Thursday, June 19, 2008

Round 13 Tips

Poor tipping on my part last week, only coming up with 5 winners.

This week doesn't look any easier.

St. Kilda Vs Fremantle
After last week I have no idea.
I'll just go for Saints after the shakeup at the club this week.

Hawthorn Vs Kangaroos
After last weeks insipid effort by the Kangas I've gotta pick the Hawks. Easily.

Port Adelaide Vs Richmond
Both are terrible clubs. Port with the home ground advantage.

Brisbane Lions Vs Adelaide
Hmmm. Adelaide have been promising. As have the Lions. I'll go for the Lions at home.

West Coast Vs Geelong
West Coast's only hope is a blackout.
Cats all the way.

Melbourne Vs Sydney
Melbourne can't win a game to save themselves.
Swans easily.

Carlton Vs Essendon
Carlton making a late surge, while the Dons go for draft picks.

Collingwood Vs Western Bulldogs
Collingwood thrash the moggies and then fall in a heap. Doggies to buil their percentage.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Carlton, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 13. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 72
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 2
Total Certainty Predictions: 47
Total Certainties Correct: 40
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 13

B: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Brent Prismall, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Josh Hunt, Brad Ottens, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe

No changes this week, so there's not much to write about.

I guess the big issue this week is who's fighting for their spot considering Scarlett and Wojcinski will be knocking on the door come round 14.

Most likely Prismall and Varcoe.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Round 12 Tips

7 tips last week. Just a shame I didn't have faith in Juddy to whup some ass.

Hopefully Port's embarrassing fadeout won't sour them into action this week against the FFFFFF's.

Essendon Vs West Coast
Essendon have just been woeful this season. The only thing stopping this from getting ugly is the homeground advantage.

Western Bulldogs Vs Brisbane Lions
Both the Bullies and the Lions have been good this year. This is a serious test of Brisbane's claim to contender status. Bullies by a nose.

Fremantle Vs Kangaroos
Fremantle are a dog's breakfast, while the Roos managed to push the Cats last week.

Sydney Vs St. Kilda
Sydney looked a bit ordinary for 3 quarters last week, but I'll put that down to having to travel across the country.

Adelaide Vs Hawthorn
Depends on Adelaide. If they show up to play it could get ugly for the Hawks. However, I think they will be taking things easy. Hawks by a couple of goals.

Geelong Vs Port Adelaide
Port blew an easy win last week. So much for their easy draw. Cats to fire. Geelong by 50.

Collingwood Vs Carlton
Collingwood barely scraped over the line against Melbourne last week, while Carlton had a spirited come from behind win over Port. Blues for my money.

Richmond Vs Melbourne
Richmond were terrible last week, while Melbourne could have won if they had kicked straighter.


My Certainties: Kangaroos, Sydney, Geelong.

There you have it, my tips for round 12. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 67
Tips %: 76
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 44
Total Certainties Correct: 38
Certainties %: 86

Geelong Squad For Round 12

B: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Brent Prismall, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int (from): Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Joel Selwood, David Wojcinski, Josh Hunt, Ryan Gamble, Kane Tenace

Still in the extended squad at this point.

I would imaging it would be Ottens, Selwood, Wojcinski, and Hunt on the bench.

Scarlett out with a hamstring injury, hopefully to return fit as a fiddle after the midyear break.

Shagger Byrnes also injure (apparently). Methinks this may be a ploy to drop him after touching Steve Johnson's last gasp goal. What was he thinking???

Friday, June 6, 2008

Round 11 Tips

Not too bad last week, scoring 6 tips, while many did get 8 I was happy with the 6 in the end.

Bulldogs upset the Hawks at their home ground, perhaps if they had played in Victoria things could have been different.

That match really meant the death of the deadset certain tip.

Fremantle also let me down with their loss to Port, but who is surprised really?

Kangaroos Vs Geelong
Cats all the way here. The Roos have had a number of injuries to key players while the Cats have regained Chapman (and Mooney).

Richmond Vs Adelaide
This could go either way, but the Crows only because I think the Tigers are crappier.

Essendon Vs Hawthorn
Essendon are still terrible, despite pushing the Crows. Hawks to bounce back.

West Coast Vs Sydney
West Coast are unpredictable, but I predict a loss to the Swans.

Brisbane Lions Vs Fremantle
Freo are just the worse team in the league. Even Melbourne look better than them.

St. Kilda Vs Western Bulldogs
Depends on who shows up. If it's the rabble that played Brisbane Vs the mob that beat the Hawks I will be going for the Dogs.

Port Adelaide Vs Carlton
These games don't get any easier. Could swing one way or another, but based on last week I'm tipping the Power.

Melbourne Vs Collingwood
These blockbuster games have a tendency to bring out the best of the minnows, while the sharks get stagefright. I'm tipping the Maggies this week, with a few $$$ on the Dees just for a little sweetener.

My Certainties: Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, Brisbane.

There you have it, my tips for round 11. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 60
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 40
Total Certainties Correct: 34
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 11

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Jame Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins

Otto came back and didn't re-injure last week which is a positive.

Harry Taylor a bit stiff to be dropped this week, while Tom Hawkins has had it coming for a while now. Maybe a run in the 2's will do them both good.

Cam Mooney and Paul Chapman come back into the team which hopefully will add some potency to the foward-line which should have buried Carlton by half time last weekend.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Round 10 Tips

Ow!

Round 09 was a bad week for tippers and Cat-fans alike.

Congrats to Collingwood on the win.

Turns out us cats fans were expecting too much from the boys. I know my boss loves it when I spend 6 hours of an 8 hour shift slacking off. I'm glad the boys took the week off last week, now they should be rested for the game against the Blues this Saturday.

Apologies to Gary Ablett, Joel Corey, and Josh Hunt who I felt really worked hard.

West Coast surprised a few last week, while Adelaide killed off as many Muliti's as Geelong and Western Bulldogs combined.

Adelaide Vs Essendon
Christ. After last week who knows? Crows for the home ground advantage, and ladder position.

Collingwood Vs West Coast
The focus of a lot of peoples attention this week. Will the Eagles reproduce their efforts from last week? Are Collingwood the real deal? Maggies for me.

Hawthorn Vs Western Bulldogs
Hawks. Still undefeated.

Brisbane Lions Vs Kangaroos
Brisbane...as with Adelaide mainly based on home ground advantage, and ladder position

Geelong Vs Carlton
Catters to come back with a vengeance!!! Go Cats!!!

Sydney Vs Richmond
Home ground advantage, and ladder position

St. Kilda Vs Melbourne
Melbourne have been good recently, but surely the Saints aren't this bad?

Fremantle Vs Port Adelaide
The chokers cup. Who cares? Home ground advantage.

My Certainties: Adelaide, Collingwood, Geelong.

There you have it, my tips for round 10. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 54
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 37
Total Certainties Correct: 31
Certainties %: 83

Geelong Squad For Round 10

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Travis Varcoe
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Brad Ottens, Max Rooke, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Tom Lonergan, Kane Tenace

Brad Ottens is finally in!!! The list says he'll start on the bench, but I reckon they'll be eager to get him back into the thick of the action, so don't be surprised if he starts on the ground.

Max Rooke is back adding some much needed toughness.

Perplexedly Shagger Byrnes is also in the side. Perhaps it was felt that having just Travis Varcoe in the side didn't add enough "running around like a chook with it's head cut off" flavour to the side.

Trent West and Ryan Gamble have been omitted while Josh Hunt has a shoulder injury.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Round 09 Tips

Round 8. What a round for tippers. Most seemed to be getting 7 or 8, with betting houses around the nation crying poor. Music to my ears.

Again the Saints let us down with an insipid display against the plucky, buy admittedly average Magpies.

The Cats once again gave us a scare by coming from an early deficit to walk away with the points. Questions of their ability to play out four quarters led to Tom Harley making a statement to the media that the fans expect too much...and then proceeded to say that the fact that they can't run out four quarters was worrying the team. Seriously? What's up with that?

Collingwood Vs Geelong
Cats should do this easy unless they decide to make it difficult and only show up after half-time. I have a lot more than pride riding on this one, so a shellacking would be nice. I would also like to see the umpires give Collingwood a ton more frees, especially 5m out, directly in front. That way there'll be no excuses when we flog em.

Carlton Vs Fremantle
Who can tell?
Carlton because it's at home.

Port Adelaide Vs Sydney
Another toughie. Sydney because they'll be rested after playing half a game against the Dons.

Essendon Vs Richmond
Tigers should do this easy. The Dons are just terrible. They looked like the Washington Generals last week.

West Coast Vs Adelaide
Crows for my money. West Coast are after the last number 1 draft pick for a few years.

Brisbane Lions Vs St. Kilda
Lions. St Kilda have let me down in the past though. But I reckon this time they'll do me proud and loser like the losers they are.

Melbourne Vs Hawthorn
Hawthorn to be surprised by Melbourne finally stringing together two consecutive goals late into the 3rd term. Meanwhile both Buddy and Roughy will outscore the Dees on their lonesome.

Western Bulldogs Vs Kangaroos
Could go either way, but I'm going for the "undefeated" Doggies.

My Certainties: Geelong, Richmond, Adelaide,Brisbane, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 09. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 49
Tips %: 76
Certainties Last Round: 5
Total Certainty Predictions: 32
Total Certainties Correct: 28
Certainties %: 87

Geelong Squad For Round 09

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Travis Varcoe, Max Rooke

Max Rooke is out, making way for Mathew Stokes who returns from suspension.
Trent West comes in for Shane Mumford who is being given a spell.

There were rumours floating around that Ablett, Ling and Wojcinski were all doubtful for this game so don't be surprised if there are a few late changes for the game Vs the Magpies.

This may be Mark Blakes last game as Number 01 ruckman with Brad Ottens rumoured to be back for next weeks round 10 clash with Carlton.

Hopefully the Cats can get a win against the Toothless Scum...and Joel Corey can get more of the footy than Dane (Stop looking at me) Swan.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Round 08 Tips

Round 07 seems like an eternity ago. The Hall Of Fame Tribute Match was OK, but it lacked any real passion. It's a sorry sight when a mexican wave gets people interested at the footy, and boy was I interested!!! :D

The Tigers let me down last week. Bloody Richmond!!! Hopefully they don't do the same this week.

I can't believe the value I got for Western Bulldogs last week, but I'll take it every time. Almost as good as the value in the Demons, shame I sunk all my hard-earned into the Doggies.

Still 7 isn't bad, even though everyone else seemed to get 7 by tipping St Kilda. Bloody Richmond!!!

St. Kilda Vs Collingwood
Could go either way, but I think Mick Malthouse has been too busy whingeing this week to get any coaching done. Saints for me.

Hawthorn Vs Port Adelaide
I'm of the impression that the Adelaide teams don't do too bad at Aurora, so this could be a good watching game. At the end of the day though I think its Hawks and Cats undefeated until round 17...and then one must fall. (Unless its a draw) :D

Richmond Vs Geelong
Tigers have been OK lately, but the Cats will finally hit their straps on the wide open spaces of the MCG.

Carlton Vs Brisbane Lions
Carlton have been a bit wobbly lately, while Brisbane took it up to the Cats for 3 quarters last round. Lions by a nose.

Kangaroos Vs West Coast
West Coast are dead. D.E.D. Ded! Kangas with some injuries, but that's still not enough for the Eagles.

Adelaide Vs Melbourne
Dees finally show some spirit with Austin Wannabeerme sparking the Dees to victory against an insipid Dockers outfit. I guess the Cat Attack just broke their back.

Sydney Vs Essendon
Dons, dons, dons, dons, dons. What went wrong. Supposedly the fastest team in the league...only because they're in the back of an ambulance. Sydney to strangle the Dons, and then like a Python will spend the next month in a cave digesting their sorry remains.

Fremantle Vs Western Bulldogs
Freo. What can I say? You did ya best against the Cats, but it wasn't good enough. Just as opposition coaches have figured out Franklin with "Buddyline" soon they will have figured out the Cats. Will it be called "Play perfectly for 4 full quarters"? Only time will tell. Dogs to win with their 2's side.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Geelong, Kangaroos, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 08. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 42
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 27
Total Certainties Correct: 23
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 08

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Ryan Gamble
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes

Ablett's back!!!

No, I'm not talking about the Nathan Ablett return to AFL football rumour, I'm talking about Baby Jesus' calf. The little genius is back on deck. There were rumours that one of the currently listed emergencies (Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes) could get a game but I guess no-one thought Gaz would be back.

Still no return for Brad Ottens though, which is a shame. Hopefully this will give Mark Blake and Shane Mumford an incentive to perform.

Good to see that Darren Milburn has recovered from the rib/shoulder (take your pick) injury he sustained in the Hall Of Fame Tribute Match. Matthew Scarlett and Dasher are the real Dream Team. Like Nuts 'N' Gum.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Round 07 Tips

Wow! Couldn't've been more wrong about Essendon and Collingwood.

And another Draw. It's murder for the honest tipper. (ie those that don't claim that both tips would be a win)

So much for the Cats wiping the floor with Freo. Sheesh!

Saints left me in the lurch too.

West Coast Vs Carlton
Could go either way. Carlton seem to have hit some relatively good form, while the Eagles are in the doldrums.

Geelong Vs Brisbane
The cats. After a small scare from the boys in blue, maroon and gold the cats should pull away.

Hawthorn Vs Collingwood
Could be an upset here. With the AFL scrutinising the Hawks over their dog tactics (corking) the maggies should be able to run with them for a while. Hawks for mine.

Richmond Vs St Kilda
Richmonds got some fighting spirit back, while the saints cant run out 4 qtrs. Should be the Tigers.

Adelaide Vs North Melbourne
Adelaide's been looking good, so have North. I'm going for the crows because their worst isnt as bad as North's worst.

Sydney Vs Western Bulldogs
Doggies to cause an upset. how the swans can be favourites is beyond me. The Doggies look mean and keen, while the swans are playing a style that would sell great as a treatment for insomnia.

Melbourne Vs Fremantle
Wow, this could be match of the round. Last weeks result would have broken Freos spirit. Melbourne looking to beat a team that is already broken. possibly their first win of the season.

Essendon Vs Port Adelaide
Who know? They're both terrible, but you're only as good as ya last game, therefore it's Port for my hard earned.

My Certainties: Carlton, Geelong, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 07. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 35
Tips %: 72.9
Certainties Last Round: 5
Total Certainty Predictions: 24
Total Certainties Correct: 20
Certainties %: 83

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Geelong Squad For Round 07

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Max Rooke, Travis Varcoe

No changes this week.

I felt on first inspection that Mackie was lucky to get another run but after watching the game in the cold light of day he didn't seem as bad as I remember.

Ottens should be back for next round (after the Dream Team match), which will be a bit of a worry because he has zero match fitness, but when he's fit watch out Hawks!!! You have a challenger! :D

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Round 06 Tips

Average tipping last week, with the draw throwing everyone off. I'm not gonna count the draw as a tip or half tip. It was wrong. End of story.

This week really seems to have similarly placed teams facing off with maybe 5 glaring exceptions. Does that even make sense???

Collingwood Vs Essendon
Both teams have been terrible lately. I just seem to think that the Bombers will run the Magpies down in the last qtr.

Fremantle Vs Geelong
Geelong should wipe the floor with the Dockers.

Carlton Vs Adelaide
Another whitewash.

Western Bulldogs Vs West Coast
No doubt.

Port Adelaide Vs St. Kilda
Hard one to pick, but Port just coasted home last week while the Saints had to work til the last.

Brisbane Lions Vs Melbourne
It's become traditional to tip against Melbourne. After the Lions took it up to the Hawks they could be in with a chance of making the 8.

Kangaroos Vs Sydney
God knows, but I'm going with North. Sydney seems to miss Barry Hall too much, and Adam Goodes has gone AWOL. Surely Cameron Ling isn't that good. :D

Hawthorn Vs Richmond
Hawks easily over the Tigers.

My Certainties: Geelong, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane Lions, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 05. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 30
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 19
Total Certainties Correct: 15
Certainties %: 78.9

Geelong Squad For Round 06

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Max Rooke, Trent West


Taylor, Gamble, Mumford in, with Prismall, West, Rooke out. Prismall was very quiet last week, West had had a taste of seniors and didn't get much of the sherrin, while Rooke was a bit down on his usual form (A run in the 2's will do him good).

Good to see Harry back. Hopefully he can keep Matthew Pavlich quiet.

Ryan Gamble is back from a one week tribunal ban. Hopefully Cameron Mooney will feel a bit more pressure to kick truly, ditto Tom Hawkins.

Shane Mumford is getting a run. Looks a likely type this young tyro. ;)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Round 05 Tips

Last weeks tipping looked to be in the bag come Sunday morning. But Collingwood and Fremantle let everyone down YET AGAIN! When will we learn?

This week I'd be happy with 5 correct tips.

St. Kilda Vs Essendon
Close one, I'm going with the Saints because I feel playing us has shown the what the must do to succeed. That and Essendon have too many injuries. The inclusion of Lloyd doesn't help either.

Geelong Vs Sydney
Barry Hall is out, along with Ryan Gamble. I know who is gonna feel the loss more, not that Gamble is useless (quite the opposite) but Barry is such a big target for the Swannies that it will hurt them. The Moggies all the way.

Adelaide Vs Fremantle
Fremantle have show us just how insipid they can be after losing to the Tigers without even a whimper. Crows for my money, and a stack of it, too.

Brisbane Lions Vs Hawthorn
Brisbane have shown some pluck lately, but the Hawks will remain undefeated.

Collingwood Vs Kangaroos
Magpies didn't look like they wanted to play. Reminds me of Geelong circa 2006. They should bounce back this week. Maggies for me.

Melbourne Vs Carlton
Melbourne getting better, but the Blues now know how to win and will make a late charge at the 8...from round 4. :D

Western Bulldogs Vs Richmond
Richmond flogged the Dockers, but I reckon it's because the Dockers didn't try. Tigers are still shite. The Bullies this week to remain undefeated.

West Coast Vs Port Adelaide
Christ. The Eagles have fallen to earth in a puff of feathers. Port are looking shoddy, but not as shoddy as West Coast. The Power easily.

My Certainties: Geelong, Adelaide, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide.

There you have it, my tips for round 05. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 24
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 2
Total Certainty Predictions: 14
Total Certainties Correct: 11
Certainties %: 78.6

Geelong Squad For Round 05

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Andrew Mackie, Brent Prismall, David Wojcinski
Emg: Harry Taylor, Simon Hogan, Shannon Byrnes

PRISMALL IN!!!

Finally, Brent Prismall gets a run. Hopefully he can continue the form he's shown in the Nab Cup/Challenge, as well as in the 2's, and let everyone know that he's ready for the big time. Best of luck mate.

Andrew Mackie is back in the team which is good to see although I think he could have played himself into form in the 2's.

Still no Brad Ottens. Who knows? Maybe he'll be ready for finals (assuming we make it).

Ryan Gamle out through suspension and Harry Taylor is stiff to be dropped after doing a number on Nick Riewoldt in teh second half of last week's Saints game.

On a related note, it's good to see Charlie Gardiner getting a gig in the Saints seniors. Go Chaunce!!!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Aftermath Of The Round 04 Clash Vs The Saints

A good win by the boys after falling asleep at the start and being a bit sloppy.

Gary Ablett & Jimmy Bartel quiet by their lofty standards and Joel Corey once again showing why he's surging up the Brownlow medal favouritism.

Speaking of favouritism...the bloody umpires were annoying me something chronic.

How can Steve Johnson take a mark and then be tackled? It's either 50m or a free against Smudger.

I'm not sure it was Razor Ray Chamberlain, but I hate the guy so I'm gonna blame him for it.

Mark Blake Vs Steven King was a bit of fun, and while King had Blake's measure one-on-one Blake helped the mighty cats get another 4 pts.

A few worries this week...

Ryan Gamble has been reported for striking Nick Dal Santo. Pretty week stuff, but he'll no doubt cop a week or two in order to let the rest of the league have a chance.

Cameron Mooney looks like he may be tribunal bound after some people think he tripped a Saints player. Don't know how you can trip someone from up in the air, but he'll be right.

Trent West is supposed to be looked at for his shepherd on X Clarke which saw the X-Man crumble like a house of cards caught in a light zephyr. Nothing in it other than a free "Harden The F*@k Up!!!" bracelet courtesy of the Blue Boys.

And finally, word has it Jimmy Bartel did something to someone somewhere. I didn't see it, didn't hear it mentioned during the coverage, but word has it it will be looked at.

Who knows? Maybe Sydney do have a chance this weekend after all.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Round 04 Tips

Well last week wasn't the brutal slaying that everyone was saying it would be. Still, a 5 goal win and top spot is nothing to be sniffed at.

Now onto the tips for round 04 of the 2008 AFL season...

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs
With Lloyd and Lucas out most of the Dons' firepower is shot down before the first bounce. Dogs to run away with the goods.

St. Kilda vs Geelong
My head says close game, but my heart says CATS!!!

Kangaroos vs Melbourne
After last weeks performances from these two this could go either way. I think the Kangas will bring their A game this week.

Sydney vs West Coast
West Coast have been horrible this year. Sydney to do it easily.

Port Adelaide vs Brisbane Lions
Who know? They've both been playing like chumps. I'm gonna go for Brizzy.

Hawthorn vs Adelaide
This game shapes up to be a corker. Adelaide may give the hawks a run for their money, but I think Tassie will be too afraid of what Jeff will do to them to lose.

Carlton vs Collingwood
These rivalry games are always full of surprises. I'm gonna go with the magpies based solely on ladder position.

Fremantle vs Richmond
Fremantle every day of the week.

So after possibly the easiest week to pick in living memory we have one that shapes up to be full of surprises...and value for the astute punter.

My Certainties: Western Bulldogs, Sydney, Fremantle

There you have it, my tips for round 04. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 8
Correct Tips So Far: 18
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 11
Total Certainties Correct: 9
Certainties %: 81.8

Geelong Squad For Round 04

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Ryan Gamble, James Kelly, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes

Gamble in, Shagger out. I can't work out why he was in the squad to replace Gamble last week.

Hopefully the boys can pull their heads out of their own collective proverbials long enough to actually play some footy this week. It was good to see the flags unfurled, but it seemed like it cut into our preparation time. Maybe they coulda unfurled it before the 2's and make everyone be there to support the up 'n' comers like Pris-matic.

And this week it's Blakey Vs Kingy. Methinks Kingy will have a last minute "general soreness" and miss the game :D

Hopefully the K-rock boys will be out front selling "Blake 4 King" T-shirts so we can all get behind our baby giraffe/goal kicking machine/ruckman.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Geelong Squad For Round 03

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Max Rooke, James Kelly, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes

Not too many complaints this week.

Shagger out! Hahaha. After Sunday's game Rick Olerenshaw interviews Shagger and says "You put on a clinic today" and Shagger replies "Dont know about that, couldnt find the big sticks" Errrrr. He was talking about the team Shagger. Hahahaha. What a boob!

Rooke back in. I wouldn't be surprised if he threw himself in front of a runaway semi and wound up injured this week (again), but you gott try these guys out.

Still no Ottens. That sucks...luckily we still got the talent.

Round 03 Tips

Go those Mighty Fighting Felines!!!

Essendon were just too fast. It seemed like every time they got the ball they used their famous pace and were a blur. So much so that no-one in the entire Dome managed to catch them.

Shame really.

Special mention to BLLLAAAAAKKKEEEYYYYY!!!!
2 sausage rolls for the big fella.

Now onto the tips for round 03 of the 2008 AFL season...

Western Bulldogs
Vs St. Kilda
The Bullies have won 2, the Saints have won 2. As a cats supporter I',m hoping the Dogs' attacking play can beat the Saints Lock Down style. Go doggies!

Kangaroos Vs Hawthorn
This tip is purely because the Kangas have been weak as water the last 2 weeks. Hawks easily.

West Coast Vs Fremantle
This game's a bit up in the air. Neither team has looked particularyly flash this season, but I think the Dockers can get it over the Eagles.

Brisbane Lions Vs Sydney
Sydney whomped Port while Brissy scraped over the line against the Maggies. Therefore Swans to win.

Essendon Vs Carlton
Carlton suck. Simple as that. This isn't 1995. You can't buy a premiership.

Geelong Vs Melbourne
Cats.

Richmond Vs Collingwood
Maggies.

Adelaide Vs Port Adelaide
I think after the last few games its Adelaide who've looked the better team.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Essendon, Geelong, Collingwood.

There you have it, my tips for round 03. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 10
Tips %: 62.5
Certainties Correct: 5
Certainties %: 71.4

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Geelong Squad For Round 02

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
I/C (from): Travis West, Shannon Byrnes, James Kelly, David Wojcinski, David Johnson, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe

First, the good news...

Tenace out!!!
Praise be! I thought the day would never come.

But now the bad...

Mackie out. Word has it with a strained quad. Hopefully it's not a long term injury.

Which brings us to Ottens. "He could have come back on" my arse!!!

My money's on The Black Flash to replace Tenace. One waste of space for another. And Prismall wastes another week on the emergency list. Either play him or let him prove himself in the 2's.

Round 02 Tips

Hey!

How about those cats?

I'm still tipping them this week, but they are far from a certainty.

Here's my tips for this week...

Brisbane Lions Vs Collingwood
This is a close one, so I'm going with the home side.

Melbourne Vs Western Bulldogs
After the debacle that was last week Melbourne should not be on anyone's winners list. The doggies in a cakewalk.

Adelaide Vs West Coast Eagles
Adelaide...still playing the ugly game. West Coast to cruise to victory. Glass to restore his name after J Brown monstered him last week.

Fremantle Vs Hawthorn
While Hawthorne are not as good as everyone says they are (C'mon, it was Melbourne they beat) Fremantle are as bad as everyone says they are.

St Kilda
Vs Carlton
Carlton couldn't even beat Richmond. That's gotta say a lot.

Sydney Vs Port Adelaide
Port were "gallant in defeat" against the Mighty Fighting Felines last week and if they can pull their fingers out early should cream the lacklustre Swans.

Geelong
Vs Essendon
This one will be close. I'm going with my heart on this one, but my head says "draw".

Richmond Vs Kangaroos
Richmond are back!!!! Or so they want us to believe. The shinboner spirit will not allow another atrocity like last weeks failure against the Dons. Kangas in a canter.

My Certainties: Western Bulldogs, Kangaroos, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide.

There you have it, my tips for round 02. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 5
Tips %: 62.5
Certainties Correct: 2
Certainties %: 66.6

Friday, March 21, 2008

CatsLife - New Geelong Cats Comic

First Impressions - Round 01 - Port Adelaide Vs Geelong

Port Adelaide 14.12.96
Defeated By
Geelong 15.15.105

Well, it's good to have footy back.

Last nights game was a bit of a disappointment for me personally. It seems that - once again - we failed to play the whole four quarters.

After a slow start in which Port managed to skip away to a 12 point lead, we got a run on and were 31 points clear.

Then the rot set in.

I know it's the first round of the season, but these guys are paid to kick a ball, yet were regularly missing targets by hand and by foot.

Take a bow Kane Tenace. Not only was his disposal woeful, prompting my viewing partners to groan every time he went near the ball, but when under the slightest pressure he panicked. Handballs straight to the opposition were particularly frustrating to watch.

Probably the worst thing to see was how Tenace would handball to a player surrounded by opposition players. I know he's struggling to keep his place in the side, but attempts to get his teammates injured are just plain wrong.

And where is the supposed speed that allegedly enables him to continually get a game? Not once did I see him chase, let alone a tackle.

The defence was a bit lax at times, running off their men when we were exiting the defensive 50, only to watch the ball sail over their head to awaiting opposition players on the overlap. At one point a trio of Port players raffled it 15m out from goal with nary a feisty feline in sight.

Another aspect of our game that gets me worked up is the "play on at all costs" mentality. I know that- for the most part - it makes our team a pleasure to watch, however it isn't appropriate when it means that you play on from 30m directly in front only to get corralled and have to chip it backwards to someone in a worse position than you started in.

Well, enough whingeing...time for some highlights.

Hawkins showed some promise with a huge pack-busting leap nearly coming off and a great checkside goal from deep in the pocket.

Mooney seems to have maintained his self-control, accepting some shonky decisions that went against him.

Trent West showed he has what it takes to become our number 2 ruckman, while Mark Blake looked like he spent too long in the gym and not enough time with the ruck coach.

Joel Corey amassed 30 possessions, which was good for my supercoach team, shame the Cornes brothers outshone him (but again great for my supercoach).

Chappy's back. Enough said.

All up I'm glad we got the win, but we looked like we wished we were somewhere else at times. While my opinion may change with future viewings I will end by saying that I will be expecting more effort next week.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Geelong Squad For Round 01

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Shannon Byrnes, James Kelly, Kane Tenace
Emg: Harry Taylor, David Johnson, Brent Prismall

Ottens is out with a rolled ankle he suffered in the VFL practice match. It's rather annoying how the club announced that he was fine and could have returned to the field. Then they wait until they're boarding the plane for Adelaide before they tell anyone. What a joke. Do they think that Port Adelaide will be wishing they had of known? A late inclusion would be a tactical advantage, but a withdrawal? Ridiculous!

Poor Brent Prismall, resigned to live out his days rotting on the emergency list. The guy's easily among or best 22, yet he is left out while Kane Tenace is given a slot on the bench. That I just don't understand. Are we trying to exploit a perceived lack of speed on behalf of the Power? So frustrating.

Good to see Ryan Gamble get a gig. The guy led the goal kicking for the preseason, so he has definitely shown some spark. Harry Taylor was unlucky to miss out. There goes my supercoach.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Channel 7 Coverage - Port Adelaide V Geelong - Round 01

Channel 7 is airing the Round 01 clash between Geelong Cats and Port Adelaide.

The coverage starts at 8:30pm (Geelong time) Thursday night.

Important facts:
Bruce is back...special!
Buckley's debut.
Pre-recorded interviews with 2007 Premiership players Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Brad Ottens, Tom Harley and Paul Chapman.

That last point has peaked my interest.

I'm just so glad that Footy is Back!!!

Carn the Cats!!!

Geelong Cats Book: "The Mission"

Scott Gullan of Herald Sun fame has released a book detailing the Cats' transformation from the disaster team of 2006 into the Greatest Team of all we know and love today.

Word has it he set out to check out how things were going with "The Review" of 2006, and ended up staying throughout the 2007 season.

Looks like it will be a good read.

I hope to snaffle me a copy.

Available from the Cats Shop, so your hard earned cash can go into club coffers.

http://www.gfc.com.au/portals/49/shop.html

Round 1 2008 Tips

Well, lets see how I go this year with my tips...of DOOM!!! :D

OK.

My Tips in bold.

Carlton V Richmond
Judd to add too much to Carlton. Fev to finally get it delivered lace out. No more excuses big fella.

Port Adelaide V Geelong
How can I tip against the Cats? Maybe if i was insane!!!

Collingwood V Fremantle
Collngwood will take a lot out of last year, while the Dockers will struggle under Harvey.

West Coast Eagles V Brisbane Lions
The Eagles just have too much class. Especially from Glass. But poety won't save Brizzy. They'll feel Dizzy. Hahaha, that was terrible.

St. Kilda V Sydney
Saints will have gotten a confidence boost from the NAB Cup win. Too easy.

Western Bulldogs V Adelaide
The Crows will crush the Dogs. Craig is just a better coach.

Hawthorn V Melbourne
My god, who would tip Melbourne? Only Melbourne supporters and people who think tipping against the flow shows courage.

Kangaroos V Essendon
Kangaroos will show the shinboner spirit that got them a single game from the big one in 2007. Essendon under Knights will flounder.

For something different I'm going to list the winners that I believe are definitely going to win.
My Certainties: Carlton, Geelong, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 1. I'll post a tally each week so you can see how good I go.

Correct Tips Last Round: N/A
Correct Tips So Far: 0
Tips %: N/A
Certainties Correct: 0
Certainties %: N/A

Monday, March 17, 2008

Get Your 2007 Grand Final DVD & Season Highlights DVD

Any of you guys with a birthday coming up, grab a copy of the 2007 AFL Grand Final.

Relive all the highlights of the greatest day of our lives...

- Chapman's mark over Tredrea.
- Stokes' back from the grave return.
- Ottens' brilliant chase and tackle (My fave).

Also you can get a DVD of 2007 Geelong Football Club Season Highlights.

Both are available in a box set.

I suggest grabbing them from the Cats Shop at Kardinia Park.
Support the club.

Don't Forget To Buy Your Memberships!!!

Greetings all.

Just a quick note to remind you all (yes, both of you) to get your 2008 Geelong Cats Memberships.

Show the club your support, and they will reward you.

Last year all members received a 2007 premiers pin.

You also get a "Geelong - Footy Full On" cap, and access to finals tickets.

Get on board!!!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

My Predictions For 2008

Alrighty then!

Let's get this over with.

How wrong can one person be about a footy season...let's see.

Premiers: Geelong Cats (Of course - 3 losses for the season).

Wooden Spoon: Melbourne (2 wins).

Brownlow: Joel Corey (32 votes).

Coleman Medal: Brendan Fevola (102 goals - Judd will put it lace out).

Rising Star: Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn).

Mark of the Year: Matthew Stokes (Come see the little man fly!).

Goal of the Year: Bloody Dale Thomas (Probably on ANZAC day).

Norm Smith Medallist: Paul Chapman (So close last year).

Geelong Best & Fairest: Paul Chapman.

Geelong Leading Goal-kicker: Steve Johnson (60 goals).

Geelong Most Improved: Shannon Byrnes (He's gotta come good some day).

Geelong Best First Year Player: Harry Taylor (Will play for Matty Egan).

Most reported player: Campbell Brown (Reported 3 times - will serve 6 weeks).

There ya have it.

I'm sure 90% of them will be wrong, but no guts = no glory.

Lets have a good one.

2008 SuperCoach Predictions.

It's that time of the year again...

We're all filled with expectation and a little dread (Richmond supporters) for the coming season, and now we get the chance to show that we actually know what we're talking about when it comes to AFL.

Yes SuperCoach is back!!! Back to make us look like Gods or fools depending on how the players we place our faith in perform on the big stage.

In this post I am going to put my neck on the chopping block and predict which Geelong rookies will give you the best bang for your buck.

Top Value:
- Harry Taylor - Played some good games in the NAB Challenge. Kept Richo quiet until a late burst soiled his record, also played well against J. Brown in Brisbane. Will most likely get a gig while Matthew Egan is out, possibly until round twelve. Should be able to double your money if he plays, which I see as being a likely scenario.

- Ryan Gamble - Has been outstanding up foward so far in 2008. Snagged a few goals and looks to be able to hold a mark. May even get a run before Tom Hawkins. Well worth a look.

- Trent West - With Ottens a chance to miss round one the door is ajar for the young ruckman. Should he play, the astute SuperCoach could make a tidy sum.

Who to steer clear of:
- Kane Tenace - Any game where effectiveness of possessions is a factor leaves "Blackjack" on the outer. Shocking disposal and decision making create a SuperCoach trainwreck.

- Rookie listed players. L.Bedford, C.Kangars, J.Laidler, B.Moles, S.Mumford. They can't play until someone has a season ending injury.

Unknown:
- Shannon "Shagga" Byrnes - This could be a career defining season for "Monty". Will it lift him to new heights? Or will his kicking, decision making, and coolness under pressure leave fans furious? Only time will tell.

- Brent Prismall - Should have broken into the team last season, but there were no open spots *cough*Byrnes!*cough* If theres an injury in the cetnre or wings he will be a genuine chance to play, and should he play he will repay every dollar of your investment. Gold.


Now for the Cream:
Gary Ablett
Jimmy Bartel
Joel Corey
All three will score around thirty possessions a game, Corey may lose points dues to - at times -shoddy disposal, but will make up for it with contested balls.

Matthew Scarlett - Will rack up 25+ possessions a game. With bonuses to marks from opposition kicks making him great value.


And there you have it.

I hope that helps.

Good luck, bit not too much. I want the ca$h!!! :D

2008 Season Predictions

OK, we had a fantastic year in 2007. I'm pretty sure its the best the club has ever known.

What I don't understand is how people are now coming out with bold predictions of "dynasties" and other stuff & nonsense.

These people think that back-to-back flags happen every year.

Maybe it's due to the Brisbane Lions dominance from 2001-2003, or it may be a result of the two Sydney Swans vs West Coast Eagles Grand Finals of 2005/06? Perhaps it because even Collingwood made it to the big one twice in a row?

Anywhoo, these people seem to forget that it's Geelong we're talking about here.

Geelong are a great club - they're my club - but anyone who's been around for longer than it takes to get your drivers licence knows that Geelong is such an up and down side. One minute they're playing like men possessed, the next minute they look like they could hardly be bothered tieing their shoe-laces. Anyone in need of a reminder of this fact only need watch the round 10 2006 game vs the Eagles. Up by 54 points midway through the 3rd term the Cats somehow found a way to lose.

Geelong can do great things this year, provided we play the fast, attacking brand of footy that we are known for and which carried us to our first premiership since '63. Injuries will also play a significant part. In 2007 we had a few, but they were all able to be covered. Mainly because they didn't happen to two players with the same role. It was always a ruckman and a small foward out, or a centre half-back and a wingman. We never had to rely on a 3rd string option.

So if everything falls into place like it did in 2007 we will be a definite chance, but some are behaving as if it is a given. I am yet to see a columnist place Geelong outside of the final eight for the 2008 season, with most (9/10) claiming that we will be playing on the last Saturday in September.

Optimism is one thing, but blind faith is dangerous.

Carn the cats!!!

Otto's ankle.

Great.

So Otto's rolled his ankle and might miss the Grand Final rematch.

They only played him for a half. What's up with that? If you need a bit more work on one of our best and most influential players, why bother playing them for half a match in the twos?

Surely if the big fella needed a bit of extra fitness they could have organised some fartlek?

It appears now that two players will be missing in Round One, with Wojcinski out for four weeks with tendon surgery required on an injury sustained in the NAB challenge match against Richmond. Somehow these things tend to stretch out to six weeks.

Geelong Cats 2008 Draw & Television Schedule

RND WHEN VS TIME H/A TV





1 Thursday March 20 Port Adelaide 8:15pm A (AAMI) 7





2 Sunday March 30 Essendon 2:10pm H (TD) 7





3 Sunday April 6 Melbourne 1:10pm H (KP) F





4 Saturday April 12 St.Kilda 2:10pm A (TD) 10





5 Saturday April 19 Sydney 2:10pm H (KP) 10





6 Friday April 25 Fremantle 6:40pm A (SUBI) 7





7 Saturday May 3 Brisbane 2:10pm H (KP) F





8 Saturday May 17 Richmond 2:10pm A (MCG) 10





9 Friday May 23 Collingwood 7:40pm A (MCG) 7





10 Saturday May 31 Carlton 7:10pm H (TD) 10





11 Friday June 6 Kangaroos 7:40pm A (TD) 7





12 Sunday June 15 Port Adelaide 1:10pm H (KP) F





13 Saturday June 21 West Coast 5:40pm A (SUBI) 10





14 Friday July 4 Adelaide 7:40pm A (AAMI) 7





15 Saturday July 12 Fremantle 2:10pm H (KP) 10





16 Saturday July 19 Bulldogs 2:10pm H (KP) 10





17 Friday July 25 Hawthorn 7:40pm A (MCG) 7





18 Saturday August 2 Richmond 7:10pm H (TD) 10





19 Friday August 8 Melbourne 7:40pm A (MCG) 7





20 Saturday August 16 Sydney 7:10pm A (TD) 10





21 Sunday August 24 Kangaroos 1:10pm H (KP) F





22 Saturday August 30 West Coast 2:10pm H (KP) 10





















KP = Kardinia Park F = Foxtel (PAYTV)









AAMI = AAMI Stadium










SUBI = Subiaco










TD = Telstra Dome