AFL 2023

[Jack the Stripper]

This coming episode of 60 minutes in the USA is going to air a story on AFL and Mason Cox.

[Zzzptm]

Oh really? Innnnnnteresting!

In other news, St. Kilda decided I didn't need to be 9/9 this week on my tipping, losing a back-and-forth match with up-and-coming Port Adelaide. The door's open for Collingwood to take the top of ladder spot if they defeat Adelaide, which I expect them to do.

[Zzzptm]

Both Collingwood and Adelaide looked inaccurate and sloppy in their match, which Collingwood managed to save by one point. Cats continue to dominate, with a win over Essendon. To Essendon's credit, it was around 30 points, so not a major blowout like the other Geelong wins.

I was 6/9 on this week because Sydney lost by a point to GWS and Richmond's in a much worse slump than I imagined.

[Jack the Stripper]

60 minutes story below. It’s funny to me and a little disconcerting that if an Aussie makes it in the NFL or NBA everyone in Australia knows about it and is quite proud about it, but an American makes it in our a National game, which is an extraordinary feat in itself, most Americans wouldn't even know or care let alone know what Australian rules football is

https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/KI8e3wZ57MDj2IgdyNQGH3JrG_8e8rNY/

[Zzzptm]

Yeah, Americans tend to have blinders on when it comes to international sport, outside of high-profile soccer games in the top tier leagues in England, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, with England on top. Mexican soccer has a hefty following from people with ties to the nation, and we're aware that there are some Canadian teams involved in Hockey, Basketball, and Baseball. But Canadian Football? Isn't that where US players go because they can't hack it in the NFL?

[Zzzptm]

Norf's coach steps down... massive losing season coupled with lingering troubles from Hawthorn made it impossible to keep going in the role. Real shame for the hapless club.

[Jack the Stripper]

He’s stepped down for mental health reasons with the ongoing stress from the Hawthorn racism saga that still has no end in sight and also his football team is struggling. Funnily, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan who is also embroiled in the Hawthorn saga has no such issues as his team is flying right now.

Another danger game for the Cats Z. A trip to Perth is never easy and the Dockers have found a bit of form in recent weeks, meanwhile the Cats injuries continue to mount, this week losing Ollie Henry(ruptured testicle ), Mitch Duncan(Hamstring) and young gun Jhye Clark(navicular). They do get 3 premiership players back in Jack Henry, Stengle and Close. Still missing quite a few though.

[Zzzptm]

Not having Dangerfield in mid-field is the biggest concern. He's the machine that feeds goal-generators Cameron and Hawkins. If the rest of the midfield can step up to that level collectively, I think they can win on the road against the Dockers. If this was a game in Adelaide or the Gabba vs Brisbane, no way at this time. Adelaide teams are strong, especially at home, as Melbourne just learned. I think Geelong can get it done on the road - they have to win to stay relevant in GF discussions, and they've got the emotional reserves necessary for a "dig deep" effort.

[Jack the Stripper]

Yep, the defence is mostly intact and as long as we have Cameron and Hawkins up front we’re always a chance. Just need that young midfield to step up. Could be their coming of age if they can.

[Zzzptm]

I'm thinking that would have been a point of emphasis in team activities this week. Danger won't be there forever, lads! Get up and do the job he's doing!

[Zzzptm]

Hardwick exits Richmond, that team just got a more difficult slog ahead of itself. Meanwhile, WC put up as much fight as a cup of warm jelly. At least Norf are showing some spirit, but WC just hung back and practically begged for the Wooden Spoon in that last game.

Geelong not getting it done in midfield is really concerning. I still think they can tip the Giants this week, but lose to Bulldogs the next. When Danger gets back, they'll be in the hunt for the flag, but not likely in the top 4.

[Jack the Stripper]

They’ve lost another midfielder with Holmes now going down with a knee injury for 3-4 weeks. Can’t take a trick atm. Hopefully we’ll have DeKoning, Rohan and Henry back this week but the midfield is as light on as I’ve ever seen it at Geelong in the 50 years I’ve been following them.

[Zzzptm]

If the midfielders can get their act together vs. GWS, then there's some hope to keep things close with the Bulldogs.

[Zzzptm]

Agh, no hope and the only tip I picked that held true was Essendon beating WC. Upsets up and down the line in footy, especially hard to see GWS beat the Cats in the Cattery.

[Jack the Stripper]

The game had an upset vibe about it all week. GWS had beaten us the previous 2 times down there and it was Toby Greene’s 200th so they were always gonna be fired up for that, their club had made a big deal of it in the lead up. Couple that with the players we had out and it had upset written all over it. 10 minutes in I knew we were in trouble.

We are struggling to defend ball movement while struggling to move the ball with any flow ourselves. We had to fight and scrounge for every goal we kicked yesterday while GWS were able to go from end to end with ease. They opened us up a lot of times and had us for leg speed which is another major concern. We could’ve pinched it in the end but for some costly mistakes at crucial times in that last 10 minutes. Our season is teetering on the edge at the moment, Essendon and Fremantle have now gone past us in the top 8 and with a really tough stretch of games coming up the next 4 games will determine if we play finals or not.