[trigga50]

Sea Eagles @ Cowboys
Cowboys missing their 5 of their best players to origin and injury , including 2 of their 4 “key positions” in JT and Matty Bowen. Bowen has been “set” for a return this round against the Sea-Eagles but not only has he been down on form, he is now coming off a long injury lay-off, so whether he plays or not, I am not convinced he will have much bearing over the game. Manly in scintillating form after they demolished the Eels 50-10. Yes it was against the worst side in the comp and the Eels are great at playing teams back into form, however regardless the Sea Eagles will have their tails up after that effort, and with Tafua, the Wolfman and Snake all having big games and running for 150+ metres, as well as Matai being primed for a big one after he was owned by Allgood, you can expect the Cowboys ¾ line to get dominated by the Manly backs, especially with Tate away on Origin duties and Bowen with injury and form issues. The Cowboys have the world’s best front row, with Scott running for 151 mpg, and Tamou running for 144 mpg, placing them both in the top 10 metre eaters this season. A combined loss of 295 metres per game is a massive hole to fill, especially against the league’s second best defensive unit in the Sea Eagles, who only give up 13.7 ppg. With no Scott and Tamou, the Cowboys pack go from being a V8 down to a 4 cylinder. On the other hand, the Manly pack can absorb the loss of Watmough to Origin without too many dramas, with fellow NSW origin player Jamie Buhrer slotting straight into the 2^ndrow, also big Glenn Stewart appears to be back in form and with super-sub Georgie Rose and exciting young prospect Ligi Sao coming off the bench, Manly still has a clear advantage in the forwards (both Rose and Stewart are expected to play). Cherry-Evans will be missed at h/b, however Foran is more than capable of running the show by himself, especially with the young beast Peta Hiku (who is a junior kiwi and Warrior’s U20 player of the year last season) likely to partner Foran in an all Kiwi halves pairing. The Cowboys playing without their origin contingent in round 12 (Origin I) were crushed 31-14 by the Titans. In game II they were lucky and escaped with the bye during the Origin period, and now here we are coming into game III again without JT, Tate, Tamou and Scott. I have no idea what’s going on in NQLD at the moment, but something is not right? They have the 2^nd best list in the NRL “on paper” (behind the Warriors) and yet have been far and away the biggest disappointments this season. Part of the reason I had such a rough start to the NRL season was because I was so bullish on the Cowboys early on and kept losing on them every week. I had them marked as a top 4 team pre-season and now they have almost no chance in hell of even making the finals. I mean who the hell lets a talent like James Segeyaro walk when he was so cheap? ?
The Cowboys have lost 6 of their last 8 overall and in their last game without the “big 4” they got demolished by the Titans. The Sea Eagles might only be 2-3 from their last 5 themselves, however stats can be deceiving as this includes a 2 points loss to the Warriors in NZ, a 2 point loss in a high scoring game against the ‘doggies at Brookvale, and a 6 point loss away to the hot Roosters - all respectable results against those teams. Manly’s form hasn’t been too bad and they will have more than enough firepower to sort out a woefully out of sorts Cowboy’s team missing both their captains (Scott and JT), which includes their unstoppable front row, their #1 playmaker and their two best backs, whilst Manly has two very exciting young kiwi’s (Hiku & Sao) to step in and cover for the losses of Watmough and DCF. Manly are a very experienced and disciplined team with a no nonsense coach and playing on the road does not faze them. They are 3-3-1 on the road this year with a draw against the Storm in Melbourne and a 2 point loss to the Titans and Warriors (all tough away games) and a 6 point loss to the Roosters.
4* Sea Eagles -7.5 ($1.95 Pinnacle)

Love this play Sando, Manly are finally looking the goods after last week, and cowboys have been horrible lately.

[aussieH]

Sando. How is the weather in Adelaide. Must be pretty wet as game total at 155.

[Crowing Capers]

Hey Aussie , I will speak for Sando concerning the weather if I may...... Bet365 had total for Power game 170.5 last night but didn't pull the trigger on that and missed the boat. Its been dry here since sunday but expected heavy rain next 3 days , looking like similar conditions but maybe not quite so bad as last week Crows/Eagles game. Books got burnt last week on the unders so obviously they taking no risk this week

[OZnBa Fan]

This wasn't mentioned on league teams or AFL rumours. What's your source mate?

Heard it on radio and off a mate of mine who's mad hawthorn and usually pretty spot on nothing official but just thought I'd let u know just in case u were going big on them.

[aussieH]

I am hoping Franklin is out as l have a lot of large bets on the Coleman on cloke, Kennedy and riewoldt An injury to Franklin and rough head would make the race to the finish more relaxing

[MiddleMan]

If you're after a decent middle bet, take the $2.01 on Betezy for over 155.5 points in the Power/Hawks game, and also take the $1.91 on Bet365 on under 160.5 points.

To hit this middle, we need the total combined scores to fall in the range of 156-160 points. We are getting effective odds here of $46.96, which means to break even we'd have to hit this middle once in every 46 times (or 2.13% of the time). More realistic odds would be around $15, so we are definitely getting massive value here.

If you don't have a Betezy account, you can take the $2 with the TAB.

[sando]

AFL

West Coast v Freo – The Derby
Looking to play the over in this one, however we must be patient. The hype around Ross Lyon and Freo’s defense leads many to auto-play Freo under’s without the appropriate analysis, at this point in the season. Also the books have started to over-react on Freo totals - because they have to (remember their goal on every single betting market they release is to achieve parity). However with rain forecasted and the above mentioned factors it pays to wait and as the total should be driven down before game time, and then I/we can pounce. Two massive defensive outs for Freo and West Coast. All Australian’s McPharlin and Waters for their respective teams cannot be replaced easily. Glass can only cover either Kennedy or Darling, not both of them, and with Kennedy in red hot form and the return of Freo’s gun forward Pavlich (looked pretty good last week) this game has over written all over it for mine. I also like West Coast to win and cover but will probably just stick to the total on this one. Freo are the favourites heading into this game, and in 4 of the last 5 Freo victory’s the total has sailed well over 160. Of course Freo is a different beast under Ross Lyon, however in the 3 derbies under the RL era, the total has been over the 160 mark twice, with the last game hitting 188 in round 1 this season. Also very interested in Kennedy total goals props.

Kangaroos @Lions
Yes I have been in love with North all season and they have cost me plenty, however last week’s season defining performance could finally be the catalyst to start delivering on the wealth of talent at their disposal. Using the Bailey ladder predictor I have the Kangaroos easily finishing 9^th on the ladder, and with the strong whispers that Essendon will get stripped of all their points that would elevate the ‘Roos into the 8 and make them a very undesirable 1^stround opponent in the finals. Brad Scott IS a very good coach, regardless of what people say and the team do play for him. He will have the boys up for this one and there is zero chance of an emotional let-down after last week’s epic win. Of course the Lions are more than capable of winning this game, they are quite strong at home, especially with Rich and Merritt back. My biggest play last week was on the Lions to towel up the young Suns, and I have backed them many times this season, however having said that, North are still the better team at both ends of the ground and I expect them to show it this week. Maloney is a significant out for the Lions and the ‘Roos have the smallest casualty ward in the AFL, with gun forward Lindsay Thomas serving the 2^nd of his 2 match ban, being the only notable out. North Melbourne is the best 1^st Quarter team in the AFL, 12-2 this season with an insane 219.16% advantage. The Lions are one of the worst 1^st Quarter teams in the AFL, 3-9-2 for a horrible 55.83%
2.5*Kangaroos 1^st Quarter -4 ($1.88 Luxbet)
2*Kangaroos HT/FT ($1.90 Luxbet)

Demons @Cat’s
The D’s are really playing for Neil Craig. The Cat’s know they will win this game and some key players will be rested and others will be back from long injury lay-offs. I expect Melbourne to be the more intense team. Rain predicted to arrive around game time and only get worse throughout the afternoon might help to keep the game from blowing out. Refer to CooperTrooper’s thread for more useful info/stat’s on this game.
http://www.sportsbookreview.com/forum/more-sport...fl-thread.html
1.5* Demons +68.5 ($1.91 Centrebet)
1.1* Under 180.5 ($1.91 Bet 365)

Crows @Magpies
I had a nice write up for this game, but it got deleted when my CPU decided to restart itself. Collingwood's (2012) best player Beams the biggest in of the AFL round. He looked very good last week in the VFL. Crows no good. Pies to smash 'em.
2* Magpies -28.5 ($1.93 Bet365)
2* Magpies HT/FT ($1.48 Centrebet)

GWS @ Sydney
The Swans are the best 1^st Half team in the league. The Swans also have the deepest midfield in the league. Expect lots of clean lace out entries into the big Tippa, who should have a field day.
1* Swans 1^stQuarter -18.5 ($1.90 Bet365)
1.5* Swans 1^st Half -35.5 ($1.90 Bet365)

Tigers @Suns
Richmond famously lost the unloseable game last year against the Suns as they played what has become known as “the worst 47 seconds in the history of football”. They remain winless against their bogey side the Suns, and if that isn’t enough motivation then after last week’s pathetic capitulation to the irresistible ‘Roos - well the Tigers should be raring to go. The Suns regain Ablett which is of course massive, however they have fought hard and had a great season no doubt, but they are clearly starting to show signs of fatigue the last couple of games (which is natural for such a young team) and playing in the tropical Cairns weather may not help their cause. All Richmond has to do is break even against the Suns star studded midfield and they will have too much down back and up forward for the Suns, although if crybaby Jack Riewoldt would actually grow up and play some team footy that would go a long way towards the Tigers cause as well. The combined motivation from last year’s famous horrible 4^thquarter against the Suns and last week's horrible effort against the 'Roos, should keep the Punt road boys focused throughout. Expecting a fast start and for the Tigers NOT to take their foot of the gas throughout. While most seem to be looking for spots to back the Suns, I will be looking for spots to fade the Suns, as the season wears on from here.
1.1* Tigers 1^st Quarter -5.5 ($1.90 Sportsbet)
2* Tigers-Tigers-Tigers-Tigers (lead end of every Q) ($2.00 Centrebet)
Bombers vBulldogs
1.5* Over190 ($1.90 Bet365)

[benrama]

Like it Sando, West Coast have been my bogey team all year, can't pick when they turn up to play or not, but I also like them to win - they know this is a must win game to have some finals aspirations.

Also like North 1Q and 1H and TT over, but not for the full game, seen too many steamrolling finishes from the Lions at the G, who often seem to wait till late in the 3rd to start playing at 100%.

In NRL, don't like play large road spreads ever, not even in SOO week. Sea Eagles is the only play I like, I see the others as coin flips, but I respect the time you take to research and explain your plays - quality stuff.

[sando]

As I speculated when posting my NRL plays early, the lines have moved significantly since teams were announced. I hope any who were keen to tail jumped on early when I posted them?


Panthers-8.5 (line has now moved out to -10, -10.5 and -11.5 at allbooks)



Bulldogs-10 (line has now moved out to -10.5 at all books other than Sportsbet)
**This play (Bulldogs) has NO value above -10 (key number).


Sea Eagles -7.5 (line has moved out to-8 at Pinny and -8.5 at Luxbet and other books are starting to follow, although -7.5 is currently still available at Sportsbet, Bet365 & Centrebet/Sportingbet, however unlikely to last).

[aussieH]

Loading up this week Sando.

Good luck. Not sure the Pies are worth 4 units.

I still think Bombers at the line are the best for the round. Tigers handled Dogs easily at Etihad and the Bombers are a better team and play Etihad better than the Tigers. Watson out is a blow but they have good forward and backline that can expose the Dogs in a big way I think

[sando]

Loading up this week Sando.

Good luck. Not sure the Pies are worth 4 units.

I still think Bombers at the line are the best for the round. Tigers handled Dogs easily at Etihad and the Bombers are a better team and play Etihad better than the Tigers. Watson out is a blow but they have good forward and backline that can expose the Dogs in a big way I think

Crows are garbage mate, I've watched them live twice this season - wasn't impressed. At some stage this season the Pies will go on a run and stop with all this up and down crap. Although I despise the "due theory" I do feel strongly that the run starts now - actually has already started. It is the perfect platform - an inspiring come from behind win against the hated old enemy last week, followed by a nice/big win tonight against what is supposed to be a good team in the Crows, (and at the very least they are still considered a valuable scalp to add to the resume), leads the pies into what should be two almost guaranteed wins (against Gold Coast and GWS), which leaves them full of momentum on a 4 game win streak heading into their round 19 clash against the other "old enemy" in the 'Dons. All this hype surrounding Captain moral police, aka. attention whore Heritier O'Brien in my opinion is a good thing, not a negative. What the Pies need more than anything else is solidarity within the group and after listening to interviews during the week from 'Pendles, Buckley and others I think they will/are bond well despite all the rumours of dissent from the players group. I watched with keen interest as Buckley belted out the 'Pies song himself, just behind the players circle last week. It was the most emphatic emotional display seen from Buckley in a long time. Pies will kill the Crows. You heard it here first.

[OZnBa Fan]

If it means anything sando I agree with you and disagree with u about the pies, I don't rate them yes they will win tonight and they SHOULD cover but there is no better team that I love fading then collingwood. Something that People forget is that Nathan Buckley walked into a gold mine left by mick malthouse this club should have won more then 1 flag with the group that malthouse established... Every1 seems to think that it's ok with how the pies are travelling for me that's not the case.. In all honesty you or I could have coached the pies to a prelim last year and this year they have gone backwards again, what says that Nathan Buckley can coach?? He has proven nothing they will not make top 4 nor contend for the flag andI personally gurantee you that. Collingwood just arnt a team that go beating clubs by 40 or 50 points they generally don't play 4qtrs the thing is yes Adelaide are rubbish but I actually don't mind there defence and of course the star dangerfield but they struggle to kick winning scores. Just my opinion

[benrama]

I agree Oz - I have to suffer through Pies games nearly every week by marrying into a family of mad supporters. Their forward line has been highly inconsistent, Lynch has been a disappointment, Cloak can miss from 25 metres in front regularly (and yet kick one from the sideline 55 out), Thomas and Elliot don't kick many, so they rely on goals from midfield, which they often get, with Kracker, Pendo, etc. Beams back is a big in, but he hasn't played in 2013 at the top level so he can't be expected to fire immediately.

I thought moving Ben Reid up front last week was actually one of the few smart moves I've seen Buckley make this year, and there's been few to choose from. Truly one of the worst coaches in the league IMO - in particular at being able to make any sensible in game adjustments.

Adelaide are a shot tonight IMO, I'm going to have some action money on them to win 1-39 and a unit on the spread.

[trigga50]

WNBA +3.23

Minnesota Lynx VS Indiana Fever
This game looks to easy to me so could very well be a bit of a trap but Im going for it none the less. These two sides have a bit of history in last years finals, Indiana winning the series but suffering many injuries since. They still have 4 players out whilst Minnesota have got off to a flying start. Minnesota have played their best basketball at home and struggled against some teams on the road. Going off Minnesota's recent games I have to back them in this spot visiting Indiana based on form from this season. There are a few things at play which are making the line so low. 1. Being the History of the two sides 2. Minnesotas second leading scorer is a 50/50 for the match 3. Indiana have won 3 straight at home and are on their best run of the season. My opinion is I don't think history will be a big part due to the different roster Indiana have, Minnesota have played really well without their injured star in Seimone Augustus and the 3 wins that Indiana have had at home are from arguably the bottom 3 teams of the comp this year (tulsa, connecticut and seattle). Sometimes you take these games which look too easy and they bite you in the ass, other times when you leave it your sitting on the couch wondering why you didn't place a bet.

Minnesota -4.5 X 1 UNIT @ $1.91 to win 0.91 UNITS

This game is kicking off shortly, for the Aussie guys around 1.30-2AM in the morning.

Cashed on this one, although I am glad I only laid 1 unit, the game was close most of the way and Minnesota pulled it out in the 4th and covered. This game proves how crippling Indiana's defence is night in and night out even against good teams.

WNBA +4.14

I dont really have any extra thoughts on this weeks AFL games, looks like Sando has put in a heap of time into this weeks games which Ill be tailing. I do also like Essendon over Western Bulldogs and Saints over Carlton. Fun fact, Saints have won the last 16 of 18 games played against Carlton. Saints seemed to have some good form last week against Fremantle when everyone was expecting it to be a blowout. Maybe they can back it up this week against a Carlton squad which will be playing without some key forwards.

[OZnBa Fan]

Lance Franklin didn't travel to adelaide

[Swan4brownlow]

Pies have had up to 8 of their best 22 missing most weeks and have played a crazy number of inexperienced players yet they sit a game and a half from 4th and you guys think Buckley's the worst coach in the AFL? Sure I'm biased being a Pies fan, but you guys have rocks in your head. The reason they're so inconsistent is because they've been relying on so many younger players to actually step up and win them games rather than just being complimentary players. I'm not sure if they'll cover tonight because I'm not sure which Collingwood will turn up, but you're underselling the Pies by quite a bit here IMO.

[s2230011]

Player Props, here is what I like tonight ..

Graham 0100.5 meters, Lewis and Fafita out (of course Gallen too but he hasnt been there much recently) so I would expect more of an input from Graham. The line is not high and he will get alot of opportunities to get it.

Michael Gordon U145.5 m , Back from injury, heard him in an interview say he is not 100% but should be ok to get through the game. The two wingers for the sharks are not the most experienced, so they will get a fair bit of ball and dont think he will go looking for it if his calf injury is not the best. Obviously there is a chance of reaggrevating and not fininshing the game

Alex Glen O 31.5 tackles, I would take the meters but its not in my bookie, but the takles seem like a decent line considering cronulla may hold a fair bit of ball. Alex has gone over that number 3 of the last 4 games and in the one he hasnt he only played 47 mins, not sure but he may have got injured. The main angle here is that workhorse Parker is out and Hannant who was named I hear is withdrawn, so should also get plenty of opportunity to hit that number.

Good luck

[trigga50]

Early WNBA Play

Chicago VS Connecticut
Line has opened nice and low on this one. Connecticut has been pretty average this year due to some long term injuries. Chicago have been the hot team and I think they have broken their away game voodoo beating NY earlier this week by almost 30 points. Chicago beat Connecticut at home on 31/5 going 86-77. This was back when Connecticut had 3 of their injured stars in the line up. Chicago has a full lineup for this one and should cover easily.

Chicago -5 X 2.5 UNITS @$1.91 to win 2.27 UNITS

[OZnBa Fan]

Player Props, here is what I like tonight ..

Graham 0100.5 meters, Lewis and Fafita out (of course Gallen too but he hasnt been there much recently) so I would expect more of an input from Graham. The line is not high and he will get alot of opportunities to get it.

Michael Gordon U145.5 m , Back from injury, heard him in an interview say he is not 100% but should be ok to get through the game. The two wingers for the sharks are not the most experienced, so they will get a fair bit of ball and dont think he will go looking for it if his calf injury is not the best. Obviously there is a chance of reaggrevating and not fininshing the game

Alex Glen O 31.5 tackles, I would take the meters but its not in my bookie, but the takles seem like a decent line considering cronulla may hold a fair bit of ball. Alex has gone over that number 3 of the last 4 games and in the one he hasnt he only played 47 mins, not sure but he may have got injured. The main angle here is that workhorse Parker is out and Hannant who was named I hear is withdrawn, so should also get plenty of opportunity to hit that number.

Good luck

Where do I find these markets mate?

[benrama]

Player Props, here is what I like tonight ..

Graham 0100.5 meters, Lewis and Fafita out (of course Gallen too but he hasnt been there much recently) so I would expect more of an input from Graham. The line is not high and he will get alot of opportunities to get it.

Michael Gordon U145.5 m , Back from injury, heard him in an interview say he is not 100% but should be ok to get through the game. The two wingers for the sharks are not the most experienced, so they will get a fair bit of ball and dont think he will go looking for it if his calf injury is not the best. Obviously there is a chance of reaggrevating and not fininshing the game

Alex Glen O 31.5 tackles, I would take the meters but its not in my bookie, but the takles seem like a decent line considering cronulla may hold a fair bit of ball. Alex has gone over that number 3 of the last 4 games and in the one he hasnt he only played 47 mins, not sure but he may have got injured. The main angle here is that workhorse Parker is out and Hannant who was named I hear is withdrawn, so should also get plenty of opportunity to hit that number.

Good luck

Solid - like it. I expect a grinding affair tonight with all the origin players missing. Sharks don't blow anyone off the park so I think all these props look good. Good luck mate.

[whist]

Where do I find these markets mate?

They're up on Sportsbet

[benrama]

Pies have had up to 8 of their best 22 missing most weeks and have played a crazy number of inexperienced players yet they sit a game and a half from 4th and you guys think Buckley's the worst coach in the AFL? Sure I'm biased being a Pies fan, but you guys have rocks in your head. The reason they're so inconsistent is because they've been relying on so many younger players to actually step up and win them games rather than just being complimentary players. I'm not sure if they'll cover tonight because I'm not sure which Collingwood will turn up, but you're underselling the Pies by quite a bit here IMO.

All teams have had injuries. Pies are 2 and 5 vs top 8 teams and only two games above 9th - see how that works?

They are still a talented team but blind Freddy could have coached them into the top 8, I watch pies games surrounded by their supporters and most agree Buckley is sh.ithouse relative to other top coaches. Most recently I remember him having Swan up front while Pies were getting killed in midfield against Port - dumb decisions like that all season and an inability to adjust.

[lakes_8]

Player Props, here is what I like tonight ..

Michael Gordon U145.5 m , Back from injury, heard him in an interview say he is not 100% but should be ok to get through the game. The two wingers for the sharks are not the most experienced, so they will get a fair bit of ball and dont think he will go looking for it if his calf injury is not the best. Obviously there is a chance of reaggrevating and not fininshing the gam

Good luck

Centrebet has gordon market at 150.5 for a few extra metres

[OZnBa Fan]

I'm not a big nrl man so I'd love some1 to tell me who these players play for so I know which games they r

[lakes_8]

I'm not a big nrl man so I'd love some1 to tell me who these players play for so I know which games they r

tonight broncos and sharks

[OZnBa Fan]

tonight broncos and sharks

thanks mate

[Coopertrooper]

All teams have had injuries. Pies are 2 and 5 vs top 8 teams and only two games above 9th - see how that works?

They are still a talented team but blind Freddy could have coached them into the top 8, I watch pies games surrounded by their supporters and most agree Buckley is sh.ithouse relative to other top coaches. Most recently I remember him having Swan up front while Pies were getting killed in midfield against Port - dumb decisions like that all season and an inability to adjust.

Buckley has been fantastic as a coach. The reason the team has struggled in the past 18 months is the culture of some players. The 1990 culture was a shock to Buckley as a player and he pushed for change. Now the brat pack don't want to listen to the coach, and Buckley has come in and pulled their heads back in line. Didak, Johnson, Shaw, Swan and O'Brien have all needed their heads pulled in, the first 2 have probably played their last games. We're getting good game time into some good kids; Buckley is not just looking short-term, yet is weeding out the bad eggs.

Malthouse refused to get players in line, and picked favourites (he lost it in his last 3-4 years at the pies, Derek Hine was the mastermind who won us the flag in 2010 with his ridiculously good recruiting), especially Dale Thomas, who has struggled to reach his true potential. If he stays, a guy like Buckley can get him there, and he is bringing a great work ethic in. This list is going through a bit of a transition, with many of the premiership stars on the way out, and it is being managed very well. The fact that the team is not in the top 10 for quarters won, are 9th for points scored and 10th for points against shows that there is on-field pain from this period, yet the coach has kept a good spine together, with structures that have kept us in the 8 and looking to get more finals experience into these young kids.

I don't think I'd be writing us off in the next few years and I certainly wouldn't be putting it on Buckley. If you listen to 'the media in the know', they say half the players are revolting against the coach and are all in-fighting and it was doom for this year. They don't know jack all and go off internet rumours, so I wouldn't listen to an idiot like Wayne Carey trying to 'educate' people about what is going on at Collingwood. He'd be the last to know, and he (and others) can continue to write the coach off, but they must do it at their peril. I'm not a Collingwood fan that thinks we'll win it every year and have not liked all of our players or coaches with bias. The signs are good for the future.

For tonight the line is sharp, so I'm playing 20-39, think it will get close to the line.

I wouldn't be playing top 4 (not playing well enough for that) and so wouldn't touch us for this years premiership, but this isn't some half-rate side. For the first time this year we will see the 'big 4' of clearences together (Pendles, Swan, Ball, Beams), which is an area we have struggle with. How they gel in the next few weeks will give a fairly good indication of the quality of this list.

[aussieH]

Agree with you Sando that pies will get a run and challenge top 4 and outside premiership chance. I have actually overcommitted in the pies tonight so am a little nervous good luck on your bets.


That crows forward line does not look great so hopefully that is where the advantage. The midfield for the crows is pretty darn good.


Swan4brownlow agree with your comments.

[benrama]

Buckley has been fantastic as a coach. The reason the team has struggled in the past 18 months is the culture of some players. The 1990 culture was a shock to Buckley as a player and he pushed for change. Now the brat pack don't want to listen to the coach, and Buckley has come in and pulled their heads back in line. Didak, Johnson, Shaw, Swan and O'Brien have all needed their heads pulled in, the first 2 have probably played their last games. We're getting good game time into some good kids; Buckley is not just looking short-term, yet is weeding out the bad eggs.

Malthouse refused to get players in line, and picked favourites (he lost it in his last 3-4 years at the pies, Derek Hine was the mastermind who won us the flag in 2010 with his ridiculously good recruiting), especially Dale Thomas, who has struggled to reach his true potential. If he stays, a guy like Buckley can get him there, and he is bringing a great work ethic in. This list is going through a bit of a transition, with many of the premiership stars on the way out, and it is being managed very well. The fact that the team is not in the top 10 for quarters won, are 9th for points scored and 10th for points against shows that there is on-field pain from this period, yet the coach has kept a good spine together, with structures that have kept us in the 8 and looking to get more finals experience into these young kids.

I don't think I'd be writing us off in the next few years and I certainly wouldn't be putting it on Buckley. If you listen to 'the media in the know', they say half the players are revolting against the coach and are all in-fighting and it was doom for this year. They don't know jack all and go off internet rumours, so I wouldn't listen to an idiot like Wayne Carey trying to 'educate' people about what is going on at Collingwood. He'd be the last to know, and he (and others) can continue to write the coach off, but they must do it at their peril. I'm not a Collingwood fan that thinks we'll win it every year and have not liked all of our players or coaches with bias. The signs are good for the future.

For tonight the line is sharp, so I'm playing 20-39, think it will get close to the line.

I wouldn't be playing top 4 (not playing well enough for that) and so wouldn't touch us for this years premiership, but this isn't some half-rate side. For the first time this year we will see the 'big 4' of clearences together (Pendles, Swan, Ball, Beams), which is an area we have struggle with. How they gel in the next few weeks will give a fairly good indication of the quality of this list.

There is daylight between the Pies and Hawks/Swans/Cats right now. Pies were much more consistent under Malthouse, and the press he formulated while he was there is what won them the premiership and took a long time for other teams to "solve." Proof is in the pudding for Buckley, if you can't motivate and get the best out of good players then the finger points to you.

[RedDevil89]

I like the under (38.5) on tonight Broncos vs Sharks game tonight! With both team missing some origin stars, I think this will be a low scoring game! I actually like Broncos in this game and have put a small play on them +3.5/under 38.5 ($3.20)

[OZnBa Fan]

There is daylight between the Pies and Hawks/Swans/Cats right now. Pies were much more consistent under Malthouse, and the press he formulated while he was there is what won them the premiership and took a long time for other teams to "solve." Proof is in the pudding for Buckley, if you can't motivate and get the best out of good players then the finger points to you.

spot on mate 100% agree the pies are no chance for top 4 let alone a sneaky chance to win the flag

[aussieH]

Centrebet has gordon market at 150.5 for a few extra metres

Is 5 metres a good middle opportunity?

[sando]

Everybody and there dog are on the Crows ATS tonight, just how I like it. Have now wagered a unit on Pies 40+ as well. (Not adding that to my plays, just saying).

Is 5 metres a good middle opportunity?

Not at all mate, a complete waste of time IMO. Usually these props go comfortably over or fall way short.

[hedgejob]

Everybody and there dog are on the Crows ATS tonight

[s2230011]

Wade graham with 30 m after just 10 mins, off injured