May 17, 2012 by Anthony Oliver
Round 8 “The Dreamtime” round the box office blockbuster at “The G” home of the greatest game on earth between The Essendon Bombers and The Richmond Tigers. The game of the round. This promises to be a clash of epic proportions between Hurdys in form and pumped up red and black army and Hardwicks rising stormtroopers the Richmond Tigers.
So, pack the kids kimbies and some extra undies for yourself and head off to “The G”……..but a word of warning the security will be doing bag and body checks at the gates so don’t go packing any machetes or loaded didgeredoos! and don’t try and pass yourself off as a fill in for the “Dreamtime” festivities.
“The Form”
The last time these the Bombers and the Tigers bumped uglies together the Bombers gave the yellow and black a bit of a belting by 39 points at football HQ back in round 16 last year. The Bombers are 6-1 (actually 7-0 straight in my book , but the clowns on ANZAC Day were let’s just say not actually playing with a full deck). Hurdys heros have cleaned up Carlton and West Coast and fell by a point to the Pies. They have met many challenges, been headed and they just keep on coming back as good teams do. They are well in the mix for a crack at the “Holy Grail” this year if they continue to perform as they have done in the first 7 rounds.
The tenacious Tigers are making a play for the 8 too. There 4-3 record up to this point in time is pretty impressive, when you consider they only just failed to beat both Geelong and West Coast by 10 points a piece, last week they had a good win over the highly favoured Swans and the week before they beat Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium and they had a good win over the lowly Demons. They fell to the Blues in round 1 and the Pies in round 2, but they were creditable losses and the young blokes never threw in the towel they played out both games until the death knock.
“Dig Deep For The Oil”
Well this one is harder to pick “than a broken nose” the evil bag boys have chalked up the Bombers at $1.50 and the Tigers at $2.60……I expect the Bomber faithful will be backing the truck up to have a big punt and the Tiger faithful likewise will soak up the delectable $2.60 on offer. I wouldn’t have a punt on this one head to head, but I would consider the black and yellow brigade if the bag boys offer a fair to generous + spread. I would even consider a little punt on the draw.
The rivalry between these two great sides is pretty strong and you can bet London to a brick they will give it their all. This game will be like a Grand Final played in May and the winner (if there is one) will be a very happy camper to walk away with the precious four points.
Both teams have strong line ups and one would anticipate there will be some great passages of play from both teams all over the paddock on Saturday night, i would like to be as sure as winning lotto.
The Bombers will have Hurley back in the mix all suited up for this absolute “ball tearer” of a game and with the scintillating Leroy Jedda being let off the lease once again the Tigers will have to be on their toes. Alwyn Davey has been on fire in recent weeks and let’s not forget Bellchambers, Dyson, Howlett and a ton of other key players. The Bombers have a very even side out on the park this year.
As for Hardwicks heroes the tenacious Tigers are also “on the pump” and have a slick and quick midfield. They are also pretty well covered over the full paddock.
Much will be expected from Riewoldt again this week as the Bombers will be all over him like “white on rice“. One big incentive the Tigers will have this week is to win this one for Chris Newman who is playing his 200th game. Dylan Grimes is a shining light for the Tigers and he has been improving in leaps and bounds as a tall defender for the black and yellow. Tall timber Ivan Maric has been doing some good work too. Much will be expected from the likes of Deledio, Cotchin, Conca and Vickory amongst many others if the Tigers are to ground the high-flying Bomber battalion.
“In Conclusion”
Many of the talking heads and so called experts (drips under pressure in my book) are putting down the Bombers as a lock here no doubt, there are a few tipping the Tigers. The Bombers are a team that always seems to get snagged up in controversial games. Was it a goal ? or was it touched ? a goal or kick on goal after the siren. the time keepers stuff up and extra time is played the opposing team kicks a goal and its a draw or the bombers lose by a kick always something dramatic happens.
Well mark my words the same could happen here. Now putting aside form and regardless of where these two top teams are on the ladder I’m tipping a DRAW!
Yes…you may think I’ve lost it, but it’s about time for one! Essendon – Richmond to Draw
