We are fast approaching the halfway point of the season and the Saints and Cats are still yet to drop a game. The Lions, Power and Dogs have eked their way to a couple of games above .500 while the rest are all battling for position at the moment. I can smell a few upsets in the wind this week and hope that the Lions and Dogs can take it right up to the top two.

Seems like it might be a year for the women in 2009. Jermayn’s wife is killing it in the dream team and my wife is absolutely smashing me in the tips so far. She sits at about 1500 out of 80,000 in the Supertipping comp and collected a neat 8 winners last week and managed to pick the margin in the friday night game to within 3 points! (might be time to employ her as our ‘expert’ tipster Jerm).

Aker's gets to 300 games and is a vital part for the Dogs this season.

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

I was very surprised to hear Rodney Eade’s comments after last weeks game against Melbourne. I thought the Dogs played some of their hardest and most committed football of the year.

They will need all of that endeavour and more to even get close to the Cats on Friday night but having said that I think the Cats are just about ready to be picked off by a team willing to match their intensity. Ablett and Chapman remain under an injury cloud whilst Milburn and Mooney will both be missing. The Dogs showed twice last year that they could stick with the Cats for 3 quarters before dropping off in the last stanza so they should hold no fear.

We all know Aker loves the big stage and knocking off the unbeaten flag favourites on a friday night in front of a big crowd and playing your 300th is about as big as it gets. I smell an upset here but am not stupid enough to bet against the Cats.

Geelong by 5 points

North Melbourne v Fremantle

As Jermayn mentioned the Dockers blew a chance to gain some much needed credibility last Friday night when they choked against the reigning premiers.

The Kangas were shut down by the rampaging Geelong so both teams will be keen to atone for disappointing efforts last week. I’m tipping the ‘Roos purely because they play the Dome well and the Dockers don’t.

Kangas by 16 points

Adelaide v Carlton

Never did I think I would see the day when the Blues kicked over 100 points and have Fevola not contribute at all.

They have a magnitude of flaws but that midfield is simply outstanding. Bryce Gibbs is fast becoming one of my favourite players and I am absolutely spewing that I did not include him in my DT/SC teams. The Blues, like the Dogs did 2 weeks ago, will dismantle the Crows through the midfield and cruise to victory.

Blues by 46 points

West Coast v Collingwood

8 goals in 7 quarters of footy is simply horrendous. The Pies never looked like getting close to the Blues on Sunday and the Eagles would be licking their lips after an honest effort against the Swans.

The Eagles have looked comfortable at home so far this season and should account for the Pies. Having said that Malthouse’s tenure was questioned during the week and I am always wary of teams that have had their intent and integrity debated through the media. Given that they should get at least 4 quality players back I am going for the Pies.

They are an honest bunch and have played well for each other for the last two seasons, particularly when their backs are against the wall. I am banking on them putting in a big effort for Mick this week.

Pies by 10 points

Richmond v Essendon

Dreamtime at the ‘G has turned into a must watch affair recently. I have been super impressed by the ‘Dons this season and they are making all the right moves. The problem with young and enthusiastic sides is that realistically they will hit a flat spot eventually.

The Tigers have not been as bad as everyone is talking about. They have had two narrow losses interstate against Port and the Swans (probably should have won both), had a solid lead against the Lions and managed to kick 8 goals in a quarter against the Cats at the cattery..

They probably should have accounted for Melbourne but just ask any Bulldog or Eagle fans whether they think the Dees are easybeats this year. With more heat on Wallace this week I am expecting the Tigers to come out hard and hold their lead.

Paddy Ryder & Tambling hold the DreamTime trophy. Can Richmond win or are we just dreaming?

Tigers by 13 points

Sydney v Port Adelaide

Port like to run and the Swans like to suffocate. In a game of contrasting styles I expect to see the Swans choke the life out of Port on the tight confines of the S.C.G.

Does W.Tredrea think it is the late 90’s again or what?? Where has this change of form come from. I remember watching him out at Princes Park as a teenager and he was an awesome sight, just a massive man. Great to see him reliving the glory days.

Swans by 24 points

St Kilda v Brisbane

I have absolutely copped it over my season preview of the Saints and I will admit I did not think that they were capable of this sort of form. Like all stubborn jerks however, I will not change my view until they bury the ghosts of their past and Nick Riewoldt is holding the Premiership cup aloft.

Not many teams this season have been willing to match their intensity through the midfield (particularly early in the game). I’m hoping Voss has his boys primed for Sunday and that they throw everything they have at the Sainters. With injuries to Merrett and Patful it will be hard to see the Lions causing this big of an upset.

The Saints will have too much fire power and remain undefeated.

Saints by 31 points

Hawthorn v Melbourne

What the Demons lack in skill thay are certainly making up for with grit and determination at the moment. The midfield rotation is going really well at the minute and keeping them in the majority of games. McLean, Moloney, Davey, Morton and co are mixing well but when your forward targets are Miller and Robertson you will always struggle to kick a big enough score..

The Hawks have had their problems this year and if they expect to simply turn up and get the four points on Sunday they will be sorely mistaken. If this game was anywhere else I would probably pick the Dees but given it is at the ‘G I have to go with Hawthorn. Their running backs and midfielders play the big grounds so well plus the magnitude of space for Buddy and Roughie will see the Hawks get up…just.

Hawks by 9 points

Your Round Nine Tips & Observations

So what your tips for the ninth weekend of AFL in 2009? Please post them below in the comments section along with any other observations about round nine you may have.

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