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Round 2

Last week's results showed that a week is a long time in football. Hawthorn, who in their first round clash flattened Richmond, was on the receiving end of a determined Western Bulldogs outfit on Friday night losing 0.7.12 (54) to 1.15.12 (111). The momentum of the game slipped away early, as a resurgent Barry Hall started ominously, booting four goals in the opening term. Despite the Hawks missing a number of top players, Hodge, Franklin and Roughead had little impact on the game, with Mitchell being the standout for the second week in a row. Adam Cooney and the ever reliable Matthew Boyd put in solid performances which they will need consistently to win crunch games throughout the home and away season. For the Dogs, a NAB cap final beckons.

Port Adelaide surprised many by dominating West Coast away from home in balmy conditions in Perth, finishing strongly to secure a 78 point victory. Cameron Hitchcock and Mitchell Banner were strong after half time and had five goals between them while Justin Westoff gathered 23 possessions along with two goals to be one of the stars for the Power. Despite having over 80 fewer possessions than the Eagles, Port Adelaide made efficient use of the ball while West Coast over-handled the footy. Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox combined for 39 hit outs while the Port’s Matthew Lobbe and Cameron Cloke mustered only seven. Despite this, the Power farmed the Eagle’s taps and gained many more effective clearances into their forwards. The Dogs will now face a Port outfit that looks like climbing a little higher in the ladder than previously expected. After two huge wins Port Adelaide will face the Bulldogs tonight for a potentially promising contest.

On Saturday night St. Kilda fought hard and advanced through to the semi finals due to their second one point win in as many weeks over a gallant Sydney. After being awarded a 50 metre penalty, an error from former Eagle Mark Seaby cost his side a vital three points when he played on, ensuring that he was not eligible for 9-point super goal. St. Kilda's top tier players: Goddard, Riewoldt, Montagna, Dal Santo and tagging phenomenon Clinton Jones were more than handy and featured amongst their best players. Although at one stage in the final few minutes of the last term, Sydney looked like getting its nose in front, St. Kilda was able to retain possession and force stoppages until the final siren. After two tight contests the Saints will feel mighty pleased in their preparation for season 2010.

In the last game of the weekend Fremantle edged out North Melbourne in a thriller in front of under eight thousand fans at Etihad Stadium. Docker Ryan Mundy won the game as he kicked a goal for the visitors with just six seconds remaining on the clock. Mid-way through the final quarter Fremantle held a sizeable lead before North hit back to ensure the game went down to the wire. Chris Mayne kicked five goals for the Dockers while rookie Michael Barlow had 27 touches to make his claim to be elevated to the senior list before the regular season commences. Antoni Grover suffered a knee injury as a sour note to the win but Fremantle will have backup in the form of Matthew Pavlich and Paul Hasleby, with both expected to be recalled for their semi final against St. Kilda. The Saints will fancy their chances to advance to the NAB cup final over the young Dockers side who have alot to play for themselves, having never made a grand final of any form of football competition.

DOUGIE’S ROUND 3 TIPS

Tipped winners in bold.

Friday March 5

Western Bulldogs V Port Adelaide at Etihad

Although both teams had big wins last week, the Dogs look all class and with Barry Hall firing they should be able to dispose of a much younger Port team

Saturday March 6

St. Kilda V Fremantle at Etihad

Last week the Saints got home by one point yet again and despite Fremantle surprising many by their win away from home last week, two Melbourne wins in a row seems like a long shot.