The Swans’ hard hitting and opinionated Daryl Taber returns for his weekly AFL Wrap, Taber Talk. He asks, “Who will be the Cats’ next prey?”
And then there were six! The two teams bundled out of this year’s race are both interstate clubs. Great news for us born and bred in the home state of football.It leaves these 6 teams to battle for the Holy Grail.
- Geelong – Had 31 more shots at goal as they mauled The Roos.
- Port Adelaide – Unbelievably good fortune or is it a case of good teams make their own luck?
- West Coast – They lose, get a home final but are decimated with injuries.
- Collingwood – Surprisingly for some, have come good in September.
- Hawthorn – Many exciting youngsters guided by a couple of old hands.
- Kangaroos – Have they got one last hop left to honor their longest serving player, Arch?
- Can Port Adelaide’s luck continue? They’ve won three of their last four matches by a total of 13 points that includes wins over Hawthorn, Geelong and The Eagles?
In Friday night’s game, The Eagles looked to have Port’s measure until the hamstring of Cousins went twang. Tredrea presented himself when the game had to be won but I’m not convinced they have the firepower to kick a winning score at the home of football. A wet day may help The Power.
‘A week’s a long time in football.’ Just last Sunday the Hawks were bloody (Ed’s Note: Caution to Taber re language on a family blog site) awful against the Swans. Yet six days later they were able to take full advantage of many skill errors from the Adelaide Crows and get up in a last minute thriller! It was an entertaining game all day with the firepower up forward for the Hawks able to capitalize on some good play at the stoppages by their many on-ballers. Adelaide had enough of the ball to win but too often their kicks didn’t find teammates.
The Hawks forward duo of Franklin and Roughead, will be the focus of much of the Kangaroos planning this week. Some scribes are saying the 20 year old known as Bunny Love Franklin is a champion. That call is too soon for mine but he is an exciting guy to watch. 7 goals including 3 in the final quarter under great pressure. Maybe Archie has something in store for him next Saturday night?
The other major turnaround in form came from The Swans who were comfortably beaten by the High Flying Magpies. Anthony Rocca was very good although he may again come under scrutiny by the tribunal. He recovered from a potentially-serious knee injury just before half-time and was best-afield with six goals. He was well supported by the youngsters Cloke and (Dagger) Rusling.
How good were the Cats or is it more of a case of how bad were the Roos? The Cats have few injuries, a solid defence that rebounds with speed and potency, a forward line capable of a high score and an on-ball brigade that includes many matchwinners. They are going to be Very Hard to Beat.
The Kangaroos, well, they may take some solace out of “a week’s a long time in football”.
Chris Batchelor’s tipping result: 2 winners.
COMING UP
- Friday Night, Subiaco (6.45pm local time) - West Coast Eagles v Collingwood
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Saturday Night, MCG (7.30pm local time) - The Kangaroos v Hawthorn
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(Ed’s Note: It would be interesting to hear from Coach Stacey or Captain Gus for an insight into how an Adelaide person feels when they lose – to a Victorian club.)
