Shock losses to Pies, Crows opens up door for Hawks
Posted by Brent DiamondAug 19. 2012 12:10 pm
HAWTHORN can fly up to second spot on the ladder today if as expected it posts another victory against Gold Coast at the MCG.
Last night, North Melbourne won by 30-points over Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions also upset Adelaide by 10-points at the Gabba.
Those two results may hurt those two clubs in their bids’ for a top two finish although the Crows have a softer run home than all three of the other competing teams to still be fancied for a home final.
Hawthorn faces Sydney at the SCG next week in what will be billed as a top of the table clash and then host West Coast at the MCG on a Friday night in the final round heading into finals.
They are likely to take on Sydney next week without Cyril Rioli, who suffered a shoulder injury last week.
Collingwood tackle West Coast at Patersons Stadium next week but finish off with Essendon in the final round which it will be a strong chance to win.
Sydney also face a tough run home after today’s clash against the Western Bulldogs in which it will battle Hawthorn for top spot next week and then travel to take on Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
Collingwood was bitterly disappointed about last night’s result with coach Nathan Buckley struggling to come out of the match with any positives.
Jarryd Blair said the loss was never expected.
“I’m not too sure. I guess a lot of it comes down to the opposition that you’re playing,” Blair told the AFL website.
“A loss is never expected; you go out there thinking you’re going to win so it was out of the blue a little bit but all the credit to them – they’re playing the footy they want to play and it’s working for them.
“They’re a side that’s up and about, and last week was a real high and we were ready to go again this week but they went to another level after the first 10 to 15 minutes and got on top of us.”
Tags: Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Sydney
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