The Doggies have continued their winning ways with a comfortable 5 goal victory over the Bombers. The Bulldog's hard running and ferocious tackling and spoiling stifled the Dons. Maybe the Dogs are the real deal in 2008, the return of Ryan Griffen and newcomer Josh Hill have certainly added much needed firepower. So far they have been unusually consistent and if they can maintain this, they are a finals contender.
The Cats are purring along nicely after another comfortable victory, this time over the Saints. St.Kilda worked hard all game but were no match for their far more talented opponents. Geelong are showing no signs of letting up and still have improvement to come in many players. If you took the short odds pre-season I am sure you will have a smile on your face.
North Melbourne have easily accounted for the lowly Demons in an expected result. Warming into the season again this year, the Roos are as always, very disciplined and hard working, I would expect no less than another finals showing this September. I dont think it will be top 4 this time though. As for the Dees......ha haha ha ha ha.
The Swans have stomped West Coast showing the football public just how far the Eagles have slipped this season. What has become a reliable nail biter of recent times, was all over very early in this game. Sydney are the real deal in 2008 and will vie for a top 4 spot. Their newfound offensive prowess, coupled with the best defensive game in the competition, puts all other contenders on notice come September.
Brisbane have overcome a 48 point deficit to demoralise last years runners-up, Port Power. In a game where Port had too many showing up for only brief appearances, Brisbane ran and worked tirelessly all night deservedly winning the chocolates. The Lions have a nice mixture of young and old heads and will continue to trouble teams this season. The Power need to turn their form around quickly if they want to see any September action again this year.
The Hawks are powering on after a solid display defeating the Crows by 44 points. Back on top of the ladder and showing a newfound consistency, the Hawks have developed a game plan that creates fast running attacks but slows opposition forrays forward. The Crows worked hard, tackling ferociously as always but Hawthorn simply out ran them. Hawthorn are playing well enough to make the top 4 this season and may be the no. 1 threat to the Cats. The Crows are probably just better than 50/50 to make the eight, if they can win all of their home games, they will get there.
In probably the upset of the round, Carlton have had their first win in 14 outings against the much fancied magpies. Carlton played quite well and worked hard to apply pressure, but don't get too excited Blues fans because the Pies were insipid. Obviously hitting a training spike or something the usually pacy pies were lead-footed and refused to work. I would describe Collingwoods performance as unusually Melbourn-esque!
In another upset the Tigers have dominated over in Freo clobbering the Dockers by 64 points. The heavily over-rated Dockers would need to show vast improvement to escape a bottom 6 position this season. Tigers supporters will be and should be happy with some of their youngsters starting to fit in to league football nicely. Don't be buying finals tickets just yet, but maybe you can refrain from ripping up your membership ticket for one more week.
