Round One is about to begin, time for some real footy.

Put all of the off field dramas to the side and now it is time to concentrate on the on field action. This is a difficult round to pick as you can’t read too much into pre season form and a lot of clubs look pretty fresh for the start of the year.

Carlton V Richmond

I am tipping Richmond in some what of an upset. Carlton have a lot of pressure and expectation going into this match. The signing of Judd, Fevola playing up again, accusations of tanking, can all be very distracting for the players and the coaches. Meanwhile Richmond have been going about their business very quietly and Terry Wallace knows this season is make or break.

Port Adelaide V Geelong

This is a blockbuster rematch for round 1. The two finalists for last year clashing in a match that ultimately Port will be looking to win. Obviously winning does not make up for a Grand Final thrashing, but Port are a proud club and will seek some sort of vengeance. The game is also at AAMI Stadium which should make me favour the Power, but I just believe the Cats will be too good, too strong.

Collingwood V Fremantle

Why am I tipping Fremantle? I guess thats the beauty of round 1, its a fresh start for these guys. It is at the MCG, but both clubs haven’t overly impressed me in pre season form. If Fremantle are serious about being contenders these are games they need to win. They have talented players but they are their own worst enemies. Which Fremantle team will rock up on the day? Hopefully the one that can win games, for Freo’s sake.

West Coast V Brisbane

West Coast Eagles at Subiaco, 1st game of the year after the season from hell. They have a lot to prove to themselves and supporters, you would have to tip them. The Eagles have had a good pre season after taking a hard line with their players about off field misdemeanors. West Coast’s record at home is also pretty impressive and Brisbane don’t tend to travel well, especially at Subiaco.

St. Kilda V Sydney

This game is at Telstra Dome which will suit the Saints running game. They look fresh and raring to go, carrying the momentum that saw them win the NAB Cup. I don’t think Sydney’s defensive style of game will be suited to the big playing field of the Telstra Dome. I expect the Saints to run right over them.

Western Bulldogs V Adelaide

Adelaide have a better record at Telstra Dome than the Bulldogs and coach Neil Craig has got them fine tuned for the start of this season. I was also impressed with Adelaide’s young players during the NAB Cup games. But I am backing the Western Bulldogs solely for the fact that it is Brad Johnson’s 300th game in AFL and for the club. The Bulldogs will be doing everything in their powers to honour a great champion, and if they don’t win the game at least they know they gave it their best.

Hawthorn V Melbourne

Hawthorn’s team is young and full of run and talent. After having a taste of finals last year they will out to get their season off to the best start possible. For Melbourne this really is a rebuilding year. They have got experienced players in Davey, Robertson, Rivers that are talented but the Dee’s need to pull themselves together as a team to win games. Hawk’s will be just too good.

Kangaroos V Essendon

Essendon surprised me with their performances during the NAB cup. They have got a full list of young talent but it will take a couple of years to get back to being a contender for a finals berth. When two great patrons of the club like Kevin Sheedy and James Hird leave it is hard to fill that void. Matthew Knights will be hoping players like Alywin Davey can step it up this season. The Kangaroos on the other hand look very solid in all parts of the ground. They have a settled line up and I hope to see Daniel Wells take it to the next level this year.

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