Richmond vs Carlton, MCG, Saturday 2nd July, 2.10pm
Last time: Car (104) def RIC (84)
Richmond
In: Thursfield, King, Post, Griffiths, Helbig
Out: McGuane, Gourdis, Webberley, Conca, Miller
Carlton
In: Waite, Robinson, White, Laidler.
Out: Austin, Jamison (knee), Armfield, O’Keeffe
Both teams are coming off a loss last week to Melbourne and West Coast respectively. Richmond played decent footy but weren’t good enough to beat the Demons, after letting the Dee’s have a four goal lead at quarter time they fought hard all match but couldn’t regain the lead. Carlton we’re completely out played by West Coast in a game where they were clear favourites, they really struggled with the Eagle’s forward pressure and when Jamison went off injured looked short down back. The Tigers have made five changes which i think is a good move this week since i believe they spent a lot of energy last week in a game they really need to win in the run to finals and may come out a bit flat. Although the blues loose Jamison they bring in a player who is just as important, Waite is a much needed inclusion up forward and should give them some direction which they lacked last week. Robinson is another handy inclusion, although he may be just on the fringe of the 22 they missed a bit of fight that he brings to the team. Laidler will also help down back where they have some issues, without Jamison and Duigan the defense looks a lot weaker, the stage is set for Jack Riewoldt who is still struggling to kick goals but who kept Richmond in the game off his own boot in round one when the Blues got up by 20 points. Carlton have won the last 6 and i think they will get up today but Richmond have a sniff.
Joe’s Bet: Carlton by over 15.5 @ 1.60 (Centrebet)
Fremantle vs Gold Coast, Paterson Stadium, Saturday 2nd July, 3.10pm
Last time: – first game
Fremantle
In: Grover, Ballantyne, Mzungu
Out: Sandilands (Toe), Hinkley, Bradley, Pearce
Gold Coast
In: McKenzie, Matera, Day, Gorringe, Tape
Out: Weller, Krakouer, Dixon, Rischetelli (Adductor) Lynch (rested)
How these teams will match up is a bit uncertain give this is their first meeting, the only match up I’d care to guess is that Crowley will get Ablett. Picken had the job last week and did fairly well I thought, getting a hard tag certainly annoys Ablett but whether it actually has much affect on his output I’m not so sure, was the best again for the Sun’s and had a ton of ball. He’s going to need a lot of help in the middle this week with Rischetelli out injured who has been their most consistent player all year. Fremantle also had a win over Brisbane in Perth, however it came at a cost with Sandilands re-injuring his toe, they are going to have to find a way to win without him using the back up ruckmen who have showed a bit in the past few weeks where he has been missing. Pavlich is in great form as always and will have Ballantyne back this week to help up forward. Matera will be useful for the Sun’s has been missing the last few weeks and will be dangerous around the goals. The suns were all right last week against the dogs and I think they are a chance today but they really need to sort out their first quarter issue if they’re going to have a win. Have to think Freo will get up in this one but I do think there might be some value for the Suns who are paying close to 7 dollars for the win. I don’t think there’s too much value at the line though since Freo could quite easily have a blow out if they get a run on.
Joe’s Bet: Gold Coast @ 7.15 (Centrebet)