2019 Multicultural AFL Football TV & Radio Show – Round 16

The Multicultural AFL Football TV & Radio Show – Round 16

By Fiv Antoniou

3/7/2019

Last Thursday night from Marvel, Essendon beat the GWS Giants by a single kick (6 points), but it wasn’t the winning goal that was surrounded by controversy it was the previous goal that drew the two sides level that became the contentious issue. It was revealed by the League that not all goals are reviewed (contrary to what broadcast commentators assume) by the video scrutineers who are part-time employees of the AFL and not umpires. The bottom line is for the AFL to get the camera technology and human element correct and on the same page, because if they don’t soon, the goal review system’s credibility is for naught!

Round 15 saw Geelong get back on track with a big win over the Crows, West Coast got lucky with Hawthorn, Collingwood suffered a humiliating defeat to the ‘Roos. In fact, the Magpies kicked 37 points for the game, their lowest score for 25 years, while Port Adelaide in a torrential downpour lost to the Doggies and Carlton without Cripps, McKay and Curnow, who was injured very early in the game, had a remarkable last gasp win over Fremantle in Perth and finally came off the bottom of the ladder.

Round 16 opens with a blockbuster on Friday night from the MCG between the Hawks and the Magpies. After a wonky match against the Dogs two weeks ago and a humiliating defeat to the ‘Roos last week, Collingwood is looking quite vulnerable to say the least and if Hawthorn is willing to pounce they may just make this a very close and entertaining game. I am giving the ‘Pies a chance at redemption over their last two matches to take victory by 28 points.

Essendon and Sydney clash at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. The Bombers surprised everybody last week with their controversial win over the GWS Giants. Essendon’s good form will carry over to this game and will give the Swans a torrid time, however, Sydney had an easy one against the Suns last time out and will certainly be fresher for the journey. Even without “Buddy” Franklin in the side due to injury, the Sydney Swans will play for keeps and just etch out a desperate win.

The Gold Coast Suns at home play Richmond. The Suns will put up a resistance for at least half of the game, but in the end, the Tigers should take the honours. Late on Saturday, the Western Bulldogs take on Geelong from Marvel Stadium. As much as I would like the Doggies to prevail, it’s not going to happen as the Cats are playing a great brand of footy and should win this one hands down!

Two important derbies in South and West Australia promise to be hard and fast affairs. The Adelaide Crows meet Port Adelaide where neither side can afford another loss coming into this match. Both sides are coming off serious losses, so it will be very interesting to see which side will be more aggressive seeking victory and a secure place in the 8. The Crows will be too strong for Port and will come home with a late run to snatch a win! In Perth, Fremantle beaten by the Blues last Sunday take on the West Coast Eagles which just scraped home against Hawthorn last week. This time around the Eagles will do just enough to edge the Dockers out.

Three matches on Sunday starting with Carlton taking on Melbourne from the MCG. The Blues are coming into this game brimming with confidence after beating Fremantle last Sunday. Melbourne, on the other hand, suffered a big loss away to the Brisbane Lions. It will not be an easy game, but on recent form you cannot go past the Blues this week with the inclusion of their star player, Patrick Cripps, back from injury. Carlton to defeat Melbourne and make it back to back wins!

For the rest of Sunday, North Melbourne straight from their emphatic victory over the Magpies last week, take on the “Last Chance Saloon” St. Kilda side and their embattled coach Alan Richardson. Any result less than a win for the Saints this week may see Alan depart the Club and although the ‘Roos are coming into this contest as favourites, there is not much else separating these teams on paper. The ‘X- factor’ remains, however, as the game is being played in Hobart and anything can happen. So, I am tipping the Saints to cause the upset but only just!

In Western Sydney, the GWS Giants are set to take on the Brisbane Lions. Both teams are making their run for finals berths and this shall be a great game to watch. Many would like to see Brisbane take the honours, but the Giants will be out to avenge their previous loss and will prove to be too fast and strong for the Lions.

On a feel good note: North Melbourne's Majak Daw will return this Sunday to play for the ‘Roos VFL side, seven months after an accident last Christmas left him hospitalised with serious pelvic injuries. The NEMBC’s Multicultural AFL Football Show congratulates Majak on his recovery and hopes to see him back playing AFL footy with the ‘Roos soon.

That’s it from me this week, catch you next week with more comment and tips.

Round 16, I am picking: Collingwood, Sydney, Richmond, Adelaide, Geelong, West Coast Eagles, Carlton, St. Kilda & GWS Giants (Progressive tip score: 82)

Top AFL tipster(s) form the AGE have 79 and from Foxtel 77

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