Last weekend the Bombers won a highly competitive match in Darwin against the Docky Horrors, their first preseason win since the 2000 season. Whilst Brisbane the AFL's defending premiers, easily accounted for Hawthorn - the AFL's 'impending' premiers. At least the Hawks can look forward to grand final victory in seven months time! Recent history has shown that Essendon-Brisbane matches are tough and exciting clashes and this game shapes as one of the better preseason matches you will see. Not a bad way to prepare for the home and away season either!
TEAM SELECTION
After giving a few young players an opportunity last week, Kepler Bradley might be the only Bomber without senior experience to get a game on Saturday night. Four senior players have been added the squad with Matthew Allan making his very first appearance in the red and black jumper, plus Dean Rioli and Aaron Henneman coming back into the side.
But the biggest news is the return of Adam Ramanauskas, who has been given the go-ahead to return to football. You little beauty Ramma! Can't wait to cheer you on when you get your first kick.
The Lions have also added plenty of experience by selecting 'You-name-it, he's-won-it' Medallist Simon Black, Grand Final specialist Clark Keating, dynamic back pocket Chris Johnson, and Dustin Fletcher's old wrestlin' buddy Alistair Lynch.
MATCH-UPS
Kevin Sheedy would have liked to test out players such as Henneman and Bradley by marking Jonathon Brown; however a knee injury will keep Brown sidelined for at least a month. Instead they will face Jamie Charman, Jared Brennan and possibly Keating, with Fletcher and Lynch sure to lock horns in the goal square.
Down the other end, Matthew Lloyd will look to flex his muscles against Mal Michael whilst James Hird, Justin Murphy and Rioli will attempt to assist Lloyd in kicking a winning score. The major focus for Bomber fans will be in the centre square with Allan and David Hille teaming together for the first time. Keating and Charman are both tough opponents and the Brisbane midfield is really only missing Michael Voss so winning the ball out of the centre will be crucial.
PREDICTIONS
Kevin Sheedy and the coaching staff would have been pleased with last Friday night's performance and relishing the opportunity to play the best team in footy so early in the year. Obviously both clubs are hoping to have a solid hit-out with no injuries, and 'winning is a bonus'. For footy-starved Bomber fans, this clash is an excellent start to the year and with the prospect of playing Richmond or St. Kilda in Melbourne next week, hopefully we can take the bonus!
OTHER MATCHES
Well I managed three winners last week, not great but it is only preseason for tipsters too! Besides, I tipped an Essendon win and a Magpie loss so I got the important ones right.
Melbourne v West Coast at The Dome
The Demons have two hundred thousand reasons to win the competition and this match should be close but I am tipping West Coast to advance to the semi finals. It would be a just reward for the pleasure the Eagles provided all non-Collingwood fans last Saturday night. Thank you! EAGLES
Just a quick warning for those of you planning to watch the Channel Nine coverage this Friday night. You may see something that, at first glance, resembles a cruel and unusual prank involving a cocker spaniel and a staple gun. Whatever you do, don't call the RSPCA - it is just Dermott Brereton's hair!
Carlton v Geelong at Optus Oval
Has there been anything rarer than a Carlton victory during the past two seasons? Yes, two wins in a row! Even though it is only preseason, Carlton fans will be waxing lyrical after this match about how they are back and we all better watch out etc... BLUES
St Kilda v Richmond at The Dome
The Saints looked pretty good last Sunday against the Crows and should win this one as well. They will miss Max Hudghton, who may not be back until our Round 2 meeting, so they will hope to get through unscathed. The biggest news at Tigerland has been the intense debate on whether new recruit Nathan Brown should 'act' on the new Footy Show 'soap' as a gay doctor. Is this the correct way to spell 'whoop-dee-do'? SAINTS
