AFL Round Four Preview

It’s a special time in the football world – there’s no day quite like Anzac Day and it presents us with a very finals-like atmosphere for the first time in the season.

And who knows? The way Collingwood are going right now, September might not be too far off. Anthony Rocca and Chris Tarrant have shown their brilliance in recent weeks, and if they fire in tandem against Essendon, the Magpies could go 3-1 and set themselves up for a big season.

Elsewhere, the Western Bulldogs face a strong challenge in the form of Geelong, but with Matthew Scarlett, Kent Kingsley and Steven King, the Bulldogs should realistically be able to keep their unbeaten run intact.

Should be a cracker of a weekend!

Bet of the week: Western Bulldogs @ $2.00
Punters are absolutely loving the Bulldogs at these juicy odds – Geelong are a good side but to have them pegged as favourites against the Dogs at the Telstra Dome is a massive risk from our SportingBet friends.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Carlton vs Hawthorn
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

These two teams played out an absolute pearler nearly a year to the day at the same venue, and thanks to an Eddie Betts inspired finishing burst, the Blues found their way home. How things have changed.

Hawthorn now look a genuinely exciting, pulsating unit – something that can’t be said of Carlton. As such, the Hawks should really have no trouble.

Hawthorn by 19 points.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Western Bulldogs vs Geelong
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
12:10pm (WA), 1:40pm (SA), 2:10pm (EST)

This is easily the singularly most eagerly awaited clash of early 2006. Despite both teams being well short of full strength.

Geelong’s impressive depth enables them to cover most of their losses, but the Dogs will shuffle and adjust their superior game accordingly.

Western Bulldogs by 15 points.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Brisbane Lions vs Richmond
Gabba Ground, Brisbane
5:10pm (WA), 6:40pm (SA), 7:10pm (EST)

Richmond have played one good quarter of football all year, so it’s hard to think they’re going to arrive in Brisbane and repeat last year’s shock victory over the Lions.

While Leigh Matthews’ team are still a shadow of the unit that claimed three flags, they still go well on their home deck - evidenced by the comfortable victory over Essendon two weeks ago - and that form will read true.

Brisbane Lions by 36 points.

Fremantle vs Adelaide
Subiaco Oval, Perth
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

Maybe Fremantle will be the Sydney of 2006? Ridiculed at the start of the season, they’ve bounced back with two handy wins and if they could pick up the scalp of Adelaide, they’d be 3-1 and looking to make a strong run at September.

In perhaps the toughest game of the round, Adelaide deserves the punters trust here, but don’t count on Freo lying down.

Adelaide by 2 points.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Kangaroos vs West Coast
Manuka Oval, Canberra
11:10am (WA), 12:40pm (SA), 1:10pm (EST)

Any faith gained in the Kangaroos after their astonishing victory over Port in round one has quickly been dashed after successive floggings at the hands of Geelong and Collingwood.

Having said that, it would be just like the Roos to knock off one of the flag favourites, wouldn’t it? Still, you’d have to take the Eagles on trust alone.

West Coast by 11 points.

Sydney vs Melbourne
Sydney Cricket Ground
11:10am (WA), 12:40pm (SA), 1:10pm (EST)

So, who’s under the pump more? The reigning premiers who battled their way to a win against the worst team in the competition - or the other mob who can’t take a trick?

Melbourne can be an unpredictable team and very nearly toppled Adelaide last start, but to travel again is a tough ask.

Sydney by 23 points.

MONDAY NIGHT

Port Adelaide vs St Kilda
AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
5:40pm (WA), 7:10pm (SA), 7:40pm (EST)

It’s hard to fancy the Saints here as much as we probably should; they’re the best team in the competition and Port look dreadfully shaky – yet somehow St Kilda aren’t certainties.

Maybe the fact that Port haven’t lost to the Saints since 2000 has something to do with it? Either way, the Saints need to break that streak soon, and this Monday looms as the best time.

St Kilda by 14 points.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Collingwood vs Essendon
Melbourne Cricket Ground
12:40pm (WA), 2:10pm (SA), 2:40pm (EST)

What a fabulous day of football Anzac Day is. It’s said that no matter where these two teams are on the table, a great match of football is assured and that’s certainly true here. Collingwood get the nod, but without any confidence, as either team could pinch the points.

My lady will have me for breakfast if they don’t. Read into that what you will.

Collingwood by 7 points.

Until next week, happy punting!

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