Sebastian Hassett's Previews

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday August 15, 2008

SEBASTIAN HASSETT

Port Adel v Collingwood

Friday 8.10pm, AAMI Stadium

PORT ADELAIDE

BPettigrew Carlile Lower

HB Surjan Chaplin P Burgoyne

CCassisi K Cornes Boak

HF Logan White Pearce

F J Westhoff D Motlop Ebert

Foll Brogan S Burgoyne Rodan

IntFarmer Lade M Westhoff Williams

In: Boak Lade M Westhoff Out: Deluca Salter (lower back) Stewart New: Matthew Westhoff, 20, Central District (SA)

COLLINGWOOD

B Wakelin Brown Goldsack

HB Clarke Maxwell O'Brien

C Lockyer Burns Toovey

HFPendlebury Cloke Davis

FDawes Medhurst Anthony

FollFraser Swan Thomas

Int McCarthy O'Bree Bryan Cook

In: O'Bree Out: Wellingham

Hassett's preview: Having put their week of hell behind them to record a heroic win over St Kilda last Saturday, Collingwood have re-engaged themselves with the top eight and will now look to finish their home and away campaign strongly. Three very winnable matches remain, starting with tonight's battle against Port Adelaide. It's not that the Power aren't capable of winning this, but so much is riding on this game for the Magpies that they can't drop it. Hopefully for coach Mick Malthouse, his players have gathered enough belief from last week to fuel them well into the finals. Expect the Power to be brave, but it would be a surprise to see them hold out for four quarters.

Prediction: Collingwood by 27 points.

Last time: Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d Collingwood 9.12 (66), round 4, 2007, MCG.

Past five: Port Adelaide 2, Collingwood 3.

TAB Sportsbet: Port Adelaide $2.90, Collingwood $1.38.

TV: Fox Sports Plus (518), 8pm; Channel Seven, 8am (Sat).

Essendon v Adelaide

Saturday 2.10pm, Telstra Dome

ESSENDON

BSlattery Fletcher Michael

HBDempsey Ryder Welsh

CLovett Watson Jetta

HFMcPhee Lloyd Monfries

F Lonergan Laycock Hocking

FollHille Stanton Dyson

IntNash Lovett-Murray PeverillRamanauskas

In: Peverill Out: Magin

ADELAIDE

BJohncock Rutten Bassett

HBBerlo Bock Doughty

C Symes Goodwin Mackay

HFDangerfield Stevens McLeod

F Douglas Gill Moran

FollMaric Thompson Edwards

IntMassie Shirley Campbell Reilly

In: Dangerfield Reilly Out: Otten Vince (hamstring) New: Patrick Dangerfield, 18, Geelong Falcons

Hassett's preview: Essendon had one last chance to throw themselves into the finals race last weekend against West Coast, but they tossed it away with a horrendous start and struggled to bridge the gap to a side which, according to some, had thrown in the towel for 2008 some weeks ago. So it's hard to give their chances much credence against the Crows, even if it's a game Essendon should be primed to win. But when there's something on the line - like a finals berth - Neil Craig's men have a habit of digging that little bit deeper. They've strung together three wins on the trot since losing the Showdown and look as though they've come to grips with what's needed to make it to September.

Prediction: Adelaide by 15 points.

Last time: Adelaide 9.20 (74) d Essendon 10.9 (69), round 10, 2008, AAMI Stadium.

Past five: Essendon 2, Adelaide 3.

TAB Sportsbet: Essendon $2.20, Adelaide $1.62.

TV: Fox Sports 1, 2pm.

Melbourne v West Coast

Saturday 2.10pm, MCG

MELBOURNE

BWhelan Martin Frawley

HBMcDonald Warnock Wheatley

C Buckley Bruce Maric

HFGreen Sylvia Wonaeamirri

FBate Miller Newton

FollJamar Morton Valenti

Int Bell P Johnson Bartram Jones

In: Jamar Miller Newton Bell Out: Dunn (ill) C Johnson (groin) White (knee) Carroll

WEST COAST

BNicoski Glass Mackenzie

HB A Selwood Wilkes Embley

CBraun Priddis Spangher

HFMcNamara Lynch Ebert

FLeCras McKinley Seaby

FollCox Fletcher Stenglein

Int Armstrong Davis Notte S Selwood

In: Ebert Notte Out: Hansen (ankle) Wirrpanda (hamstring) New: Tony Notte, 18, Swan Districts WA

Hassett's preview: The care factor in this one won't exactly be high, but it could turn out to be a closely fought affair if they play as well - or badly - as each other. The Demons were woeful in getting smashed by Geelong last week in what probably wasn't the ideal way to mark their 150th anniversary. Regardless, the players will have copped a baking from Dean Bailey during the week and they'll be far more competitive against the Eagles, who have won two of their past three to add some respect to what has been a dismal season. They should have enough to make it three in four, but such has been their year, the Demons aren't without a shout and it's likely to be a hard-fought and ultimately scrappy affair.

Prediction: West Coast by 12 points.

Last time: West Coast 19.23 (137) d Melbourne 9.6 (60), round 8, 2007, Subiaco Oval.

Past five: Melbourne 1, West Coast 4.

TAB Sportsbet: Melbourne $1.80, West Coast $1.90.

TV: Channel Ten, 2pm.

Brisbane v W Bulldogs

Saturday 7.10pm, Gabba

BRISBANE

BMacdonald Merrett Patfull

HBSherman Roe McGrath

CDalziell Black Adcock

HFRischitelli Brown Brennan

FHooper Bradshaw Proud

FollCharman Power Johnstone

IntBegley Moody Hawksley Copeland

In: Macdonald Moody Copeland

Out: Drummond (quad) Notting Henderson

WESTERN BULLDOGS

BGilbee Lake Callan

HBGriffen Morris Hargrave

CEagleton Boyd Hill

HFMurphy Hahn Johnson

FAkermanis Minson Welsh

FollHudson Cross Cooney

IntGiansiracusa Harbrow Ray Ward

In: In: Hill Hudson Out: Tiller Street

Hassett's preview: Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade may regret stating publicly last week that he would rest key players in the lead-up to their inevitable clash with Hawthorn in the first week of the finals. No question it's the right move - key players are vital in September - but that certainly gave North Melbourne enough ammunition to fire up last Sunday. He won't make the same mistake twice and his players will be given a win-at-all-costs directive this time around, because losing another game would equate to a serious loss of form. Such a thing can't be tolerated three weeks out from the finals. Brisbane will be keen to keep their finals hopes alive and are sure to go close, but a tough draw looks to have snuffed out their top eight dreams.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 10 points.

Last time: Western Bulldogs 19.17 (131) d Brisbane 10.8 (68), round 12, 2008, MCG.

Past five: Brisbane 0, Western Bulldogs 5.

TAB Sportsbet: Brisbane $2.05, Western Bulldogs $1.72.

TV: Fox Sports 1, 7pm.

Sydney v Geelong

Saturday 7.10pm, ANZ Stadium

SYDNEY

BBarry C Bolton Mattner

HB Crouch Richards Kennelly

C Ablett McVeigh Bird

HFO'Keefe Grundy Goodes

FRoberts-Thomson Hall Bevan

Foll Jolly Kirk J Bolton

IntEveritt Buchanan Fosdike Moore

In: Barry Buchanan Fosdike Out: Brennan Jack Veszpremi

GEELONG

BHarley Scarlett Mackie

HBTaylor Hunt Enright

C Kelly Rooke Bartel

HFS Johnson Mooney G Ablett

FSelwood Lonergan Stokes

Foll Ottens Ling Corey

IntByrnes Blake Prismall Gamble

No change

Hassett's preview: Sometimes a game, season or premiership can hinge on a vital few minutes here or there. The Swans should know - it was against Geelong in the 2005 finals series that they came from the dead to eliminate the Cats, courtesy of Nick Davis's finest hour. It's too early to call it for the Swans, but should they go on to achieve something, getting out of jail against the Dockers could be that moment. Their season looked dead and buried late in the last term of that game; by tomorrow night, they might have firmed up fourth spot and buried the reigning premier. But that's a lot easier said than done. Geelong have everything they need to go unbeaten for the rest of the year and won't fancy dropping their guard anytime soon. And they'll be particularly wary of the Swans.

Prediction: Geelong by 30 points.

Last time: Geelong 16.18 (114) d Sydney 10.12 (72), round 5, 2008, Skilled Stadium.

Past five: Sydney 2, Geelong 3.

TAB Sportsbet: Sydney $4.50, Geelong $1.18.

TV: Channel Ten, 7.30pm.

Richmond v Hawthorn

Sunday 1.10pm, MCG

RICHMOND

BTambling Thursfield Newman

HBMcMahon McGuane Moore

CRichardson Tuck Deledio

HFCotchin Schulz Bowden

FWhite Riewoldt Edwards

FollSimmonds Johnson Foley

Intfr: Polo Connors CartledgeMeyer Graham Morton Jackson

In: Schulz Cartledge Connors Polo Meyer Graham Out: Pattison (back) Brown (hip) King New: Tristan Cartledge, 23, Essendon

HAWTHORN

BBrown Gilham Guerra

HBLadson Croad Birchall

CLewis Mitchell Ellis

HFCrawford Franklin Bateman

FWilliams Roughead Rioli

FollCampbell Hodge Sewell

Intfr: Dew Murphy TaylorOsborne Stokes Tuck Young

In: Osborne Tuck Young

Hassett's preview: After a patchy few weeks, Hawthorn have put their season back on track with two good wins. The ship has been steadied and now the Hawks, like others, need to get some real momentum heading into September. Coming off an utterly disappointing loss to the Crows, Richmond have more or less blown their chances of making the eight and, knowing the Tigers, it wouldn't be beyond them to roll over and lose heart for the remainder of the year. At least they've made strides forward this year and competition for places has definitely increased, but they're unlikely to win this one. Watch for Lance Franklin to get within touching distance of the 100-goal mark this weekend.

Prediction: Hawthorn by 42 points.

Last time: Hawthorn 14.22 (106) d Richmond 15.4 (94), round 6, 2008, MCG.

Past five: Richmond 2, Hawthorn 3.

TAB Sportsbet: Richmond $4.75, Hawthorn $1.16.

TV: Fox Sports 1, 1pm.

Carlton v North Melb

Sunday 2.10pm, Telstra Dome

CARLTON

BThornton Jamison Browne

HBGrigg Waite Simpson

CScotland Stevens Gibbs

HFRussell Fisher Walker

F Kreuzer Fevola Murphy

FollHampson Judd Carrazzo

IntArmfield Bentick Betts Bower Cloke Saddington Wiggins

In: Bentick Betts Bower

NORTH MELBOURNE

BHansen Gibson Urquhart

HBPratt Firrito Harding

CPower Simpson Wells

HF Grant McMahon Harvey

FThomas Hale Campbell

FollPetrie Rawlings Harris

IntLower Sinclair Brown Grima Goldstein Jones Watt

In: Brown Goldstein Grima Simpson Out: Thompson (ankle)

Hassett's preview: Talk of the famous "Shinboner Spirit" hasn't been wheeled out all that frequently this season, but the Kangaroos appear to have snuck - again - under everyone's guard and a finals berth looks all but assured. They appear to be in hot form and many critics were impressed by the way they jumped out of the blocks against the Dogs last week, effectively ending the match before half-time. Carlton are sure to give it their all, but there's no guarantee that will be enough with the form North are in. They should have the passion and hunger to get over the line.

Prediction: Kangaroos by 26 points.

Last time: Kangaroos 24.17 (161) d Carlton 11.13 (79), round 21, 2007, Telstra Dome.

Past five: Carlton 0, North Melbourne 5.

TAB Sportsbet: Carlton $2.15, North Melbourne $1.65.

TV: Fox Sports Plus (518), 2pm.

Fremantle v St Kilda

Sunday 4.40pm, Subiaco Oval

FREMANTLE

BThornton Grover, Michael Johnson

HBDrum McPharlin Hayden

CIbbotson Crowley Mundy

HFDuffield Bradley Mayne

F Campbell Pavlich, Mark Johnson

FollSandilands Schammer Palmer

Intfr Dodd Farmer Hinkley Peake Headland Browne Murphy

In: Farmer Grover Headland Hinkley Murphy Out: Tarrant (shoulder) Carr (Groin)

ST KILDA

BDempster S Fisher Gram

HBGoddard Hudghton Blake

C Gilbert Dal Santo Hayes

HFHarvey Riewoldt Eddy

FJones Koschitzke Milne

FollKing McQualter Montagna

Intfr: Schneider Gwilt C Gardiner Ferguson Birss R Clarke Rix

In: Birss C Gardiner R Clarke Rix Ferguson Out: Fiora (susp) Geary

Hassett's preview: Just a few weeks ago, St Kilda went to Perth as raging favourites and got smacked by a West Coast side intent on proving a point. The Eagles were $5 outsiders that day, and one might have expected similar odds for the Dockers this weekend. But as the Saints continue to turn in uninspired performances, they continue to shed credibility. Occasionally, they pull out an effort which reminds everyone of their class, but those are produced far too rarely. With this game in Perth and the Saints' known hatred of leaving Telstra Dome, the $1.65 odds for the lowly Dockers are entirely justified. It's not beyond St Kilda to win but, if they do, they'll do it on their hands and knees.

Prediction: Fremantle by four points.

Last time: St Kilda 10.5 (65) d Fremantle 8.9 (57), round 13, 2008, Telstra Dome.

Past five: Fremantle 3, St Kilda 2.

TAB Sportsbet: Fremantle $1.65, St Kilda $2.15.

TV: Fox Sports 1, 4.30pm.

AFTER ROUND 19

LEADING GOALKICKERS

91: Lance Franklin (Haw)

84: Brendan Fevola (Carl)

65: Daniel Bradshaw (Bris)

64: Matthew Pavlich (Frem)

63: Jonathan Brown (Bris)

59: Jarryd Roughead (Haw)

54: Matthew Lloyd (Ess)

49: Daniel Motlop (PA)

47: Paul Medhurst (Coll)

45: Matthew Richardson (Rich)

LEADING POSSESSIONS

555: Joel Corey (Geel)

528: Kane Cornes (PA)

523: Jimmy Bartel (Geel)

501: Sam Mitchell (Haw)

498: Adam Cooney (WB)

496: Andrew Carrazzo (Carl)

491: Daniel Cross (WB)

480: Luke Power (Bris)

479: Matthew Boyd (WB)

476: Scott Thompson (Adel)

LEADING MARKS

185: Matthew Richardson (Rich)

177: Nick Riewoldt (St K)

159: Samuel Fisher (St K)

151: Robert Murphy (WB)

146: Paul Medhurst (Coll)

145: Cameron Mooney (Geel)

144: Jonathan Brown (Bris)

142: Nathan Bock (Adel)

138: Andrew Embley (WC), Brad Johnson (WB)

LEADING TACKLES

116: Brett Kirk (Syd)

114: Domenic Cassisi (PA)

113: Jude Bolton (Syd)

111: Lenny Hayes (St K)

109: Joel Corey (Geel)

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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