BigFooty members talk round 17 – best matches, who to watch, what to expect.
Check out this week’s Official BigFooty Podcast, too. Messy and Wook cover all the issues of the week in gory detail.
Friday, July 24
Carlton vs. Hawthorn (ES) (N)
“We’re quickly running out of players…”
“The last time Carlton beat Hawthorn their current coach played for Hawthorn”
Saturday, July 25
GWS GIANTS vs. Geelong Cats (SO)
“The game against the Cats in Canberra has come at a good time. A former heavyweight that still has enough grunt to put up a fight. They would be an important scalp.”
“Big game this week against a tough opponent.
Realistically the top 5 teams on the ladder are likely to play finals and Western Bulldogs, GWS, Adelaide, Geelong, Nth Melb and Port are fighting for the last 3 spots. So we need to win the games against the teams in this group to be any chance of making finals.”
Adelaide Crows vs. Gold Coast SUNS (AO)
“Exciting news! Rory is back! However, given the ongoing bickering about selection policy and dangerfield hysteria, overlooked in this announcement is that he may be wearing a helmet on the weekend. I, for one, welcome back the return of headgear to this magnificent game.” (Unofficial Crows Preview)
“I’m still in for Sexton another 2 crucial goals on the weekend. Local lad too, I’m willing to stick with him, however Garlett still oozes class, having small forward options for once is nice.
I reckon we are half a chance against the Crows this weekend, they will be emotionally drained after the past couple of weeks.”
Richmond vs. Fremantle (MCG) (T)
“This isn’t likely to be a pretty game, as Richmond haven’t played the MCG well all year while Fremantle are known more for their mechanistic defence as opposed to attacking flair. It also depends on what Richmond turn up. I’m tipping the Tigers with no confidence, basically because we’re in pretty good form and the fact that we beat Fremantle in Round 10.”
Essendon vs. Port Adelaide (ES) (N)
“The showdown was epic so Port might have a bit taken out of their tank.”
“The heartbreak and disappointment of Showdown 39 has settled into our hearts; the Crows have their oh-so-precious SA bragging rights for the next 9 months and the chances of Port Adelaide playing finals in 2015 are all but up to a miracle now.
It is no understatement to say that we have horrendously underperformed in a year that many predicted ours to be for the taking and we certainly didn’t meet up to our great club’s internal expectations. Looking back on the season so far we have been tortured with inconsistent, demoralizing and just plain embarrassing performances with losses to the top teams, bottom teams, and many teams in-between – but we haven’t been cursed with a difficult run home as our season started. With a few very winnable games and a couple of blockbusters, the build into 2016 could show give us some hope yet. Our preseason starts this Saturday night at Etihad Stadium 7:20pm Adelaide time against one of Victoria’s largest clubs – the Essendon Bombers.”
Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne (G) (N) Boomer 400!
In Brisbane for the match? Get a drink and a hot meal at Crosstown Eating House, one street south of the Gabba at 23 Logan Road.
“North Melbourne have won two on in a row, sit within touching distance of the eight and whilst making up the numbers in the lower half of the eight will be a disappointment to last year’s preliminary finalist, they look likely to avoid the ignominy of a 22 game season. Brisbane on the other hand…
Injuries aside, retirements aside, we have added three ‘best 22’ players and slid to the very bottom of the table.”
“There’s a reason Boomer has got to 400 games, and it isn’t from resting when he’s fully fit.”
Sunday, July 26
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (ES)
“Arguably match of the round as the Dogs and Pies face off with a position in the eight up for grabs. The Dogs come in with 5 wins from the last 7 games while the Pies come in under a four-game losing streak. The Dogs’ task will be made much easier with the Pies missing forwards Travis Cloke and Jamie Elliot and they should be too quick and strong on a ground they play well.”
“If we play 2 rucks and lose I’m grabbing some popcorn and heading to the Buckley Megathread! Sure to be some fun reading in there.”
Melbourne vs. St Kilda (MCG)
“Who the hell are they going to play on Hogan?”
“Looking forward to Hugh on Hogan.”
West Coast Eagles vs. Sydney Swans (PS) (T)
“Sydney has been very competitive this season, losing only to Freo in Round 4 (a.k.a. “the most boring game ev….zzzzz”), the Bulldogs in Round 5, and more recently against Richmond in Round 13 and the Hawks last week – and the Hawks were the only ones to beat them by a margin of more than three goals. Regardless of their form last week, they have a terrible knack of throwing the kitchen sink at us just like Darling likes throwing Daisy on the ground, and we will need to play at our best to contain them.”
“Following an 89 point demolition at the hands of Tasmania, West Coast will prove to be a huge challenge in Perf. From the most boring win in history (Brisbane) to the most embarrassing loss in history (Tasmania), it’s been a strange year for Sydney fans.”
