Two weeks in and already it looks like some clubs are far ahead of others while some are having a slow start with no wins yet. Lets see if Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmond and Fremantle can rise from the deeps of the ladder and give their supporters hope this Easter weekend…

Ottens' knee could give Collingwood a slight edge in the Ruck

Please note that most squads were not name at time of writing

Geelong vs Collingwood

Collingwood have been Geelong’s bogey side for the last few years but after the Cats spanking the Cold Pies in the NAB Grand Final, most are tipping Geelong. Safe money is Geelong but Collingwood are always a chance especially with Rocca a smoky to be back.

It is a bit hard to judge certain teams and I get that feeling with Collingwood that they may turn up to play against Geelong especially after their indifferent form so far in the regular season. Both teams forward lines seem their weakest link, so which ever performs best will win.

Geelong by 16 points

St Kilda vs West Coast

Wow two good games and now people are starting to take both West Coast and St Kilda seriously especially St Kilda with captain Nick Riewoldt having a quite start to the year. Both teams look to have a dangerous forward line and good pressure through their midfield.

This game is a real test to the emergence of the Eagles as they play a real top 4 side. St Kilda have struggled against the Eagles for the past few years but there are less questions over their side and I expect St Kilda to be 3-0.

St Kilda by 20 points

Carlton vs Essendon

Both teams have been in the bottom 8 for a few years and these where their final/ important games for the year but now Carlton are genuine finalists and not just their to make the numbers. However Essendon were played into form by the hapless Dockers last week.

Essendon are not a happy club with ex players unhappy at Skipworth being drafted and others moved on or coached out of the game (looking at Pevrill, Lucas & Lloyd). Never mind that Skipworth is 5+ years younger and actually looks like a player.

Carlton would be happy with the fact that Gibbs, Murphy and Hadley are taking the next step from Judd’s soldiers to being equally important as Juddy.

Carlton by 39 points

Brisbane vs Sydney

Brisbane have shown fighting spirit but the fact that they need to fight after being nearly 40 points down in both matches is a worry. Especially the fact that they have not defeated Sydney in quite a few years.

While it is at home for the Lions, they still have too many question marks on their side. BUT Sydney also have just as many question marks on their side, they still rely way too much on their old legs and on the open spaces off the GABBA, can they keep up? I doubt it.

Brisbane by 15 points

Port Power vs Melbourne

I myself was one of the many that expected Port to be a top 8 side this year but after struggling to put away Essendon in round one and then playing like they did against the Eagles in round 2. I am left wondering that maybe Chocko Williams angry personality is becoming a bit yesterday. Maybe Nathan Buckley could be an option, he was once a Port Magpie player.

Melbourne needs to draw some inspiration from Jesus and hope that Melbourne can rise from their doom and actually play a full game and show their faithful supporters that Bailey etc are onto the right path. I believe in miracles but not in the Dee’s…

We know their form with Rubber Chickens but what about the red leather ball?

Port Power by 54 points

North Melbourne vs Hawthorn

One day after I release my rap sheet, North get another mention with their rubber duck antics. Both teams have had indifferent form to start the season. Hawks are winless and North were unlucky in some extent not to defeat the Doggies last week.

Some teams just seem to match up well and North match up well against the Hawks. I think this game will be won by the big men and show the whole comp just how important they really are. Hawks have no ruckman at the moment so Thorp, Roughead and Buddy must fire but if Hale, McIntosh, Petrie etc fire, Kangaroos will win.

I think Buddy is due to shine and this could be the week.

Hawks by 17 points

Fremantle vs Adelaide

Will Fremantle play Adelaide into form or will they fire after coach Harvey has been blasted piller to post this week? What gets me is that Grant Thomas is not excatly the best judge, he sucked himself as a coach…

There is an old saying about the danger of a wounded tiger and I think Fremantle may surprise many with a solid outing. Adelaide were the talk of the town after defeating Collingwood in round one but wimpered against the Saints.

Am surprised to see Freamntle dropping Duffied & Thorten and not other disposal butchers in Dodd, Crawley & Schammer.

Fremantle by 6 points

Western Bulldogs vs Richmond

What I like about the Dogs is that while they have won both games, they have heaps to improve on and when not playing their best, they still win. What top sides do..

We all know the problems down at Richmond and while they showed promise against Geelong, playing a half of a game does not solve or make your problems disappear. Bulldogs will win easily and put more pressure on Wallace and the senior players down at Tiger land.

Bulldogs by 45 points

Your Round Three Tips

So what your tips for the third week of AFL in 2009? Please post them below in the comments section along with any other observations about round three. Also what are your thoughts of not playing AFL on a Good Friday?

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