Sydney v West Coast, Stadium Australia

Sydney head into this match as huge favourites against a banged up Eagles outfit, and deservedly so. Of course the Eagles for the past few seasons have built their team around Chris Judd, with a bit of Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr thrown in and a solid defence with Glass, Hunter and Wirrpanda. Unfortunately they no longer have the services of Judd or Cousins and they have so far struggled this season without them. During the pre-season they were poor and despite their first quarter effort against the Lions in round 1, they have really struggled to get things going particularly up forward where they cannot kick goals. For this match they will be without their second best midfielder behind Kerr in Matt Priddis, as well as Andrew Embley, David Wirrpanda and Mark LeCras. Former All-Australian midfielder Chad Fletcher has been well down on his best form and subsequently finds himself out of the team. As well Dean Cox is unlikely to take his place in the team due to a foot injury and even if he plays will likely be restricted. So the Eagles head in to this match well undermanned and down on form while they still need to find some way of kicking more goals.

The Swans are 2-1 having lost to the Saints by only 2 points in round 1 while smashing last seasons Grand Finalist Port Adelaide in Sydney and beating the Lions in Brisbane last week. Paul Roos’ game plan allows new players to slot in easily and guys like Jack, Bird, Mattner and Barlow have all looked good in their roles already. The Swans are still just so solid and will be looking for revenge against the Eagles who have won the majority of close contests over the past few seasons. Three matches have been decided by a point, one by 2 points and 2 by 4 points including 2 Grand Finals over the last 3 seasons, however if the Eagles can keep within 30 points in this one they have done well. Last season the Swans recorded big wins against the struggling teams like Carlton, Melbourne, Richmond and the Bulldogs while this season have already comprehensively smashed Port Adelaide at the SCG. Right now the Eagles are an injured struggling team and I expect the Swans to be their clinical best and break the run of close scoring encounters by registering a comfortable victory.



Pick : Sydney by over 24.5 points
Odds : 1.75
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : SportingBet
Date : 2008-04-12
Match Result : 107-45
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