 | | Matthew Lloyd will be missing from the season opener against Melbourne |
by Libby Grounds
It’s a new season, which brings about new hope for each team as they start the season fresh and ready to rock. Weighing heavy on the mind of all the clubs but especially the Melbourne Demons will be the reminder of the Tsunami disaster that stole their No. 20. They will be dedicating their first game of the season to the memory of Troy Broadbridge. Brisbane vs. St Kilda
Two of the toughest teams are up first in the 2005 opening game at the Gabba on Thursday night. The Lions have a few of their big men out with Jamie Charman being their latest casualty after suffering a shoulder injury. This will be one of the hardest games to predict. The Saints will be remembering the 80-point thrashing they received in the qualifying final at the Gabba, and they won’t want it to be repeated. Their coach is confident they have overcome their intimidation of the Lions line up and the Saints are a new and improved team. Prediction-Brisbane Kangaroos vs. Carlton
Carlton will be pleased with their Wizard Cup performance and will be using it to give them optimism for the 2005 season. They had four straight wins in the pre-season and will be looking for a win in round one to give them a confident start to what they predict will be a great year. Both sides have a few on their injury lists but are close to being at full strength, which will make it a good and evenly matched game. Prediction-Carlton Melbourne vs. Essendon
A notable absence for the Bombers will be full-forward Matthew Lloyd who will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken arm. This comes on top of the five losses the Bombers have suffered in the pre-season. They could also be missing up to six of their senior players for the season opener through injury. It’ll be a tough one for the Demons who will be starting the 2005 series without Troy Broadbridge. Everyone was touched and saddened by the Tsunami disaster on December 26 2004 but the Demons lost one of their best in the prime of his career. His career began and ended against the Bombers, so they will be running onto the field with purpose and determination with the season opener being played in his memory. Predication-Melbourne Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide
The Dockers had a good 2004 in that they improved their winning ratio when they travelled but the fortress that was the Dockers home ground was broken and they were unable to hold their home games like they used to. It will be high on their list of priorities in 2005 to keep their improved statistics on the road but also be able to back that up by still being strong at home. The Power are looking good after their grand final win in 2004 against the Lions and will be looking forward to keeping up their confidence and strike up a win from the very beginning. Prediction-Port Adelaide Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn
Not a particularly good preseason for either side, they will be hoping their home and away season will be a little better. The Swans will be happy this game is at home, but they haven’t faired too well against the Hawks in recent history. The Swans have gone down four out of the last five times the sides have met and will want to get back the upper hand. The Hawks will be struggling with some of their more experienced players being sidelined with injury, which could just be their downfall. Prediction-Sydney Richmond vs. Geelong
The Cats were one of the best improved in 2004 and if they keep up their fine form, they will definitely be one of the teams to watch. They have crashed through the 26,000 membership barrier and will be encouraged by the support from their fans. The side is looking strong and confident with a few of their last minute injury worries in Steven King, Joel Corey and Kent Kingsley being cleared to play. The Tigers will be trying their best to shake their wooden spoon title after having a shocking end to last season suffering 14 straight losses. Although many sides will think this will be a walk in the park, Geelong aren’t as quick to write them off. Prediction-Geelong Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles
Another side that improved out of sight in 2004 was the Eagles. They ended in the top eight which was something nobody expected. They sneaked up on everyone as they plugged away winning games and learning from the ones they lost. Many expect them to just keep on improving and be one of the real threats for this season. The Crows will be started with a near full strength side, but the question remains if it will be enough to gain a win over the confident Eagles. Prediction-West Coast Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs
Skipper Nathan Buckley will be leading his team onto the MCG although having missed the pre-season through a hamstring injury. The Magpies have a few injury worries through their field with star ruckman Josh Fraser out for two months and goal kicker Alan Didak expected to be out for a few months with a knee problem. Although these holes can be filled, the question is at what cost. The Bulldogs will be adopting the new year, new coach and new opportunities philosophy in 2005. They will be aiming to give Rodney Eade a dream return to coaching. Predication-Collingwood E-mail the author
source: MasterTips
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