AFL, Round 17 {R}

[babytiger2001]

With a little over a month to go, the games are becoming more and more important on the ladder-- and in your tipping competitions, too.

Here are the fixtures for Round 17, starting this weekend...

Friday, 23 July
St. Kilda v Essendon, at Telstra Dome, 7:30 p.m. Melbourne time

Saturday, 24 July
North Melbourne v Hawthorn, at the MCG, 2 p.m. Melbourne time
Fremantle v Sydney, at Subiaco Oval, 2 p.m. Perth time (4 p.m. in Sydney)
Brisbane v Adelaide, at The Gabba, 7 p.m. Brisbane time
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, at Telstra Dome, 7 p.m. Melbourne time

Sunday, 25 July
Port Adelaide v West Coast, at AAMI Stadium, 12:30 p.m. Adelaide time
Geelong v Carlton, at Telstra Dome, 2 p.m. Melbourne time
Richmond v Melbourne, at the MCG, 2 p.m. Melbourne time

As always, live audio is available on the AFL's official website (http://www.afl.com.au), shortly before the opening centre bounce of each match.

Ladders and news to follow...

[babytiger2001]

AFL ladder, through Round 16 (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/ladder/index.html)


1. St Kilda 16 12 4 0 1787 1339 133.45 48
2. Brisbane 16 12 4 0 1768 1380 128.11 48
3. Port Adelaide 16 12 4 0 1768 1385 127.65 48
4. Melbourne 16 12 4 0 1667 1375 121.23 48
5. Geelong 16 10 6 0 1457 1298 112.24 40
6. Fremantle 16 9 7 0 1427 1330 107.29 36
7. Sydney 16 9 7 0 1367 1337 102.24 36
8. Essendon 16 9 7 0 1680 1655 101.51 36
=================================================
9. North Melbourne 16 8 8 0 1570 1458 107.68 32
10. West Coast 16 8 8 0 1453 1575 92.25 32
11. Carlton 16 7 9 0 1364 1646 82.86 28
12. Adelaide 16 5 11 0 1478 1459 101.3 20
13. Collingwood 16 5 11 0 1311 1500 87.4 20
14. Western Bulldogs 16 4 12 0 1432 1752 81.73 16
15. Richmond 16 4 12 0 1226 1747 70.17 16
16. Hawthorn 16 2 14 0 1212 1731 70.01 8


Only percentage separates the top four, while Geelong looks to inch closer to that pack, should one of them slip up.

The race for the Coleman Medal for the league's top goal-kicker is interesting, with Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd starting to break away from the chasing pack...

Full AFL stats -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=stats)


1. Matthew Lloyd (Essendon) 66
2. Fraser Gehrig (St Kilda) 56
3. David Neitz (Melbourne) 55
4. Brendan Fevola (Carlton) 54
5. Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide) 53
6. Barry Hall (Sydney) 53
7. Matthew Richardson (Richmond) 50
8. Phillip Matera (West Coast) 46
9. Stephen Milne (St Kilda) 41
10. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) 37

[babytiger2001]

Tuesday's round-up...

St. Kilda v Essendon
No Saints miracles for Hird -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095936.html)

Bombers play tooth or dare with Fletcher -- The Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10187145%255E11088,00.html) Or, to paraphrase what Jason Dunstall says on Triple M radio, "The tooth, the whole tooth, so help me footy" :D

Fletcher milking it for all its worth -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10187451%255E19764,00.html)

Saints back Telstra Dome surface -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10187143%255E19764,00.html)

Lawrence: Get off Gehrig's back -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10186388%255E19772,00.html)


North Melbourne v Hawthorn
Finals hopes rest on Tribunal ruling -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095927.html)

Scott gives Hawk board a deadline -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095942.html)


Fremantle v Sydney
Dockers take no risks on Farmer -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040720/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128343.html)

Swans war will suit Dockers -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040720/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128337.html)

Goodes in doubt for Freo clash -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/18/1090089038564.html) day late, but relevant


Brisbane v Adelaide
Lynch gets all clear after video review -- Brisbane Courier Mail (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10185578%255E10389,00.html)

Big Ben's Lynch job -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10188542%255E25397,00.html)

Reilly rises to dizzying heights -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10188540%255E25397,00.html)

Matthews takes blame -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095930.html)


Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Dogs say no to draft fix -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10187460%255E19775,00.html)

Bulldogs need to lift: Smorgon -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095957.html)

Call for more Dome access -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095939.html)

Tough break for Wakelin -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095921.html)


Port Adelaide v West Coast
Coast clash arrives right on cue -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10188530%255E25397,00.html)

All good news for Power -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040720/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128336.html)

Punter's paradise: Eagle soars to medal favourite -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10179034%255E19774,00.html) A day late, but good read on West Coast midfielder Chris Judd's chances at the Brownlow Medal


Geelong v Carlton
Mooney right for Sunday -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12213)

Dome's surface under attack -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12215)

Change of rules priority for Cats -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095951.html)


Richmond v Melbourne
Demons move on two young guns -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/19/1090089095924.html)

Dragaicevic set to rewrite ending -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10186522%255E19771,00.html)

And breaking news from the AFL Tribunal tonight...

Farmer clear to play -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=161337)

Mixed news for Kangas -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=161339)

[ScouseCat]

This week provides Geelong with a great opportunity to cement their 5th spot on the ladder and put pressure on the top four. Geelong faces Carlton in a game we really should win, while Essendon plays St Kilda and Fremantle plays Sydney in crunch games for all four clubs. Geelong could be 2 games plus percentage clear of 7th spot on the ladder after this weekend, which would just about ensure the Cats will at least get a home final in the first week of September, should they not get the double chance.

[babytiger2001]

This week provides Geelong with a great opportunity to cement their 5th spot on the ladder and put pressure on the top four. Geelong faces Carlton in a game we really should win, while Essendon plays St Kilda and Fremantle plays Sydney in crunch games for all four clubs. Geelong could be 2 games plus percentage clear of 7th spot on the ladder after this weekend, which would just about ensure the Cats will at least get a home final in the first week of September, should they not get the double chance.

Also worth noting that with the two battles of attrition within the top eight as you've mentioned, there might be a chance for the Cats to move within a game of a top-four place.

The race to nab that double chance is far from dead yet.

[babytiger2001]

Wednesday's round-up...

St. Kilda v Essendon
Saints are ready for a Hird return -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/20/1090089157464.html)

Ball delays contract talks -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/20/1090089157467.html)

Gehrig back and staying forward -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10198055%255E19772,00.html)

Finals are on the line, says Lloyd -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10200211%255E19772,00.html)


North Melbourne v Hawthorn
Schwab quits Hawks -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10202004%255E19767,00.html) The news just became official within the hour from this writing, and there's a thread singularly devoted to this elsewhere in this forum


Fremantle v Sydney
Farmer to stay fierce -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10198300%255E19765,00.html)

Farmer's freedom gives Swans a rare sense of betrayal -- Sydney Morning Herald (http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/20/1090089159930.html)

Farmer won't be changing his style -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10197139%255E2722,00.html)


Brisbane v Adelaide
Crows' dual aim -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10200532%255E19761,00.html)

Sting in the Lion tail -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/20/1090089157359.html)

Tall order for rookie Crow -- Brisbane Courier Mail (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10196823%255E10389,00.html)

Crows plan for top man -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10199073%255E25397,00.html)

'Next Roo' is on the move -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10198447%255E25397,00.html)


Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Player agent blasts Bulldogs -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10198207%255E19775,00.html)

Officials just don't understand: Malthouse -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10200538%255E19763,00.html)


Port Adelaide v West Coast
Burgoyne waits for call -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10200862%255E21545,00.html)

Club bosses lash Tribunal -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040721/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128408.html)


Geelong v Carlton
Big Blue option -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12223)

No one matches Denis -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12222)


Richmond v Melbourne
Tigers battle to lure coach -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10198195%255E19771,00.html)

Davey an accident waiting to happen -- Dr. Peter Larkins column in the Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10200536%255E19769,00.html)

White tops medal hopes -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/20/1090089157374.html) More early Brownlow Medal speculation


And of general interest, in light of Peter Schwab stepping down at Hawthorn today...

Wallace in big demand -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/20/1090089157456.html)

[babytiger2001]

It's Thursday, and here are my tips for the upcoming round...

St. Kilda v Essendon
North Melbourne v Hawthorn
Fremantle v Sydney
Brisbane v Adelaide
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Port Adelaide v West Coast
Geelong v Carlton
Richmond v Melbourne

So far, I'm on 84/126 this season. I think I can get to 92 once the weekend's finished. :)

[ScouseCat]

Here are my tips for the weekend's round of matches, looking to add to my current score of 79.

St Kilda
Kangaroos
Fremantle
Brisbane
Collingwood
Port Power
Geelong
Melbourne

[babytiger2001]

Here are my tips for the weekend's round of matches, looking to add to my current score of 79.

St Kilda
Kangaroos
Fremantle
Brisbane
Collingwood
Port Power
Geelong
Melbourne

In perfect agreement with me, I see.

Which means you'll be making up no ground on me. :D

[ScouseCat]

Which means you'll be making up no ground on me. :D
.... this week. ;)

[babytiger2001]

.... this week. ;)

You know you're running out of time... tick tick tick. :p

News update coming up shortly here...

[ScouseCat]

You know you're running out of time... tick tick tick. :p
Now, just incase I don't beat you, does soup count as a meal? ;)

[babytiger2001]

Now, just incase I don't beat you, does soup count as a meal? ;)

Never! It's part of the meal, but not the meal itself. :)

I will win this wager... resistance is futile, just remember that.

[ScouseCat]

Never! It's part of the meal, but not the meal itself. :)

I will win this wager... resistance is futile, just remember that.
The fat lady hasn't even begun warming up her singing voice as yet, so there's plenty of time to still catch and pass you! ;)

[babytiger2001]

News update coming up shortly here...

Took me bloody long enough today. :D

And now, the news...

St. Kilda v Essendon
Hamill out after surgery -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217146.html)

Sheedy cagey on Hird's role -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207242%255E19772,00.html)

Q & A with Dean Solomon -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10206019%255E19764,00.html)


North Melbourne v Hawthorn
Eade, Wallace head list -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089218539.html)

This hurts worse than Yeates -- Dermott Brereton column in The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089223991.html)

Dicker prepared to pay price -- Caroline Wilson column in The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089223988.html)

Sacking not in Scott's plan -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10209584%255E19767,00.html)

Time to welcome back Wallace -- Mike Sheahan column in the Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10209576%255E19767,00.html) Funny, the two of them were Clinton Grybas' guests sitting next to one another on Fox Footy Channel's "White Line Fever" program

Hasty contract that failed -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10209577%255E19767,00.html)

I gave my best: Schwab -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10209322%255E19767,00.html)

Wallace support call -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10209325%255E19767,00.html)

We're all over the shop: Crawford -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207837%255E19767,00.html)

Colbert enjoying painless season -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10208542%255E19768,00.html)


Fremantle v Sydney
Connolly vows to erase Subiaco comfort zone -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040722/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128473.html)

Damaged Goodes still worth the risk -- Sydney Morning Herald (http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/21/1090089221091.html)

Injuries unlikely to stop Goodes -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10205459%255E2722,00.html)

Swans wait on injured Goodes -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217153.html)


Brisbane v Adelaide
Time to go in for the kill -- Brisbane Courier Mail (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10206338%255E10389,00.html)

All-out attack against AFL's best -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10206345%255E25397,00.html)

Burns to give footy away for lure of Europe -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10206901%255E21544,00.html)

Ronnie Burns set to quit -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10208459%255E19761,00.html)

Fruits of season ripe for Keating -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217129.html)


Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Demetriou tired of Mick's attacks -- THe Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207249%255E19763,00.html)

Time to take a step back -- Mike Sheahan column in the Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207247%255E19763,00.html)

AFL chief rebuffs Malthouse -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217132.html)


Port Adelaide v West Coast
Hardwick enjoying the view as Power steam on -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10206137%255E21545,00.html)

Injured Cousins fails to respond -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040722/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128469.html)

Cousins to miss clash with Port -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217156.html)


Geelong v Carlton
Cats dismiss Ablett injury -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12248)

Time ripe for a good, hard think -- Dwayne Russell column in the Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12247)

Ablett injury scare, but Cats say he'll play -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217150.html)

Fevola readies himself for the Scarlett defender -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217135.html)

Fire up, Mooney -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10208529%255E19766,00.html) All Cameron Mooney does is beat people up all over the ground... and that's what makes him a great footballer in Geelong's colours. :D


Richmond v Melbourne
Eade talks to Tigers -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207817%255E19771,00.html)

Draga return to buoy Tigers -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10208455%255E19771,00.html)

Bizzell back in Dee-fence -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10207246%255E19769,00.html)

Tiger given new chance -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/21/1090089217138.html)

[babytiger2001]

Round 17 teams -- afl.com.au, via Sportal (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=161895)

Hird returns to take on Saints -- team news story, from afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=161894)

Highlights:


James Hird returns to lead Essendon out against St. Kilda, a fortnight after sustaining broken ribs.
Rafael Clarke, St. Kilda's top draft pick last year, makes his debut for the Saints and joins brother Xavier in the Saints' first 22.
Ben Holland and Ryan Lonie are among three total changes for Hawthorn in the Hawks' match against North Melbourne.
Fremantle are unchanged at home for its vital clash against Sydney.
Same for Brisbane, unchanged and set to fire on all cylinders against Adelaide.
Adam Cooney, the Western Bulldogs' top draft pick in the offseason, plays for the first time since the early rounds as the Doggies take on Collingwood.
Geelong recalls utility Cameron Mooney for the Cats' match against Carlton, among five potential changes for coach Mark Thompson's team.
Ryan Houlihan returns for Richmond against Melbourne, who welcome back Clint Bizzell, the Demons defender playing for the first time since round nine when he broke his cheekbone. These two teams could make as many as eight changes between them.

[Spartacus]

Friday, 23 July
St. Kilda v Essendon -- Even though Gehrig returns for the Saints, their form hasn't been the world-beater form we saw early on...this may be the week they drop from top spot.

Saturday, 24 July
North Melbourne v Hawthorn -- A lift from Schwab's exit? Hardly.
Fremantle v Sydney -- Freo off a character builder away defends Fort Subi...especially if Goodes is still a doubt for Swans
Brisbane v Adelaide -- Lions hitting their stride in due time
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood -- Pies still too much class for Doggies

Sunday, 25 July
Port Adelaide v West Coast -- Home cooking lifts Power
Geelong v Carlton -- "We Believe"
Richmond v Melbourne -- Richo and what army?

[babytiger2001]

Excellent picks and opinions, my friend. Aside from the Friday nighter, you and I otherwise agree on the rest.

Friday, 23 July
St. Kilda v Essendon -- Even though Gehrig returns for the Saints, their form hasn't been the world-beater form we saw early on...this may be the week they drop from top spot.

Saturday, 24 July
North Melbourne v Hawthorn -- A lift from Schwab's exit? Hardly.
Fremantle v Sydney -- Freo off a character builder away defends Fort Subi...especially if Goodes is still a doubt for Swans
Brisbane v Adelaide -- Lions hitting their stride in due time
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood -- Pies still too much class for Doggies

Sunday, 25 July
Port Adelaide v West Coast -- Home cooking lifts Power
Geelong v Carlton -- "We Believe"
Richmond v Melbourne -- Richo and what army?

Re the Geelong v Carlton line of "We Believe"... must be something about the uniform colour of blue, albeit of differring shades. :)

[Spartacus]

Excellent picks and opinions, my friend. Aside from the Friday nighter, you and I otherwise agree on the rest.
And you know how it pains me to pick the Bombers at any time... :eek:

[Spartacus]

Re the Geelong v Carlton line of "We Believe"... must be something about the uniform colour of blue, albeit of differring shades. :)After seeing the Cats slog-fest with Carlton as Match of the Round in Round 16, I believe.

Though I guess the real "slog-fest" was at MCG...unreal downpour in the first quarter of Brisbane Lions/Collingwood. Usually I hate to see the elements play a part in any contest, but it sure didn't look like it affected the Lions much at all.