Brent’s Weekly Bite

It has been another fascinating week in the world of football. With coaches again being changed and futures speculated. Here is a look at my top and bottom fours of this week. Please feel free to comment.

THE TOP FOUR

1. ROUND 14 HAS ARRIVED – The wait is finally over for the football world with the undefeated Cats and Saints meeting this coming Sunday at Etihad Stadium. The clash promises to be one of the biggest home and away matches in recent history. It is a shame that it is not at the MCG but these things do happen. I am looking forward to seeing this clash and wait to see who is victorious in this clash. The question on everyone’s lips is who will win; I still cannot decide who I think will remain undefeated.

2. NICK NAITANUI – This is Naitanui’s second appearance in my weekly bite and for good reason. On Saturday night the big Nat was able to help his side to victory against the reigning premier Hawthorn. Despite having little impact in the game the last quarter belonged to the number two draft pick. He kicked 3 goals in an inspired last term and showed what talent he has. A cult following is sure to begin after this match, I also will be interested to see what Melbourne supporters think of not taking him at number one??

3. SHANNON BYRNES – Geelong have many star players which we are all aware of but I have been really impressed with the emergence of Shannon Byrnes as a genuine small forward. In the past month of football Byrnes has been on fire kicking 13 goals with only 3 behinds, he also averages above 20 disposals and helped Geelong get over the line against the Dockers. I hope that Byrnes can keep this form going, the question is, is he the most in-form small forward of the last month?

4. THE DONS FLYING UP – I like many on Friday night expected a close match; I believed that Carlton would be too strong for the Dons as I think many did. This was not the case however, with Essendon belting a disappointing Carlton team.

Essendon under Matthew Knights are playing some very exciting football and will give some teams a shake in September if they are able to keep this form alive. Carlton on the other hand still has a lot to learn when it comes to big game football, they know we’re coming? Maybe they shouldn’t tell everyone next time.

THE BOTTOM FOUR

1. BARRY HALL – Oh yes he has done it again. Barry Hall has landed himself in more hot water after another report and suspension this week. Hall punched his opponent (Ben Rutten) in the head during the Sydney vs. Adelaide clash on Saturday. In a moment of madness Hall after being elbowed in the face by his opponent retaliated with a punch to the jaw. Everyone has surely watched the incident, what do we all think? Personally I think there is not a lot in the incident, worth a week or two but is Barry Hall serious? Even coach Paul Roos doubts this to be the case. What does the future hold for Barry Hall?

2. PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE – The Hawks are in dire straits after being defeated again on the weekend. The Hawks sit outside the eight on 6 wins and have a percentage just under one hundred. Yes they may be only one game out but their current form does nothing to suggest that they will be able to bridge this gap. The run home has been analysed by many in the media most predict 5 wins. On this assumption the Hawks will surely be the first side since Adelaide in 1999 to miss the finals after winning the flag the previous year. What has gone wrong in season 2009 for the Hawks?

3. TERRY WALLACE AND SEN – On Sunday afternoon while behind the counter at work I was listening to the SEN commentary of the Geelong game. The next game to be broadcast was the Richmond vs. St.Kilda game no problems, wrong Terry Wallace is commenting on the game. Personally I do not like this move to have the former Richmond coach (of only a couple of weeks mind you) calling on Richmond games already. I really struggled to take what he was saying on board and to take it seriously. I have no problems with him moving into the media but for it to be so soon really hits a chord with me. Any Opinions?

4. MARK MCVEIGH – What was this man thinking? Gets suspended for one match and then decides after “socializing” that he cannot make training on Monday, now he misses two matches. As Essendon has noted he did let the club know but wanted to send a message about professionalism which is a breathe of fresh air by the club. This is a problem with many sporting codes and players around the world thinking that they can just do what they like when they like, see Andrew Symonds. When will these players learn?

Share and Enjoy: