With the season starting today, I thought that it was about time that I once again put on display, my collection of petty prejudices, random factoids and half-baked ideas. And what better place to display a few petty prejudices than tonight's "traditional" season opener between Carlton and Richmond.
I mean, usually I'd go for Richmond here, but I'm getting a bit sick of them seemingly treating GWS and Gold Coast as their personal feeder clubs; so I'm going off them. Perhaps a head clash between Taranto and Hopper at the opening bounce, would be an appropriate way to start the game? On the other hand, I do think there could still be more amusement to be had, from another season of Carlton not making the finals. And it does seem a bit odd to me, that while there's been plenty of probably justifiable speculation on whether our grand final thrashing will leave mental scars, there seems a fair bit less speculation on the effects of last season's Carlton choke. I mean, not playing finals since 2013, a team full of high draft picks, a 11-5 record with six rounds to go, then losing five of the last six, to miss the finals by 0.5%. Well, that's got to engender a few thoughts, that they're maybe just not as good as many people seem to think?
The Friday night game should see a packed MCG for the clash between Geelong and Collingwood. I suspect that last year's GF will see me death riding Geelong this season. So, I suppose that it's go Collingwood; even if it does appear to be an away game for them. But hey, no Ginnivan on the field might make it easier for me.
Actually, one good way not to win Millionaire Hot Seat would be, "Hey, Eddie, I haven't seen Jack Ginnivan on the field lately, is he injured?" Although, now that I think of it, a more surefire way not to win, would be, "Hey, Eddie, what's the name of that old mate of yours, the guy that used to wear the gold jacket? Joffa, is it? I haven't seen him for ages. What's he up to these days?"
The first Saturday game is North v West Coast. Hmm, it seems that the general view is that a guy called Harley Reid is the likely number one pick in the 2023 draft. Some of the pundits reckon that he's the next Dustin Martin.
Next up is an interesting match between Port and Brisbane. Port seem to be flying under the radar a bit, while everybody seems to think that Brisbane are top four certainties. I'm not sure that either position is quite right? Yes, Port were a bit disappointing late in the season and they might miss the skills of Karl Amon, but they have plenty of young talent and Horne-Francis might come good. While with Brisbane, yes, I agree that they have had a good off-season: but they've been largely injury free for about the last five seasons and they haven't quite been good enough to make a grand final. So, surely that remarkable run of injury luck has to run out, doesn't it??
Then it's another big game at the G, with the 2021 grand finalists Melbourne and Western Bulldogs. I guess the big interest here centres on the talls of both teams. Assuming that Melbourne pick both Grundy and Gawn; how will that work out? Match made in heaven or one of the partners feeling decidedly unloved? And it's sort of similar for the Bulldogs. How many of Naughton, Ugle-Hagan, Darcy, Bruce, Lobb and English will they try to cram into their team? And will it result in aerial dominance or big blokes dropping marks and spectating as smaller Melbourne defenders rebound at will?
Next up, Gold Coast host us at the former Metricon, now Heritage Bank stadium. Obviously this game will be discussed a lot more on other threads, so I'll just say, danger game.
Sunday opens with GWS hosting Adelaide. I'm curious to see how GWS go this year. Will another offseason of losing high end talent, see them languishing at the lower end of the table? Or will new coach, Kingsley, be able to capitalise on the years of poaching, to form a stronger, us versus them, bond between all the highly gifted players that are still there?
Next up is Hawthorn v Essendon. Many commentators are predicting a Hawthorn wooden spoon. Which could easily eventuate. I mean, if it was twenty years ago, I'd say that their offseason of getting rid of experienced players, was aimed at getting priority picks at the next couple of drafts. Now, I'm sort of wondering if there's any great method in their madness? Let's hope not, as I think we do have a draft pick tied to them, don't we?
And finally, it's St Kilda v Fremantle. Going into last season, I think I would have rated St Kilda a side likely to finish just outside the eight, but who would sometimes be fun to watch. But after the arrival of Ross Lyon, I would have rated them a side likely to finish just outside the eight, but who would be tedious to watch. I say, 'would have', because I've recently seen their injury list. Ugghhh! 14 players on the list, most of them long term, many of them quality. So, if Ross can get them anywhere near the eight, then he's a genius.
Anyway, glad that the footy's back and I hope that I can provide a few laughs or start a few discussions. And I hope that a few people will join in to provide me with a few laughs, or maybe even add some insightful football analysis?
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