Quinten Lynch played Full Forward, Ruck, Midfield and quarter back in 2009. In 2010 he struggled to play full forward. Will 2011 see him playing at another club?

Please give us your comments, whether you agree with us or if we may have made a mistake in our review.

West Coast Eagles 2010 Season Review

Kick2Kick’s Prediction:  8th – 10th
2010 season Finish: 16th

Nothing went right for West Coast in 2010, had a few close losses at the start of the season which smashed all their confidence they had from a strong ending of the 2009 season. Injuries to Kerr, Glass and Cox meant there was hardly any experience out on the field, towards the end of the season they were fielding 20 odd players with 100 or less games.

LeCras, Kennedy, Rosa, Schofield and Priddas were the Eagles best all season.

Player Movement:
Lynch, Spangher, Brown and McKinley have some currency which can be used for trade bait but apart from them the rest in Hansen, Notte, Brett Jones and Wilks will be looking for a new team.

Richmond Tigers 2010 Season Review

Kick2Kick’s Prediction: 14th
2010 season Finish: 15th

14th was a positive tip by Geoff and after nine rounds it was looking like they would collect another wooden spoon. However from there the positives started with five wins out of six games and some where even thinking they could even sneak into the top 8.

The positives was Dustin Martin who even with his slap on the wrist should have won the Rising Star award (and I could have won a pre season tip) and Jack Riewoldt who stepped out of his cousins shadow and won the Coleman Medal. Cotchin, Conners, Graham and Deledio also took important step ups in their careers which Hardwick can build on.

Player Movement:
Richmond is developing a good team at the moment (yes I know we have heard that before but….) so they will just be trimming their squad with Adam Thomson, Dean Polo, Tom Hislop, Ben Cousins, Jordan McMahon, Troy Simmonds, Graham Polak and Relton Roberts looking to be on the outer or already retired.

Essendon Bombers 2010 Season Review

Kick2Kick’s Prediction: 8th – 12th
2010 season Finish: 14th

It was a season from hell and it saw an end to Matthew Knights a call which saw all supporters and ex players celebrating the decision. However lets remember he is the most successful Essendon coach for a few years and a warning that if Essendon does not get their act together, they will become a basket case like Carlton was.

Michael Hurley, Gumbleton, Hocking and Watson had great years but the rest of the team were either injured or badly out of form. They did have eight players debut in Ben Howlett, Jake Melksham and Travis Colyer who played the majority of the year along with appearances by Jake Carlisle, Stewart Crameri, Kyle Hardingham, Marcus Marigliani and Tyson Slattery. The promise is there but it takes more than that to make the climb back up the ladder.

Player Movement:
I think the new coach will get rid of a few players and on the shopping block could be Atkinson, Bellchambers, Darcy Daniher, Dyson, Laycock, Lonergan, Neagle, Reimers and high recruit Williams.

Brisbane Lions 2010 Season Review

Kick2Kick’s Prediction: 5th – 8th
2010 season Finish: 13th

It was a disappointing year and it could get even more disappointing if Brennan also goes to the Gold Coast as him along with Rischitelli were among the few shinning lights for 2010. Fevola, Drummond, Merrett, Brown, Adcock, Buchanan and many others struggled with injury along with Power who may finish his career down forward as he struggled to keep up with the pace of today’s AFL.

Staker and Maguire were golden pick ups but even after the dud season I can see why Voss did it, I just hope his brave move pays off. The young kids in Banfield, Redden and Rocklift were the find of the season along with Leuenberger and with a fully fit squad they may sneak back into the finals come 2011.

Player Movement:
Rischitelli has gone to the Gold Coast but expect a few others like Charman, Johnstone and Sheldon to be squeezed out. Troy Selwood has already been delisted.

Related K2K Posts

• Essendon’s 2010 Season Preview (8)
• West Coast Eagles 2010 Season Preview (16)
• Richmond’s 2010 Season Preview (9)
• West Coast, Richmonds, Fremantles & Melbournes 2009 Mid Season Review (7)
• AFL Team Reviews 2008 Pt3 (7)

"Oh My Goodness!" goes Rhyce Shaw as the Swans outlast the Blues in an epic final of the week.

St Kilda defeated Geelong by 4 points

You cannot win a game kicking one goal 7 gehinds in the last quarter and St Kilda were amazing, I know I did not rate them against the Cats but to get 33 points up it takes determination, skill and certain players important stepping up.

• Was Gwilts free kick a free kick? Technically it was but you hate seeing soft free kicks deciding the final result.
• Scarlett was again beaten for the second week in a row this time by Kosi especially early who lead like a man in form.
• St Kilda had something like 3 or 4 inside 50ms in the last quarter but unlike Geelong took their chances with a last quarter goal by Schneider.
• St Kilda had 73 tackles to 56 by Geelong
• St Kilda tanked last week and like Fremantle this week, tanking does have a place in todays game and it actually works… The AFL is a poorer game with any sort of tanking.
• Bartell and Kelly were Geelongs best with several others really struggling including Gary Ablett who had his poorest game for several years.
• Why does no one play on Goddard?

Fremantle defeated Hawthorn by 30 points

Most tipped the Hawks and while they had injuries, I do not think you can say that is the reason why they lost. The Hawks were dominated before, during and after the injury to Rioli…

• I am sick of Clarkson and his whinging and I think his latest comment about how clubs are glad his team is out as they pose a real threat to the top sides is pure pig headness. Maybe he should shut up and sort out his own backyard and sort out how come his side has under performed for the last two years.
• Hodge and Franklin were smashed by the McAttacks – McPhee and McPharlin
• What has happened to Bateman? In 2008, he provided great gut running but since then, he has struggled to even play as a tagger.
• Even with Sandilands injured and not rucking in the second half, due to their poor ruck combination they where unable to generate any dominance. In saying that, I think Skipper was almost their best player.
• Mundy’s disposals were all class

Collingwood defeated Western Bulldogs by 62 points

Bulldogs tried several things but I get the feeling that they really carried their injured players in Higgins, Johnson and Lake who all struggled and in final matches you cannot afford half fit men.

• If Collingwood could kick straight it would have been over in the first 10 minutes but two late goals helped establish their strangle hold on the Dogs.
• Why would the Dogs try and change their game plan?
• Again why would the Dogs leave Maxwell unattended in the backline? Has Rodney Eade lost his coaching ability by being out coached in the last few months.
• In the second quarter Collingwood kicked four goals and a whopping 9 behinds.
• Collingwood only had 16 hit outs for the whole game. Does this mean Fraser could get back into the side?
• Griffen stood up even with a dodgy knee but the Dogs had many quiet players who continue to struggle in the finals. Are the Bullies just flat track bully’s?
• Leon Davis had another quiet final.

Sydney defeated Carlton by 5 points

Sydney had a handy four goal lead at half time and then Carlton kicked 5 to 0 goals in the third quarter inspired by Chris Judd who had five HUGE clearances, six inside 50ms and dragged his side almost out of a loss. The last quarter was one to watch…

• Jordon Russell took several timely defensive marks that managed to sniff out goal scoring opportunities for the Swans.
• Mumford was amazing, it was obvious he is still impeded by the knee but his ruck and pack work was a real difference. It as great watching him and the Canadian battle it out with Jacobs who had a big 3rd quarter.
• Kirk and Bolton were hit and miss (mostly miss) but the surprise packet has been Josh Kennedy who is actually leading the clearances for Sydney this year.
• Trent Dennis-Lane is a star in the making and had two last quarter goals including a great tackle to kick the match winning goal – another tick for great recruiting by the Swans.
• Walker a late inclusion kicked three goals with Betts being goalless.
• Sydney had an amazing 92 tackles

Second Round of the 2010 Finals

Geelong v Fremantle: Friday 10th September MCG 7:45pm

Western Bulldogs v Sydney: Saturday 11th September MCG 7:20pm

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Tips (2)
• 2010 AFL Teams Review pt1 (0)
• 2010 Round 22 Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Round 22 Tips (3)
• Kick 2 Kick League Top 8 Grand Final (3)

Sam Fisher got over his injury cloud like a few other big names in Griffen, Johnson, Didak, Hodge & Mumford to see up a good first weekend of finals.

Friday night Qualifying Final: Geelong v St Kilda

I am sure coach Thompson was happy West Coast managed to make them work for their win. It was a satisfactory game with Ablett having an amazing 3rd quarter, they rested some key players and several kids like Hogan, Hunt etc got another game in them.

St Kilda put their cue in the rack at 3/4 time, while they lost it did not effect their ladder position and they could not afford another injury like they did to Sam Fisher.

Geelongs Changes:
IN: Selwood, Enright, Josh Hunt
OUT: Menzel, Taylor Hunt, Hogan

St Kilda’s Changes:
IN: Milne, Schneider, Baker
OUT: Dempster, Armitage, Miles

Who Will Win between Geelong & St Kilda

Last time they meet, St Kilda held Geelong goalless in a half to run out winners in a typical dire low scoring St Kilda game. To me the loss saw Thompson play Ablett more forward than resting him on the bench, the result has seen him kick 20 goals in the last 6 games.

I love watching the battle between Taylor and Riewoldt, Taylor has won the last few battles but if Riewoldt fires it will see his team likely winning. The other keys to the Saints having a big win imo is Milne and Kosi, they are maligned and criticized for their inability to fire in big final matches.

To me Geelong is in form with Selwood, Chapman, Milburn, Taylor and Hawkins all in form and that should see…

Geelong by 21 points

Saturday Elimination Final: Fremantle v Hawthorn

Fremantle last week had a hard fought last quarter against fellow finalists Carlton. Hill, Sandilands, Mundy and Pavlich were the keys which allowed reborn-ed Johnson to float forward and kick multiple goals.

Hawthorn won by straight kicking which is not something you normally associate with them but an outstanding last quarter inspired by Buddy saw them overcome a two goal deficit to upset the highly fancied Magpies.

Fremantle’s Changes:
IN: Crowley, Silvagni, Chrichton
OUT: Hasleby, Ballantyne (foot), Jay van Berlo

Hawthorns Changes:
IN: Hodge
OUT: Hooper (soreness)

Who Will Win between Fremantle & Hawthorn

Last time they meet, Freo rested 8 of their best 22 and the result saw Freo only managing to kick one goal for 3.5 quarters. However Freo will have Sandilands, Pavlich, Hill and Mundy back who are their keys.

Some key matchups I would love to see during the game are Hill and Rioli playing on each other as well as Hodge and Pavlich. Sandilands will most likely dominate the Hawks weak ruck line up but the question will be can Franklin and Roughead dominate McPharlin and Grover? For Freo to win, they need to keep them to under 8 goals between them and the mid sized forwards of Mayne and Johnson to kick 2-3 each.

While the Hawks will be favourites for most, due to the home ground factor I am going for…

Fremantle by 15 points

Saturday night Qualifying Final: Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

Collingwood lost through almost comical goal kicking, did I hear someone say Colli-wobbles? In the last two weeks they struggled disposing Adelaide and then loosing with a last quarter fade out. In the last two games their combined score is 19.35.

The Dogs are also in some indifferent form with injury playing a major part of their late season form slump with Ryan Griffin (knee) and Brad Johnson (Achilles), Brian Lake (hip) struggling and Adam Cooney (hamstring) and Dale Morris (back) have been ruled out for the entire finals series. Their depth is also tested with fringe players Sam Reid (shoulder), Jordan Roughead (shoulder) and Easton Wood (hamstring) also struggling.

Collingwood’s Changes:
IN: Johnson, Brown, Didak
OUT: Fraser, Goldsack, McCarthy

Western Bulldogs Changes:
IN: Minson, Higgins, Wood, Johnson
OUT: Moles, Everitt, Roughead (shoulder), Jones

Who Will Win between Collingwood & Western Bulldogs

The Dogs have two things in their favour. One is that Collingwood have not defeated a Victorian side in finals  in 20 years and two the famous Colli-wobbles…

Apart from that I cannot see the Dogs getting close as Collingwood look settled and the Dogs are only making up the numbers for 2010.

Hannebery is a handy inclusion for the Swans

Collingwood by 35 points

Sunday Elimination Final: Sydney v Carlton

Sydney had a workman win over an injured and disappointing Brisbane with Pyke playing his best game and Kieran Jack continuing his great end to the season.

Carlton had a stellar final quarter but feel just short after giving Fremantle too much of a head start.

Sydneys Changes:
IN: Kennelly, O’Dwyer, Mumford, Hannebery
OUT: Meredith (Hip)

Carlton’s Changes:
IN: Hadley, Walker, Anderson, Browne, Jacobs
OUT: Grigg (calf), Hampson

Who Will Win between Sydney & Carlton

In looking at pure stats, its hard to look beyond Sydney with only two of Carltons 11 home and away wins were against top-eight rivals and Sydney have  13 wins from their past 14 games against the Blues. Plus add to the fact that Carlton are to travel twice in a row which is like a first for any non-Victorian team.

The one weakness for Sydney is their forward line with Bradshaw and McGlynn out injured and Goodes and O’Keefe having indifferent years, this leaves Jetta, Dennis-Lane, Kirk and White needing to kick the majority of Sydneys goals. If they cannot do that, they may struggle but Carlton are 8th for a reason…

Sydney by 18 points

Your Finals Tips

What do you think? Think I am onto something or can you smell an upset in the first week of the finals? If so let us know what you think and any other interesting notes you want to discuss…

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Round 22 Tips (3)
• 2010 Round 21 Tips (5)
• 2010 Round 19 Tips (7)
• 2010 Round 17 Power Rankings/Round 18 tips (12)

Here’s the top 10 for round 22
1. Travis Boak (Port) 148 $387,100 -2.47%
2. Levi Greenwood (Nth Melb) 139 $284,700 +29.35%
3. Brad Green (Melb) 135 $345,500 -9.01%
4. Jarrad Grant (WB) 134 $300,800 +211.07%
5. Dane Swan (Coll) 133 $485,000 -7.35%
6. Darren Milburn (Gee) 131 $369,200 +3.94%
7. Dean Brogan (Port) 129 $334,500 +5.89%
=8. Kieren Jack (Syd) 128 $401,800 +47.50%
=8. Sam Mitchell (Haw) 128 $403,500 -10.17%
=10. Gary Ablett (Gee) 127 $464,300 -11.05%
=10. James McDonald (Melb) 127 $340,200 -2.13%

Dane Swan wins the DT Medal for 2010. Who's gonna hold him back from the Brwonlow??

Here’s the top 10 for 2010

1. Dane Swan (Coll) 2708 $485,000 -7.35%
2. Gary Ablett (Gee) 2500 $464,300 -11.05%
3. Leigh Montagna (StK) 2464 $414,300 -18.62%
4. Paul Chapman (Gee) 2388 $424,500 -14.16%
5. Brendon Goddard (StK) 2382 $465,800 +2.22%
6. Scott Pendlebury (Coll) 2343 $445,600 -2.00%
7. Matthew Boyd (WB) 2303 $452,700 -0.81%
8. Daniel Cross (WB) 2272 $408,900 -0.29%
9. Lenny Hayes (StK) 2268 $452,800 -5.37%   
10. Joel Selwood (Gee) 2244 $466,100 +2.80%  

DT Medal: Dane Swan wins by 11 from Gary Ablett

SC Medal: Gary Ablett wins by 1 from Luke Hodge

Kick2Kick League Grand Final Review

(1) Germinators 1,980 def (4) Bomber cyborgs 1,703

Injury, suspension & players rested absolutely ruined the Grand Final for the top 8.  Germayn had 10 players of a possible list of 30 out – 2 suspended & 3 rested.  Swan & Ablett were brilliant in the middle, Franklin was fantastic up forward & should’ve got more points from free kicks.  They were supported by Goddard in defence & Pavlich up forward.

Amaazingly, Sean had 9 out of 30 gone for the same reasons in an almost idendtical team.  Make that 10 if you count Sam Fisher going down with that hamstring injury.  Sean lost 293 points from last week.

(9) Half Back Flanker 2,111 def (11) Chardy’s Champs 1.388

With a handful of stars out, the Flankers were able to wipe the floor with the Champs with Goddard, Kelly & Doughty holding the defence together, a surprise packet in Brennan joining the ususal suspects in Swan & Ablett in the middle & a combination of Franklin & Rioli starring up forward. 

The Champs had their defence & midfield decimated by the dreaded “resting” bug, but the forwards in Harvey, Giansiracusa & Rioli put up a fight. 

It’s such a shame that the game has come to the dreaded “rest”.  All I can say is if the players want the big bucks in the new rights, then get out & bloody play.  But, unfortunately, our game is being “Americanized” & there’s nothing any of us can do about that.

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 Round 22 Tips (3)
• Kick 2 Kick League Top 8 Grand Final (3)
• Round 21 Dreamteam Update (3)
• 2010 Round 21 Tips (5)
• Round 20 Dreamteam Update (4)

Ben Cousins had a brilliant career & while he only played 30 games at Richmond, I think his legacy will remain for a lot longer

Fremantle defeated Carlton by 6 points

I loved the banter between the two coaches during the week, it was great but it was a pity that channel 7 still refused to show the game earlier for the Perth viewers. It was almost the most important game in Fremantle’s 15+ year history and every Freo supporter has to wait even though the game was sold out? If Channel 7 want the next TV rights, they need to be smarter than only show one Friday night game live all year…

• Pavlich and Hill were outstanding.
• While Judd, Murphy and Gibbs got plenty of the ball, they only kicked the one goal between them.
• Betts and Yarren was held to the one goal
• Fremantle got out to a 29 point lead at 3/4 time.
• Sandilands had 40 hit outs and 13 clearances.
• Carlton had 6 players with less than 10 possessions which Equals way to many passengers and while 8th spot could be seen as a good season I wonder if they can actually improve to be a serious premiership team.
• Have Fremantle over achieved?

Geelong defeated West Coast Eagles by 44 points

Most expected this to be a 100+ point margin but West Coast showed something that has been missing all year and that was heart. It took a cameo apperance by Gary Ablett in the third quarter to shake the persistence Eagles.

• Hawkins kicked 3 and looked dangerous.
• Has Gary Ablett got another Brownlow Medal in him?
• Did Geelong do the right thing by Byrnes, Selwood and Enright?
• Beau Waters, Luke Shuey and Ashton Hams were the best for West Coast
• Chapman hurt his knee which could be a worry as he has been injury free so far in 2010.
• Wilson had 7 scoring shots against Scartlett and surely will see the end for Lynch’s career at West Coast.
• Do West Coast have any players who could be used as trade bait?
• In the third quarter Geelong changed their game plan from handball to football and it broke the game apart. Crazy how easy and simple the game can be…

Hawthorn defeated Collingwood by 3 points

We said it back in the pre season and we have said it again but Collingwoods inaccurate goal kicking will cost them dearly and they failed to get out goal against the dogged Hawks.

• This game failed to reach any great lengths until the Hawks surge in the last quarter.
• Franklin kicked 6 goals in a dominate display.
• Will Fraser stay in the team? While he had 28 hitouts will Browns flexibility see him play his last game for Collingwood?
• Will the Hawks be happy about playing Freo with their mammoth win against them in round21.
• Hawthorn had 6 final goals while Collingwood could only manage three goals and 5 behinds.

Adelaide defeated St Kilda by 28 points

Coach Lyon admitted the team did not try in the last quarter. Does the AFL need to stamp out this phase of tanking not from just the cellar dwellers but also the final 8 teams? Surely the public who pay their hard earned money at the stadium gates deserve the sides to play 110%.

• St Kilda only managed 5 goals for the whole game.
• Tippett and Walker kicked 5 between them.
• Will Adelaide miss Bock? Personally I doubt he is even in the sides best 22 and they get an extra draft pick in the mid 20′s were no other club would have traded for him.
• St Kilda had 70 extra odd possessions but struggled to put those possessions into goals, a HUGE worry coming into the finals.

Western Bulldogs defeated Essendon by 29 points

This game will be remembered for the Essendon board taking the easy option by sacking the coach. Yes the team under performed but should not the players be sacked as well as the other under performing people running the club?

• The Dogs won comfortable after kicking the last 6 goals of the first quarter
• Griffen injured himself. Is it just a cork or another injury that will rob the Dogs side?
• Grant kicked 6 goals and will he get the Rising Star award or will that go to Hannebery from the Swans?
• Did the Dogs find form or just do enough to win the game?
• Leroy Jetta had a fast finishing end of the year with 31 possessions
• What went wrong with the Bombers in season 2010? Was it the sacking of Lloyd etc or did they over perform last year? Is the Essendon board gutless?
• Boyd, Cross and Harbrow all had over 30 possessions.

Sydney defeated Brisbane by 38 points

Brisbane showed heart for the first half getting back into the game after Sydney threaten to pull away but this Brisbane side is very brittle and they could only play catch up football for so long.

• Are Sydney really the smoky side people are building up or are they just the emotional feel good side of 2010?
• In the 3rd quarter Sydney kicked 5.5 while Brisbane could only manage 2 behinds.
• Keiran Jack will be one of the players to watch in 2011 after a breakout 2010. He will be the new inspirational Kirk and will one day captain the side.
• Will Bradshaw play in 2011? If he does, the Sydney forward line will be even more dangerous after Dennis-Lane and Jetta have established themselves after a solid 2010.
• While Hall and Mumford would be the trades off the year, Staker would not be far behind.
• Sydney had 20 extra marks for the day.
• Luke Power had a year to forget, will 2011 be his last?
• Will Rischitelli and Brennan be at the Lions in 2o11?
• Could Aker be right about his concerns of Voss being a coach without any assistant experience and him ruining the club?

Port Adelaide defeated Richmond by 10 points

After a second quarter where Port kicked 10 goals it looked like a game to forget but then Richmond turned it on in the second half and kicked 6 goals in the 3rd quarter and 7 in the last.

• Does 2010 show that Wallace had no clue about coaching? Hardwick has made several position changes which have paid off in spades.
  • Jack Riewoldt to FF/ CHF and kicked 78 goals for the season.
  • Jack King to the forward line.
  • Mitch Morton to the midfield.
  • Connors to the backline and playing.
  • Deledio to the backline and could almost be AA selection.
• Boak and Gray are the keys to the future for Port Adelaide.
• Daniel Stewart had a breakout game with four goals including two crucial final quarter goals. One 40+m out on the boundary and a classic contested mark in the goal square.
• Logan kicked two goals while playing as a defensive forward on Deledio and Newman.
• Schulz won the Ports leading goal kicker and only played 15 games.
• I think its safe to say Matthew Primus will coach Port in 2011 and beyond with 5 wins out of 7 games. Maybe he should have coached earlier…
• It is the first time in 10 years that no SA team has played in the finals.

North Melbourne defeated Melbourne by 10 points

This was called as the battle for the future clubs with people drawing a similar line as St Kilda and Geelong back in 2003. Where St Kilda built a team by draft picks and Geelong by smart recruiting (and luck with father/ sons picks), I am sure the Roos will hope history will repeat themselves.

• Will Brad Green be AA?
• Jurrah kicked 5 goals and will only get better as he develops a tank.
• Levi Greenwood flogged Sylvia, ended up with 39 possessions will only further improve after that match winning goal against Brisbane.
• Will Brent Harvey be the new Robert Harvey who just continues to play on and on?
• Will Melbourne rue the decision to push captain McDonald into retirement?

Ladder at the end of Round 22

1. Collingwood: 70 points – 141.7%
2. Geelong: 68 points – 147.9%
3. St Kilda: 62 points – 121.6%
4. Western Bulldogs: 56 points – 125.4%
5. Sydney: 52 points – 108.3%
6. Fremantle: 52 points – 103.9%
7. Hawthorn: 50 points – 110.7%
8. Carlton: 44 points – 108.1%
9. North Melbourne: 44 points – 87.4%
10. Port Adelaide: 40 points – 82.4%
11. Adelaide: 36 points – 94.3%
12. Melbourne: 34 points – 94.5%
13. Brisbane: 28 points – 82.2%
14. Essendon: 28 points – 80.3%
15. Richmond: 24 points – 73.0%
16. West Coast Eagles: 16 points – 77.1%

Other Talking Points from Round 22

• Did the floating round work? I feel it did and it was not that the Sunday games were duds with both games having margins of 10 points
• Who will win the Rising Star award? I think Hannebery will win it but Rocklift and Grant will not be far behind. Nic Nat will be 4th…

In the next few weeks, we will be doing our own All Australian team and also reviews of the teams starting from the 16th team, West Coast. If you would like to help, please let us know.

First Round of the 2010 Finals

Geelong verses St Kilda: Friday 3rd September MCG 7.45pm

Fremantle verses Hawthorn: Saturday 4th September Subiaco 1.20pm

Collingwood verses Western Bulldogs: 4th September MCG 7.20pm

Sydney verses Carlton: 5th September ANZ Stadium 2.40pm

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 Round 22 Tips (3)
• Kick 2 Kick League Top 8 Grand Final (3)
• 2010 AFL Teams Review pt1 (0)
• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Tips (2)

Fremantle should be well rested after half their team was left out of their dismal 116 point defeat by Hawthorn last round.

Carlton’s world came crashing back to earth with a sobering 42 point defeat at the hands of reigning premiers Geelong.

Josh Fraser finally gets to 200 games this weekend.

Fremantle Ins: Hasleby, Pavlich, McPhee, Hayden, Sandilands, Mundy, Hill, Mayne, Morabito, Fyfe
Out: Kepler Bradley, Byron Schammer, Steven Dodd, Ryan Murphy, Rhys Palmer, Clayton Hinkley, Tim Ruffles (knee), Clancee Pearce, Justin Bollenhagen, Zac Clarke

Carlton Ins: Joseph, Hampson, Yarran
Outs: Richard Hadley, Andrew Walker, Sam Jacobs

Who will win

A home elimination final is up for grabs and there may be method to the madness of the Dockers resting some key players in the lead up to September.

Fremantle are definitely missing the influence of Michael Barlow since he went down with a broken leg and in the past month only have one win to speak of.

Carlton’s form of late hasn’t exactly set the world on fire either but look the more settle lineup, the only problem is the game is at Subiaco which gives the Dockers the edge.

Fremantle by 9 points

Geelong v West Coast

Geelong rose to the challenge last Friday against a cocky Carlton outfit and showed the cream surely rises to the top with a classy 42 point win over the Blues.

West Coast put up a fight but the experienced Roos got the better of a young Eagles outfit by 16 points.

Geelong Ins: Ling, Lonergan, Mackie, Ottens
Outs: James Podsiadly (suspension), Josh Hunt (suspension), Taylor Hunt, Daniel Menzel

West Coast have no changes

Who will win

Geelong at home against a young, inexperienced Eagles side really is a no brainer. The Cats will be missing the goalfreak that is JPod but have some handy ins with Ling, Lonergan, Mackie, Ottens to come back into the team.

Geelong by 95 points

Hawthorn v Collingwood

The Hawks are hitting some form leading into the finals but its hard to judge how good they’re traveling with a 116 walkover win against the absent Dockers.

Collingwood are their own worst enemy snatching a 3 point victory over Adelaide. Time and time again the Magpies underestimate teams that appear inferior and leave themselves open to a ‘shock’ loss.

Hawks Ins: Young, Hooper
Out: Luke Hodge (knee), Grant Birchall (hamstring)

Collingwood Ins: Fraser, Reid, McCarthy
Out: Leigh Brown (suspension), Alan Didak (shoulder), John Anthony

Who will win

Hawthorn will be hoping Luke Hodge recovers in time for some finals action but he is a crucial out this weekend.

Josh Fraser finally gets to 200 games, while Alan Didak will be missing from the Pies’ lineup they still have enough arsenal to defeat Hawthorn.

Collingwood by 21 points

Adelaide v St Kilda

Adelaide led for most of their match against Collingwood last weekend but eventually went down by 3 points, and Neil Craig got a little annoyed.

The Saints had a slow start and looked less convincing in their 21 point win over Richmond last weekend.

Adelaide In: Martin
Out: Will Young (shoulder)

St Kilda Ins: Dawson, Jones, Gardiner, Hayes
Out: Adam Schneider (inj), Sean Dempster, Adam Pattison, Nick Heyne

Who will win

St Kilda will be looking at the bigger picture with a eye on the first week of finals but will looking to fine tune some teething problems.

While Adelaide will be using their last game of the season as a swansong to their retiring champions so don’t be surprise to see them come out all guns blazing.

Adelaide by 8 points

Western Bulldogs v Essendon

Both teams were disappointing last weekend, the Doggies looked sub-par against a spirited Swans outfit that gave them a 44 point thrashing.

Essendon looked like a busload of passengers in their 27 point loss to Brisbane last round.

Western Bulldogs Ins: Addison, Everitt, Roughead
Out: Adam Cooney (hamstring), Dale Morris (back), Brad Johnson (ankle)

Essendon Ins: Colyer, Ryder, Winderlich, Lonergan
Out: Jobe Watson (ankle), Mark McVeigh (knee), Jay Neagle, Michael Quinn

Who will win

Essendon are suffering from a lack of depth and a coach under siege from the pressure that comes from every loss.

The Dons have a lot to prove but so do the Doggies.

The Bulldogs look to be limping into finals action with injuries to Cooney, Morris and Johnson but Rocket Eade should have them fired up to beat the Bombers.

Western Bulldogs by 35 points

Brisbane v Sydney

Brisbane gave Jonathan Brown a proper reception for his 200th game with a 27 point win over Essendon.

Sydney also celebrated the services of Captain Kirk and coach Roos with 44 point thumping of the Dogs.

Brisbane Ins: Collier, Proud
Out: Jonathan Brown (groin), Troy Selwood (ribs)

Sydney Ins: O’Keefe, Moore
Out: Shane Mumford (knee), Gary Rohan

Who will win

Brisbane will be missing the services of Jonathan Brown this game and have had a disappointing end to the season after a promising start.

Sydney go into this match on a 3 game winning streak and are looking to finish strongly to give Paul Roos a sendoff as his coaching career comes to a end at the Swans.

Sydney by 10 points

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Richmond put up a fight early but the experience of the Saints saw the Tiges go down by 21 points.

Port Adelaide had a strong 29 point win over the Demons in front of their home crowd last round.

Richmond Ins: White, Polo, Nason, Browne, Grimes
Out: Will Thursfield (leg), David Astbury (hip)

Port Adelaide Ins: Logan, Pettigrew, Banner, Davenport
Out: Brett Ebert (knee)

Who will win

Richmond will be trying to give Ben Cousins a send off in his last game of AFL in front of a home crowd.

Port Adelaide will be missing Brett Ebert up forward and have a less than impressive record away from their home ground this year.

Richmond by 22 points

Melbourne v North Melbourne

Melbourne were inaccurate in front of goals and paid the price going down by 29 points to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

The Kangaroos pulled out all stops to give Brent Harvey the victory he deserved in his 300th game, to win by 16 points.

Melbourne Ins: Johnson, Macdonald, Sylvia, Bate
Out: Jamie Bennell

North Melbourne Ins: Jones, Campbell, Tarrant, Goldstein, Macmillan
Out: Leigh Adams (concussion), Lachlan Hansen (hamstring)

Who will win

Melbourne have had a much improved season this year and when playing their running, attacking brand of football look capable of beating the top sides.

North have also improved under coach Scott in their typical no nonsense, workman like manner.

Not much separates these two teams on the ladder and this will be played as their finals, after both teams came so close to making the cut.

Melbourne by 12 points

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 Round 21 Tips (5)
• 2010 Round 19 Tips (7)
• 2010 Round 17 Tips (5)
• 2010 AFL Round 16 Tips (6)
• 2010 Round 13 Tips part 1 (10)

BOMBER CYBORGS

Defence
Brendon Goddard (StK) Sam Fisher (StK)     Jarrad Waite (Carl)
Av: 114 Rqd: 89                Av: 87 Rqd: 113      Av: 88 Rqd: 97

Sam Gilbert (StK)             Ryan Hargrave (WB)          Matt Maguire (Bris)
Av: 95 Rqd: 77                 Av: 76 Rqd: 114                   Av: 70 Rqd: 76

Corey Enright (Gee)       Josh Hunt (Gee)           Rick Ladson (Haw)
Av: 92 Rqd: 31                 Av: 65 Rqd: 80             Av: 63 Rqd: 74

Midfield
Gary Ablett (Gee)      Jimmy Bartel (Gee)      Jordan Gysberts (Melb)
Av: 119 Rqd: 107      Av: 106 Rqd: 90            Av: 70 Rqd: 13

Joel Selwood (Gee)      Alan Didak (Coll)      Marcus Marigliani (Ess)
Av: 107 Rqd: 99           Av: 99 Rqd: 141        Av: 53 Rqd: 7

Luke Haodge (Haw)      Adam Cooney (WB)
Av: 103 Rqd: 57            Av: 91 Rqd: 160

Luke Hodge is Sean's surprise midfield pick...and the most likely to profit.

Forwards
Paul Chapman (Gee)                Lance Franklin (Haw)               James Podsiadly (Gee)Av: 115 Rqd: 85                         Av: 99 Rqd: 108                         Av: 82 Rqd: 35

 Matthew Pavlich (Fre)              Barry Hall (WB)                       Nick Riewoldt (StK)
 Av: 91 Rqd: 107                          Av: 74 Rqd: 100                      Av: 97 Rqd: 62

 Ryan O’Keefe (Syd)                Jonathan Brown (Bris)              Jack Watts (Melb)
 Av: 88 Rqd: 67                         Av: 87 Rqd: -4                             Av: 54 Rqd: 76

GERMINATORS

Defence
Brendon Goddard (StK)      Corey Enright (Gee)      Greg Broughton (Fre)
Av: 114 Rqd: 89                      Av: 92 Rqd: 31                Av: 91 Rqd: 90

Luke Hodge (Haw)      Beau Waters (WCE)      Andrew Strijk (WCE)
Av: 103 Rqd: 57          Av: 87 Rqd: 94              Av: 64 Rqd: 65

Sam Gilbert (StK)      Ryan Hargrave (WB)      Ashley Smith (WCE)
Av: 95 Rqd: 77          Av: 76 Rqd: 114               Av: 67 Rqd: 50

Midfield
Dane Swan (Coll)      Matthew Boyd (WB)      Lewis Stevenson (WCE)
Av: 123 Rqd: 153     Av: 115 Rqd: 124           Av: 63 Rqd: 77

Gary Ablett (Gee)      Bryce Gibbs (Carl)      Jordan Gysberts (Melb)
Av: 119 Rqd: 107      Av: 96 Rqd: 80             Av: 70 Rqd: 13

Leigh Montagna (StK)      Brent Harvey (Nth Melb)
Av: 112 Rqd: 106               Av: 94 Rqd: 159

Bryce Gibbs has found form at the right time for the boss in his quest for a flag.

Rucks
Aaron Sandilands (Fre)      Robert Warnock (Carl)
Av: 98 Rqd: 131                    Av: 57 Rqd: 40

Matthew Leuenberger (Bris) Seamus McNamara (Coll)
Av: 77 Rqd: 60                           DNP

Forwards
Paul Chapman (Gee)      Lance Franklin (Haw)      Shaun Higgins (WB)
Av: 115 Rqd: 85               Av: 99 Rqd: 108                Av: 82 Rqd: 104

Alan Didak (Coll)      Tom Rockliff (Bris)      Nick Riewoldt (StK)
Av: 99 Rqd: 141        Av: 86 Rqd: 73             Av: 97 Rqd: 62

Ryan O’Keefe (Syd) James Podsiadly (Gee) Cameron Hitchcock (Port)
Av: 88 Rqd: 67         Av: 82 Rqd: 35                Av: 53 Rqd: 54

Related K2K Posts

• Round 21 Dreamteam Update (3)
• Round 20 Dreamteam Update (4)
• 2010 Round 19 Dreamteam Wrapup (2)
• 2010 Round 18 Dreamteam Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Round 17 Dreamteam Wrapup (0)

I was one of the many AFL so called experts who believed the Dogs was a serious chance for the 2010 premiership and my prediction looked good at the end of the pre season competition where they mauled their opponents. However one round from the finals what has happened to them?

Adam Cooneys injury is a big blow for the Dogs premiership chances for 2010.

It is like the club has self exploded and I would not be surprised to see them go out in straight sets.

Cooney, Morris and Johnson will all likely miss the complete final series. While Cooney’s season has been average compared to his Brownlow season, he imo along with Griffen is the key for a Doggies premiership success as they have youth, skill and the time to improve as players where the rest of the best players are all over an age were their best is now or behind them. You have Johnson, Hall, Eagleton, Hudson, Hahn, Gilbee, Hargrave, Boyd, Lake, Morris, Gia and Murphy all over 28. That is 12 players in their best 22!

Morris’ injury robs Lake playing his loose man in defence and while I agree with Aker that Eade has carried Johnson in 2010, he still is important.

Eade’s sooky lah whine after the game about the SCG surface is the start of the end, if you already did not believe it had started to end. Their premiership window has slammed shut!

Why Fremantle will never win a Premiership

I have written before about culture but that can be changed and I seriously thought that Mark Harvey had turned the Freo shipwreck around but I was wrong.

I understand player management, Geelong had done it perfectly for the last three years and St Kilda did it last year but Fremantle’s ‘resting’ (I would label it as tanking) is laughable and demonstrates that Fremantle will never never win a premiership. You do NOT rest 7 players at a time, it would have been better if they did a rolling rest.

Not only has their confidence hit rock bottom, the flogging could well see them not win a home final and not to mention the loss of respect they finally gained in 2010.

Beau Waters Hit Good for the AFL?

Has anyone seen the Beau Waters hit on Leigh Adams? If not, you must try and dig out a video on you tube or something because it is a perfect example of a shepherd.

However did anyone watch the 60 minutes episode a few hours after watching Adams wobble all around after the hit? 90% of men like the big hits but lets face it, most will not argue against their wives/ partners not letting their little Johnny play AFL and little Johnny will play soccer instead.

Your Rant or Opinion?

What do you think of the fat couch potatoes rant? Agree with him or do you think he has to get off the couch and do some exercise? If you have your own rant, please also sit on the couch with me and lets rant together.

Related K2K Posts

• 2010 NAB Grand Final Wrapup (5)
• 2009 AFL Grand Final Tips (9)
• 2008 AFL Grand Final Wrap up (7)
• 2008 AFL Grand Final preview (2)
• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Wrapup (3)

Here’s the top 10 for round 21
1. Nick Dal Santo (StK) 145 $393,900 -13.85%
2. Shaun Burgoyne (Haw) 143 $371,000 +17.93%
=3. Brendon Goddard (StK) 140 $461,600 +1.29%
=3. Jonathan Brown (Bris) 140 $322,000 -22.56%
5. Leigh Montagna (StK) 139 $413,900 -18.70%
6. Andrew Embley (WCE) 138 $366,000 -4.41%
7. Jack Riewoldt (Rich) 135 $277,800 -15.15%
8. Sam Mitchell (Haw) 129 $384,900 -14.31%
=9. Andrew Swallow (Nth Melb) 128 $408,100 +3.39%
=9. Josh Gibson (Haw) 128 $248,100 -18.28%

Once again, Jonathan Brown mauls the Bombers to be one of the round 21 best.

Here’s the top 10 for 2010
1. Dane Swan (Coll) 2575 $494,400 -5.56%
2. Gary Ablett (Gee) 2373 $459,600 -11.95%
3. Leigh Montagna (StK) 2352 $413,900 -18.70%
4. Paul Chapman (Gee) 2297 $425,000 -14.05%
5. Brendon Goddard (StK) 2276 $461,600 +1.29%
6. Scott Pendlebury (Coll) 2254 $453,900 -0.18%
7. Joel Selwood (Gee) 2244 $466,100 +2.80&
8. Matthew Boyd (WB) 2186 $456,400 +0.00%
9. Luke Hodge (Haw) 2166 $348,400 -5.02%
10. Lenny Hayes (StK) 2157 $451,100 -5.73%

DT Medal: Dane Swan leads by 10 from Gary Ablett with 1 rounds to go
SC Medal: Luke Hodge leads by 2 from Dane Swan & Gary Ablett, Brendon Goddard a further vote back with 1 rounds to go.

Kick2Kick League Week 3 Finals Review
(1) Germinators 2,230 def (3) Benditos 2,019
The defence did enough to help the lack of stars in Germayn’s line up. Sandilands, Higgins & O’Keefe were out this week. Haven’t seen the incident, but Beau Waters could be an extra headache for Germayn if the MRP get invlolved. We hope to have the Benditos back in 2011.

(4) Bomber cyborgs 1.996 def (6) Nambucca Axemen 1.751
The outs & the injury to Cooney doesn’t reflect the true score line for the Cyborgs & “Pods” could be another headache come GF time.
Deano was in the same boat with the outs, but didn’t have the emergencies to cover the losses. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of this game. Question is what’s going to be the mystery answer with the “bye” coming in??

(9) Half Back Flanker 1.943 def (10) Mopar 1,545
Well, neither GF finished with the best 2 teams in their sections playing off. The Flankers presumably played with only one ruckman with Ryder pulling out late on Sunday. Fortunately, it’s only illness, but does the “flu” actually mean hamstring strain?? Cooney has the answer to that, but will it be honest.

Kick2Kick League GF Finals Preview

(4) Bomber cyborgs ($2.32) .vs. (1) Germinators ($1.62)
Naturally, the boss will start as the favourite despite the upset loss to the cyborgs in week 1 of the finals. It’s 1-1 for the season so can Sean pull off the double whammy & lay the boss’s season to waste??

(9) Half Back Flanker ($1.82) .vs. (11) Chardy’s Champs ($1.99)
This should be an interesting contest with both teams deserved top 8 teams, but without the wins. The round 7 match up ended in a draw so who has the psychological edge??

Good luck to all this weekend with some very exciting results ahead & watch for the round 22 Breakevens for the GF teams spread.

Related K2K Posts

• Kick 2 Kick League Top 8 Grand Final (3)
• Round 20 Dreamteam Update (4)
• 2010 Round 19 Dreamteam Wrapup (2)
• 2010 Round 18 Dreamteam Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Round 17 Dreamteam Wrapup (0)

Heard an interesting piece by the commentators on Friday night about the argument on who is the better player between Judd and Ablett jnr. Their answer? The goal tally where Ablett jnr can go forward and kick goals who is on 40 for the year while Judd is on an average of less than a goal a game.

Liam Jurrah puts his hand up for the mark of the year against Port Adelaide

• Ablett kicked four goals, including three in the last to be the game breaker and the difference. Ablett was well held for most of the game by Carrazzo. I do like Ablett kicking more (and not just because he is in my Dreamteam) but his kicks have more damaging consequences than his handballs.
• Will jPod get suspended for his clumsy knock on Gibbs? Again are we getting to soft with talk about players being suspended for love taps in a contested game?
• Hawkins kicked two goals, took 9 marks and had 17 disposals to Blakes 2 marks and 8 disposals. Has time run out for Blake at Geelong?
• Menzel for Geelong kicked three goals in a cameo display, where do the Cats find these gems?
• While Henderson and Waite kicked 6 between them in a solid display, the smalls of Garlett and Betts kicked 0 between them.

St Kilda defeated Richmond by 21 points

Are St Kilda the real deal? Richmond took the game to St Kilda and while they have the players of the skills of Montagna, Riewoldt, Goddard, Hayes etc it is their lower level of players where imo their weakness is. One good sign was Kosi kicking five, which relieves the pressure off Riewoldt.

• Jack Riewoldt kicked 7 goals to sew up the race for the Coleman medal.
• Are St Kilda the real deal?
• St Kilda kicked 5 goals in each of the first and second quarters.
• Richmond bounced out of the blocks with 6 goals and three to Riewoldt.
• How can Richmond be disappointing one year and then be a team on the rise the year after?
• Richmond kicked some junk goals to get the margin to gain some respect.

Hawthorn defeated Fremantle by 116 points

I believe there is justice in the AFL, West Coast are currently suffering with some bad culture issues and Fremantle  tried to be too smart for their own good by resting their ‘stars’ and boy did it hurt them. This mammoth loose could see them loose their  home final.

• All the big guns for Hawthorn are played into form with Roughead and Burgoyne  by the shocking Dockers.
• Franklin and Roughead kicked 9 between them.
• Will Hodges knee be a worry and will they rest him?
• Is the reason why Fremantle rested their players because of their looser mindset of the clubs culture?
• Did Hawthorn feel sorry for Freo and give them the four last quarter goals
• Mitchell had 30 uncontested possessions. Is the AFL game becoming too uncontested?
• If Hawthorn defeat Collingwood, Sydney loose against Brisbane and Fremantle loose, they will have to play the Hawks again.

Collingwood defeated Adelaide by 3 points

Collingwood apparently needed a reality check and if so they got it from Adelaide who played their hearts out but failed at the last hurdle.

• Collingwood kicked 2.8 in the last quarter and they will rue their inaccurate kicking come finals.
• They also kicked 1.5 in the third quarter.
• Was Adelaide right in letting go of Nathan Bock?
• Collingwood dominated the stats of tackles, kicks, hit outs and handballs.
• Swan just failed to gather more than 30 possessions for a record time in a row.
• Pendlebury sure gathers a lot of the ball but rarely gets his own contested ball.
• Will Fraser play against the Hawks? Could he take Dawes place who struggled.

Sydney defeated Western Bulldogs by 44 points

I tipped the Swans but did not think they would dominate the Dogs like that. After an even first quarter the Swans broke away to a 5 goal lead at half time.

• Was Aker right that they have carried Johnson this year? I think he was as they could not carry two has beens in himself and also Johnson who cannot even dance out of the way from a golf cart.
• Coach Eade complaining about the SCG surface? Sour grapes as the premiership dream snaps or some truth that the surface is indeed dodgy?
• Both teams lost dangerous forwards in Higgins and O’Keefe.
• WA imports Trent Dennis-Lane kicked four goals and Lewis Jetta kicked two.
• Even Kirk got into the act with two goals.
• Where do the Doggies go from here?

Port Adelaide defeated Melbourne by 29 points

The Hawks winning saw both North and Melbourne out of their slim final 8 chance. The result saw a disappointing Melbourne turn up and it does not matter how much the opponent sucks, you only need to be 5% off to loose (unless your West Coast).

• Will Liam Jurrah win the mark of the year? or will Goddards the day before win it?
• Will Primus get the Ports job after injecting some heart into the club?
• Port kicked 5 goals straight in the second quarter and finished the game off in the 3/4 with 7.4.
• Port out tackled Melbourne.
• Melbourne actually had more scoring shots than Port.
• Schulz, Gray and Boak kicked 11 goals between them.
• Jurrah kicked four but apart from Wonaeamirri who kicked two, Melbourne still need to work on their forward line no matter how good the side is coming along.

Brisbane defeated Essendon by 27 points

I think its safe to say Jon Brown still is the best forward in the competition.

• Jon Brown had 16 marks, included 10 in the first half in a dominate display in his 200th game.
• What do you think about Browns comments about Fev? Should he forget his career and focus on his family?
• Daniel Rich had a return to form with 30 possessions
• Essendon kicked 6 in the last quarter for some respect but can anything save Knights career?
• Is it time for Essendon to rid of themselves of Neagle?

North Melbourne defeated West Coast by 16 points

West Coast jumped out of the blocks with four goals and with some great forward pressure but while they did not play well, North did enough to stay in the game. North managed to sneak in front at 3/4 time and while West Coast tried hard it was another heart breaking loose for them.

• I do not rate Wells but his class was the difference and North cannot afford to loose him.
• North kicked 5.6 in the 2nd quarter and 6.1 in the last quarter.
• LeCras only kicked two against McMahon.
• Has Wilson saved his career by kicking four and doomed Lynchs career at West Coast?
• Will Beau Waters get suspended for the classic hip and shoulder on Leigh Adams? Did he hit his head or just the shoulder?
• Where does Boomer Harvey sit as an AFL footballer?

Top 8 Ladder after Round 21

1. Collingwood: 70 points – 144.49%
2. Geelong: 64 points – 147.25%
3. St Kilda: 62 points – 124.38%
4. Western Bulldogs: 52 points – 124.82%
5. Sydney: 48 points – 106.46%
6. Fremantle: 48 points – 103.75%
7. Hawthorn: 46 points – 111.07%
8. Carlton: 44 points – 108.78%

Related K2K Posts

• Round 21 Dreamteam Update (3)
• 2010 Round 21 Tips (5)
• 2010 AFL Teams Review pt1 (0)
• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Wrapup (3)
• 2010 Qualifying & Elimination Finals Tips (2)