Afl Preview - Season 2008 Round 9

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 23, 2008

with Grant Sproule

TONIGHT

GEELONG V COLLINGWOOD

7.40pm at the MCG

TAB Sportsbet: Cats $1.18, Magpies $4.50

Geelong are one of three unbeaten sides but

have several injury concerns going into tonight's clash

with Collingwood. Cameron Ling is expected to miss the

game with an ankle injury, Brad Ottens will not play and

several other Cats have pulled up sore from last

week's bruising encounter with the Tigers. The Magpies

should regain Josh Fraser but will have to find form

fast if they are any chance of knocking off the

reigning premiers. TIP: Cats

TOMORROW

CARLTON V FREMANTLE

2.10pm at Telstra Dome

TAB Sportsbet: Blues $1.82, Dockers $1.92

Carlton's form against the Dockers is far from

impressive. The Blues have lost their past nine

matches against Freo, and their most recent win was in

round 16, 2001. This is a must-win for the Dockers. Mark

Harvey is under enormous pressure after his side threw

away matchwinning leads in their past three matches.

Matthew Pavlich and Chris Tarrant found form against the

Bulldogs, but it's Freo's inability to ice games that is of

most concern. TIP: Dockers

PORT ADELAIDE V SYDNEY

2.40pm at AAMI Stadium

TAB Sportsbet: Power $1.52, Swans $2.45

Sydney will fly to South Australia with their tails

up. The Swans thumped the Bombers last week and will be

aware that Port's home record this season isn't flash. One

win from four attempts is a poor return for the Power, who

normally have great form at AAMI Stadium. Chad Cornes is

a chance to return for the Power, but the Swans lose Tadhg

Kennelly with another dislocated knee.

Expect a close contest with the Power to fi nish

on top. TIP: Power

ESSENDON V RICHMOND

7.40pm at the MCG

TAB Sportsbet: Bombers $3.45, Tigers $1.28

Dreamtime at the 'G' is back and if the Bombers

are going to fire any shots this season, they have to stand

up and be counted tomorrow night. This traditional clash

has gained a decent following and a big crowd is expected.

Essendon have been pathetic in the past month and

the Tigers have pushed the three unbeaten sides all the way.

Young Jack Riewoldt, cousin of St Kilda's Nick, has been a

find for the Tigers and is sure to feature in the goals again

this week. TIP: Tigers

WEST COAST V ADELAIDE

7.40pm at Subiaco

TAB Sportsbet: Eagles $3.60, Crows $1.26

The Eagles went within a whisker of notching their first

win last week. West Coast coughed up the lead after being

in front for most of the night and were overrun by the

Roos. These clashes are traditionally close. The Crows took

the honours in round two this season. Adelaide's history

at Subiaco, like many, is not impressive, but they will never

have a better chance to improve

their record. TIP: Crows

SUNDAY

BRISBANE V ST KILDA

1.10pm at the Gabba

TAB Sportsbet: Lions $1.20, Saints $4.20

Brisbane return to the Gabba after disposing of Carlton

in fine fashion last week. Jonathan Brown bagged six and

boom recruit Travis Johnstone ran amok, gathering more

than 30 possessions. The injury-ravaged Saints lost a close

one to the Pies and have put key forward Fraser Gehrig out

to pasture indefi nitely. TIP: Lions

MELBOURNE V HAWTHORN

2.10pm at the MCG

TAB Sportsbet: Dees $11, Hawks $1.03

Dees skipper David Neitz called stumps on his

stellar 306-game career during the week. Neitz, who set club

goalkicking and games records, will be sorely missed for his

on-field leadership and attack on the ball. Hawthorn came

from 37 points down to beat Port in Launceston on Sunday,

keeping their unbeaten record intact. Former captain Shane

Crawford will miss out again through suspension, and Brett

Guerra is out after tearing his hamstring. TIP: Hawks

BULLDOGS V NORTH MELBOURNE

4.40pm at Telstra Dome

TAB Sportsbet: Dogs $1.40, Roos $2.80

The Doggies channelled Harry Houdini and escaped with the

four points at Subiaco last week. Gone for all money, the

Bulldogs kicked four goals in as many minutes to break the

hearts of the Dockers' faithful. The Roos performed similar

magic to keep their season on track on Saturday night and

have a fantastic record over the unbeaten Dogs. If the Dogs

are off their game the Roos will run right over them. The

Dogs are due to drop one. TIP: Roos

gsproule@theherald.com.au

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home