David EdwardsAFL/NRL Predictions
September 12th 2008 00:11
In case anybody out there hadn't noticed, we are entering the glorious month of September - in which the AFL/NRL finals series rightfully snare the headlines back from unnewsworthy institutions such as the NSW Labor party and seemingly endless Diane Brimble inquiries.
NRL First Round Finals Predictions:
1 v 8: Melbourne v Warriors
This is a no brainer. Melbourne simply have to turn up to the ground. Even if they fail to make the ground i'm still sceptical that the Warriors halves combination of Witt and Fien could beat Melbourne at Olympic Park.
4 v 5: Roosters v Broncos
The Roosters will be at home - but it remains to be seen whether their supporters actually take the time out from their Sunday afternoon Double Bay latte lunch to offer a home ground advantage. The Broncos are never overawed by playing in Sydney, having won many grand finals in recent years and boasting the experienced leadership duo of Lockyer and Bennett. Karmichael Hunt is in blistering form at the moment, linking very well with his fellow outside backs - particularly down the short side. The Roosters are a team that can never be written off, however i think that the Broncos might win this one.
2 v 7: Manly v St George
Possibly the match of the round. Manly at Brokovale is a daunting prospect to most teams but St George have a surprisingly good record there. Matt Orford will probably be buoyed by his sneaky Dally M win, so look to the No. 7 to have a big game, or alternatively, to have a really shit game. Then look to media pundits to tear him to pieces. I think Manly will have the goods in this match, in what should be an unenterprising contest of old. Tune in to see Mark Gasnier's (potentially) last game in the NRL before he heads over to play touch footy against SBW in France. I'll be taping the game to show my grandkids that "I saw Mark Gasnier play".
3 v 6: Sharks v Canberra
This will be a fascinating tussle between two highly antithetical teams. Canberra should look to throw the ball around and capitalise on broken play opportunities, whilst the Sharks will hold out these insurgent tactics and look to manage 3 converted tries and an 18-12 victory. Its frustrating because i loved watching Ricky Stuart play but as a coach i hate him, he is boring as bat-shit. I'll admit that i haven't watched a Sharks game all year, instead relying on word of mouth to formulate my blanket statements on how boring a side they are, however i have certainly watched every Raiders match and by contrast, they are a side who actually play decent football. If i was pressed to tip a winner i'd have to say the Sharks will have enough in defence, but the Raiders sheer attacking prowess might get them over the line if they can hold out the Sharks for long enough.
AFL:
Swans v W. Bulldogs
No real injuries to note, both teams should remain unchanged from last year. The Swans are still clearly lacking O'Loughlin in the forward line, however Goodes is proving he can find the ball with 14 goals in 4 matches since moving to the upper 50. The Swans love having their backs to the wall however, so this game should be a cracker. Best thing about this game? Its on tonight, so you can get your AFL over and done with, allowing you to focus on the NRL for the weekend. Swans will win in a last quarter flurry (is there any other way?)
St Kilda v Collingwood
Scott Burns is back for C'Wood, replacing Rhyce Shaw, which frees up his Friday night to have a few beers. As for St Kilda, Luke Ball and David Armitage are back which will offer them a lot more consistency - particularly through the omission of Xavier Clarke, who didn't play well last week (from what i saw of the match). I think Collingwood will get up here, i really don't rate St Kilda. Expect more tears for Robert Harvey, something that we have come to expect over the years from the Brownlow medallist.
-SportingMind
NRL First Round Finals Predictions:
1 v 8: Melbourne v Warriors
This is a no brainer. Melbourne simply have to turn up to the ground. Even if they fail to make the ground i'm still sceptical that the Warriors halves combination of Witt and Fien could beat Melbourne at Olympic Park.
The Roosters will be at home - but it remains to be seen whether their supporters actually take the time out from their Sunday afternoon Double Bay latte lunch to offer a home ground advantage. The Broncos are never overawed by playing in Sydney, having won many grand finals in recent years and boasting the experienced leadership duo of Lockyer and Bennett. Karmichael Hunt is in blistering form at the moment, linking very well with his fellow outside backs - particularly down the short side. The Roosters are a team that can never be written off, however i think that the Broncos might win this one.
2 v 7: Manly v St George
Possibly the match of the round. Manly at Brokovale is a daunting prospect to most teams but St George have a surprisingly good record there. Matt Orford will probably be buoyed by his sneaky Dally M win, so look to the No. 7 to have a big game, or alternatively, to have a really shit game. Then look to media pundits to tear him to pieces. I think Manly will have the goods in this match, in what should be an unenterprising contest of old. Tune in to see Mark Gasnier's (potentially) last game in the NRL before he heads over to play touch footy against SBW in France. I'll be taping the game to show my grandkids that "I saw Mark Gasnier play".
3 v 6: Sharks v Canberra
This will be a fascinating tussle between two highly antithetical teams. Canberra should look to throw the ball around and capitalise on broken play opportunities, whilst the Sharks will hold out these insurgent tactics and look to manage 3 converted tries and an 18-12 victory. Its frustrating because i loved watching Ricky Stuart play but as a coach i hate him, he is boring as bat-shit. I'll admit that i haven't watched a Sharks game all year, instead relying on word of mouth to formulate my blanket statements on how boring a side they are, however i have certainly watched every Raiders match and by contrast, they are a side who actually play decent football. If i was pressed to tip a winner i'd have to say the Sharks will have enough in defence, but the Raiders sheer attacking prowess might get them over the line if they can hold out the Sharks for long enough.
AFL:
Swans v W. Bulldogs
No real injuries to note, both teams should remain unchanged from last year. The Swans are still clearly lacking O'Loughlin in the forward line, however Goodes is proving he can find the ball with 14 goals in 4 matches since moving to the upper 50. The Swans love having their backs to the wall however, so this game should be a cracker. Best thing about this game? Its on tonight, so you can get your AFL over and done with, allowing you to focus on the NRL for the weekend. Swans will win in a last quarter flurry (is there any other way?)
St Kilda v Collingwood
Scott Burns is back for C'Wood, replacing Rhyce Shaw, which frees up his Friday night to have a few beers. As for St Kilda, Luke Ball and David Armitage are back which will offer them a lot more consistency - particularly through the omission of Xavier Clarke, who didn't play well last week (from what i saw of the match). I think Collingwood will get up here, i really don't rate St Kilda. Expect more tears for Robert Harvey, something that we have come to expect over the years from the Brownlow medallist.
-SportingMind
| 30 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
