3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2022 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 PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday 21 May @ GMHBA Stadium
What an interesting game this one has become given the relative momentum these teams have.
Remember when Port had the string of losses to begin the season and Ken Hinkley said there is no need to panic. He said teams may have a run of bad results in a row at times and his was at the beginning.
Well he was very prophetic at how pathetic things began but now has the chance to even the score and almost be inside the Eight. While they wouldn't nab Geelong on percentage unless something ridiculous occurred, it would be an indicator that all was right out Alberton way again and not quite so at Sleepy Hollow.
Geelong has this amazing ability to go win loss win loss etc. It was a trait last year and it's happening again. An annoying aspect for them is that a win this week would substantiate that system. They'll take it nonetheless.
They were right in the reckoning against St Kilda but couldn't withstand the Saints on their home deck. When Geelong usually take a commanding lead, they tend to hold onto it.
Nearly four goals up past half time, the wheel turned and once it did, it did so in a hurry. 7 goals to 2 in the third was more than enough for the Saints to hold on.
The Cats showed a vulnerability, especially away from home, that is evident to most. Their lack of ruck stocks was cruelly exposed against one of the best 1-2 punches around in Ryder and Marshall.
There also is the small measure of Dangerfield and Selwood just not having the impact they once did. Now whether that is age, whether that is form or whether that is injury related is unclear. But facts are they can't command a game like they once did.
They've been warriors but the next in line are almost as old and can't be as good as these two. The issue then is will a long season just drain them completely and they'll have fired so many bullets just getting to the finals that it won't mean much.
Now they meet Port Adelaide on that roll. Written off by some, they've four on the trot and can't head to Geelong in better knick.
Port has rebalanced and now get ready to replenish. Beating up on North is hardly an unlikely road travelled in 2022. But it was just a nice easy to watch game if you were a supporter. Never troubled they got through relatively unscathed too.
As Wines slowly gets back into his form of last season, it's that much vaunted younger brigade led by Rozee and Butters that now get more time in the middle and heading forward rather than having to create goals themselves.
They are Port future but also Port present. Taking on the established midfield of the Cats will be a great test for both sides of that equation really.
The Power will also have Dixon back soon but the midfield has changed and their supply to the attackers has been upheld by Georgiades and Marshall who has lifted so well.
Their backline can be undermanned and that is not a great set up playing Cameron and Hawkins. But confidence around the ground can hold that line.
Port often play well against Geelong. They certainly did last year in Week 1 of the Finals. What is up for debate is can that translate to GMHBA?
One thing you know is the Cats should be firing early. But can they maintain the rage? There looks to be way too big a gap in the betting at first glance.
Maybe Geelong holds on but only (and I mean only) because it's at home. The start is appealing.
Match Selection: Geelong by 2 points
Suggested Bets: Port Adelaide +15.5 @ $1.90
