The Saints bounced back to the winners list with a comfortable victory over the Bombers on Friday night. St.Kilda showed from early in the game they were too strong for the Don's, who seem to be running out of their early steam. The result was expected by most and keeps the Saints in line for a top 8 spot. I expect they will be a low end final 8 contender with the Don's on track for another low ladder finish.
Sydney took it up to the Cats for most of their battle at Shell Stadium, with an early last quarter shot for goal by Adam Goodes for the lead, missing the target. In the end the classy Cats were too powerful and won by 7 goals. Geelong are still the team to beat and I expect the Swans can come close to a top 4 position by season end.
The Crows knocked off the Dockers by 17 points at home in a scrappy affair. Both sides tackled hard for most of the game, but the Crows were too talented for the lowly Dockers. Adelaide are always tough to beat at home and probably have the team to sneak into the 8. The Dockers on the other hand when they play well, are still just off the pace, but can also be very ordinary. Long season ahead for Mark Harvey.
The Hawks have continued their winning streak in an entertaining match against Brisbane at the Gabba. It was a see-sawing affair, with great performances at either end from power forwards Lance Franklin and Daniel Bradshaw. The Hawks were just too classy, showing once again they can win interstate this season. Both of these teams are good and the Hawks will definately be top 4 this season. The Lions have to contend with a tough draw this year but are a real chance for the 8.
North Melbourne have stormed home in the last quarter to knock off the Pies, their second loss in a row. The Roos have been playing good football of late and this result is not that surprising. I still think the Pies are in a lull at present, but can bounce back. Both these sides are good enough to see September action again this season.
In probably the worst game of football this season the Blues have easily beaten the appalling Demons. The only sign of accountability in the whole game was McLean running with Judd, other than that, it was groups of Carlton players running the ball awkwardly around once side of the ground, then turning it over with horrible disposal. Then it would be groups of Melbourne players running it back, even more awkwardly, around the other side of the ground, then turning it over with shocking disposal. I honestly believe if Melbourne played an internal practice match, they would lose.
In the Round's most exciting game the Bulldogs have stolen a draw from the jaws of defeat against the improved Tigers, keeping their unbeaten run alive. The Doggies were a bit patchy in this game and need to step up their consistency if they want to remain a top 4 option. The Tigers have definately improved though and have some talented youngsters. The Yellow and Black army are excited, but don't get too excited yet, there are tougher games to come. In the end it was a win that got away from the Tiges who were 19 points up with under 5 mins to go.
Port have travelled to Perth and knocked off the Eagles in what was an ordinary game of football. Plenty of errors were made by both these sides, but the Power never stooped to 'Melbourne levels' as did the Eagles for about half of this game, ensuring Port a comfortable victory. West Coast are just terrible at the moment and Port are no where near the Team they were last year. It pains me to watch Tredrea lumber around, he is past it and the sooner they realise it at Port the better.
