Afl Preview - Season 2008 Round 1

Newcastle Herald

Friday March 21, 2008

with GRANT SPROULE

TOMORROW

COLLINGWOOD v FREMANTLE

MCG, 2.10pm

TAB Sportsbet: Collingwood $1.70, Fremantle $2.05

Freo have a good record at the MCG, where they have won two

of their past three clashes against the Magpies. Collingwood

have named two new players, ruckman Cameron Wood and

Nathan Brown, who will make his debut at centre-halfback.

If the Magpies are vulnerable, it?s down back, and Matthew

Pavlich and co will do their best to exploit their young and

inexperienced backline. Skipper Scott Burns will miss the

opening round with an injury, while Luke McPharlin is in doubt

for the Dockers. TIP: Collingwood

ST KILDA v SYDNEY

Telstra Dome, 7.10pm

TAB Sportsbet: St Kilda $1.33, Sydney $3.10

The Saints marched to a March Flag, knocking off the Crows in

the NAB Cup grand final. Sydney, on the other hand, have had

a pre-season full of off-field drama with coach Paul Roos the

centre of a match-fixing investigation. The Swans have named

several youngsters for their debut, including former Nelson Bay

onballer Craig Bird. The new-look Swans will struggle to contain

the Saints' mobile forwards, and Nick Riewoldt will prove a

handful for the Sydney defenders. TIP: St Kilda

WEST COAST v BRISBANE

Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm

TAB Sportsbet: West Coast $1.40, Brisbane $2.80

A new captain and new-look midfi eld will run out in Eagles

colours when they clash with the Lions. No Chris Judd and no

Ben Cousins, and it will be interesting to see how the midfield

functions. Leigh Matthews will look to take advantage of the

Eagles in the early part of the contest, and the addition of

Travis Johnstone will give the Lions a new dimension through

the middle. Lions skipper Jonathan Brown has trained all preseason

injury free and could be in for a big night. Home-ground

advantage will play a key role in the outcome, and that should

be enough to get the Eagles home at home. TIP: West Coast

SUNDAY

WESTERN BULLDOGS v ADELAIDE

Telstra Dome, 1.10pm

TAB Sportsbet: Bulldogs $2.05, Adelaide $1.72

The Doggies failed to impress over the pre-season, while their

opponents this week couldn't have looked more impressive.

The Crows boast a great record at the Dome, and they've

beaten the Bulldogs in eight of their past 10 encounters. New

Bulldog Ben Hudson comes up against his old side for the first

time and should be able to dominate the ruck. Both coaches

have reputations as good tacticians, and this one could be

decided by the right move at the right time. This should be a

close one. TIP: Adelaide

HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE

MCG, 4.40pm

TAB Sportsbet: Hawthorn $1.33, Melbourne $3.15

These two teams are on opposite trajectories. The Hawks

are flying high and reaching for the upper echelon of the

competition, while the Demons are spiralling down towards the

bottom of the heap. Hawthorn boast one of the most exciting

young lists in the league, while Melbourne's best players are

mostly too long in the tooth. Skipper David Neitz is, at best, on

one leg, and Russell Robertson's best is behind him. Expect a

blow-out and Lance Franklin to kick a bag. TIP: Hawthorn

MONDAY

KANGAROOS v ESSENDON

Telstra Dome, 2.10pm

TAB Sportsbet: Kangaroos $1.84, Essendon $1.90

The Bombers have never knocked off the Roos on the indoor

surface despite a fairly impressive overall record at Telstra

Dome. Nathan Thompson will play his first match in 12 months

and will be eager to blow out the cobwebs. The Roos had a

great year last season, and it will be a big ask to repeat their

efforts. The Dons have a new coach for the first time in 28

years. Matthew Knights takes the reins from Kevin Sheedy and

will be out to make a good first-up impression. TIP: Essendon

gsproule@theherald.com.au

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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