Round Seven already and we are starting to get the log-jam I anticipated we would from third place right the way down.

Managed to snag 6 winners last week and the final five of the week before (bombed on the first three!!) so the way I am looking at it is that I’m running into some form with 11 of the last 13 tips being correct. What do you know I just took a sip from my cup and it is half full.

The Saints and Cats have bolted out of the blocks and whilst Geelong will be there late in September I am still doubtful about the Saints (Remember the Dogs last year??) Speaking of those dirty dishlickers they are in big trouble if they don’t start putting a couple together very soon, at first I thought injuries were to blame but then I saw Geelong’s injury list and reality slapped me right in the face.

While I’m here I would just like to express the opinion that Brad Sewell is as important to Hawthorn as Ablett and Judd are to the Cats and Blues. The man is an animal and it is little wonder that the Hawks are on the move now that he and Lewis are back.

Buddy has been quite so far this season but he has a great record against Essendon. Will he fire up again?

It is disappointing to see so many great players injured at the moment and will be very interesting to see how Richmond will cope without the big no.12. I am not real keen on Riewoldt (how long did he think he had on the weekend??) and think he will struggle as the main focal point so the Tigers will have to find some other options in the forward half. Enough dribble, on to the tips they say…

Essendon v Hawthorn

This could be a real blowout I feel.. Fletcher is sidelined with injury and Ryder is being used as a ruckman so it’s anyone’s guess as to who will take on the Buddy and Roughie show.

The Hawks play the M.C.G (opps the game is at the Dome) so well and I expect the two big Goliaths to put on a show again this week. Buddy is cherry ripe for a big one and has a distinct liking for the boys in red and black. The Hawks midfield is starting to look ominous again and unless it rains the Dons could be in for a very long night.

Hawks by 75 points

Richmond v Brisbane

The Tigers were brave last week but choked at the wrong moment after they had put all the hard work in to claw back from a 5 goal deficit. The Lions were good last week and this should be an interesting battle.

My head is saying that logically the Lions should win given no Richo or Brown for the Tigers yet I have a little feeling in the gut that Richmond’s midfield might upstage the Lions on the bigger ground. Always use your head when tipping.

Lions by 3 points

Geelong v Sydney

The 07-09 Cats are as good as any team I have ever seen. Have you ever witnessed a team have so many injuries to key players yet still be red hot favourites every week? Ottens, Harley, Ling, Hunt, Egan and now Ablett reads like one third of the All Australian team yet the Cats are able to cover these super players with relative ease.

They will be too good for the aging Swans and I’m starting to think they won’t be beaten all year long.

Cats by 45 points

Carlton v Fremantle

For the third time in 3 losses this season the Blues can blame their kicking at goal for their 50/50 start to the year. The Dockers put two in a row together for the first time in their history (well it feels like it!!) and for the first time in a long time look full of confidence and run.

I think the Blues should have the edge, especially through the midfield, but I will not be surprised to see the Dockers challenge them, particularly early in the game.

Blues by 21 points

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

n the corresponding game last year the Power ended the Kangas top 4 dreams with a smashing at the M.C.G.

The Roos will be out for revenge and they generally respond pretty well when their backs are to the wall but there is something not quite right about them this year. The Power have been impressive so far and should have to much midfield strength for the Roos.

Both the Crows and Bulldogs have had very indifferent form so far this year. Another loss & top four is gone

Power by 39 points

Adelaide v Western Bulldogs

Bit early to start determining teams’ fortunes for the rest of the year but the Dogs really need this one if they want to make the top 4. If they lose on the weekend they will be 3-4 and yet to come up against Geelong, Hawthorn, Port, Collingwood and also a return bout with the Saints. They cannot afford to lose any more ‘winnable’ games and that starts this weekend.

The Crows were pitiful last week in the centre square and will be out to avenge that with a strong performance against the Dogs.

I can foresee this one getting a bit nasty as both teams have had their reputations tainted in the past couple of weeks and both will be out to make sure they do all they can to win the four points. The loser of this game is in big, big trouble.

Dogs by 8 points

West Coast v Melbourne

Hard to get a gauge on either of these teams form at the mo. Both have been excellent in patches, yet been shocking as well.

The Eagles were too good for decent teams in Port and the Dogs at home and should be too strong for the Dees as well.

Eagles by 47 points

Collingwood v St Kilda

So just how good are these Sainters?? I guess we won’t know until they square off against the Cats but they have done everything right so far..

Ball, Dal Santo, Hayes, Montagna, Goddard, Ray, Gram… The Saints have so many options through the most important part of the ground but I am still a bit worried that they are peaking far too early.

I really hope that the Pies can stand up and make a game of this one. Too many games this season have been by and large uninspiring so hopefully Collingwood can show some of that guts and determination they have prided themselves on for the last two seasons and push the Saints all the way.

Saints by 12 points

Your Round Seven Tips

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

Be Sociable, Share!

•