3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2019 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
GEELONG V CARLTON
Saturday 24 August @ GMHBA Stadium
It is hard to fathom that 2nd playing 16th is a good form match but there are some crucial elements to the best of Saturday's fixture.
Geelong is blipping and blopping through July and August and can't get any consistency – at least in terms of results.
To be fair they had a huge dip last week and were only bloused on the line by a rampant Lions final five minutes.
Hard to believe you'd say it but they have missed Gary Rohan up forward as a chop out for Tom Hawkins. They've been far too predictable of late.
That has meant the midfield has needed to be kicking goals but as the team's scoring has dried up, so too has the midfield's.
Of the big four, only two goals collectively came from Dangerfield, Sellwood, Ablett and Duncan in Brisbane. They need to produce more but to be honest, besides Gary, accuracy isn't the others forte.
Even though top 4 is now assured, and maybe top spot if Brisbane lose, that might be a poisoned chalice. Should they meet Richmond in Week One they face a team on a big roll on its home turf rather than their own. You can hear the howls from Sleepy Hollow already.
A good sign on Saturday was Ratugolea's involvement but will he be asked to take some ruck duties if Blicavs goes back?
What do you say about Carlton? Almost a basket case ten weeks ago, the Teague Train is a locomotive at present.
Even without some of their critical spine, they are being competitive. In a good quality match, which was between two lower ranked teams it must be acknowledged, they fought back to beat St Kilda.
When watching the Blues, it is hard not to be seduced by what they will become.
Allowed to prosper now, and with the addition of some 'bigger names' plus the evolution of the current brigade, could they be the Brisbane Lions of today in two years' time?
It is also hard not to watch Patrick Cripps and wonder whether triple teaming will be allowed soon. He was being double arm-barred at times at stoppages like the WWE and yet still had 22.
The good news is Kade Simpson is playing on. Not only does he deserve an 18th year but he is very much within their best 18.
He has still the run off half back that they will need with the big forward line to include Curnow, McKay, sometimes Kreuzer and McGovern.
Now had this match been played at the MCG and not Kardinia Park you'd be very tempted to give Carlton some chance. Even the start is still a big temptation.
Geelong simply has to win as an impetus for the Finals if nothing else. But gee they have to step things up now.
Match Selection: Geelong by 9 points
Suggested Bets: Carlton +30.5 @ $1.90
