That was ugly. So I'm going to get this over with as painlessly as possible so you can all dance on the grave of our predictions.
** Hawthorn, as predicted by many I've spoken to, defeated Carlton. But Carlton had a spirited fight-back in the second half and showed they'll mix it come September.
Pigshit they did. If people want to over-analyse this game as anything but Hawthorn putting them to the sword before deciding at half-time "we'll just do enough to win the game from here" then they may. The truth is if that were a final, Hawthorn don't let up and win by ten goals or more. They manhandled Carlton's midfielders and were too tall in the key positions. There's a reason Hawthorn haven't lost to these blokes since '07; it was obvious Friday night. Don't over-analyse it.
** Which is exactly what I did with Melbourne. Passion can take you only so far in footy if you don't have the quality. This Demons team brushed Richmond aside with ease barely six weeks ago. It's a Richmond side that recently lost to the Gold Coast. Things are very wrong at Melbourne and the supporter discontent is palpable. They were supposed to kick on from a terrific improvement last season. The truth is their list has been exposed as soft and not nearly good enough. Would you stay if you were Tom Scully? I got this one wrong badly; I over-analysed it. Disclaimer: this prediction was my doing and Pete wanted no part of it. Always listen to your father!
** Well, perhaps I was right that Sydney aren't in a good way but they passed that mantle onto St. Kilda on Sunday. Passion did take Sydney far on Sunday because they played exactly the way they have for the last 10 seasons of success; every player gave everything and played their part. Kirky (Brett) once told dad after Sydney won the 2005 flag that they were a team of "21 cloggers and a superstar (he was alluding to Barry Hall which may have been unfair on that Adam Goodes fella)". That strikes me as how they performed Sunday. St. Kilda now have a do or die against North Melbourne this week. They aren't in a good way and yet, this is where they've been before and often they have succeeded.
** St. George continued on their losing ways, albeit this time with a good performance against a premiership contender but not good enough to stop the rot. As it stands they may need to win four finals in a row to repeat as premiers. Not impossible with the side they have, but highly unlikely. I will choose to take the NRL line in situations like this should we not be successful; "Thanks to Wayne for everything you've done for our club and we wish you and Darius all the best at Newcastle. We won't forget your contributions in a hurry. Well done St. Benny".
So in reality, the only two AFL games played on the weekend that could be considered swing games we contrived to tip incorrectly. I had a 3 tip lead in the competition at the Henty Bowling club, I've an anxious wait until Friday night to see how much damage has been inflicted. I have a sneaking suspicion the lead will only be 1. Then again, that certainly makes for an exciting couple of rounds. North or St. Kilda? North or St. Kilda? That's the one I'll agonise over all week.
And I'll be sure to let you know on Friday so you may tip the opposite way and get it right. Happy Monday!
Whitey
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