My view on round two (part two)

ESSENDON v PORT ADELAIDE

Both teams are coming off good wins
in different scenarios. The Bombers were slow starters against the Kangaroos
last week and over ran them despite Hamish McIntosh having a shot for goal after the
siren to win the game, while the Power were very impressive, particularly

around stoppages against the Saints.

KEY MATCH UP

Hurley v Chaplin

Troy Chaplin had the gig on Nick Riewoldt last
week, prevented the skipper from being the match winner. This suggests he’ll
probably get first crack at Hurley, who in my opinion, is primed to take the
step from future star to genuine star this year. Chaplin will have to be on his

game.

Tip - Bombers

SYDNEY SWANS v FREMANTLE

The Swans beat the competition new
comers GWS 2 weeks ago, so they have had plenty of time to recover and prepare
for the Dockers. Fremantle were very impressive against the Cats last week in

Ross Lyon’s first game at the helm.

KEY MATCH UP

Fyfe v Jack / McVeigh

Someone has to go to Nat Fyfe. We
saw what he was capable of last year and he looks like he’ll go to another
level again in 2012. Sydney will need to prevent him from being the matchwinner

- both Keiren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh have done the job at different times in the past.

Tip - Fremantle

WEST COAST v MELBOURNE

The Dons are coming off a few tough
weeks - it has been a baptism of fire for new coach Mark Neeld. With all that
has been happening off the field, the game will be the perfect opportunity to
move the focus. Unfortunately the draw hasn’t been kind and they will be

running into an Eagles side that will not show any mercy.

KEY MATCH UP

Frawley v Kennedy

Josh Kennedy came back into the Eagles
line up without having played a game during the NAB cup. It’s fair to say he
didn’t miss a beat, kicking 7 goals in their win over the Dogs. James Frawley is an

All-Australian defender and loves getting the big jobs on key players.

Tip - Eagles

COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND

Both teams are coming off losses in
round one - although both were against potential top 4 sides. The ‘Pies will
regain Some key personnel from injury, while the Tigers will be fired up to

take on one of the old enemy. 

KEY MATCH UP

The Midfields

Both teams are more than capable of
kicking a winning score, so this one goes down to the midfield. The ‘Pies boast
some 2011 All-Australian mids in Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Dale Thomas, as well as Luke Ball,
Steele Sidebottom, Jarryd Blair and co. But the Tigers are also very strong - Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin,
Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio, Shaun Grigg and Daniel Jackson are just some of the talent they have putting

the ball into Jack Riewoldt.

Tip - Collingwood

ADELAIDE v BULLDOGS

The Crows continued their undefeated
run last week (after winning the NAB Cup), while the Dogs stayed with the
Eagles for a fair amount of the

game.

KEY MATCH UP

Tippet v Lake

Brian Lake’s best football has
always been playing on the best forward, and he should get his chance this
week. Kurt Tippet has been getting plenty of opportunity with the Crows midfield

playing so well, so Lake will have his work cut out.

Tip - Crows

NORTH MELBOURNE v GWS

The ‘Roos were just one kick away
from the perfect start to the season, but will this week get the 4 points. The
whole industry continues to look forward to each time the GWS step out, to

watch these young guns in action as they develop at the level.

KEY MATCH UP

Petrie v Davis

Phil Davis is still very young, but they
went after him to play key position for the next decade. Drew Petrie will be a big
challenge - he throws himself at every contest, and is crucial to the success

of the ‘Roos season.

Tip - Kangaroos

ST KILDA v GOLD COAST

Scotty Watters would have been
disappointed with the result last week, but has the perfect stat to get the
Saints back in winning form - contested possession. The Power beat them by 25
last week, but with a midfield consisting of Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna, Clinton Jones
and Jack Steven, they will be keen to use their bigger bodies against the Suns

emerging midfield.

KEY MATCH UP

Warnock v Riewoldt

Matthew Warnock was good against the Crows
last week but will keep getting thrown the big jobs as the Suns develop the

young talent around him. Nick Riewoldt will be challenge 2 of the season!

Tip - Saints

GEELONG v HAWTHORN

The Cats lose Matthew Scarlett to suspension
but he wouldn’t have played on Buddy anyway. These two teams have a great
rivalry, and while the Hawks beat the ‘Pies last week, and the Cats are coming
off a loss as well as travelling back from the west, it will still be a tight

contest.

KEY MATCH UP

Franklin v Lonergan

I expect Tom Lonergan to get first crack
at Buddy, with Harry Taylor to give him a chop out. The pair have a reasonable
history against him, and given Geelong have won the last 7 times these two

teams have met, they may have found the recipe to halting Buddy’s influence.

TIP - Cats