What The F-Arc Review:
Daniher dazzles in Bombers comeback win
All eyes were cast upon the Bombers as Joe Daniherโs return to football was set to ignite a rather empty Adelaide Oval in true 2020 fashion. The Essendon spearhead booted three goals in his return, with the match ending as a tight affair in favour of the Bombers. The Hawks were off to a flyer, with soon-to-be appointed Bombers coach Ben Rutten already losing the backing of the fans by half time. However, the second-half script flipped the match on its head, with the Bombers coming back from a six-goal deficit to take all four points and keep their finals hopes alive.
Welcome back Joe Daniher!#AFLHawksDons pic.twitter.com/k4saVrI9II
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 27, 2020
Tigers cage Premiership favourites West Coast
ย The Thursday night encounter played out as a fight for fourth place, with West Coast lining up as flag favourites off the back of six straight wins in Perth. The return to interstate hub life was a rude awakening for the 2018 premiers, as Richmond clawed their way to a 27-point victory at Metricon Stadium. While the MCG will remain out of the question, the Tigers could be timing their run home to the finals with perfection once again.
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Controversy concludes Alice Springs showcase
The Demons and Saints met in centre of the nation to battle for a vital four points for both sideโs finals hopes. The topsy-turvy contest was building to a climax, with All-Australian form midfielders Christian Petracca and Jack Steele making a case for their respective sides. The former was called upon in the dying seconds of a close match, turning three Saints defenders into traffic cones before launching at goal. The kick looked home before a diving effort from Dougal Howard forced the goal to be reviewed. With no goal-line footage and overall uncertainty, the six points stood, with the Demons going on to win by three points.
The strength of Christian Petracca ๐คฏ#AFLDeesSaints pic.twitter.com/DswVd97Zgt
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 29, 2020
Blues stumbled in must-win Magpies clash
Hard to say whether Collingwood won this match or Carlton lost it. While the Magpies ran home with the four-goal win, David Teagueโs side were calamitous in their attempt to put this game to bed by half time. The Magpies took advantage of Carltonโs poor resistance and soon had the ball talking in the second half. Collingwoodโs role players stood up when it mattered and took home the chocolates from their oldest foe. The win sets up Collingwood nicely in the top-eight while Carlton fall behind the pack with four games remaining.
Lower The Eyes:
Hawthorn vs. Adelaide
A danger game for the Hawks, with the Crows eyeing off their first win of the season. Following last weekโs dismal second half against the Bombers, the Hawks playing group would have copped an earful from Alistair Clarkson at training. You can only pray for the drywall in the coachโs box if the Hawks fall to the 0-13 Crows on Tuesday. Adelaide havenโt got much to play for, except for avoiding the tag as the worst side in the AFL era. But, if you were ever going to tip them for a win this season, itโd be over the Hawks.
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West Coast vs. Essendon
The Eagles are short favourites to put the Bombers finals hopes to an end despite losing key forward Josh Kennedy to injury. The Bombers selection luck extends into their own camp, with skipper Dyson Heppell, defender Michael Hurley and cult-hero Sam Draper coming in to face the Eagles. If the Bombers come to play like they did in the first half last week, this game could be over by quarter time. Expect a fiery battle in the heart of the ground, with the Eagles a touch above their opponents in this one.
Richmond vs. Fremantle
Not a glamorous contest as far as rivalries go, but there will be a number of battles within this war. Dustin Martin and Nat Fyfe will matchup in the engine room once again, while Justin Longmuirโs impenetrable defense will look to withhold Tigers surging attack. Richmond have won their past three against the Dockers, with an average winning margin over 68 points across that period, but donโt be surprised if this youthful Fremantle side make the Tigers earn all four points.
Sydney vs. Melbourne
Once again, it wont be the most exciting pre-match build up, but both clubs will offer a strong four quarters. The jury is still out for the Demons, with their best performances usually backed up by a mediocre showing the following week. Off the back of Christian Petraccaโs four goal game-winning performance against the Saints, the Demons will hope to escape the congested mid-ladder frenzy and cement themselves as a finals threat. For the Swans, an upset victory on Thursday will hand Sydney enhanced bragging rights over their rivaled capital city in for the time being.
Greater Western Sydney vs. Carlton
The Giants will come up against a side of their former selves, with the youthful Blues looking to embark on the top eight with a dozen or so ex-GWS players on their list. Leon Cameronโs side seem to be the hardest to read in 2020, churning out lackluster performances whilst defeating some of the leagueโs best. For the Blues, this is a must win. Their loss to Collingwood was the dagger they didnโt need, but a perfect run home could see them make the top eight for the first time in seven years. Expect a close contest, this could be anyoneโs for the taking.
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