-14 goals per game.

They now face West Coast at Docklands, the two clubs having built a healthy rivalry in recent seasons. The Eagles inability to fly interstate (in a footballing sense) and produce their best football has been well documented, but at 7-6 it’s time for Adam Simpson’s men to shake off the home track bullies tag if they wish to be a top 8 team in 2017.

They will have to do so without the services of 2014 Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, who has been rested for the trip East. Captain Shannon Hurn was ruled out mid-week with concussion, Josh Hill misses with illness and after a hectic week getting a 2 match suspension overturned at the AFL Tribunal, Will Schofield is out with a hip injury.

The reinforcements come from the WAFL, with Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingham, Sam Butler and Jack Redden all included. Spearhead Josh Kennedy misses another week with a calf problem, but is likely to return against Port Adelaide next week.

Skipper Robert Murphy is back for the Dogs, Tom Liberatore out with a hip complaint. It’s been a frustrating season for the 2016 premiership player, averaging just 18 disposals either side of a stint in the VFL.

If the Dogs want to be considered genuine contenders in this topsy turvy season, they need to beat the Eagles here, and reasonably convincingly considering all of their outs. They should get the job done easily enough. Western Bulldogs by 32 points.

 

BACK ON THE WINNERS LIST: Easton Wood leads his team from the field after their one point win over North Melbourne last week. SOURCE: SEN.

 

Carlton v Adelaide

Adelaide learnt last week how unpredictable this season truly is. Almost unbackable favourites heading in to their Thursday night match against Hawthorn, the top of the table Crows were stunned on their home turf by the 17^th placed Hawks, putting their premiership credentials once again in question.

As good as the Crows are when everything is falling their way, some chinks are beginning to appear in their armour. Their midfield depth is questionable, and their zone defence can be exposed by precise ball movement if a team is good enough, as the Hawks were last week.

While Carlton appears a relatively straightforward task on paper, the same was said leading in to the match against the Hawks. Underestimate the Blues at your own peril, Brendon Bolton’s team already showing this year they are no easybeats.

They have made no less than six changes after a 26 point loss to Richmond last week, Jed Lamb and Ed Curnow the only two forced due to injury. Former Crow Sam Kerridge is back, while forgotten Irishman Ciaran Sheehan is back for his first game in 1,035 days, having last played in round 23, 2014.

Tom Lynch is out with a bad virus that had him hospitalised earlier in the week, while Charlie Cameron misses with a wrist injury. Andy Otten has been dropped, with Mitch McGovern returning for his first match since the round 3 Showdown.

Not sure what to expect here, but you could say that for just about any game this season. It really has been like watching ‘The Cable Guy’ for 15 weeks straight. Has anyone worked out the plot of that film yet? Crows to win this. Adelaide by 25 points.

Gold Coast v North Melbourne

Will Gaz actually play his 300^th this week? Ah, the curse of writing an article Thursday afternoon only for late changes to come on Friday.

The two time Brownlow medallist and two time Cats premiership player has been named to return having missed out on playing his 300^th AFL game last week due to a calf complaint, and will now instead play his milestone match against North Melbourne at home, in a very winnable game for Ablett and his side.

Suns co-captain Steven May also plays game 100, giving the Suns extra motivation for a much needed win. They were competitive while undermanned St Kilda, but couldn’t match it with the Saints for long enough to claim the points.

Tom Lynch has now had consecutive goalless games, and looms as a key to this match. Joining Ablett on the inclusions list is experienced midfielder Matt Rosa, and crafty half forward Ryan Davis, who plays his first AFL match of the season.

The Roos lose important midfielder Ben Cunnington, who was suspended in his team’s 1 point loss to the Bulldogs. Talk about a team that likes losing the close ones. Richmond may have a contender after all. Youngsters Mitch Hibberd and Corey Wagner get a trip to the Gold Coast, with Trent Dumont managed.

If the Suns are fair dinkum about pushing for a finals berth, they need to win games like these against a team currently 17^th placed on the ladder. Tom Lynch won’t be held goalless again, you can be pretty sure of that. Suns to celebrate Gaz’s 300^th with a win. Gold Coast by 23 points.

 

CHAMPION OF THE GAME: Gary Ablett celebrates game 300 against North Melbourne on Saturday. SOURCE: Gold Coast FC.

 

Greater Western Sydney v Geelong

Game of the round. Nearly every game this season has a certain level of intrigue, such is the unpredictable nature of it, but 1^st v 3^rd on the ladder on a Saturday night will have the footy world watching.

The Giants had a cruisy 10 goal win over Brisbane that in all honesty told us nothing new about the AFL’s newest club, other than their top end talent is very good. Despite being top of the ladder with a 10-3 record, it feels like Leon Cameron’s team has not found their best form yet in 2017, which in itself is a scary thought.

The Cats may have used their get out of jail free card last week against Fremantle, down by as much as 34 points before coming back to secure a famous two point victory, down to just one player on the bench.

They will need to play with more intensity for four quarters to beat the Giants, who welcome back midfield star Josh Kelly, forward Rory Lobb and half forward Devon Smith for the contest, as well as debutaunt Jeremy Finlayson. Injury has claimed Harrison Himmelberg, Tim Taranto and Zac Williams, while Daniel Lloyd has been omitted.

The Cats are counting the cost of their win over the Dockers, Darcy Lang (leg), Tom Stewart (facial fracture), Scott Selwood (hamstring)  and George Horlin-Smith (ankle) all unavailable. Skipper Joel Selwood remains in doubt having been heavily concussed in the opening minute last week, but is likely to play provided he can pass a concussion test.

Utility Lachie Henderson returns from injury, as does ruckman Zac Smith to tackle man mountain Shane Mumford. Ex Roo Aaron Black is back, while Zach Guthrie, the younger brother of Cats midfielder Cam will make his debut.

Really good game in store at Spotless Stadium, which you would hope is not adequately named come Saturday night. If the Giants are the real deal, they will lift for this one and claim the points. Greater Western Sydney by 7 points.

Port Adelaide v Richmond

Out of the 18 teams, perhaps the hardest team to get a read on this year is Port Adelaide. Yet to beat a current top 8 team after 14 rounds suggests mediocrity, but the team from Alberton sits in 4^th spot on the ladder with an 8-5 record.

While you would suggest the season will straighten them out in the long run, you really can’t be sure going on what we have seen so far this year. Experts have been made to look foolish, but thankfully I’m not one of those so never take what I say as gospel. Not that anyone did anyway.

They take on Richmond at the Adelaide Oval in another mouthwatering contest, both teams boasting the same win loss record. Both teams have exceeded expectations in 2017, but can’t afford to rest on their laurels if they wish to play finals this year.

The Power largely dominated Collingwood at the MCG last weekend, Robbie Gray again showing his class with 5 majors. The Tigers did enough to beat Carlton without being entirely convincing, and will need to play more efficient football to topple the Power here.

Dustin Martin looms as a matchwinner for Richmond in this one, as does Gray for the Power. While unlikely to go head to head, it would be great to see the pair do battle throughout the night.

Jared Polec and Matthew Broadbent are two important inclusions, forwards Jake Neade and Aaron Young both dropped. Bachar Houli is out suspended after a week of media scrutiny, missing four weeks for his crude hit on Jed Lamb. Young gun Shai Bolton has been rested after just four touches last week.

Debutaunt Tyson Stengle comes in, as does utility Oleg Markov. Stengle has been elevated off the rookie list, an exciting small forward who stands at just 171 cm and 70 kg.

Could go either way this one like many games this round (and season), but the Power have improved their performance at home and should account for the Tigers, and get their first win of the year against a top 8 team. Port Adelaide by 15 points.

 

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Jake Neade celebrates a goal in the Power’s 2014 elimination final victory over Richmond. SOURCE: BigFooty.

 

Essendon v Brisbane

Don’t mention the C word at Bomberland. 19 points up with a handful of minutes remaining last Friday night at the SCG, it appeared the Dons were set for a season defining win.

Instead, some rookie errors and freak luck on Sydney’s part saw the Bombers leave the SCG with their tail between their legs, yet another one point loss on the hallowed home turf of the Swans.

A win would have had them sitting comfortably enough inside the top 8, instead now they find themselves middle of the pack in a logjam at 6-7, in 11^th place currently but just one win off 7^th.

While no opponent can be taken for granted in 2017, the Dons should take care of a wounded Lions side in this Sunday afternoon encounter at Docklands.

Without captain Dayne Beams, who went down in the opening minute last week against the Giants with a shoulder injury. The 2010 Collingwood premiership player became another victim of human wrecking ball Shane Mumford, and is set for a month or so on the sidelines in another cruel blow for the classy midfielder.

The Dons could welcome back ex-Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenburger for this contest, with Tom Bellchambers the preferred ruckman over the past month. Cale Hooker is also likely to return after a finger injury saw him miss the trip to Sydney.

Should be a comfortable win here for the Dons. Expect Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher to star in this one. Essendon by 47 points.

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Anyone want to write Hawthorn off? Not me. Their best is still good enough to beat the best, as showcased by their 14 point triumph over top four side Adelaide last week. At 5-8 finals still seem a long way away, but a couple of wins in succession will see them right back in contention.

They will be seeking retribution against Collingwood on Sunday, with the Pies overcoming a 43 point deficit to win by 18 points thanks to a 9 goal to 1 second half. That game should be fresh in everybody’s mind, as it was played only 6 weeks ago.

The Pies were disappointing against the Power last week, comprehensively outplayed from the outset on their home patch. A third successive loss here will heap the pressure back on embattled coach Nathan Buckley, as well as put the black and whites potentially as low as 16^th come the end of the round.

They regain the services of livewire forward Jamie Elliott for this contest, in what is Scott Pendlebury’s 250^th AFL match. He becomes the first player from the 2005 AFL Draft to reach the milestone, a sign of his durability and ability to get up for matches week in week out. After just nine games in his first season in 2006, he has played at least 21 games in every completed season at AFL level.

A five time best and fairest, including the past four, a five All-Australian, a Norm Smith medallist and two time Anzac medallist as well as a premiership player, the Pies skipper deserves to be acknowledged as one of the modern greats of the game.

You would hope his side lifts for the occasion, and I think they may get up a tight contest at the MCG. Collingwood by 9 points.

 

CHAMPION OF THE GAME: Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury plays his 250th match against Hawthorn on Sunday. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

Fremantle v St Kilda  

The last game of the round, and again one of the toughest to tip. Is there even such thing as an easy tip anymore? So much time has to be devoted to tipping these days it almost becomes a chore.

Fremantle looked a completely different side against Geelong last Sunday at Kardinia Park, having been nothing short of horrid against Brisbane before their bye. Without Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands, the Dockers led for most of the day away from home, only to be overrun in the last term by a team with three players off injured.

But the effort and intensity was back, and it gives the Dockers renewed hope that something can be salvaged in the second half of the season.

That salvage mission continues with a home assignment against St Kilda, who have notoriously struggled on the road in recent seasons. Their 75 point win over Hawthorn at York Park earlier this season was their first win outside of Melbourne since round 9, 2015.

Off the back of unconvincing wins over North Melbourne and Gold Coast, you sense an interstate win could give the Saints a massive lift going in to the final two months of the regular season.

Aaron Sandilands and Nat Fyfe return for Freo, but they lose Stephen Hill and Josh Deluca to injury, while Connor Blakely has been handed a club imposed suspension for deciding a surf down South in Yallingup was a better option than training mid-week. Who can blame him? Who wants to go to training on a Wednesday? The only problem was someone told Ross Lyon where he was, and now young Connor has to spend a week on the sidelines. It ruins what had been a good week for the improving youngster, who signed a contract extension on Tuesday.

Still not convinced by St Kilda’s top 8 credentials, and this looms as a make or break match for Alan Richardson’s team. Going with the Dockers, with zero confidence. Fremantle by 11 points.

 

IN THE NEWS: Having signed a new contract on Tuesday, Connor Blakely has been dropped after skipping training to so surfing down South mid-week. SOURCE: Bunbury Mail.

 

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

AFL Round 14 Preview: Swans Out To Prove Credentials in Friday Night Contest With In Form Dons

There is something nostalgic about Sydney hosting Essendon in a night game on the hallowed turf of  the SCG. It takes Swans fans back to the memorable 1996 preliminary final, where Tony Lockett kicked the winning behind after the siren to put the red and whites in to their first Grand Final in more than 50 years.

It’s a far less pleasant memory for Bombers fans, but the red and black army will sense an opportunity to gain some sort of revenge in this round 14 contest, coming in to the match off the back of a 70 point thrashing in their most recent match against Port Adelaide.

The Swans though are one of the form teams of the competition, having won 5 of their past 6 matches to sit only one match outside of the top 8. They were perhaps lucky to escape with a victory against the Tigers, who again showed an inability to close out a match they had largely dominated, but in a season as tight as this one every win has to be treasured.

With the Bombers currently holding on to 8^th spot, this is one of the crunch contests of round 14. We finally return to a full nine game round, all teams now refreshed and ready to go for what will be a superb sprint to the finish line in the 2017 AFL season.

 

FLASHBACK: Sydney players swamp Tony Lockett after he kicked the winning point in the 1996 preliminary final at the SCG. SOURCE: Sydney Swans FC.

 

Adelaide v Hawthorn

At the start of the year, this looked an absolute belter on paper. While it could still be a good contest, 1^st v 17^th on the table is far from an appealing option for those sitting down in front of their televisions in a Thursday night. Still better than no football at all I guess. And certainly a better option than AFLX.

Both teams are coming off the bye in round 13, the Crows with a soft win against St Kilda in round 12 and the Hawks having a despairing loss at the hands of Gold Coast. With this match at the Crows home fortress the Adelaide Oval, not too many people are expecting the Hawks to put up a fight in this one.

They do welcome back four premiership players in to their side for the match, former skipper Luke Hodge, Luke Breust, Grant Birchall and Ryan Schoenmakers all included. Josh Gibson misses with a groin injury, Brendan Whitecross, Kade Stewart and James Cousins all omitted.

Diligent defender Luke Brown returns for the Crows, Riley Knight the unlucky man to make way.

The Hawks will be hoping for a better start to this game at the Adelaide Oval, having failed to score at all in the first term against the Power earlier this month and not registering a goal until after half time.

The Crows scoring firepower is still right up there with the best in the competition, as their ladder position and percentage would suggest. They shouldn’t have any problems with the Hawks here. Adelaide by 45 points.

 

IMPORTANT INCLUSION: Luke Hodge returns from injury to take on the Crows in Thursday night football. SOURCE: The Herald.

 

Sydney v Essendon

At half time last week against the Tigers, Sydney players could have been excused for jumping online and searching for September holiday destinations. The game, and subsequently their season looked as good as over. But they found an extra gear as only Sydney knows how, and orchestrated one of their finest comeback victories of recent times to keep their season alive.

They have now won 5 of their past 6 games, and while not all have been convincing it doesn’t matter in a tight season like this. Bank the four premiership points and hope for some more the coming week.

Essendon remain one of the enigmas of the competition, and their 6-6 record at the halfway mark of the season accurately reflects the kind of team they are. They can be very good, as seen in wins over Geelong, West Coast and Port Adelaide, but they also have a tendency to produce some flat performances, as seen in games against Melbourne, Fremantle and Richmond.

A trip to the SCG might not be as daunting in 2017 as it has been in recent seasons, reflected by the fact 4 clubs have walked off the ground victorious so far against the Swans, but the Dons have not won at the venue since round 15, 2009.

They also must find a way to stop Lance Franklin, who seems to hold over his best form until he comes up against the team in red and black. He has kicked a staggering 64 goals in 13 games against the Dons, just under a 5 goal per game average.

Cale Hooker still wakes up in cold sweats thinking about Franklin’s two running goals in 2010, and will have to watch his team mates from the sidelines here due to a finger injury in a bitter blow for the Dons. Shaun McKernan takes his place in the side.

The Swans are starting to hit their stride, and while the Dons will pose some threat, I think the team in red and white will be cheering come the final siren. Sydney by 14 points.

Collingwood v Port Adelaide

When you lose by 4 points in a Queens Birthday thriller, two weeks is a long time to sit and wait. That’s what Collingwood has been forced to do, their bye perhaps not coming at the greatest time in the sense they were playing almost their best football, the loss to the Demons their first since round 8.

They will in the very least be mentally and physically refreshed for the match against Port Adelaide, who had a run of the mill victory that suggested mediocrity against Brisbane last weekend. These teams met around a similar time last year at a wet MCG, the Power dominating from quarter time onwards to win by 67 points.

It should be a far closer contest this time around, the Power somehow sitting in the top four despite failing to beat a current top eight side so far this season. They have a pretty favourable draw in the run home, only playing four matches against current top eight sides. But considering how wildly unpredictable this season has been, that may not even be relevant in 3 months’ time.

Ben Reid and Tyson Goldsack return to the Pies to give the Pies more flexibility, Matt Scharenberg and Josh Smith dropped. Jasper Pittard comes back in for the Power, Jared Polec out with a hamstring complaint.

Both teams have players who can be match winners for their team, but you feel for the Pies to win Darcy Moore needs to fire, and if the Power are to head back home with the four points one of Robbie Gray or Chad Wingard will need to have a big match.

Tough game to tip, but going with the Pies. They built up a nice patch of form before their break, and I’m not sold on Port Adelaide. Collingwood by 12 points.

 

HAPPY MEMORIES: Chad Wingard celebrates a goal against Collingwood last year. SOURCE: PAFC.

 

Brisbane Lions v Greater Western Sydney

I’m not sure the Lions would beat the Giants if they started now. But most people would’ve said that about Carlton a fortnight ago against the same opposition, and we all know what happened there.

Don’t expect a big crowd for this one. The Lions only got 11,742 people through the Gabba turnstiles when they defeated Fremantle a fortnight ago, and their average home crowd for matches against the AFL’s newest club sits at just 13,199.

Similarly to Collingwood, the Giants have had to stew over their one point loss to the Blues in Melbourne for a fortnight, but they still sit well placed at 9-3 heading in to the back half of the season, arguably still the premiership favourites.

The Lions lost to the Power in Adelaide last week but didn’t lose too many admirers, challenging the home side on various occasions throughout the match. Eric Hipwood looks like a star of the future, while the two great Dane’s, (albeit spelt differently) Zorko and Beams continue to play high quality football.

Not expecting a match for the ages here though. Giants will secure win number 10 of the season, and anything under 10 goals should feel like a loss. Greater Western Sydney by 65 points.

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

I don’t know what to think with the Western Bulldogs anymore. Not only are they playing poorly on the field, but there are rumours of disharmony amongst the playing group, which would at the very least explain why the team is so far off it’s best at this stage of the season.

They certainly aren’t the first team to go through a mid-season form slump, and who knows, they might come good but their overall body of work in 2017 has been poor.

While the Demons were outstanding in their dismantling of the Dogs last Sunday, Luke Beveridge’s men produced their worst performance of the season, at a time when the football world is focussing in on their credentials to go back to back.

Right now, the overwhelming answer to that question has to be a resounding no. They look a fair way off the pace, and one wonders whether the desire is truly there to repeat their September heroics of last season.

North Melbourne have been horrid in their past two showings either side of their bye, and appear to be fading badly after a promising month or so of football.

Brad Scott’s men will no doubt sense an opportunity to extract revenge for the round 4 Good Friday clash, which the Dogs won by just 3 points.

Really not sure what to expect here, but the Doggies simply must show something after a horror few weeks. Saturday night under the roof at Docklands is very much their comfort zone, and they should have too much polish for North. Western Bulldogs by 23 points.

West Coast v Melbourne

They are getting excited in Demon land. It doesn’t take much, but after three wins in a row Melbourne fans are beginning to not only contemplate finals, but even the idea that they are a premiership contender in 2017.

Maybe a little bit of perspective is required. The Dees haven’t played finals since 2006, and haven’t won a premiership for more than 50 years. But why let that get in the way of a pipe dream?

They face a daunting trip west to play the West Coast Eagles, who looked rejuvenated against Geelong last Thursday night. It wasn’t so much the fact that they won, but the manner in which they did so that impressed, playing with a renewed level of intensity and physicality that had been lacking in the first half of the season.

Melbourne themselves couldn’t of been more impressive against the Western Bulldogs, and welcome back All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn from injury, having been sidelined since round 3. But they lose arguably more than they gain for this crunch match, with co-captain Nathan Jones and in form forward Jack Watts both out with soft tissue injuries. Billy Stretch joins Gawn in the selected 22.

West Coast are once again without the services of Josh Kennedy, who misses a third match with a calf injury. Mark LeCras is out with a hip injury, as is Jackson Nelson with a hamstring strain. Josh Hill and Malcolm Karpany come in to the side.

We will find out a bit more about both teams in this one you feel, but West Coast rarely lose at home and the Demons haven’t won in Perth since 2004.

The win over Adelaide on the road was impressive, but Simon Goodwin’s team will have to play even better to defeat the Eagles on their home turf. Eagles for me.  West Coast by 22 points.

 

BIG INCLUSION: Max Gawn is back for his first game since round 3. SOURCE: Melbourne FC.

 

Geelong v Fremantle

Geelong may well request to play 23 games next season rather than have a mid-season bye. They simply can’t win after a break. Since 2011, they have lost every match after a bye, the loss to the Eagles last Thursday another disappointing post-bye showing.

For a rare time this season, they couldn’t match it with their opponents around the contest, the Eagles physically matching if not bettering the Cats midfield on the night.

They return to the comforts of Kardinia Park to face a Fremantle side that appeared to be fading fast before their bye, losing three consecutive games to Adelaide, Collingwood and Brisbane. They saved their worst for last, smashed by nearly 10 goals at the Gabba in a particularly dispiriting performance.

No one expects them to head across to the Cattery and beat Geelong in this contest, but no one really gave them a chance in the 2013 qualifying final either, and we all know how that ended up. These two teams have had a fantastic rivalry over the course of this decade, playing several close games both in Perth and Melbourne.

Fremantle are one of few teams to beat Geelong in Geelong in the past ten years, along with Sydney the only team to beat the Cats at Kardinia Park more than once since 2007.

Tom Hawkins and Mark Blicavs return from suspension and injury respectively, making a tough task even tougher for the Dockers. Aaron Sandilands misses again with a hamstring injury, fellow ruckman Jon Griffin misses the match with a calf injury, giant ruckman Sean Darcy set to make his debut. Hayden Ballantyne will also make his first appearance of the season after a series of hamstring injuries so far this year.

Midfield maestros Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood will be hard to stop here for the Cats, Fremantle desperately needing a lift out of 2015 Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe. How good would it be to see him and Danger go head to head?

Either way, I think the Cats will bounce back here and win yet again at home. Geelong by 34 points.

 

WELCOME INCLUSION: Tom Hawkins is back from suspension to face Fremantle on Sunday: AFL Betting.

 

Richmond v Carlton

Richmond really are the gift that keeps on giving. Just when you jump on the bandwagon, the wheels fall off in spectacular fashion. What a frustrating, roller coaster ride it is to be a Tigers fan.

The loss to the Swans was the Tigers fourth heartbreaking loss of the season, and while season 2017 has been an improvement on a diabolical 2016 you wonder what might have been if the boys from Punt Road knew how to close out a match.

They face arch rivals Carlton in a Sunday afternoon clash at the MCG, the Blues coming off back to back wins over Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast. Bryce Gibbs had one of the great games in a Carlton jumper, winning 43 disposals and kicking 2 goals against the Suns to help his team to a meritorious win on the road.

Liam Jones has been a revelation in the past fortnight, rejuvenated as a defender after playing his entire AFL career at the Western Bulldogs and early days at the Blues as a forward. He kept Tom Lynch goalless, playing a major part in the victory for a second successive week. He could very well line up on Jack Riewoldt in this one.

Dustin Martin dominated the round one clash between these two sides, and will again be a tough man for the Blues to stop. Dion Prestia and Trent Cotchin have also been in dynamic form.

While the Blues are plucky and certainly not easybeats, you feel the Tigers are hungry to avenge their defeat to the Swans last week. Richmond by 17 points.

St Kilda v Gold Coast

A win’s a win, but I’m not sure last Friday night’s 17 point victory over North Melbourne is a performance Saints fans, players and coaches will be rushing to watch back any time soon. In fact, I think it’s a game best forgotten.

None the less it’s a win for St Kilda that keeps their season going in a positive direction, now at 6-6 and with a very winnable game against the Suns to complete round 14.

The match is superstar Gary Ablett’s 300^th match at AFL level, a wonderful milestone that celebrates his longevity in the game. Considering the injuries he has overcome in the past 2-3 years, it’s a mighty achievement.

No doubt his team will lift for the occasion, having suffered a shock loss against Carlton at home last Saturday. Michael Barlow’s horrific broken leg (for the second time in his career) has ended his season, and the Suns will need someone to give Ablett a helping hand if they are to match it with the Saints midfield in this one.

The Suns lose the services of Matt Rosa (suspension), Aaron Hall (hamstring), Brandon Matera (foot) and the luckless Barlow for the match, Touk Miller and Callum Ah Chee among the inclusions.

Could be a better game than anticipated to finish the round, particularly with Ablett celebrating a significant milestone. Hopefully Saints supporters actually turn up to watch their team for a change. They should see their team secure a tight win. St Kilda by 11 points.

 

STAR OF THE GAME: Gary Ablett plays his 300th game of AFL football on Sunday evening. SOURCE: Over the Line Sports.

 

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

AFL Round 13 Preview: Winged Eagles Host Cats in Vital Thursday Night Contest

The West Coast Eagles and Geelong have a storied rivalry that dates back to the start of the 1990’s.

The Cats were Victoria’s strongest team in the early 90’s after the Hawthorn and Essendon juggernauts of the 80’s went through periods of indifference, while the Eagles were the powerhouse club from the West, with the best players from Western Australia largely making up their team.

The clubs met in two grand finals in three seasons, the Eagles victorious in both, becoming the first interstate club to take the premiership cup outside of Victoria in the process. It’s something the Cats haven’t forgotten since, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of all those involved down at Kardinia Park.

While the rivalry may have somewhat faded over time, the clubs renew acquaintances at Subiaco on Thursday night, both sides coming off a much needed mid-season bye.

Neither team will have their spearhead in attack, with Josh Kennedy sidelined due to a calf injury for West Coast and Tom Hawkins suspended for the visitors.

It’s a fantastic way to kick off another round of AFL football, round 13 of the 2017 AFL season. Didn’t round 12 just finish?

 

CAT ATTACK: Geelong players put the clamps on Matt Priddis last year. SOURCE: Newcastle Herald.

 

West Coast v Geelong

I know it’s easy to pot the AFL fixtures long after they have been released, but we need a good Thursday night game. It’s been a poor couple of weeks in that regard, with the Power v Hawks and Swans v Dogs games both proving to be underwhelming.

What can we expect from West Coast v Geelong? We should anticipate a closer contest than the past two Thursday nights for a start, but the Eagles desperately need to respond after a horrid three week stretch before the bye.

The Cats had three successive wins at the newly revamped Kardinia Park before their break, meaning the two teams couldn’t have starker form lines heading in to this match at Subiaco Oval.

The Cats midfield has been superb, Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Cameron Guthrie and the two Selwood brothers, Joel and Scott (a former Eagle) all in outstanding form.

As for West Coast, they have once again been picked apart and criticized for being too old, too slow, and too soft, their loss to the Gold Coast as insipid a performance as the club has produced this decade.

They need a lift in intensity from all 22 players in this match if they are to topple the Cats, but will have to do without two time reigning Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy, who will miss a second match with a calf injury.

The Cats don’t have the services of Tom Hawkins due to suspension; while utility Mark Blicavs has been peculiarly managed despite the fact the Cats had a bye last week. Make of that what you will. Rhys Stanley and Jed Bews are their replacements.

Veteran Sam Butler and inconsistent forward Josh Hill have been dropped for the home side, replaced by Tom Barrass and just third gamer (first this season) Tom Cole.

The Eagles are a far better team at home, but the Cats should have too many winners across the board in this one for me. Geelong by 17 points.

St Kilda v North Melbourne

The Saints hate travelling. They must be nervous flyers or something.  As soon as they get on a plane, they seemingly leave their best football at home.

The result was another poor loss interstate last Friday night against the Crows, their season in danger of unravelling at 5-6, currently in 12^th position.

It sets up a vital match against North Melbourne on a Friday night, thankfully for Alan Richardson’s men back under the roof at the comforts of Etihad Stadium.

The Roos best is good enough to challenge most teams, as seen in wins over top 8 teams Adelaide and Melbourne so far this year. They had a poor performance against Richmond leading in to their bye, but looked short of a gallop and in need of a rest in that game and should be refreshed for this one.

Ben Brown looms as a tough man to stop here once again, with Saints key defenders Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle both under injury clouds.

Nick Riewoldt returns from a knee complaint, but the Seaford based club loses young key forward Patrick McCartin with a knee injury. Former Giant Jack Steele has been dropped after a poor game in Adelaide last week.

Youngster Declan Mountford has been included for his second AFL match, Ed Vickers-Willis out with a knee injury.

Pretty important match for both teams and their finals chances in this game, the loser probably up against it to make the top 8. Going with the Saints, they have too much to play for here and should have just enough class to account for North Melbourne. St Kilda by 11 points.

 

BACK IN BUSINESS: Nick Riewoldt returns from injury this weekend. SOURCE: ABC.

 

Richmond v Sydney

What a position the Tigers find themselves in at the halfway mark of the season. Who would have predicted it? At 7-4, they appear well placed to make an impact come September. Ah heck I couldn’t even write that with a straight face. This is Richmond we are talking about.

They certainly have exceeded everybody’s expectations so far in 2017, and if they knew how to close out tight finishes they could well be two games clear on top of the ladder. Alas that’s how the cookie crumbles, and now the team in yellow and black will set themselves for a huge clash opposed to Sydney at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans demolished the Western Bulldogs last Thursday night, perhaps breathing life in to their flailing season. At 4-8 it’s still a mountainous task for John Longmire’s men, but if any team can do it, it’s Sydney.

It’s fair to say these two teams fortunes have changed since their last meeting, the Swans pummelling a hapless Richmond by 113 points in round 23 last season. Some thought that would be the final straw for Damien Hardwick, but he has re-defined the way Richmond play so far in 2017, moving the ball with pace and getting a better output from their forwards.

The Swans have struggled with injury and inconsistency so far this season, and will need a better run on the injury front in the run home if they are to push in to the top eight.  Gary Rohan is back from illness, Lewis Melican losing his spot.

Richmond has a pretty good recent record over the Swans, but this is a difficult one to tip. Mainly due to the fact you can never tip the Tigers with confidence. I’m going to back the boys from Punt Road in a close one. Richmond by 7 points.

Port Adelaide v Brisbane Lions

If you had of said one team would head in to this game off the back of a 70 point loss, and the other after a 57 point win, you would have thought: more of the same from both Port Adelaide and Brisbane on what they have dished up in 2017, right?

Well of course it was Ken Hinkley’s men who were pummelled by Essendon, and Brisbane who gave Fremantle a nice old touch up in round 12, and while next to no one expects the Lions to win this one, who can really be sure in this ridiculously even season of AFL football?

In a tough season for Brisbane, every win should be cherished. And while only 11,742 people turned up on a wet evening, those who were there certainly enjoyed what they saw. On top of Josh Schache re-signing late last week till the end of 2019, it was a joyous week to support the maroon and gold.

They now make the trek to Adelaide to take on a wounded Power side, the teams having only met some six weeks ago at the Gabba in what was a one sided contest in the visitors favour from the outset.

The boys from Alberton have made three changes, Jasper Pittard, Brendan Ah Chee and Jimmy Toumpas all dropped. Dan Houston, Jake Neade and Aaron Young all come back in to the seniors. The Lions go in unchanged.

Port Adelaide will still be smarting from last week’s loss to the Bombers, in which they coughed up over 100 points alone in turnovers. I think they will bounce back against the Lions fairly impressively here. A reminder the Power are the only team yet to beat a top 8 side so far this year. Port Adelaide by 45 points.

 

POWER FAILURE: Power players leave Etihad Stadium after their 70 point loss last Saturday night. SOURCE: Port Adelaide FC.

 

Gold Coast v Carlton

I love the way Carlton go about things. They scrap, they fight, they guts it out. Their reward was a win for the ages over Greater Western Sydney by a point last Sunday, a much deserved result after significant improvement in the first half of 2017.

Now the challenge is to see if they can back it up on the road against a similarly improving Gold Coast Suns side, who had their first win at the MCG in 3 years over Hawthorn last Saturday afternoon.

Rodney Eade’s side will be hopeful of a third successive win, back on their home turf with Gary Ablett in vintage form, recruit Jarryd Lyons and David Swallow also in good recent touch.

Matthew Kreuzer is the form ruckman of the competition right now, coming off a dominant performance in game 150 against the Giants last week. Jarrod Witts has a huge task in trying to nullify his influence.

Alex Silvagni is out with a knee injury for the Blues, while Liam Sumner misses with an adductor complaint. Blaine Boekhorst and Sam Petrevski-Seton come in for the trip North.

If the Suns have serious ambitions of playing finals, they should win this one comfortably enough. Gold Coast by 25 points.

 

BLUE HEAVEN: Carlton players celebrate their 1 point win over Greater Western Sydney last Sunday. SOURCE: Carlton FC.

 

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne

Can we start talking about premiership hangovers now? The Dogs were horrible last Thursday night at a wet SCG, smashed around the contest and unable to get the ball inside 50 with any regularity.

They now face a tough clash with a resurgent Melbourne on Sunday at Docklands, who had a superb win on Queens Birthday Monday over Collingwood.

The Dogs continue to make several changes to their side, suggesting not all is well at the Kennel this year. Veteran Matthew Boyd has been dropped, suggesting perhaps the end is near for the decorated Bulldog. Travis Cloke is out with soreness after a quiet return against the Swans, while Marcus Adams’ season is as good as over thanks to a foot injury.

Tim English and Fletcher Roberts have also been omitted, meaning their will be at least 5 changes come bounce down on Sunday.

The Demons will not regain the services of Max Gawn (hamstring) and Jesse Hogan (illness) for at least another week, after the two weren’t included in the squad for the clash. Ben Kennedy, Jake Spencer and Sam Weideman are all in the extended squad.

Should be a close contest this one under the roof, but backing the Dogs to revive their season with an important win over a spirited Melbourne outfit. Western Bulldogs by 15 points.

 

DEMON DEE-LIGHT: Jack Watts and Nathan Jones celebrate the match winning goal on Queens Birthday Monday. SOURCE: ABC.

 

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

AFL Round 12 Preview: Swans Face Must Win Fixture in Spicy Second Grand Final Rematch

It’s been a tough start to 2017 for both Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, albeit at contrasting levels. The Swans started 0-6, but were so impressive in their three successive victories that followed; people began to talk up their finals chances.

A poor loss to arch rivals Hawthorn at home before their mid-season bye has appeared to put pay to that, John Longmire’s men with the best part of a fortnight to stew on that performance heading in to their match against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG, the second Grand Final rematch of 2017.

The Dogs got the points in round two at Docklands in a fantastic contest, Sydney missing stars Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley, Dane Rampe and Captain Jarrad McVeigh in that Friday night clash.

Luke Beveridge’s team have been largely underwhelming so far this season, but have won six of their ten games and appear at this stage well placed in a tight season to make a run at the top four. They made their premiership run in the corresponding match between the teams at the venue last year, Jason Johannisen kicking the match winner inside the final minute.

Should the Swans lose this one on a Thursday night on their home patch, there will be no coming back from 3-8. Expect them to give their all with their season on the line against a Dogs outfit looking to kick start something bigger. Here is a full preview of round 12 of the 2017 AFL season.

Sydney v Western Bulldogs

When these two teams first met in 2017, the Grand Final memories from 2016 still burnt brightly in everyone’s memories. The Doggies unfurled the flag to their adoring red, white and blue faithful on an emotional night at Docklands. They were victorious by 23 points in a topsy turvy match, but people walked away from that match anticipating both sides would feature at the business end of the season once again.

The Swans went on to lose their first six matches of the season, almost ending their 2017 campaign before it had a chance to begin. The Dogs haven’t got close to reaching their best form yet but sit comfortably enough at 6-4, and head to Sydney with confidence having won their past two matches at the SCG.

The Swans have been unusually poor at home this season, losing four of five games so far at the venue. They simply must win this game; otherwise the rest of the season is likely to be a write off.

They have made a big call at the selection table, dropping Kurt Tippett after a string of poor performances. Youngster Oliver Florent also makes way, Kieren Jack and ruckman Sam Naismith returning to the side.

The Dogs have made four changes following their mid-season bye, Tom Boyd (back), Dale Morris (ankle), Robert Murphy (hamstring) all out with injury. Bailey Williams was also omitted after just 12 disposals against the Saints in round 10.

Travis Cloke gets another opportunity to impress, veteran Matthew Boyd also back along with Toby McLean and Fletcher Roberts.

The form guide so far this year would suggest the Bulldogs should win this one even away from home, but something tells me the Swans will snatch this one in an epic. Sydney by 3 points.

 

FLASHBACK: Jason Johannisen celebrates his match winner against the Swans last year: SOURCE: SEN.

 

Adelaide v St Kilda

South Australian media are a funny bunch. Generally one eyed and ultra-positive, the locals have turned on the Crows after their loss to the Cats last Friday night, saying they are in ‘crisis’ after the 22 point defeat at the Cattery.

That seems a little bit extreme for a side that sits 8-3 in second spot on the table to me, but there isn’t much news out of SA normally so they probably were just trying to sell papers.

Yes it was a disappointing night for Don Pyke and his team, but not many teams will beat Geelong at Kardinia Park this year, and the Cats have worked out how to beat the Crows in recent years.

They return home to their home fortress the Adelaide Oval for their final assignment before their mid-season bye, a tricky match up against St Kilda in store. The Saints have struggled to win interstate in recent years, and have lost their past six games to the Crows by an average margin of 57 points.

Nick Riewoldt will miss another week with a knee complaint, and there are genuine fears he may struggle to get back and have an impact in the second half of the season.

The Crows forward line is too potent for the Saints in this clash for me, and should take care of an improved opponent to the last time the two sides played, Adelaide winning that one by 88 points. Adelaide by 24 points.

Hawthorn v Gold Coast

It’s been an up and down year for the Hawks, to say the least. It’s been a while since Hawthorn fans have had to ride an emotional rollercoaster in a season of AFL football.

A brilliant win in Sydney in round 10 was followed by a dispiriting loss to Port Adelaide last Thursday night, Alastair Clarkson’s men failing to register a score in the opening term and not kicking a goal until the 3 minute mark of the third term.

So which Hawthorn team will turn up this week? Knowing Clarkson and his ability to get a response out of his charges, I would expect a far more determined effort from the side this Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

The Suns get a rare chance to run around on the hallowed turf following their thrilling 3 point win over the West Coast Eagles at home last week, and will have fond memories of their last meeting with Hawthorn, a crushing 86 point triumph in round 3 this year.

With these teams 15^th (Hawthorn) and 14^th (Gold Coast) respectively, this match could decide the path for the remainder of the season for both teams. Tom Lynch looms large up forward for the Suns, as does last minute hero against the Eagles Peter Wright.

A great opportunity for the Suns to get just their 3^rd win on the home of football in this contest, but I think the challenge might just be a little bit too much for them. Hawks for me in a tight one. Hawthorn by 11 points.

 

A HAWK HORROR: Hawks players lament their 86 point loss to Gold Coast in round 3. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

Brisbane Lions v Fremantle

Two weeks ago, the Dockers might have been looking at this match as a percentage booster to go in to their mid-season break at 8-4. Now, this is a must win game to keep their heads above water.

The Lions are 1-9 and sit in last spot on the AFL ladder, and should be cannon fodder for the Dockers. When the teams met last year in the same round the visitors pummelled Brisbane to the tune of 83 points for just their second win of the season.

Ross Lyon’s team would be hoping for a similar result this time around to improve their poor percentage of 81.4, but must simply narrow their focus to winning after back to back losses to Adelaide and Collingwood.

Both losses were equally disappointing in their own right, but losing at home to the Pies who had 18 fit players come the final siren served as a brutal reality check for Lyon and his team, who have well and truly exceeded expectations to this point of the season.

Brisbane’s round one win over Gold Coast seems light years ago now, and although their first month was a marked improvement on their disastrous 2016 season they have slipped back in to old habits in recent weeks, a wooden spoon looking almost certain for the team in maroon, blue and gold.

The good news is they should receive a priority draft pick in this year’s draft. If that means anything to Brisbane I would be surprised, as draft picks have walked out on the club with regularity in recent seasons.

Aaron Sandilands misses again for the Dockers here, which could help Brisbane establish some dominance in the middle of the ground.

Can’t tip the Lions going on what I have seen from them so far this year, but they will be quietly confident of an upset. Dockers to go 7-5 and keep their finals dream well and truly alive at the halfway point of the season. Fremantle by 35 points.

Essendon v Port Adelaide

Can’t say I’m sold on either of these two teams, which means this is an intriguing time for the two clubs to face one another. Mid-season, under the roof on a Saturday night. It promises to be a high scoring belter between the clubs, both teams capable of moving the ball at pace and finding targets inside 50.

The Power belted Hawthorn last Thursday night at home, but despite that performance people are beginning to put the Alberton based club in the ‘flat track bullies’ basket. A win here will dispel that theory, the Dons a solid side on the cusp of the top eight.

They largely matched it with Greater Western Sydney last week at Spotless Stadium, just outclassed at the finish by a top four side. They should see this is a fantastic opportunity to claim another big scalp for John Worsfold’s men heading in to their mid-season bye in round 13.

James Kelly returns for the Dons, while fellow veteran Brent Stanton has been dropped for the second time this season.  Chad Wingard is back from a calf strain to strengthen the forward line for the Power, Aaron Young dropped.

If Port Adelaide want to be a genuine contender, they simply must win this match. But I think the Bombers might just pip them at the post. You feel like we might find out a fair bit more about both teams over the course of the 120 minutes in this one. Essendon by 8 points.

 

CAREER AT THE CROSSROADS: Brent Stanton has been dropped for the second time this season. SOURCE: Essendon FC.

 

Carlton v Greater Western Sydney

This is almost an intraclub match. Greater Western Sydney’s best of the rest v Greater Western Sydney. Why is this not the Setanta O’hailpin cup? Only Cameron Cloke would be against that.

This looks a horribly one sided mismatch on paper, but the Blues have shown this season they can at the very least be competitive against the good teams. And with the Giants coming off a successful but draining patch of their season, they could be a little flat heading in to their bye.

Josh Kelly is the form player of the competition, and will be hard to stop in midfield. Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully and Toby Greene are others who loom as match winners for the AFL’s newest club.

Carlton still lack consistent avenues to goal, although Levi Casboult looks a rejuvenated player in 2017. Charlie Curnow is improving with every game he plays at the highest level, while Bryce Gibbs kicked 3 majors in a dominant performance against North Melbourne before the Blues bye.

The Giants are on top of the table for the first time in their short history, and I can’t see them being knocked off that position with a shock loss here. Matthew Kruezer v Shane Mumford will be a fascinating match up in the middle of the ground. Greater Western Sydney by 43 points.

 

KRUZE CONTROL: Matthew Kreuzer has been in outstanding form in the 2017 AFL season. SOURCE: Triple M.

 

Melbourne v Collingwood

One of the best days on the AFL footballing calendar. The Queen’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood has been an annual fixture since 2001, but has gained extra significance in the past couple of years, with Neale Daniher’s inspirational ‘Big Freeze at the G’, aimed at helping raise money for research in to Motor Neurone Disease, for which there is no cure. Daniher himself has the disease, and has been the figurehead of the campaign over the past three years.

Celebrities will go down a slide in to a pool of freezing cold ice pre-match on Monday, patrons urged to donate money to help fight MND. It will be an emotional but enjoyable afternoon for all concerned, and should be a terrific game to boot between the competition’s two oldest clubs.

Collingwood were outstanding against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval last Sunday, defying the odds with four injured to secure a momentous victory that could prove to be a turning point in their season. They will be counting the cost of that win though, with Daniel Wells, Tyson Goldsack and Jamie Elliott all set to miss this fixture with injury.

The Demons are well rested coming off their bye, having had the best part of two weeks off come the start of this encounter. The fact the Pies have injuries and travelled back from Perth surely works in their favour.

Taylor Adams sparked a potential slanging match post Fremantle match by saying team mate and ex-Demon Lynden Dunn had previously failed to play at a successful club. Actions will speak louder than words come Monday.

A vital match for both teams if they want to qualify for finals, the winner putting themselves in the box seat. Think the Dees will honour their former coach with a win. Melbourne by 17 points.

 

AN INSPIRATION: Neale Daniher continues to fight for a cure to Motor Neurone Disease. SOURCE: ABC.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFL Round 11 Preview: Cats and Crows Face Season Defining Cattery Clash

As we move in to the dreaded multi-bye rounds, Geelong and Adelaide have largely established their premiership credentials. The Cats have recovered from a poor patch of form that saw them lose three matches on the trot from rounds 6-8, while the Crows have rebounded emphatically from losses to North Melbourne and Melbourne with thumping victories over Brisbane (80 points) and Fremantle (100 points) in the past fortnight.

No doubt the return to the familiar surrounds of Kardinia Park has helped them immensely, a ground they defend expertly before launching attacks through the centre corridor. Still they have beaten good opposition in the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, challenged in both games.

The Crows haven’t won in Geelong since 2003, former Cats coach Gary Ayres at the helm. Want a good trivia question? Ian Perrie was best on ground, the only time he secured the coveted 3 Brownlow votes in a match.

In another Friday night blockbuster at the Cattery, both clubs will be sensing an opportunity to go in to their bye as the outright premiership favourite, overlooking the Giants stunning win over West Coast in Perth last Sunday for just one moment.

It is one of six intriguing matches in round 11, the round beginning in the city of churches on Thursday night between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. Here is a complete round preview.

 

GREAT BATTLE: Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane could go head to head on Friday night. SOURCE: Adelaide FC.

 

Port Adelaide v Hawthorn

The Power can consider themselves unlucky to lose last Thursday night. Sure, Charlie Dixon being called to play on was the right call, but he’s the first player to get picked up on it in a long time, and at that time of the match the umpire had little to no sense of theatre. Victorian pundits reckon the Eagles get a good run at home? I reckon Geelong is in the same boat.

A bit of a long winded introduction to another Thursday night game for the Power, this time at home to the Hawks who continue to be nuisance value following their memorable triumph over Sydney at the SCG last Friday night.

Most people have said they are a long way off the pace this season, but they sit just one game outside the top eight after 10 rounds. It must be said their percentage is poor, but if they keep winning that will surely change.

These two clubs have had some fantastic contests in recent years, most notably the 2014 preliminary final that the Hawks won by 3 points. The Power used that as motivation the following season, winning both matches between the clubs despite the fact Alastair Clarkson’s team went on to win a third consecutive flag and the Alberton based club missed the finals altogether.

Spurned by the pair of 2015 defeats the Hawks went old school physical on the Power at the same venue last year, claiming the points with a determined 22 point victory.

A similar result this time around would see people questioning where the Power are at in 2017, and may see people re-evaluate just what the Hawks might be able to achieve. Both teams have gone in unchanged at this stage, but the visitors could pull a late change off a six day break and successive interstate trips.

Should be a decent game to start the round, but if the Power are serious about a return to finals they should take care of the Hawks on their home turf. Port Adelaide by 17 points.

 

MEMORABLE MATCH: Hawthorn players celebrate their preliminary final win back in 2014. SOURCE: Triple M.

 

Geelong v Adelaide

The Cats are back. In saying that, it’s a fine line between pleasure and pain. A 2 point win over Port Adelaide last Thursday night saw them firm to a 7-3 record, well placed for an eventual top 4 spot.

Adelaide have had two comfortable wins after losses in rounds 7 and 8 to North Melbourne and Melbourne, trouncing the Dockers by 100 points in the wet last Saturday night. It seems to be hard to be critical of a team that won by that much, but had they kicked straight they could have won by 150!

They make the trip East to play the Cats at their home fortress, having not beaten the team in navy blue and white hoops at the venue since 2003. Geelong have the wood on Adelaide in recent years, having beaten them both times last year and won the past four clashes dating back to 2014.

In the corresponding match at the same venue last year the Cats did a defensive number on Don Pyke’s men, restricting them to just seven goals for the contest in securing a five goal win. They will need to replicate that frugal effort to beat them this time around, with forwards Walker, Betts, Jenkins, Milera, Cameron and the unlikely Andy Otten all in dynamic form.

The Cats stil rely heavily on Tom Hawkins to fire in order to kick a score, Daniel Menzel and swingman Harry Taylor too inconsistent in attack. The midfield battle will be an intriguing one, former Crow Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood needing to fire with Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers in good form.

Going to be another good Friday night contest this one, but the Cats are tough to beat at home and I think they might snatch it. Geelong by 9 points.

Gold Coast v West Coast

This looked like a rather dull mid-season match when the fixtures came out in October. Now it looms as a crunch contest for both clubs that could go right down to the wire.  The Suns have never beaten the Eagles, but may not get a better chance than this.

Spearhead Josh Kennedy is out with a calf injury sustained in the loss to Greater Western Sydney last Sunday, although the news is better than expected with the two time Coleman Medallist only expected to miss 3 weeks.

The Eagles welcome back Mark LeCras and Luke Shuey, both late withdrawals with injury in round 10, while Eric Mackenzie plays his first AFL match since round 1 this year. The 2014 club best and fairest is likely to play a variety of roles, and could even line up in the ruck at different stages.

The Suns regain the services of Gary Ablett after he rested his troublesome shoulder last week, as well as former West Coast Eagle Matt Rosa. Brad Scheer and Brayden Fiorini make way.

The question here is how the West Coast Eagles forward line goes about their work in the absence of Kennedy, and how they set up. Jack Darling has an opportunity to silence the doubters and stand up as the number one target in attack, while Mark LeCras and Drew Petrie will also need to hit the scoreboard.

The Suns have two potent targets in attack in Tom Lynch and Peter Wright, and how the Eagles stop the duo will be an important factor in the match.

A vital contest for both teams, in particular the Eagles who could lose a third successive match and drop to 6-5 at their bye should the Suns get the points here. Rodney Eade is under pressure to secure a contract extension, and needs some positive results to keep his job.

Expecting a pretty close game, but think the Eagles should have enough polish to secure the points despite the absence of their star goalkicker. West Coast by 8 points.

 

BITTER BLOW: Josh Kennedy will miss at least 3 weeks with a calf injury. SOURCE: Zero Hanger.

 

Greater Western Sydney v Essendon

Just how good are the Giants going to be? Well, they are pretty good already. A win for the ages on the road against the normally indomitable West Coast on their home patch last Sunday has seen them firm as the premiership favourites in this largely unpredictable season.

A six day break after a trip back from Perth will test their recuperative powers, considering their lengthy injury list. The good news is that they didn’t sustain any further injuries on their trip West, but they will need to play close to their best football to beat Essendon in this one even on their home patch.

The Bombers up and down season continued last week with a loss to Richmond in the Dreamtime at the G game, probably lucky to get within 15 points considering how many chances the Tigers squandered.

Their forward line could potentially cause problems, with Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia both in good form. Cale Hooker came under some criticism for his poor performance against the Tigers, so expect him to rebound strongly here.

This match serves as a great opportunity for the Giants to show how much they have matured as a group, having had a massive month or so of football. I will back them to get it done, but the Bombers will stick with them for a while. Greater Western Sydney by 25 points.

North Melbourne v Richmond

Finally the Tigers won a close one! Despite the fact they tried their hardest to leave the Bombers in it. Now 6-4, Damien Hardwick’s team must continue their positive season by beating a plucky North Melbourne in this crunch round 11 encounter.

The Roos threatened to have another final quarter fadeout against Carlton last Sunday, having at one stage led by as much as 45 points. They conceded the lead early in the last term before steadying to win by 17 points, and will need to address their patchy periods of football if they are to beat quality opposition.

Brad Scott’s men have beaten the Tigers in 7 of the past 8 encounters, Richmond’s one win coming in round 23 2015 when the Roos rested senior players ahead of the finals series. The proof was in the pudding, with North Melbourne winning the elimination final against the Tigers a week later.

These two teams have perhaps best exemplified the unpredictable nature of the 2017 season, which makes this a really difficult one to tip. Richmond’s top end talent is probably that little bit better than North Melbourne’s, and they should do enough to hold off the Roos under the roof. Richmond by 14 points.

 

IN FORM FORWARD: Ben Brown has been a revelation for the Roos in 2017. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

Fremantle v Collingwood

Despite the fact there are only six games in this round over four days of action, all the games are worth watching. This one is no exception.

The Dockers were awful last Saturday night against the Crows, delivering a performance from the 2016 vault that they will hope not to repeat again this season. In Ross Lyon’s 250^th AFL match as coach, he suffered his first 100 point loss. Certainly not one to remember then.

Nat Fyfe had an incredible 13 clangers for the game, the equal most in history. At least that meant he could find the ball, even if he did turn it over. The same can’t be said for some of his team mates.

A home fixture against Collingwood will not be an easy one, but should the Dockers win this contest they are ideally placed to be 8-4 at their bye with a match against bottom placed Brisbane at the Gabba next week.

Aaron Sandilands appears likely to return from hamstring tightness to strengthen the ruck division, but the entire midfield will need to lift after being smashed around the footy by the Crows in the wet. Danyle Pearce is the only omission at this stage after another poor match.

Collingwood had a win in similar conditions against the Lions on Sunday, a workmanlike effort if nothing else. Alex Fasolo has taken some time out of the game to deal with a mental health issue, the Western Australian native dealing with depression. The entire competition wishes him well.

Jarryd Blair has been denied his 150th AFL game after being dropped, but son of a gun Callum Brown is in line for a debut after a series of strong performances in the VFL.

Should be a good contest here, but reckon the Dockers will close it out at home. Fremantle by 17 points.

BIG INCLUSION: Aaron Sandilands should return from injury against Collingwood on Sunday. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

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

ICC 2017 Champions Trophy Preview: England Well Placed for Maiden 50 Over International Triumph

It’s been two years since England exited the 2015 50 over World Cup with a whimper. They looked a long way off the standard in one day cricket, unsure of their best combination and playing without flair and passion.

 

Consistent England cricketers such as Ian Bell, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, all Ashes heroes in the longest format of the game were told their time in coloured clothing was over following the tournament, ex-captain Alastair Cook sacked as captain in the lead up to the biggest international tournament on the cricketing calendar.

 

Eoin Morgan’s team has gone through quite a transformation since, players such as Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, David Willey and Adil Rashid all playing their part in making England a far more dynamic, well rounded team. 

 

Long considered behind the times in ODI cricket, England are now one of the best teams to watch, with a bevy of match winners with bat and ball. 300 appears to be the new par in 50 over cricket, and with power hitters all the way down the list they appear capable of making well in excess of that on any given day.

 

With only a world t20 trophy in their cabinet, this looms as the Poms best chance to win a 50 over tournament in their long international history. On their home soil in a shorter tournament with their matchwinners fit and firing, this should be Morgan’s side time to shine.  Here is a complete preview of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

PAINFUL MEMORY: England captain Eoin Morgan leads his players from the field after their loss to Bangladesh in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. SOURCE: Cricket Country.

 

 

Winner: England

 

Runner Up: India

 

Semi Finalists: England, India, South Africa, Australia.

 

Player of the Tournament: Jos Buttler (England)

 

Leading Wicket Taker: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

 

Leading Run Scorer: Virat Kohli (India)

 

AUSTRALIA

 

Pay Dispute Threatens to Overshadow Aussies Title Push

 

GROUP A

 

Game 1: v New Zealand, June 2

 

Game 2: v Bangladesh, June 5

 

Game 3: v England, June 10

 

Squad: Steve Smith ©, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

 

The Australian cricket team has had very few success stories out of recent trips to England, having failed to win an Ashes series there since 2001. They also bombed out in the group stages of the 2013 edition of the Champions Trophy, failing to beat either England or Sri Lanka in their group stage, either side of a washout at Edgbaston opposed to New Zealand.

 

The Aussies reached their nadir during that tournament, David Warner exiled from the first two Tests of the forthcoming series for punching English batsman Joe Root in a bar following the teams match. Mickey Arthur was sacked on the eve of the Ashes, making the Champions Trophy his last tournament as coach.

KEY PLAYER: David Warner will be a key for Australia at the top of the order. SOURCE: Cricket Country.

 

 

Four years on the reigning 50 over World Cup champions have an entirely different off-field saga to deal with, players in a bitter pay dispute with Cricket Australia that is yet to be resolved.

 

It threatens to mar the on field efforts of the Australian side throughout this international tournament, with rumours continuing to circulate that a players strike could take place during the Ashes next Australian home summer.

 

The number one ranked ODI team in the world suggests they will still be one of the teams to beat, but in such a short competition one slip up in the group stages could prove fatal. Openers David Warner and Aaron Finch have failed to fire as an opening combination in recent series, Victorian Finch under pressure to keep his spot with big hitter Chris Lynn waiting in the wings.

 

His recent century in a warm up match against Sri Lanka came at an ideal time, while Steve Smith remains one of the form players in world cricket after a brilliant tour of India and a strong IPL season with Rising Pune Supergiant that followed.

 

The middle order must deliver if Australia are to remain a threat in this tournament, players like Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade and the enigmatic Glenn Maxwell all capable of being matchwinners with the bat in hand.

 

The bowling looks strong, with strike bowler Mitchell Starc back to full fitness after a foot fracture ended his India tour early. Man of the tournament in the 2015 World Cup, Starc’s ability to strike vital blows up front with the newball and bowl pinpoint yorkers at the death make him one of the most leathal bowlers in ODI cricket.

 

John Hastings is a wicket taker who bowls with variety, while Josh Hazlewood is consistent and reliable in one day cricket as he is in the longer format. Whether the selectors choose to go with front line spinner Adam Zampa or the part time offerings of Head and Maxwell remains to be seen, but the blond leg spinner has barely put a foot wrong at international level when given an opportunity.

 

No doubt Smith’s men have what it takes to win the tournament, but must fire from game one against rivals New Zealand to be in the hunt. Tipping a semi-final exit for the team in canary yellow.

STRIKE WEAPON: Mitchell Starc will need to be at his best for Australia to contend in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

 

BANGLADESH

 

Improved Tigers Aim To Surprise Favourites

 

GROUP A

 

Game 1: v England, June 1

 

Game 2: v Australia, June 5

 

Game 3: v New Zealand, June 9

 

Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza ©, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Sanzamul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.

 

 The 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand seemed a turning point in Bangladeshi cricket.

 

A sterling win over England in their final group match saw them qualify for the quarter finals, a spirited showing against India not quite enough to see them progress further in the tournament.

 

But it gave the once minnow nation a sense of belonging at international level, able to match it with the bigger teams in world cricket. They have proven to be a tough team to beat in recent years, particularly in ODI’s in their home country.

 

Landmark Test victories over England (October 2016) and Sri Lanka (March 2017) give the Tigers genuine belief that they can cause some surprises at this edition of the Champions Trophy, qualifying ahead of West Indies and Zimbabwe for the tournament.

 

Their team is well balanced, with a strong batting line up led by Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal at the top of the order, as well as dependable middle order players Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, the latter one of the most talented all rounders in international cricket.

OUTSTANDING CRICKETER: Shakib Al Hasan is arguably the best cricketer Bangladesh has produced in their 16 year history. SOURCE: Cricket Country.

 

 

Their pace bowling stocks are also in good order, with captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Taskin Ahmed and left arm one day sensation Mustafizur ‘The Fizz’ Rahman, with possibly the best slower ball and off cutter in world cricket.

 

19 year old off spinner Mehedi Hasan has been a revelation since he burst on the scene with 19 wickets in his debut Test series last year, and could be one of the players to watch in this tournament.

 

While no one expects Bangladesh to make it past the group stages, they thought the same two years ago in Australia and New Zealand. And this team is more settled and talented now. Don’t be surprised if they claim a scalp at this tournament. Imagine if they beat England in the opening match?

FIZZ THE WIZ: Mustafizur Rahman has been an outstanding find for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. SOURCE: Zee News India.

 

 

ENGLAND

 

Hosts in Box Seat for 50 Over Title… At Last!

 

GROUP A

 

Game 1: v Bangladesh, June 1

 

Game 2: v New Zealand, June 6

 

Game 3: v Australia, June 10

 

Squad: Eoin Morgan ©, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

It’s been quite a resurgence from England in the past 18 months or so in coloured clothing. After finally realising they were behind the times in the 50 over game following their group stage exit at the 2015 World Cup, the Poms embarked on a changing of the guard in more ways than one.

 

Younger players were included who play with more flair, Peter Moores exiting as coach and replaced by Australian Trevor Bayliss, who came in with success in the shorter format. Most England fans were perplexed that it took so long to make the appropriate changes, but are now excited about the direction of this current squad.

 

The hosts have a dynamic side full of match winners with bat and ball, and in their home conditions go in as favourites in most people’s eyes for the Champions Trophy.

 

Players such as Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Alex Hales, David Willey and Joe Root are all capable of being match winners on any given day, and they now have plenty of depth with players such as Jonny Bairstow and Sam Billings on the periphery of the squad.

STAR OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME: Ben Stokes looms as a potential gamebreaker for England. SOURCE: Talk Sport.

 

 

They are well led by Eoin Morgan, who heads in to the tournament in fantastic form, man of the series against South Africa in a 3 match series that wrapped up earlier this week.

 

The challenge for most teams will be taking wickets in the middle overs, but with bowlers such as Adil Rashid and Chris Woakes in their armoury England are well placed in that area.

 

They have consistently racked up scores of 300 plus in ODI’s of late, batting all the way down the list and with power hitters such as Buttler and Stokes capable of doing some serious damage late in the innings.

 

 The big question mark is how England handle the pressure of being favourites on their home turf, as they have a history of melting under the duress of that ‘favourites’ tag. They finished runners up in the 2013 edition of the tournament, and arguably should have won having been in a strong position against India only to fold under pressure in the run chase.

 

Any early slip ups and they may fall right away, but this is a golden opportunity for Bayliss, Morgan and their team. And they have the team to do it this time around. The stars are aligning for the Poms.

DYNAMIC PLAYER: Jos Buttler is one of the best power hitters in international limited overs cricket. SOURCE: Cricket Country.

 

 

INDIA

 

Reigning Champions Aim to Go Back to Back in the UK

 

GROUP B

 

Game 1: India v Pakistan, June 4

 

Game 2: India v Sri Lanka, June 8

 

Game 3: India v South Africa, June 11

 

Squad: Virat Kohli ©, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jaspit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Yuvraj Singh.

 

We all know of the superstar nature of India and their cricketers. Players are idolised at home and away by adoring fans, and you wonder how they aren’t weighed down by the enormity of it all. In the 2013 edition of the Champions Trophy, meant to be the final instalment of the tournament India seemed to almost have more fans in the Edgbaston venue than hosts England.

 

On a cold June Birmingham day in a match heavily affected by rain, the match ironically became a 20 overs per side match, the irony being that the tournament was essentially given the flick due to the popularity of the 20 over world cup. India only made 129, but scrapped their way to a gutsy 5 run win by restricting England to 8-124.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: India celebrate their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. SOURCE: Cool Fun Zone.

 

 

It was an incredible triumph by India, who despite their obvious talent were not considered favourites for the title, most citing a cold June in the UK as a far from ideal trip for a country used to stifling heat on the subcontinent.

 

Shikhar Dhawan was the standout batsman of the tournament, with two centuries and a half century from 5 matches at an average of 90.75. He returns four years later under a little bit of pressure to keep his spot, having played just two ODI’s since January 2016, but the memories of that tournament may bring the best out of him.

 

MS Dhoni led team India to that 2013 success, and while he will be an integral part of the side that attempts to secure back to back titles in what could be his last assignment as a One Day cricketer for his country, the immensely talented and fiery Virat Kohli will lead his team in to battle.

 

One of the great modern day ODI batsmen, Kohli will be required to stand up with the bat, along with Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and the afore mentioned Dhawan. Yuvraj Singh has had a cricketing renaissance of late, and as he showed in the 2011 World Cup he is very much a match winner. 

 

Bowling wise spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja hold the key on what are likely to be flat pitches, while in Jaspit Bumrah they have won of the premier death bowlers in world cricket. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been a revelation with bat and ball since debuting at international level last year.

 

India lift for big tournaments, and will be right up there at the business end of the tournament. It would be no surprise to see them holding up the Champions Trophy once again at the Oval on June 18.

MODERN DAY GREAT: Virat Kohli after one of his 27 ODI hundreds. SOURCE: Indian Express.

 

 

NEW ZEALAND

 

Kiwis Aim to Overachieve at an International Tournament… Again

 

GROUP A

 

Game 1: v Australia, June 2

 

Game 2: v England, June 6

 

Game 3: v Bangladesh, June 9

 

Squad: Kane Williamson ©, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin De Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McCleneghan, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

 

No one really considers New Zealand when it comes to international tournaments. Australia’s little brother from across the ditch doesn’t have the talent to match it with the big boys they reckon. Yet they have made the semi-final stage in 6 of the 11 Cricket World Cups, and generally produce their best at the big international 50 over tournaments. Take note South Africa.

 

Once again the Kiwis aren’t considered a favourite in this Champions Trophy, but have the players who can take them all the way to victory. In Martin Guptill they have an outstanding limited overs batsman, Kane Williamson is one of the best players in world cricket, Ross Taylor has been a consistent player for a long time and fast bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult can run through any batting line up given the right conditions.

DYNAMIC PLAYER: Martin Guptill is New Zealand’s lynchpin at the top of the order. SOURCE: India.com

 

 

They are heavily reliant on these five players though, and need a more even contribution from other squad members if they are to be a surprise winner of this tournament. Adam Milne is capable of bowling in excess of 150 km/h, and looms as an x-factor in this tournament. Neil Broom has had a second coming as an international cricketer after half a decade in the wilderness, and is an important piece of the puzzle in the middle order.

 

Their talisman in the 2015 World Cup Brendon McCullum has now retired, and they will miss his impact at the top of the order as well as his leadership in the field. He was very much the player of the tournament in 2015, the soul and spirit of his little nation as they made it all the way through to the final.

 

If they can bottle that energy from that memorable tournament and replicate it here, there may be no stopping New Zealand. Underestimate them at your peril.

A BOULT FROM THE BLUE: Trent Boult is a strike bowler with the new ball in ODI cricket. SOURCE: Cricket World.

 

 

PAKISTAN

 

Can The Real Pakistan Please Stand Up?

 

GROUP B

 

Game 1: v India, June 4

 

Game 2: v South Africa, June 7

 

Game 3: v Sri Lanka, June 12

 

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed ©, Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz.

 

I love watching Pakistan play. You never know what sort of Pakistan performance you will get on any given day, and that’s what gets you coming back to watch them time and time again.

 

Their best is as good as any other team in international cricket, but their worst is horrific. With such a passionate supporter base, they will certainly be one of the teams to watch in this tournament.

 

They lack some dynamic players in their team, a player such as Shahid Afridi for example who perhaps best embodied Pakistan cricket and the inconsistent nature of their performance.

 

A recent change in ODI leadership has seen enegertic wicketkeeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed take over as captain from Azhar Ali, both men integral members of the side as they aim to cause a major upset in this Champions Trophy.

DYNAMIC PLAYER: Captain Sarfraz Ahmed will be an important player in the Pakistani middle order. SOURCE: India.com

 

 

Young gun Babar Azam has made an outstanding start to his career, batting in the vital position of number 3 with aplomb. Veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez will also have roles to play, their part time off spin every bit as important as their contributions in the middle order with the bat.

 

Mohammad Amir can make early breakthroughs with the new ball, while Imad Wasim’s skiddy left arm spinners can cause havoc if given the chance to bowl up front with the new ball. The pace of Wahab Riaz and the death bowling of Hasan Ali will also be important pieces in the Pakistani puzzle.

 

No one gives Pakistan a realistic chance of winning this tournament, but if they get early momentum with a strong supporter’s base throughout England, look out. A popular team wherever they play, the team in green could become the surprise packet of the tournament.

BRIGHT YOUNG TALENT: Babar Azam celebrates an ODI century against West Indies last year. SOURCE: Zee News.

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA

 

Can the Proteas Finally Overcome the Chokers Tag?

 

GROUP B

 

Game 1: v Sri Lanka, June 3

 

Game 2: v Pakistan, June 7

 

Game 3: v India, June 11

 

Squad: AB DeVilliers ©, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton De Kock, Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf Du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorious, Kagiso Rabada.

 

Every limited overs tournament for the past decade, South Africa has been considered a genuine contender. Blessed with some extraordinary players with bat and ball, they have some of the superstars of the limited overs game.

PAINFUL MEMORIES: South Africa lost another semi final at the hands of New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup. SOURCE: First Post.

 

 

 AB DeVillers is Mr 360 degrees with a cricket bat in his hand. Hashim Amla can look at a cricket ball and send it purring to the boundary such is his ability to time it to the fence, a batting artist if ever there was one. Quinton DeKock is dynamic at the top of the order.  David Miller is an outstanding finisher in the back end of an innings, also capable of being a power hitter in the middle overs if need be.

 

Faf Du Plessis and JP Duminy are lynchpins in the middle order, while despite missing Dale Steyn their bowling attack is first class, young firebrand Kagiso Rabada leading the way along side leg spinner Imran Tahir.

 

On face value, they should be the team to beat. Problem is, it’s South Africa. A long standing history of ‘choking’ under pressure in semi finals has scarred the country for a generation now, dating back to the 1999 World Cup semi-final.

 

It appeared that the history of choking was going to end at the 2015 World Cup, only for old friends rain, Duckworth and Lewis to partner up to once again cruelly deny them against New Zealand in Wellington. That and Grant Elliott, a South African by berth played a stunning hand that left Proteas players in tears come the final act, a towering six over long on off Dale Steyn.

 

It’s a factor that sadly now must be considered when rating South Africa’s chances at international tournaments, the Proteas still looking for a 50 over title. They did win the ICC Knockout trophy in 1998, but that was before the tournament was properly recognised as a major ODI event.

 

Despite a mass exodus of players from the South African cricket to sign Kolpak deals in county cricket, the Proteas top end talent is good enough to win this Champions Trophy. The only way to get past the chokers tag is to win a semi final, and you get the feeling if they get past that tag then they won’t be stopped in a final once that roadblock is cleared.

 

Will this be the tournament that turns South African cricket history? I can’t wait to find out.

FAST BOWLING STAR: Kagiso Rabada celebrates one of his four wickets at Lords earlier this week. SOURCE: Circle of Cricket.

 

 

SRI LANKA

 

Little Lankans Aim to be Big Surprises

 

GROUP B

 

Game 1: v South Africa, June 3

 

Game 2: v India, June 8

 

Game 3: v Pakistan, Jun 12

 

Squad: Angelo Matthews ©, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Nuwan Pradeep, Asela Gunaratne, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lakshan Sandakan.

 

Similarly to New Zealand, Sri Lanka tends to produce their best at these kind of tournaments. For years though they had two of the greatest batsmen going around in international cricket in Kumar Sangakkarra and Mahela Jayawardene, who both retired from ODI cricket following the 2015 World Cup.

 

It leaves a massive, irreplaceable void in Sri Lankan cricket that is yet to be filled, although captain Angelo Matthews has led from the front impressively in the past few series, although he has had his injury troubles. Upul Tharanga has been reliable at the top of the order in the last twelve months, and his experience will be vital in this tournament.

 

Dinesh Chandimal has made himself indispensable in the middle order, while young, diminutive batsman Kusal Mendis has been outstanding since making his international debut in late 2015.

FINE YOUNG TALENT: Kusal Mendis has been a fantastic find for Sri Lanka after the retirements of Kumar Sangakkarra and Mahela Jayawardene. SOURCE: Cricinfo.

 

 

Their bowling appears to lack a little bit of x-factor, although a fit Lasith Malinga makes a massive difference particularly in the death overs. His experience along with Nuwan Kulasekara will be important throughout the Champions Trophy.

 

Players such as Asela Gunaratne and Chamara Kapugedera will need to fire as power hitters in the middle order, and could be the difference between Sri Lanka setting scores of 280 and 320, a major difference in ODI cricket.

 

While lacking a quality spinner in the mould of Muttiah Muralitharan, left arm chinaman Lakshan Sandakan has confounded batsmen in his brief international career, and could be a surprise packet in this tournament.

 

They probably don’t have a strong enough team to win the Champions Trophy, but will certainly be nuisance value for every team they encounter. In such a short tournament, it doesn’t take much to get on a roll and all of a sudden you are champions!

MYSTERY SPINNER: Lakshan Sandakan could be a tricky proposition in the Champions Trophy. SOURCE: Cricket Country.

 

 

 Champions Trophy Venues: Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens (Wales), The Oval.

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

 

AFL Round 10 Preview: Power out to Make a Statement as Thursday Night Footy Returns

 

In a season full of unknowns, Port Adelaide remains one of the teams with the biggest question mark hanging over them in 2017.

No doubt their best is very good, as has been showcased at different times already this year, but they are yet to beat a current top 4 team having lost to Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast, albeit by tight margins.

Ken Hinkley’s men will match up against another top four combatant to kick off round 10 of the season, facing a rejuvenated Geelong side that responded strongly from stinging criticism against the Western Bulldogs last Friday night, laying a staggering 134 tackles after just 13 in the entire opening half opposed to Essendon in round 8.

The Power took care of the Gold Coast Suns in the historic AFL match in Shanghai in their last match, a well-earned week off coming their way last weekend. After two successive seasons of missing finals, the Alberton based club is well placed for a spot in September, but need to beat a fellow contender to show they can match it with the best.

As for the Cats, to remain in touch with the top four, they must maximise their home ground advantage at Simonds Stadium, with another match at the venue to follow in round 11 against Adelaide before their bye.

It’s all set up for a fascinating contest under Thursday night lights at Kardinia Park, the first of five successive Thursday night matches mid-season. Here is a full preview of round 10. How fast is this season going!

FIESTY CONTEST: Port Adelaide and Geelong players tangle in a fiery match last season at the Adelaide Oval. SOURCE: Port Adelaide FC.

 

Geelong v Port Adelaide

Write off Geelong at your own peril. Just when they seemed set for a fourth successive loss, the Cats rediscovered their best football with a determined performance against the Western Bulldogs, overcoming the reigning premiers in a see-sawing match.

Their leaders stood up, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan and Harry Taylor all having dominant matches, as well as Zac Smith. Now their challenge is to back up on that effort and show the football world it wasn’t just a one off in retaliation to stinging media criticism, against a hungry Port Adelaide outfit that is looking for a big scalp.

The last time the Power went down the highway to the Cattery and claimed the points was in 2007, when a last gasp Dom Cassisi goal gave the visitors a memorable 5 point win. The Cats will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their eventual premiership triumph in that season before this game, just to rub it in the Power’s faces that little bit more almost a decade on.

The Cats lose speedster Nakia Cockatoo to a hamstring strain for this match, with veteran defender Tom Lonergan rested and Irishman Mark O’Connor dropped. Small forward Jordan Cunico will debut, while important midfielder Cam Guthrie and youngster Darcy Lang were both recalled.

Port Adelaide lose All-Australian Chad Wingard to a calf injury, in a bitter blow for their hopes in this match. Aaron Young is a capable replacement though, and will need to replicate his 2016 form that saw him kick 37 majors as a high half forward.

Geelong rarely lose at Simonds Stadium, and I don’t see them dropping one here. Power will be gallant, but not quite up to the task. Geelong by 25 points.

Sydney v Hawthorn

Apparently the Swans are back.  Let’s maintain some perspective, as they are still 3-6 but look a far different side to the one that dropped their first six matches of the season. They disposed of the Saints last Saturday on their home turf, and with their injury list shortening and star players returning to form, John Longmire’s men are a fearsome unit once again.

It must be said their opponents in this Friday night SCG clash have an identical win-loss record but are not being talked about as a potential finalist, Hawthorn on the slide after a shocking second half effort against Collingwood last Saturday night.

Alastair Clarkson’s team led by as much as 43 points at one stage before being overrun, and with injuries mounting it seems like they are set for a bottom six finish. A reminder that St Kilda has their first pick in this year’s draft, meaning every Hawks loss is a Saints win. Huzzah!

This should still be a very good game of football all things considered, and the Swans aren’t likely to have it all their own way. Last time these two teams met Cyril Rioli kicked a last minute goal to give his side the victory, the Hawks escaping with a close win yet again. Nearly a year later Rioli is out injured and the Hawks are lacking some magic across the ground.

Should be a close contest for a half or so at least here, but the Hawks have been abysmal in second halves, particularly in third terms as shown last week. Swans for a fourth successive win. Sydney by 18 points.

FLASHBACK: Cyril Rioli celebrates his match winning goal against the Swans at the SCG last year. SOURCE: Hawthorn FC.

 

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

This should be a cracker. The two teams that play Etihad Stadium the best pitted against each other, both coming off losses in round nine.

Despite losing three close matches out of their last four, serious question marks are beginning to be asked of the Dogs premiership defence. Several players are underperforming, Tom Liberatore losing his spot last week, one of eight premiership players to have lost their spot already this season.

A loss to the Saints here would see them slip to 5-5, and in a season as close as this one it could prove to be a decisive result that breaks their 2017 campaign.

Alan Richardson’s men undid a month of fantastic football by capitulating in the second half against the Swans last week, and will be desperately seeking an answer this week against one of the benchmarks of the competition.

This could be a fast paced game looking at the two teams on paper, but none of the recent clashes have been particularly high scoring.

Travis Cloke has been dropped for the Bulldogs, with young West Aussie Tim English named for his debut among the three inclusions. Jake Stringer also returns from a knee injury to provide another forward target.

The Saints could cause the Dogs problems here, but I think the team in red, white and blue has too much to lose in this one. Western Bulldogs by 11 points.

DOG OF A NIGHT: Western Bulldogs players leave Simonds Stadium last Friday night after the loss to Geelong. SOURCE: The North West Star.

 

Melbourne v Gold Coast

The Dees did it again last Sunday. Why was I silly enough to tip them when they were favourites? Everyone can see their talent and where they will probably get to, but right now they are going through some teething problems that most young teams go through on their way to stardom.

A 16^th successive loss to North Melbourne was far from ideal, but the AFL’s oldest club must now lick it’s wounds and jump on a plane to head to Traeger Park in Alice Springs for a home game against the Gold Coast Suns, who are fresh after a week off.

It looms as another danger game, in the sense that this is a match the Demons should win easily on paper. The Suns though do have some potent weapons, notably co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May at either end of the ground.

They will have to win this match without star midfielder Gary Ablett, who misses with a shoulder injury. They do welcome back first choice midfielders Pearce Hanley and David Swallow to soften the blow.

The lack of a genuine ruckman reared it’s ugly head again last Sunday against the Roos, Todd Goldstein giving his team the ascendency around the ball by winning his hand to the ball first. Jarrod Witts isn’t in the same class as Goldstein, but could have a big game here to give his team a chance.

Simon Goodwin will ask for a rise in intensity from his team here, in warmer conditions up North than they experience in Melbourne. Dees to win here at their home away from home. Melbourne by 27 points.

Richmond v Essendon

News coming out of Richmond last week that Bill Murray is their new number one ticket holder. Rumour is he has now turned that offer down, as he doesn’t do sequels. It certainly was Groundhog Day in Sydney last Saturday evening, as the Tigers once again lost in heartbreaking fashion inside the last minute against the Giants.

How do you support Richmond? I’ve asked that question for years and I still don’t have an answer. Psychologists have been kept in a job I guess by their performances, but gee they must be frustrating to support.

It’s barely comprehensible what has happened to the Tigers over the past couple of weeks, but it must be said they are still playing some very good football and could in an alternate heartbreak free reality by 8-1 and top of the AFL ladder.

Unfortunately that reality either doesn’t exist or hasn’t been discovered yet, and they are now on a four game losing streak with a huge ‘Dreamtime at the G’ match against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night.

In excess of 85,000 is expected, the Bombers up and about with wins over top four teams Geelong and West Coast in the past fortnight.

In a round where we celebrate the contributions of indigenous footballers to our great game, there aren’t too many more exciting players in the competition than Tiwi Islands product Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti right now. His exploits will be on display again on Saturday night, and he will be sure to lift for the occasion.

Hard game to tip, mainly because the Bombers have been so up and down and we don’t know how much of a psychological toll the past fortnight has taken on Richmond. I’m going with the Tigers, they have played some great football this year. Just don’t let it be a game decided in the last minute… Richmond by 9 points.

HEARTBREAK HOTEL, PART TWO: Giants players celebrate the match winning goal kicked by Jeremy Cameron last week against the Tigers. SOURCE: SEN.

 

Adelaide v Fremantle

Haven’t things changed since the Dockers last played at Adelaide Oval. An 89 point drubbing at the hands of the Power in round two had people asking serious questions about Fremantle and Ross Lyon’s ability to rebuild a list, another season seemingly about to go to waste.

What has happened since has been nothing short of remarkable, the Dockers now the form team of the competition with 6 wins from their last seven games. Tellingly they have been able to get something out of all of their recruits, Bradley Hill in particular outstanding. Michael Walters has become a player capable of playing midfield as well as being a dynamic small forward, while key forwards Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten have proven to be effective targets in attack.

While the Dockers percentage is poor, their defensive trademarks under Lyon are certainly back in vogue, and they will need to be once again if they are to contain a potent Crows side that brushed aside Brisbane with ease at the Gabba last Saturday night.

One of Fremantle’s few problems has been their start to games, conceding the first four goals of the match to the lowly placed Carlton in the wet last Sunday before recovering to win by 35 points. A slow start interstate against one of the strong clubs of the competition may well prove to be terminal in this contest.

Aaron Sandilands absence is huge in more ways than one for Fremantle, Sam Jacobs likely to thrive with the 253 game veteran on the sidelines with hamstring tightness.

Josh Jenkins returns after a stint in the SANFL, but rebounding defender Curtly Hampton is out for an extended period with an ankle injury.

The Crows rarely lose at home, and the performance against the Dees appeared to be a blip on the radar a fortnight ago. We shall see come the final siren on Saturday night. Should be a good game. Adelaide by 32 points.

Collingwood v Brisbane

At half time last Saturday night, Pies supporters were sharpening their knives and pitchforks. Footballing obituaries were being written for Nathan Buckley, and you get the impression he might have been ready to pull the pin himself going on what his team had served up in the opening hour of football.

What transpired in the second half was nothing short of remarkable, as the Pies outscored the Hawks nine goals to one to win by 18 points.

Whether it was the black and whites lifting or the Hawks falling right away remains a topic of debate, but the Magpies have a chance at back to back wins with a match against bottom placed Brisbane at the MCG to kick off Sunday football.

The Lions were competitive in the first few weeks of the season, but are now on an eight game losing streak and losing by 13 goals to the Crows suggests they are stagnating if not going slightly backwards.

They will sense an opportunity here though against an inconsistent Magpies side, a rare chance to play on the hallowed MCG turf. Questions remain over Collingwood’s forward line and ability to kick a winning score, so if the Lions can scrap for long enough they may be able to scrounge out a win.

Not expecting a high quality game here, but the Pies should do enough to stay out of the headlines for a week with a win. If they lose, at least newspaper headline writers will have an easy day Monday. Collingwood by 45 points.

CAPTAIN’S GAME: Scott Pendlebury was outstanding in his team’s come from behind win over Hawthorn, SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 

Carlton v North Melbourne

For teams that are both sitting on identical 3-6 records in 16^th and 17^th respectively, I have been impressed by both clubs in 2017.

The Roos are a far better side than their record suggests, and if they knew how to close it out and win close games they could be on the cusp of the top eight.

No one was expecting anything special from Carlton this season, some people predicting a 1-2 win season at best. Instead they have won three and impressed all onlookers with their ability to scrap and compete with some teams with far more talent and class.

They missed a golden opportunity to win on the road against Fremantle last week, up by 28 points in the first quarter before the Dockers lifted and injuries to Sam Rowe and Dale Thomas took their toll. Rowe in particular will be a major loss, his season over with a torn ACL.

Ben Brown looms as the man to stop in this one, having kicked 15 goals in the past month including five against the Dees last week. Jarrad Waite could also cause his old club some headaches, and without the reliable Rowe in defence you think the Blues might struggle.

The ruck battle of Todd Goldstein and Matthew Kruezer will be a highlight of this match, Kruezer having a career best season and Goldstein as reliable and consistent as ever, having recorded 61 hitouts last week.

Think North Melbourne will be too good here, but in a season as unpredictable as this one, can you ever be sure? What a crazy 2017 it has been in the AFL. North Melbourne by 27 points.

West Coast v Greater Western Sydney

Did the Eagles board the plane to Melbourne last week? Did the plane crash halfway across the nullabor? Gee that was ugly to watch last Sunday. It honestly might have been a better idea to take the week off and prepare for this game against the Giants than serve up the rubbish they did against the Dons at Docklands.

Adam Simpson put 21 players on notice during the week and has swung the axe at the selection table, dropping former Lion Jack Redden, defender Tom Barrass, utility Fraser McInnes and youngster Kurt Mutimer. Among the inclusions are former Kangaroo Drew Petrie, Josh Hill, Will Schofield and Eric Mackenzie.

Greater Western Sydney have been ravaged by injury yet again, losing former West Aussie Rory Lobb and Geelong premiership player Steve Johnson to injury for the trip West. Any other team would be crippled by an injury list as long as theirs, but they have found a way to sneak past Collingwood and Richmond in recent weeks, a sign of a quality team.

This is another challenge altogether, West Coast tough to beat on their home patch and the Giants yet to beat the Eagles in a match for premiership points. You would expect a response from the home side, similar to what Geelong did last Friday night against the Dogs. Anything less will see further scrutiny headed the team’s way.

Josh Kennedy normally dines out on the Giants, having kicked a bag of ten against the AFL’s youngest club as well as six in 2015. Phil Davis is an honest defender though, and that match up looks critical in the overall result of the match. West Coast by 23 points.

HARD TO STOP: Josh Kennedy has an imposing record against the Greater Western Sydney Giants. Here he celebrates a goal against them in 2014. SOURCE: PerthNow.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Magic in the Darkness: Twin Peaks Return Brings Genius of David Lynch Back to Our Television Screens

April 8^th, 1990. Yes it was the day English golfer Nick Faldo won the 54^th Masters tournament to secure back to back titles. Yes it was the day that the New Democracy Party won the national election in Greece, but most poignantly, it was a famous day in television history.

The surrealist drama come murder mystery series ‘Twin Peaks’ debuted on US television screens on this date, a program created by screenwriters David Lynch and Mark Frost that quickly received critical acclaim and a cult following.

There certainly had never been a show like it, and one could argue there hasn’t been since. The show’s 90 minute pilot has gone down in television folklore, as we are introduced to this small, bizarre out of the way country town in America’s Northwest that is left in shock by the death of homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), found dead by fisherman Pete Martell (Jack Nance) wrapped in plastic on the beach.

The apparent murder shocks the small tight knit town, Sherriff Harry Truman (Michael Ontkean) initially called on to investigate the crime. Laura’s boyfriend Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook) and secret lover James Hurley (James Marshall) looms as the most likely suspects early on, but are eventually cleared of any suspicion.

Protagonist of the series FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) is sent to assist with the investigation, Palmer’s murder having some stark similarities to another murder Cooper and the FBI had previously investigated.

Cooper is a quirky, eccentric character who has a strong interest in the mystical side of the human psyche, particularly with Tibet and other native American mythology. One of his many mannerisms is talking to his secretary Diane via a tape recorder to record his thoughts and feelings.

We are quickly introduced to many other quirky, eccentric characters who live in the town, who all appear to have dark hidden secrets that become more apparent throughout the series.

Characters such as the whimsical Dr Lawerence Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn), the curtain obsessed eye patched Nadine Hurley (Wendy Robie), the formally spoken major Garland Briggs (Don Davis), nosey Sheriff’s office secretary Lucy Moran (Kimmy Robertson) and the spiritually inclined ‘Log Lady’ (Catherine Coulson) are just some of the unusual yet fascinating chararcters that make the show interesting at every turn.

Lynch, who directed the entire first season of the series, has a way of keeping the viewer engaged and on edge throughout, not knowing which direction you are going next. Just when you think you have the Laura Palmer mystery all worked out, the story takes another strange and unpredictable turn.

The most memorable sequence of the entire series comes in episode 3, when special agent Cooper dreams what proves to be the riddle he must solve in order to find Laura’s killer.

In a scene that is part of television folklore, an older version of Cooper sees a short backwards talking man and a doppleganger of Laura Palmer while sitting in a room draped with red curtains. While it makes little sense watching it the first time, it sets up the remainder of the series as Cooper tries to decipher the sequence with the help of local law enforcement.

The show’s tone and mood is established early in the series, the dark, secretive and largely unknown nature of both the town and those that inhabit it clear for all to see.

While many of the characters on face value appear to be upstanding members of the community, they are shown to be conniving, backstabbing and untrustworthy, characters such as businessman Ben Horne (Richard Beymer) and Catherine Martell (Piper Laurie) two such locals who can’t be trusted.

While the main plot revolves around Palmer’s murder and the events both before and after her death, other smaller storylines appear throughout the opening season, such as Ben Horne planning to destroy the lumber mill in order to purchase the highly sought after land, and drug trafficking from across the border that Sherriff Truman, deputies Hawk, Brennan and Agent Cooper intercept.

A great sense of mystery and mystique envelops the show throughout, hooking the viewer at every turn. Slowly but surely Cooper begins to make breakthroughs in the case, but he is shot in the finale to season one, setting up a cliffhanger heading in to season two.

Cooper survives and receives further clues to Palmer’s murder from a giant, who appears before him in a dream like sequence, although it is never truly established whether the meeting was a dream or actually occurred.

In a bizarre few minutes that again perfectly suits the tone of the series; a Giant appears with a series of riddles that Cooper must once again solve to crack the case, taking his ring until he works out who is Laura’s killer. An elderly, decrepit waiter also appears, who is later established as a real life doppelgänger for the Giant.

Duality is a key theme of the series, with the Giant-waiter example, Laura Palmer’s cousin Maddie (who looks identical and is played by the same actress) and later the black and white lodge. Catherine Martell also returns as a Japenese businessman in disguise, despite seemingly perishing in the mill fire at the end of season one.

Eventually Laura’s killer is revealed (SPOILER ALERT) to be Laura’s father Leland, who was possessed by demonic entity BOB since he was a child. Ben Horne had earlier been arrested and charged with Laura’s murder, before Cooper solves the riddle from the original dream sequence in another memorable scene.

In a dramatic episode Leland is cornered and locked in a jail cell, possessed by BOB and losing his mind. He admits to Laura’s murder as well as the killing of Maddie Ferguson, before BOB forces him  to commit suicide by hitting his head on the metal door. Ray Wise gives a sensational performance as Leland, in my opinion the performance of the series.

With the ‘Who killed Laura Palmer’ riddle solved the series lost its way somewhat, revolving to more obscure storylines as the show’s ratings plummeted. Several bizzare storylines unfold, including Ben Horne losing his marbles and locking himself in his office to re-enact the civil war.

Dale Cooper’s former FBI partner Windom Earle is introduced to the series, a mentally unstable character who plans to ruin Cooper and his career.

Earle plays an twisted game of chess with Cooper, someone dying every time he is able to capture a piece.

The remainder of the series surrounds both Earle and Cooper attempting to gain entry to the White and Black Lodge, alternate dimensions that seem to hold the key to the ‘darkness’ that has enveloped the town for years.

In a thrilling finale to the show that has to be seen to be fully believed (but not understood), Earle kidnaps Cooper’s love interest Annie and gains entry to the Black Lodge, after learning that the key to gaining entry is human fear.

In scenes that have stood the test of time and lingered in the minds of fans of the series ever since, Cooper enters the lodge himself and searches for Annie and Earle. He encounters doppelgangers’ of various dead characters from the series, such as Leland and Laura Palmer and Maddie Ferguson.

He eventually locates Earle, who says in order to save Annie he must give up his soul. Cooper agrees, only for BOB to appear and reverse time, stating that Earle cannot ask for his soul. BOB instead kills Earle and takes his soul. BOB then pursues Cooper, who experiences fear for the first time in the Lodge. He eventually vacates the Lodge, after being chased by BOB and a doppelgänger of himself.

Then came the scene that has left Twin Peaks fans pondering for more than 25 years. Cooper wakes up in his hotel bed, venturing to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He then smashes his head on the mirror, drawing blood. The reflection in the mirror reveals BOB, Cooper laughing manically while repeatedly stating: “How’s Annie?”

And that’s how it finished. On June 10^th 1991. In 15 months and 30 episodes, Twin Peaks confused, astounded and bewildered us, leaving us wondering what was going to happen next. The series was promptly cancelled at the end of the second season, never to air again. That is, until now.

As popular as it was when it originally aired, it has received an even bigger cult following in the years that have followed, with re-runs on television and DVD releases seeing new fans jump on board the Twin Peaks bandwagon.

So what made the show so popular? Despite not being born when the series originally aired, the general consensus is there had never been a show like it, as David Lynch pushed the boundaries of then contemporary television.

The quirky, zany characters, no two the same appealed to viewers, who were almost drawn to watch due to the performances of the ensemble cast. The sense of unknown and mystery remained throughout the show, and kept viewers largely engaged throughout despite an indifferent second season.

The series created some iconic characters, in particular protagonist Cooper. Kyle MacLachlan is on record as saying Cooper is the character he has enjoyed playing the most in his acting career, and that he may not still be in acting today if not for David Lynch.

Lynch has played a major role in his acting journey, having given him his first break in the industry by casting him in the 1984 film Dune, as well as the 1986 psychological thriller Blue Velvet.  

The score of the entire series was produced by Angelo Badalamenti, and plays a vital role in the series in establishing the mood of the show.

The famous introduction sequence, scenic and uplifting is juxtaposed against what largely follows, with surrealistic dark themes at the forefront of the show.

Essentially, what made Twin Peaks work was the fact it was unique, and something people had not seen on their television screens before.  Lynch’s fascination with the human subconscious knows no boundaries, as we have seen with films such as Blue Velvet and Lost Highway. You have to have seen those to know what I mean.

It will return to television screens today, some 26 years after the pilot aired. After years of rumours and innuendo, collaborators Frost and Lynch confirmed in late 2014 that the show would return, sparking mass hysteria both on social media and across the world.

The comeback almost fell to pieces in 2015 as Lynch grew frustrated at the lack of creative control he was going to have over the series, but eventually he got what he wanted and filming commenced, wrapping up in April 2016, 25 years almost to the day that it first aired. Yes indeed, we will see you again in 25 years, as Laura Palmer’s doppelgänger so poignantly quips in the Black Lodge in the 1991 finale.

MacLachlan will return in his showpiece role, as will other regulars Kimmy Robertson, Dana Ashbrook, Madchen Amick, Peggy Lipton, Sherilyn Fenn, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and Lynch himself as the incoherent FBI agent Gordon Cole.

New characters will also be introduced, actors such as Laura Dern, Jim Bellushi, Naomi Watts and Michael Cera thrown in to the wonderful, whacky and whimsical world that is Twin Peaks.

Many actors have sadly passed on since the original series, Don Davis, Jack Nance and Frank Silva, who played killer BOB just a few that have left us. Others such as Miguel Ferrer and Catherine Coulson have died since recording their parts, meaning they will appear posthumously.

All we can hope for is that the reboot of the show is better than the 1992 film: ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me’ that has to be one of the most bizzare films ever made, focussing on the events leading up to Laura’s death. If David Bowie had one regret in life, it would have been appearing in that film.

So much has changed and evolved in television over the past quarter of a century, with improved CGI and high definition now a hallmark of mainstream media. You wonder what effect that will have on the show too, because you feel like fans of the show wish it could be just the same as it was before all those years ago.

What happened to Cooper? Is Audrey Horne alive? What really happened in the Black Lodge? What has changed in the past 25 years? These are all questions that we are waiting to learn the answer to over the coming weeks. The series will have 18 episodes in all, cast members recently revealing even they don’t know how the show ends. Oh David Lynch, you magnificent bastard.

The wait is nearly over folks. At risk of hyperbole, this is one of the television events of the year, the decade and the millennium. Even if you didn’t watch the original series, be sure to tune in for the reboot. We will finally have an answer to the 25 year old question. How is Annie? Yes, that show you like is about to come back in style.  It is happening. Again.

BACK TO DO IT ALL AGAIN: David Lynch and the Twin Peaks cast return some 26 years later for a third season. SOURCE: Junkee.

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

                                                                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

AFL Round 9 Preview: Cats and Dogs Set For Crunch Friday Night Contest

 

 

 

Geelong and the Western Bulldogs both headed in to 2017 as premiership contenders. The Cats made it to a preliminary final last season, while the Dogs capped off a memorable finals series with a fairytale premiership.

 

Both started the season in impressive enough fashion, but have hit roadblocks in recent weeks, dropping back to the pack in one of the closest seasons in recent memory. The Cats were 5-0 and flying, only to be horribly underwhelming in recent weeks and drop their last 3 matches to teams they were expected to beat.

 

The Dogs have been hit hard by injury and by no means have been horrid, but losses interstate to Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast leave them needing a win to stay in touch with the top four.

 

With Geelong unveiling their new grandstand at Kardinia Park in a fascinating Friday night fixture, this promises to be one of the games of the season to date.

 

Can the Cats stop the rot and get a win in front of their home faithful? Or can the Dogs make the trip down the highway and claim the points? We can’t wait to found out. Here is a full preview of round 9.

 

 

BIG CONTEST: The Bulldogs and Cats meet in a Friday night blockbuster at Kardinia Park. SOURCE: ABC.

 

 

 

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

 

Despite neither team being in great form, this match couldn’t have been better set up. Both teams in need of a win, the Cats back playing at their proper home in Kardinia Park for the first time in 2017, the redevelopment of the ground now complete and ready for a proper AFL blockbuster.

 

The Cats have lost their past three matches, while the Dogs have dropped two of their last three themselves, leaving both teams in desperate need of a win to keep their season moving in the right direction.

 

Geelong have been labelled ‘soft’ during the week after laying just 13 first half tackles in a bruise free effort against Essendon last Saturday night, while the Dogs didn’t disgrace themselves against the Eagles in Perth but fell short in a spirited second half comeback.

 

Luke Beveridge’s men do welcome back a wealth of experience for the crunch clash, veterans Dale Morris and Robert Murphy joined in the side by recruit Travis Cloke, gutsy midfielder Mitch Wallis and premiership player Tory Dickson. Surprisingly former best and fairest winner Tom Liberatore loses his spot after just one kick last week.

 

The home team regains the services of Scott Selwood and Lachie Henderson, but they will face a far more formidable Bulldogs side than seen so far in 2017.

 

The Dogs haven’t beaten the Geelong at the Cattery since 2003, a year when the Bulldogs won the wooden spoon under first year coach Peter Rohde.

 

 They might not get a better chance to beat the Cats than here, but with a new grandstand opening and the Cats record at home, I’m tipping the team in navy blue and white hoops in a thriller. Geelong by 4 points.

 

St Kilda v Sydney

 

Are the Swans back? It’s hard to get excited about a team that is 2-6, but such is the talent that lies in John Longmire’s squad it’s a big call to put a line through them completely for this season, particularly after dominant wins like the one they secured against North Melbourne last Sunday.

 

A mouthwatering clash with St Kilda at Docklands serves as a perfect encounter to see where both teams are at in 2017, the Saints looking to prove they have what it takes to play finals. They will go a long way to silencing all doubters here with a win, but it certainly won’t come easy.

 

Every week from now on in is almost a must win game for the Swans, such was there dire start to 2017. The red and whites have a formidable recent record against the Saints, having won the past six encounters between the sides, including the last three by an average of 81 points.

 

Lance Franklin normally wreaks havoc in these games, but the recruitment of both Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle should give the home side a better chance of negating his impact.

 

Dane Rampe returns for the Swans, a vital inclusion having been on the sidelines with a broken wrist since round one, in what is also is 100^th AFL match. Kurt Tippett and Gary Rohan are also in, with Sam Naismith and Jarryd McVeigh both missing with injury, Harry Marsh dropped.

 

Patrick McCartin finally gets another chance to impress after being left out of the senior team since round 3, Josh Bruce omitted after a couple of quiet games.

 

Really tough game to tip once again, but going with the Saints to make a statement here and put the Swans back in their place. St Kilda by 15 points.

HARD TO STOP: Lance Franklin celebrates one of his six goals against the Saints last year. SOURCE: ABC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greater Western Sydney v Richmond

 

Oh Richmond. Only the Tigers could lose after hitting the front with 21 seconds to go.

 

It might be a bit of a stretch to say it only happens to the boys in yellow and black, but it heartbreaking last gasp losses seem to be a recurring theme. Don’t mention Cairns and Karmichael Hunt or Tigers fans will break out in to cold sweats and roll up in to the foetal position.

 

They take on the Giants, who themselves had a thrilling win over Collingwood in the dying moments last Saturday. With three players off injured, two of whom had been off since the first quarter, the AFL’s newest club showed significant resilience to beat a Collingwood team that was playing for it’s season.

 

Steve Johnson may not be finished yet either after his heroics in the closing stages, the team from Sydney’s west not playing their best football but still finding a way to win. Injuries to Stephen Coniglio (ankle) and Devon Smith (knee) are far from ideal, but they should have the depth to cover their losses.

 

Toby Greene returns from suspension, while former Docker Matt DeBoer will make his maiden Giants appearance. Youngster Harry Perryman will debut, as the Giants continue to call on their extensive young talent.

 

Damian Hardwick has lost patience with certain members of his squad, wielding the axe for the trip to Sydney. No less than four players have been dropped, most notably the experienced Jake Batchelor.

 

Among the inclusions are Dion Prestia and Sam Lloyd, South Fremantle product Shai Bolton named to make his debut.

 

The Tigers can certainly take it up to the Giants here, and they need to otherwise their season is in danger of falling apart after five straight wins to open 2017. Going with the home side, they should have too much class and polish for Richmond. Greater Western Sydney by 23 points.

 

Brisbane v Adelaide

 

Don’t expect a Saturday night thriller at the Gabba ladies and gents. The Crows will surely take care of the Lions with consummate ease in this encounter, having won the past 5 clashes against their beleaguered opponents, two of those by three figure margins.

 

No one saw Adelaide’s mini slump coming, with losses to North Melbourne and Melbourne in consecutive weeks after six straight wins to open the season. It appears the blueprint to beating the Crows is ‘stop Sloane, stop Adelaide.’

 

That may be a little too simplistic, but certainly limiting the influence of the Crows premier midfielder goes a long way to winning the game. He plays game 150 here, and will be a tough man to stop after two underwhelming weeks.

 

The Lions appear to be dropping right away after a round one win, having dropped their past seven games. They welcome back skipper Dayne Beams, but lose ex-captain Tom Rockliff to a dislocated shoulder in a bitter blow to their chances in this match.

 

The Crows have called on two debutants for their trip North, rookies Jordan Galluci and Hugh Greenwood both included for their first taste of AFL footy. Josh Jenkins is the high profile omission, perhaps a scapegoat for his team’s poor efforts in the past fortnight.

 

The Crows will rebound with a win here, but sterner challenges will await them in coming weeks.

Adelaide by 56 points.

PLENTY TO PONDER: Captain Taylor Walker looks on after his team’s 41 point loss to Melbourne last week. SOURCE: Adelaide FC.

 

 

Collingwood v Hawthorn

 

The Pies must win this. Simply no excuse. The Hawks are injury stricken and a fading force, and with Collingwood set to honour one of their legends in the late Lou Richards, this is a match the black and whites cannot afford to lose.

 

Hawthorn defeated Brisbane last Saturday as expected, but lost Jack Fitzpatrick, Cyril Rioli, James Frawley and Ben Stratton to injury, the latter three for an extended chunk of the season. It felt like a hammer blow for the most successful club of this millennium, and one wonders whether they can remain a finals contender without the afore mentioned players.

 

Just as Collingwood seemed set for a memorable victory last Saturday against the Giants, old nemesis Steve Johnson bobbed up to kick the match winner, handing the Magpies their sixth loss of the season.

 

While you can only sympathise with coach Nathan Buckley’s situation, that was a match he needed his side to win in order for him to keep his job. This is another one, and with winnable games against Brisbane and Fremantle to come the Pies should see this as an opportunity to breathe some life in to their flailing season.

 

Adam Treloar returns for this crucial clash, and should help his side around the contest. Ben Reid’s soft tissue injuries continue to be a recurring problem, set for a month on the sidelines with a quad injury.

 

Tipping the Pies here, they simply have too much to lose. Louie the Lip would demand it from them. Collingwood by 18 points.

 

Essendon v West Coast

 

One of the underrated rivalries in AFL football this one. Sure, it isn’t what it once was, but these two clubs have had some outstanding games over the journey.

 

Who can forget James Hird’s match winning goal and subsequent embracing of a fan in 2004? Kevin Sheedy’s jacket waving antics of the 1990’s? The pair’s farewell from the game in 2007? Scott Lucas kicking 7 goals in a quarter in the same game?

 

All are memorable moments, and the rivalry adds another chapter on Sunday afternoon at Docklands when the teams meet in an important clash. The Dons have been an enigma this season to date, their best very good but their worst very poor.

 

They produced somewhere near their best last Saturday night against the Cats, Joe Daniher in outstanding form with help from Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuiti and young gun Zach Merrett.

 

The Eagles won a thriller against the Western Bulldogs, trying their hardest to lose by kicking 1.9 in the second half but holding on to win an important contest in the context of their season.

 

At 6-2 with their best football seemingly ahead of them, Adam Simpson’s men have significant upside in their game but must continue to win on the road, this game another opportunity to silence the doubters.

 

Jamie Cripps has made a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle complaint and looks set to play, while Drew Petrie could play his second game for his new club having recovered from a broken hand.

 

Sydney Swans premiership player Craig Bird is one of the three potential inclusions for the Dons, who at 4-4 will see this is a make or break match for their season.

 

Their pace could cause significant problems for the Eagles, who aren’t blessed with a lot of it themselves. They must stop defensive trio Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Elliot Yeo, and if they do that I think they can cause what would be considered an upset victory. Essendon by 11 points.

 

 

GREAT FAREWELL: Kevin Sheedy and James Hird are chaired off after their last games as coach and player of Essendon in 2007. SOURCE: Perth Now.

 

 

Melbourne v North Melbourne

 

What a win by the Dees! Just give them the flag! No one can beat the Crows in Adelaide!

 

Hyperbole aside, you feel like Melbourne may have turned a corner with last week’s triumph, which will now be used as a benchmark for the team moving forward under first year coach Simon Goodwin.

 

The Demons problem in recent seasons has been backing up a brilliant win with similar performances, and facing 16^th placed North Melbourne looms as a danger game for the competition’s oldest club.

 

Incredibly Melbourne have not beaten the boys from Arden Street since round 20 2006, 15 losses and counting for the Dees against the Roos. The club was rocked by the news midweek that star forward Jesse Hogan has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, having sadly lost his father to the same disease just two weeks ago.

 

Thankfully it appears Hogan has been given a positive diagnosis, the doctors identifying the issue early before it has a chance to spread. Remarkably, we could still yet see Hogan back on the park before this season, but of course his health is paramount first and foremost.

 

The Roos lose Trent Dumont and Jy Simpkin to injury for this MCG contest, but could welcome back Jarrad Waite and former captain Andrew Swallow after their disappoint defeat at the hands of Sydney in the final game of round 8.

 

I’m tipping the Demons to break their drought against North here, but wouldn’t be surprised if Brad Scott’s men make it a sweet 16 straight wins either. Melbourne by 11 points.

TOUGH YEAR: Jesse Hogan was diagnosed with testicular cancer last week just two weeks after the death of his father. SOURCE: 3AW.

 

 

Fremantle v Carlton

 

What a resurgence by Fremantle. At 0-2 it seemed another season was being written off as they undertake a list rebuild, but now at 5-3 they are one of the form teams of the competition, outside of the top 8 only on percentage.

 

They dominated for three quarters against the Tigers last Sunday at the MCG, but seemed to let the game slip through their fingers when Brandon Ellis goaled with 21 seconds left on the clock. Enter 100 gamer Lachie Neale, who burst out of the centre and hit up David Mundy, who calmly slotted the match winner after the final siren.

 

It was certainly a memorable match for Fremantle fans, and now sets them up for a tilt at finals, their next assignment Carlton at home. Players and fans will still remember the crushing loss in round 5 last year; Blues coach Brendon Bolton getting his first win at the helm in a thrilling 4 point result.

 

It was the game that showed how far Fremantle had fallen, dropping to 0-5 and losing Nat Fyfe and Michael Johnson for the season in the process. Ross Lyon’s side will certainly feel like they owe the Blues one here, and are far better placed to secure a victory this time around.

 

Carlton aren’t the most talented team in the competition, but scrap like few other teams can and could cause problems to the Dockers in this one. Stopping in form players Bradley Hill and Michael Walters looms as an important facet of this game, both players racking up 30 plus possessions last Sunday.

 

Stephen Hill returns from a hamstring injury having missed the past three matches, adding some poise and class to a rapidly improving Dockers team.

 

Carlton have named West Aussie Blaine Boekhorst among the 25 man squad, ex Subiaco player Simon White omitted after a quiet game last week.

 

The Dockers should continue their improvement here with a win, but they would want to get on top of the young Blues outfit early, the longer they are in the game the more their confidence and belief will grow. Fremantle by 29 points.

WINNING MOMENT: David Mundy kicks the match winner for Fremantle last Sunday. SOURCE: Fremantle FC.

 

 

Byes: Gold Coast, Port Adelaide.

 

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

 

 

 

 

AFL Round 8 Preview: Eagles and Dogs Set for Friday Night Footballing Examination

When the Eagles and Bulldogs opened the finals series at Subiaco Oval last year, few expected the boys from Melbourne’s West to go any further. West Coast had finished the home and away season with wins against Greater Western Sydney, Hawthorn and Adelaide, while the Dogs limped in to September with a loss on the same ground to 16^th placed Fremantle a fortnight earlier.

What unfolded was simply stunning, the Eagles thrashed on their own turf to the tune of 47 points, only able to kick 7 goals as the smaller, nipper Dogs outfit ran them off their feet. It was the start of a fairy tale finals series for Luke Beveridge’s side, who would go on to win the 2016 AFL premiership from 7^th place.

It’s a result that has left a sour taste in West Coast Eagles players (and supporters) since, having ended their 2016 campaign. The two teams meet again in a crunch clash to commence round 8, both teams looking to prove their top four credentials.

Will the Eagles extract some revenge for last year’s result? Or will the Dogs record another famous road victory? It headlines another terrific round of AFL football, round 8 of the 2017 AFL season.

TOO GOOD: Josh Dunkley celebrates a goal during last year’s elimination final win. SOURCE: ABC.

West Coast v Western Bulldogs

It’s hard to forget that Elimination final last year, for the Western Bulldogs were that good, and the West Coast Eagles were that bad. As it ended the latter’s season, it certainly left a bad taste in the mouth over the off season, and soon as the fixtures came out this was one to mark down for Adam Simpson’s men.

The flat track bullies tag refuses to disappear for the Eagles, although they had a terrific road victory over Port Adelaide last Saturday at the Adelaide Oval. Back in their own domain (pardon the expression) West Coast will be difficult to beat, but as we know the Dogs won’t be daunted by the task that faces them.

What won’t help the visitors’ task is the fact they will be without star players Jake Stringer and Bob Murphy, Stringer out with a knee injury and captain Murphy rested. Youngster Josh Dunkley is also out of action with a shoulder injury, but Jack Redpath returns from a torn ACL sustained last July in a feel good story for the reigning premiers.

West Coast has chosen to change its ruck combination, Jonathon Giles dropped after just four disposals last week against the Power. Elevated rookie Fraser McInnes has been given another lifeline after good performances in the WAFL, in what is perhaps his last chance to shine on the AFL stage.

It will once again be a battle of two contrasting game styles, the Eagles supremacy lying in the air and the Dogs relying on a running game with a ball on the ground.

Should be an entertaining battle this one, but tipping the Eagles to get another win at home against an injury hit Dogs outfit. West Coast by 21 points.

 

Hawthorn v Brisbane

Not sure if Alastair Clarkson and Hawthorn are a fan of the Bee Gees, but they are staying alive in 2017, even if only just. A 1-6 record would have been a point of no return for the Hawks, but a 3 point win over Melbourne and now a very winnable game against Brisbane gives them a chance of reviving their season.

Brisbane have fallen away in recent weeks, beaten convincingly by Port Adelaide and Sydney in the past fortnight. Losing key midfielder Mitch Robinson for the best part of two months with a foot injury doesn’t help their cause, Dayne Beams also still on the sidelines with a quad complaint.

The Hawks lose a valuable player of their own, Grant Birchall lasting less than a quarter on return from a broken jaw last week before hurting his knee. James Sicily has been dropped after a sustained poor run of form, former Demon Jack Fitzpatrick and ex Adelaide utility Ricky Henderson making the trip to the apple isle.

Hard to mount a case for the Lions here, although the Hawks are no longer unbeatable in Launceston and don’t have their premiership aura about them. Jarryd Roughead will set himself for a big day, much like ex-premiership team mate and good friend Lance Franklin did last week.  Hawthorn by 34 points.

BACK ON THE WINNERS LIST: Hawks Isaac Smith, Cyril Rioli and James Sicily celebrate a goal as Demon Christian Salem looks on. SOURCE: SEN.

St Kilda v Carlton

How good were the Saints last Friday night? Such a shame none of their supporters turned up to watch a win for the ages against the Giants. It’s almost like they had forgotten Friday night football existed having not played in one for so long, and didn’t turn up as a result.

Nonetheless the team produced a dynamic performance against Greater Western Sydney, a dominant last quarter the cornerstone of their victory. Jack Steven was outstanding; Seb Ross is having a breakout season, ditto Jack Newnes and Blake Acres.

Dylan Roberton is also a lock in the All-Australian team if it was picked right now, Alan Richardson’s team uncovering new superstars right across the ground.

They face a Carlton side that is in a good patch of form themselves, having won their past two matches against Sydney and Collingwood. Brendon Bolton appears to have his team on the right track, with some similar parallels to the Saints when they began their own list rebuild under Richardson in 2014.

St Kilda have a distinct advantage playing under the roof at Docklands, the Blues preferring a wet track where the skills of their opponents are significantly produced, having won both wet weather matches they have played so far this season.

The Saints should have to much class for the plucky Blues in this one; a loss would undo all of the good work done last Friday night. St Kilda by 27 points.

 

Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood

Collingwood must be cursing their luck. Not only did they lose last week to mark their 125^th anniversary against arch rivals Carlton, but they now face a Giants outfit keen to rebound after a poor loss last Friday night to the Saints.

Former Giant Adam Treloar won’t make the trip to take on his old side after pulling up sore with an ankle concern. Captain Scott Pendlebury remains in doubt, his wife due to give birth to their first child at any moment.

Daniel Wells and Jarryd Blair headline the inclusions for the Pies, but the visitors head in as massive underdogs for this clash despite having never lost to the AFL’s newest club. The Giants welcome back Lachie Whitfield from an AFL imposed suspension, while Sam Reid and first gamer Daniel Lloyd also return to the team.

It’s been an emotional week for the black and whites, after the passing of club legend and media personality Lou Richards at age 94 on Monday. No doubt the club will lift to try and honour his memory, but you wonder whether they have the class to match it with the Giants.

They are always competitive the Pies, but they won’t have enough polish to beat the Giants on their home patch here. Greater Western Sydney by 22 points.

LEGEND OF THE GAME: Lou Richards (centre) with former media characters Max Walker and Ted Whitten. Richards passed away on Monday, aged 94. SOURCE: Fox Sports.

 Essendon v Geelong

Hard to know where these two teams are at the moment. The Dons seemed to be building nicely after their Anzac Day victory over Collingwood, but have lost their past two matches in disappointing showings to Melbourne and Fremantle respectively.

The Cats were flying at 5-0, but have also been lacklustre the past fortnight, losing to Collingwood and Gold Coast in shock results. Once again it appears the key to stopping Chris Scott’s men is curtailing the influence of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, although other players such as Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola are standing up more this season.

They looked sluggish from the outset against the Suns, who outworked and outran them for the majority of the contest.

The Dons were 27 points up early in the second quarter against Fremantle and looked on their way to an easy win in Perth last Sunday, but proceeded to produce a listless second half that saw them outscored 12 goals to 4, including a 6 goal to zip last quarter.

This match is former Cat James Kelly’s 300^th match, a week off a fortnight ago allowing a match up against his old side to reach the milestone. A three time premiership player for the team in navy blue hoops, he will be applauded by both teams on Saturday night.

Jobe Watson returns for the Dons to add some midfield depth, but fellow veteran Brent Stanton has been dropped for the first time in more than a decade, leaving question marks surrounding his future.

Irishman Mark O’Connor will make his AFL debut for the Cats, while ruckman Zac Smith is another one of the four inclusions.

We will get a better understanding of where both teams are at following this encounter, but the Dons look tired and generally struggle after coming back from Perth. Cats for me. Geelong by 18 points.

GREAT OCCASION: Former Cat James Kelly talks to long time teammate Joel Selwood after their encounter last year. Kelly plays game 300 against his old side on Saturday night. SOURCE: Geelong Advertiser.

Adelaide v Melbourne

Well, would you look at that. The Crows aren’t unbeatable after all. Don’t you love labelling teams unbackable premiership favourites after 6 rounds only to see them get thrashed the following week?

Adelaide seemingly hadn’t got off the plane in time going on what they dished up in the first quarter against North Melbourne last week, a stunning start to the game putting them on the back foot and never able to recover. Similarly to Geelong, it seems the key to stopping the Crows is tagging Rory Sloane out of the match, something no doubt other teams made a note of.

Melbourne had another shocking loss, this time to struggling Hawthorn last Sunday at the MCG. A 3 point loss is far from unacceptable, but the Dees played a poor game and lost a game they simply had to win.

Now they face a trip to Adelaide to take on a fired up Crows outfit, and they will make the trip across without Jesse Hogan, who will miss due to illness. Young Sam Weideman comes in to replace him.

The match is Bernie Vince’s 200^th at AFL level, having played 129 of those for the Crows. He will need to produce his best as part of a strong Melbourne midfield if they are to beat the home side here.

Can’t see Adelaide coughing up ten goals to zip in the first quarter again this week. They have too much class across the ground to lose to the Dees here. Adelaide by 34 points.

Richmond v Fremantle

It’s hard to be critical of the Tigers after last week’s loss to the Western Bulldogs in a thriller at Docklands, but it’s a game they needed to win to keep their momentum going in 2017.

Now a game against an improved Fremantle serves as a circuit breaker for their season, as they risk sliding to 5-3 with a loss.

A win for Ross Lyon’s team would leave them with the same record, a mighty effort after a 0-2 start to the season. They play far better at the MCG than their arch rivals West Coast, and have won four of their past five games at the venue including a thrilling two point win over Melbourne in round 4.

Toby Nankervis returns for Richmond after a one game suspension to tackle man mountain Aaron Sandilands, while Shane Edwards is also back for his first game since round two.

250 gamer Danyle Pearce is back for the Dockers for his first game since his milestone match against the Power in the same round, replacing youngster Harley Balic who is ill.

Promises to be a fascinating contest this one, with massive implications for both teams. Going with the Tigers, but boy watch their supporters turn on them again if they go down. Richmond by 15 points.

OUTSTANDING GAMES: Brad Hill and Matt Taberner were the two most influential players on the ground against Essendon last Sunday. SOURCE: WA Today.

Gold Coast v Port Adelaide

Football comes to China! What a great day for the code! That’s what we should be leading with for this game. Instead all we have heard from both parties this week is some A-grade whinging. It’s too hot, it’s too far away, there’s too much smog. How about embracing the game for what it is and the privilege of playing a game in a foreign country!? Jeez.

It should be a fantastic game of football going on recent results, the Suns up and about having won 3 of their past 5 matches. The Power botched a golden opportunity to beat West Coast at home last week, trailing all day and unable to get on a roll despite having no players on their injury list and the home ground advantage.

What doesn’t help the Suns is the loss of key players David Swallow, Callum Ah Chee and Matt Rosa to injury, although they do welcome back key defender Rory Thompson for his first game of the season, every chance to line up on former team mate Charlie Dixon.

The Power made two unforced changes, dropping Aaron Young and Dan Houston for Karl Amon and Brendon Ah Chee (Callum’s older brother).

Will be an interesting game this one, but going with the Power to get a historic win, on a historic day. Port Adelaide by 12 points.

North Melbourne v Sydney

How good were the Roos last week! What an inspired opening term it was from Brad Scott’s team, who simply blew Adelaide out of the water with one of their great quarters of football from any era in Hobart last Saturday.

If there was one team that would like a quick turnaround after a performance like that, it would have been North Melbourne. You wonder what 8 days off between matches might do, and whether they will be able to replicate it against a Swans side that finally broke through for it’s first win last week at the SCG against Brisbane.

A fortnight ago neither team had premiership points in the bank, both teams looking listless and a long way off their best football.

Lance Franklin looms as a tough man to stop after 8 goals last week, Scott Thompson likely to get the unenviable task of lining up on one of the superstars of the game.

The Swans line up is beginning to settle after injuries and enforced changes galore to start the season, naming an unchanged team to travel down to Melbourne. Kurt Tippett and Gary Rohan are the emergencies, leaving fair amounts of talent on the sidelines waiting in the wings.

6 goal hero Jarrad Waite is out due to suspension, in an effort that perhaps best summates his career. Corey Wagner played just 3 minutes in his first game of the season last week before hurting his ankle, now ruled out for two months.

Sam Durdin and Jy Simpkin come in, as coach Brad Scott continues to look ahead to the future.

One of the toughest games to tip to finish round 8, but going on what the Roos dished up last week I think they might be a little too good in this one. North Melbourne by 9 points.

HISTORIC CONTEST: Gold Coast and Port Adelaide face off in the first match for premiership points in Asia on Sunday. SOURCE: Adelaide Advertiser. 

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