Post by Michael the coolperson on Mar 22, 2005 21:44:31 GMT 10
Brisbane v St Kilda - A sensational blockbuster to kick off the season, and the Gabba is sold out. The Saints haven't won in Brisbane since 1991, and the Lions will be too good at home again this time.
Kangaroos v Carlton - The Blues will be confident after their Wizard Cup win, and there's talk of a Carlton resurgence. But the Kangaroos have a fighting spirit, and plenty of skill to shut the Blues machine down. Archer on Fevola will be a fascinating matchup - I'm tipping the Kangaroos here.
Melbourne v Essendon - Both sides made the finals last year, but have lost players during the off-season and will be rebuilding this year. Essendon will miss Matty Lloyd, but should still have too many avenues to goal - Essendon to win.
Fremantle v Port Adelaide - The Power start their title defence with a trip west to take on the Dockers. But they have a good record at the House of Pain, and the Dockers won't have the firepower to match them. Port easily.
Sydney v Hawthorn - Swans have all the advantages here. At home, stronger on-field lineup, unified and solid club structure; while the Hawks are favourites for the sthingy. Sydney easily.
Richmond v Geelong - Geelong have lost Ben Graham over the off-season, but Brad Ottens should be a good buy for the Cats. The Cats are an up-and-coming team who will give the top 4 a real shake this year, and should have little trouble disposing of Richmond.
Adelaide v West Coast - The Crows will be rebuilding this year, playing a very young team; while the Eagles have a solid core of experienced players looking to build on last year's finals appearance. Chris Judd will be playing, and that alone is reason enough to tip the Eagles, even on the road.
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs - Rodney Eade makes his coaching debut for the Bulldogs, taking on a Collingwood side that fell away badly last year to miss the finals. But despite this, there's still too much talent in the Magpies lineup to see them dropping this one.
Kangaroos v Carlton - The Blues will be confident after their Wizard Cup win, and there's talk of a Carlton resurgence. But the Kangaroos have a fighting spirit, and plenty of skill to shut the Blues machine down. Archer on Fevola will be a fascinating matchup - I'm tipping the Kangaroos here.
Melbourne v Essendon - Both sides made the finals last year, but have lost players during the off-season and will be rebuilding this year. Essendon will miss Matty Lloyd, but should still have too many avenues to goal - Essendon to win.
Fremantle v Port Adelaide - The Power start their title defence with a trip west to take on the Dockers. But they have a good record at the House of Pain, and the Dockers won't have the firepower to match them. Port easily.
Sydney v Hawthorn - Swans have all the advantages here. At home, stronger on-field lineup, unified and solid club structure; while the Hawks are favourites for the sthingy. Sydney easily.
Richmond v Geelong - Geelong have lost Ben Graham over the off-season, but Brad Ottens should be a good buy for the Cats. The Cats are an up-and-coming team who will give the top 4 a real shake this year, and should have little trouble disposing of Richmond.
Adelaide v West Coast - The Crows will be rebuilding this year, playing a very young team; while the Eagles have a solid core of experienced players looking to build on last year's finals appearance. Chris Judd will be playing, and that alone is reason enough to tip the Eagles, even on the road.
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs - Rodney Eade makes his coaching debut for the Bulldogs, taking on a Collingwood side that fell away badly last year to miss the finals. But despite this, there's still too much talent in the Magpies lineup to see them dropping this one.