ROUND ONE PREVIEW
By Chris Weaver of Casey 3SER 97.7FM
PORT MELBOURNE v NORTH BALLARAT (TEAC Oval - Saturday, 1.10 pm)
The Grand Final re-match pits two sides coming off strong pre-seasons. Interestingly, both clubs recruited strongly in the ruck division over summer to aid already formidable on-ball divisions. There may be doubts however about whether the Borough can contain a tall, strong North Ballarat forward line as they search for a replacement for Luke Livingston. Port Melbourne are formidable at home and play a pleasingly direct style of footy, so Roosters' full-back Shaun Moloney can expect many contests against the barrel-chested Adrian Bonaddio. Much of North Ballarat's drive will come from half-back, as Tom Roach and Brett Goodes look to continue on from their top form in 2008. Verdict: Port Melbourne by 14 points
COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG (Visy Park - Saturday, 2.00 pm)
Both the AFL stand-alone clubs find themselves with new, high-profile skippers this year. Damien Peverill's arrival at the Lexus Centre helps to cover some of the loss suffered when Paul Licuria and Nigel Carmody left the Magpies. But Geelong have depth in midfield and the signing of James Podsiadly means that the competition's reigning Liston Medallist stands at full-forward. Podsiadly played a more mobile role at Werribee last year than we were conditioned to watching, and could use his experience to drag inexperienced Collingwood defenders out of position. Verdict: Geelong by 17 points
COBURG TIGERS v FRANKSTON (ABD Group Stadium - Sunday, 2.00 pm)
These sides figured in an extraordinary and often volatile Elimination Final last year, as the Dolphins came from behind to claim a thrilling six point victory. Jade Rawlings' Tigers lost a lot of their 2007 Grand Final side over summer, whereas Frankston kept their losses to a minimum. Mature and physical, the visitors can expect Paul Kennedy and Marcus Marigliani to provide much of their drive. Much will depend though on the chopping and changing committed by Richmond at the selection table, as Coburg's midfield will rely heavily on support from their AFL partners. Verdict: Frankston by 26 points
SANDRINGHAM v CASEY SCORPIONS (Trevor Barker Beach Oval - Sunday, 2.00 pm)
Intrigue surrounds the changes in these clubs' AFL alignments as much as the game itself. Sandringham won four premierships while aligned with Melbourne, but could benefit from St Kilda's more experienced list. Crucial too is the retainment of mature-aged players, as Peter Summers takes over the captaincy from the much admired Chad Liddell. Casey's defence was a highlight last season, and both Alex Silvagni and James Wall are still at Casey Fields. The changes over summer could prove difficult though for rookie coach Peter German, who will have to integrate a lot of green Melbourne recruits into his Casey side. Verdict: Sandringham by 33 points
NORTHERN BULLANTS v BENDIGO BOMBERS (Visy Park - Sunday, 2.00 pm)
David Teague's Bullants will have to do without both their inspirational coach and Matthew Lappin on the field this year, but have gained Jason Saddington full-time following his departure from Carlton. Often a gritty side, the Bullants have gained Eddie Betts' cousin Wes Bilney from West Adelaide and he adds some much-needed pace and class on the forward line. Bendigo were cruelly hampered by Essendon's long injury list last season, leaving them often severely undermanned. Some experienced hard-nosed recruits (Darren Hulme, Paul Scanlon, Simon Weekley) will bolster the Bombers, who should match the Bullants well in what could be a very stop-start contest. Verdict: Northern Bullants by 3 points
Tune into Chris Weaver on Casey 3SER 97.7FM for the call of the Match of the Round. Listen online at www.3ser.org.au
Last Modified on 09/04/2009 16:09