Define Yourself

Round 3 proved to be season defining for a number of teams as premiership credentials were put on the line in a cracking round of football.

It all started on Friday night with the Blues showing they were a serious threat for the flag as they absolutely slaughtered an insipid Magpie outfit. The performance was so dominant there were a few panicked text phone calls being made to the Malthouse home at 3-quarter time. The Blues smashed the filth in the midfield and in truth the 10 goal victory could have been closer to 15 had they not wasted some decent chances. If they can keep all their big man on the park they look like they have the ability to go deep in September. In contrast the Magpies looked a rabble and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back. Too early to write off their top 4 hopes though...for now.

It took a half on Saturday but the Tigers managed to get their first win on the board in 2012 with a 10 goal flogging of the Demons. It was a game the Tiges had to win and they did as Melbourne's hellish season rolls on. Port Adelaide gave Sydney a run for their money over at AAMI but in the end the Swans had too much for the Power. Some people are talking up the undefeated Swans as top four material. They are kidding themselves. The Swans have the professionalism to beat the poor sides but lack the class to beat the real contenders. In a dour struggle at Subi, the Dockers and Lions couldn't manage 100 points between them as Fremantle eked out a 5 goal win in one of the worst games of football you are ever likely to see.

Saturday night proved that the Dogs are G O N E as they were destroyed by a Saints outfit that in truth looks only a mid-table side. The Dogs will be lucky to avoid finishing bottom 4 the way things are looking. Up at the Gold Coast, Gary Ablett produced one of the greatest games ever seen - for the third week in a row!!! Still, it wasn't enough to get the Suns over the line as they gave up a 3/4 time lead in a 3 goal lost to the Bombers. The scum are also undefeated and their feral supporters only have them firm as flag favourites each week.

AFL premiership footy debuted at Blacktown and despite being up by close to 10 goals at 1/4 time, the $1.01 Eagles failed to cover the 99.5 point line against the GWS. They were victorious by a measly 89 points - but gee the look ominous. If they can win enough games to finish top 2 it is hard to see them not getting to the last Saturday in September. The more telling result on Sunday was Hawthorn's complete demolition of a hapless Adelaide at the MCG. The Crows perfect start under Brenton Sanderson came to a crashing end as they met a real contender for the first time when it mattered and were absolutely battered. They may make the 8 due to their easy draw but they won't be troubling any of the top sides in September. The round ended with (for me) a massive upset as the Kangaroos easily accounted for Geelong. Before this match I would have rated the Kangas as borderline finals material but a win like that (so rare for them in recent years) suggests they may have turned a corner and could challenge for the lower positions in the 8.

To the tipping - and a massive effort from ruby2shoes who managed to find the Kangaroos for a perfect 9 and a bonus point. That sees him move within one of three joint leaders. Horseboy, did his best impression of Port Adelaide and choked as soon as he hit the front (I'm guessing he tipped Adelaide to beat the Hawks!). He has been joined at the top by Tom Rosewall and Chooka. In the streak comp Richard Banks didn't manage a standout and was overtaken by a host of players. Drizabone now has the lead on 12 - but his streak was ended by the Cats capitulation on Sunday. There are three tipsters with active streaks on 11 - Owen Bailey, wildjohny, and ruby2shoes who selected 8 of his 9 winners this week in his run - fair effort.

Finally to this weeks matches. The round kicks off with St Kilda v Fremantle in Lyongate. I still like the Dockers but this is the one chance I will give the perennial chokers of winning in Melbourne this year. Saturday sees an absolute blockbuster at the MCG as Carlton takes on Essendon. On exposed form you'd have to like the Blues. Collingwood should be able to bounce back with a win over Power while Adelaide's piss easy draw will again be in evidence when they smash the Giants. Saturday night sees an absolute cracker at Subi as the Eagles take on the Hawks. Think you would have to go with Eagles over in WA. In a less enticing match up, Brisbane and the Gold Coast meet in the Q-Clash. Ablett could potentially get the Suns over the line but I will back the Lions in. The round ends on Sunday with Geelong taking on Richmond at Kardinia Park. The Cats will s**t it in. In a battle of two of the most irrelevant sides in the league the Swans play the Kangaroos up in Sydney. The Swans haven't been that impressive so far this year but these are the type of games they win. The twilight game is absolute puss - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs. I'll tip the Dogs but will be watching the races from Hong Kong.