Footy Fever
October 24th 2011 10:12
| 16 |
| Vote |
Tom Slack 2
Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA
Joined May 17th 2010
Number of Posts:
47
Number of Comments:
0
Karma:
6
Recent Posts A Brownlow updateAugust 19th 2010 04:06
Could I be so bold as to suggest that there are realistically only three runners in the race for the Brownlow Medal? The unofficial guidelines for the Brownlow are as follows: 1) The player is a well-known midfielder; and, 2) The player's club finishes in the top four for the home and away season. Only twice have these guidelines been broken: once by Chris Judd in 2004 when his Eagles finished in eighth place; and once in 2003 when Mark Ricciuto’s Crows finished fifth for the season. In 2010 there are three genuine contenders: Luke Hodge, Dane Swan, and Lenny Hayes. What are the chances? Luke Hodge: Hawthorn currently sits in eighth place on the ladder, with no mathematical chance of them slipping into the top four by round twenty-two. They've won ten of their twenty games, with the potential to secure eleven by season's end. Therefore, in theory, it is assumed that Hodge has only the chance of securing substantive Brownlow votes in eleven of the twenty-two games. Last year, the Cats won eighteen of their twenty two games and Gary Ablett tallied thirty votes to win the brownlow. This poses quite a challenge for Hodge, who would nearly have to poll all three votes in every game that the Hawks have won. Brownlow rating: 5/10 Dane Swan: Last year Dane Swan had a breakthrough year, proving his magnetism for the ball around close contest. He was named the Herald Sun Player of the Year, All-Australian, and runner up for the MVP award. But this was not enough to secure him Brownlow Votes, so much so that he fell outside the top ten place getters. This year, the Magpies have helped Swan's chances by no doubt finishing first on the ladder, with potentially eighteen wins. However, one must ask whether the tattoos that stain his upper body are a blemish that hinder any potential best and fairest recognition. Brownlow rating: 7/10 Lenny Hayes Lenny Hayes has proven himself the heartbeat of the St Kilda midfield. In the absence of Nick Riewoldt for much of the season, Hayes has proven himself the standout man to take his Saints into the grand final hunt for the second time in two years. Hard at the contest and a generous ball user, Hayes finished third in the 2009 count, below Ablett and Judd. Although St Kilda's 2010 campaign unmatched the one launched in '09, they've still managed fourteen wins to date and an assured top four placing. In my mind, Hayes has a neck out lead over Swan and a broad stroke over Hodge. Brownlow rating: 8/10
Finals EditionAugust 15th 2010 09:00
With two weeks until the finals get underway there seems to be only three teams in the competition that can confidently offer their hand for the flag: Collingwood, Geelong, and St Kilda. While the Magpies have shown they're the best home and away side of 2010, their infamous finals’ history does little to convince me of their prospective dominance this time around. The Cats have lacked something in '10, but there is a weighty expectation they will take the finals in their normal bustling stride. The Saints are a mixed bag. Without Riewoldt they became unstoppable. With Riewoldt's return, they've taken time to adjust, with some structure issues in the beginning, but have since found a fragment of their 2009 form. AFL Insider has been out of commission for a large portion of the second half of the season. Now, with the finals on the not-to-distant horizon, we are back to provide an informed and up to date coverage. Over the next few weeks we will unpack the year that was 2010, discuss the Brownlow, and prepare for that day in September. If your team has made the cut, good luck! If not, enjoy the next six weeks of footy in stress-free luxury.
Wednesday Question: Brendan FevolaJune 30th 2010 13:37
The much anticipated clash between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions has lost its heat after Brendan Fevola was moved to the injury list late this week. The question: is he really injured, or is coach Michael Voss merely taking a back door opportunity to ground the form slumping star?
Tuesday PredictionsJune 29th 2010 10:41
The Wednesday Question: the wooden spoonJune 23rd 2010 03:40
John Worsfold went publicly recently, with the bold statement that his West Coast Eagles would not win the wooden spoon in 2010. In my mind, there are five teams in the hunt for the spoon: Richmond, Adelaide, West Coast, Melbourne, Port Adelaide. Who will win the accolade, and why?
The return of St Nick!June 18th 2010 04:15
Warning:
To the other fifteen teams in the AFL competition. This article contains content that may shock and shake you; it may tremble the tips of your top four grasping fingers; it may lead to acts of desperation and severe inner reflection. If you are currently experiencing the symptoms of finals confidence— excitement, jitters, joy, smile headaches— then avoid this prescription at all costs. Those of you who take no notice of this warning, or ignore its potent message, beware
Round 12, Week 1June 17th 2010 13:13
The Wednesday Question: Drawn GamesJune 16th 2010 12:11
Monday's Queen's Day Birthday clash saw Melbourne and Collingwood record the first draw for the season. It sparked the perennial question: should draws remain a reality in the home and away season, and the finals series; or, should the AFL install a time-on policy where play continues for another 5-10 minutes?
Tuesday PredictionsJune 15th 2010 12:18
|
Add Comments
Comments (2)
Read More
