AFL All Star Game

Hi Everyone,

I wasn't going to play this game simply because it is too hard to cap, but obviously I have changed my mind...'leaning' very seriously with the Dream Team.

Here are some of my reasons, as I will look more closely into this game as it gets closer to starting mainly due to the players who will actually suit up:

- Player match ups, player match ups, player match ups is IMO the key to who will win this game;

Cox Vs Fraser = Please dont even get me started, Cox All Australian and the 'BEST' ruckman in the comp Vs No. 1 draft pick which really isn't all that good.

Rutten (my sources say he will play) Vs Fev = Beat him only a couple of weeks ago...see no reason for it to happen again.

Bock Vs Brown = Don't think Brown is fit, and according to Mathews, Brown's injury flairs up, so 'if' there is any issues during the game he will go straight to the bench, but besides that Bock is in All Australian form this season, so I think he is up to the task.

Pavlich/Franklin Vs Croad/Waite = No real contest here IMO as the Dream Team boys have greater speed, talent, mobility, footy brain and strength to win.

And the midfields.  Think this is about even, but with the tap work from Cox, and Ablett being 'very' doubtful, I think the Dream Team have the edge.

Can't post the rest for some reason but I have saved the write up, thus I will try tomorrow.

Goals

Franklin (1st) = Dream Team

Fevola (2nd) = Victoria

Bradshaw (3rd) = Victoria

Richardson (4th) = Dream Team

Roughhead (5th) = Victoria

Pavlich (6th) = Dream Team

Burton (7th) = Dream Team

Goodwin (8th) = Dream Team

Motlop (9th) = Dream Team

Dream Team (6) Vs Victoria (3)

Overall: Dream Team (13) Vs Victoria (7) = Difference of 6  

The forward line of the Dream Team is a killer...why?  AFL footy today is played more on speed and playing in different positions, and of the players mentioned above most players 'should and can' line up in their respective postition's they would normally do on a Sat.  As for the Vic's, simply not, Fev, Bradshaw & Roughead all play on the goal line, thus where do the Vic's get their flankers and pockets from, and even if Brown does line up at CHF I only think this will not help them as he isn't fit...I mean 80% fit (as per Brown) in a game that will played as fast as you will ever see????

Oh, and throw in Cam Mooney into the Dream Team looks a nice fit.

- Another factor as mentioned above is the pace of this game, I just feel the Dream Team has greater mobility and pace then the Vic's, let along structure down back in Bock, Rutten, Bassett, Johncock, McLeod all apart of Adelaide's back 6, and then throw in Kennelly, Bolton and Glass... WOW!

- Now let's look at the Vic's possible backline; Brown (pace of the 'whole' game will worry him here), Croad (not 'overly' match fit as he missed a couple of game recently), Milburn (will go ok here), Waite (pressure of such a game will be interesting here, playing for Carlton over the past few years mean that he wouldn't have had many 'finals' type games),  Scarlett (should play well, but mobility of the above forwards can be a real concern here), Sewell (should be interesting to see how he goes), Shaw (scary!)...as for the rest, the Vic's don't have too many backups, and of the players mentioned above, not many have played 'alot' of footy together.

Just some thoughts, and obviously your comments are welcome.

Haven't made a play 'yet', as I need to think more about this game (looks like I have put alot of thought into already I know, but the final sides on paper will help me make a decision).  But, as you can guess I think the Dream Team is looking good.  More than likely I go with the ML ($2.20), but those not happy with this the +6.5 is on offer. 

P.S. Think the Dream Team win by 4-5 Goals. 

And sorry again for all of the above, just read between the lines...