[AFL Rd. 2.]

Re: AFL Rd. 2. i have to agree with taza, not really worth waiting till september on 3.00 chance on the magpies even though they are looking mightily impressive from the first two games, but having just played probably two bottom 8 teams. to be fair, i can't really see any team genuinely challenging them at the moment, thought we have to remember that it is a very long season and things can change very quickly in AFL. is there any feeling among you guys that it could be a case of peaking too early? think st kilda 2009, where they were the best team through the season and got done by the cats when it counted. but given the massive hype around the pies at the moment i am feeling there is value in other teams if you can see them beating this collingwood machine now now, but later in the year when it counts. i honestly still think that if st kilda can get their act together, get kosi and schneider back and then figure out a way of playing without lenny hayes there is value in the outright markets given early struggles. im not sure whats happening at the dogs and hawks but id say on their day they would give the pies a good run for their money. but i think the real dark horse here is essendon. they are playing an exciting, take-the-game-on style of football similar to collingwood and have looked very sharp over the preseason, but the big question will be whether they can sustain it over the year. if you think they can, they are good value bet to make the grand final. but im am very skeptical in a team being able to beat the pies in their own game. i think the best chance of beating the pies would somehow be to lock them down, i.e. stkilda/sydney style. i think $3.00 is too short for the pies despite how good they are looking, and once markets come out this week might look to get on the saints, or even the week after once they have their bye and regroup.

[AFL Rd. 2.]

Re: AFL Rd. 2.

7/10 Gold Coast +28.5 1.92 (Sportsbet) I wasn't convinced by the Blues last week and the Suns should come out firing in their first game. Think many people are underestimating the quality of the Suns' young guns. With the number of 1st round players in there and that most of them are ready-made for AFL after playing with the big boys in the VFL (though not to the same standard as the AFL). Combined with Ablett, Rischetelli, Bock, Harbrow and co, the Suns should come close if not win. Was thinking of going outright win, but play the line to be safe.

i think it would be an understatement to say that's one of the worst reads i have ever had on a game. my bad.

[AFL Rd. 2.]

Re: AFL Rd. 2. 7/10 Gold Coast +28.5 1.92 (Sportsbet) I wasn't convinced by the Blues last week and the Suns should come out firing in their first game. Think many people are underestimating the quality of the Suns' young guns. With the number of 1st round players in there and that most of them are ready-made for AFL after playing with the big boys in the VFL (though not to the same standard as the AFL). Combined with Ablett, Rischetelli, Bock, Harbrow and co, the Suns should come close if not win. Was thinking of going outright win, but play the line to be safe.

[AFL Round 1 2011]

Re: AFL Round 1 2011 8/10 St Kilda WIN 1.74 (sportsbet) 7/10 St Kilda -5.5 2.00 (sportsbet) Saints are looking up and about early in the year. They look to have put all the off season events behind them and will definitely be looking to get back to football. Can't see them losing to this new-look Geelong side who are entering a new era. Without Ling and at best a very underdone Chapman, the Saints with the likes of Goddard, Hayes, Joey and Roo should have too much class. Saints have a solid backline that should be able to take care of Hawkins, Mooney and Varcoe who will be the primary avenues to goal. Saints have too much versatility and should cover the line too. 7/10 Fremantle WIN 1.78 6/10 Fremantle -4.5 2.00 Fremantle look set for a massive year and on the other hand Brisbane should struggle all year. Fremantle should win matchups all over the ground, and cant see them losing unless Big Brown kicks a massive bag, and even so can't expect him to get the delivery he needs from the midfield to do so. Look for Palmer to be firing to go after a year out and Johnson to redeem himself after the issues last year.