Jason Phelan takes a glimpse at what we can look forward to on the first weekend of the split round.
We’re most looking forward to … Richmond v Carlton
IT HAS been a while since this fixture has meant much, but this time around the blockbuster tag fits nicely. The Tigers are up and about on the back of successive wins and will be buoyed by the returns of skipper Kane Johnson and key defender Will Thursfield. The Blues’ revival took a bit of a hit after a surprise loss to, but there is still a lot to like about Brett Ratten’s men who will be determined to perform well in front of what should be a huge crowd at the MCG on Saturday.
Will he or won’t he?
It’s hard to recall a player whose health is more heavily scrutinised but ‘Chris Judd watch’ has swung into overdrive this week. Juddy’s groin usually gets all the attention, but the focus has shifted further north to his scone as the Blues’ skipper battles to shake off the concussion he suffered against Essendon. It’s fair to say Ratten will have taken more than a passing interest in the champion’s welfare this week: “Scalp massage, Juddy? Cup of herbal tea? How you feeling, mate? You gonna be sweet by Saturday?”
It’s going to be hot in Darwin
Or more specifically it’s going to be hot in Mark Williams’ coaches box. The Power boss was fuming after his team’s season disappeared down the drain following a loss to Richmond and he will expect a much-improved effort from his players despite declaring their season dead last week. He swung the axe at the selection table, sending stalwarts Brendon Lade and Michael Wilson back to the SANFL, but the high-flying Dogs aren’t likely to improve his mood on Saturday night.
And while we’re on it
How about those Bulldogs? They disappointed last season and it’s taken a while for them to win back a few people, but they just keep on winning. They sit outright second on the AFL ladder with 13 rounds played and if the Crows can manage an upset against the Cats the Dogs will be on top of the heap with eight rounds to go.
Perfect one day, fiery the next
The weather might be warm but the intensity is sure to be red hot when the Saints travel north to take on North Melbourne at Gold Coast Stadium on Saturday night. With the AFL's move to the region surging ahead in leaps and bounds there couldn't be a better showcase match than two desperate sides fighting it out for a top eight spot. It almost makes you want to head north for the school holidays.
The roughie with a show is … Essendon
On the evidence of last week’s performance against St Kilda it’s hard to believe that Fremantle is actually the bookie’s favourite against the Bombers. Sure it’s over in Perth, but there was severe disappointment at Telstra Dome last Friday night. The purple crew will need to lift from that performance while Essendon played some exhilarating football in defeating the more-fancied Blues. The Dons are a huge show here.
Onya Johnno!
Among those hoping Fremantle can topple Essendon is former Bomber Mark Johnson who plays his 200th AFL game against his old club. The Purple Haze threw him a lifeline at the end of last season after he had played 194 games for the Dons, so it will probably feel a little surreal when he lines up against them for the first time in such a big game.
Things could get ugly… at the MCG on Friday
Hawthorn has been going through a bit of a lean patch, but is set to regain Shane Crawford and Trent Croad for Friday night’s clash with West Coast. The Eagles’ confidence will have taken a pummeling after a 135-point loss to the reigning premiers, Geelong, and the Hawks will be stung into action by a surprise loss to the Kangaroos. All the signals point another big loss for John Worsfold’s men.
Our Dream Team special … Lance Franklin
Buddy has been a bit off the boil of late with just two goals in the past fortnight, but he could kick 14 against the depleted Eagles. Looking through the side it’s difficult to imagine West Coast holding the Hawks to anything less than a really big score and Franklin is very likely to be a big part of that.
