St Kilda forward Stephen Milne has been charged with rape over an incident that allegedly happened in 2004. Victoria Police today confirmed that Milne has been charged with four counts of rape following a review of the initial investigation carried out after the woman complained about Milne.

More details -http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/milne-charged-with-4-counts-of-rape.1013336/

In 2013 we are now able to compare like for like the TV ratings from last year, in terms of broadcast terms and arrangement. The number of teams is the same, and the fox arrangements are the same.

At a glance, ratings are up marginally on last year across both Foxtel and Seven/7mate. Foxtel ratings are up 5% after their meteoric rise last year where Foxtel ratings climbed in a big way thanks to the introduction of live and simultaneous broadcasts of all matches. Sevens ratings are up 1.5% on last season, after FTA ratings dropped 10%, heavily influenced by the developments at Foxtel.

The table above shows that FTA ratings have dropped more than 20% since 2008 when FTA coverage was offered by the Seven and Ten networks. The table allso shows a massive climb in the Foxtel ratings over the same time, when the paytv network, with 3 live matches a week and just under 8 million in ratings, climbed to nearly 21 million in 2012 under the newest media deal.

The table also shows that Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have worn a 30-40% drop in free to air audiences over 6 years, while Melbourne dropped 17% over the same period. Much of this can probably be attributed to the rise of live footy on foxtel, with increases this year attributable live tv coverage and form improvements.

The Perth FTA market appears to be down signifcantly, having lost half a million viewers this season, some of which could be attributed to West Coasts patchy form. Perths audience ratings are curious in that Perths broadcast schedule for this season appears to be almost completely on 7mate, whereas last year it was on Seven, which some forums are saying has caused confusion due in part to a lack of advertising. The change was done to accommodate live Friday nights without killing the news or other Friday night programming. Oddly enough, there are several occasions where Friday night football on 7mate has taken the top audience share in Perth.

The AFL continues to take a ratings hit with its locally guaranteed matches being screened before low audiences in Queensland and New South Wales. These matches hover around the 20-40k mark for the most part, although a Swans match reached 95k recently, highest AFL rating on a digital channel in Sydney ever, and one of the highest non final ratings in Sydney since 2009.

The top broadcast matches are again dominated by Friday night fixtures and Anzac Day, as well as the opening season fixtures, and the odd Saturday night match.

The Club viewing figures tell an interesting, if not the usual, story, with Essendon, Collingwood, Carlton and Geelong dominating both the Foxtel and Free to air ratings. North Melbourne should continue to feel aggrieved with the fixturing of its tv matches. With seven of its 11 matches to date receiving zero free to air coverage (and 10th in the ratings on Fox). I imagine its a frustrating sell to national sponsors in a crowded market when you arent getting exposure. The Bulldogs dont fare much better with just 4 matches not shown at all on Free to air and another 4 shown only to limited audiences in Queensland or New South Wales.

In conclusion, ratings are up marginally, with the Foxtel and Free to air tv ratings almost evenly poised, but still massively up on years to past in total. Beyond that, its the same old song. Friday nights continue to dominate the ratings. The Big clubs are dominating the ratings as expected, while the “minnow” clubs continue to be screwed over, not just by the fixture, but by the tv coverage which grants them critical exposure for their sponsors.

Ratings typically drop off in the latter half of the season, as the interest starts to focus on the teams who will make or shape the finals series, so the mid season ratings are rarely an indicator of where the season will finish up.

Article originally published in the Footybusiness blog.

You can also comment in BigFooty’s new The Footy Industry board.

CARLTON v HAWTHORN

Friday 14 June, 7:50pm, Etihad Stadium

Carlton
B: Mitch Robinson, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Josh Bootsma
C: Andrew Carrazzo, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Ed Curnow, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Brock McLean, Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
Int: Bryce Gibbs, Kane Lucas, Eddie Betts, Jaryd Cachia
Emerg: Chris Yarran, Sam Rowe, Simon White

In: A.Carrazzo, J.Bootsma
Out: S.White, C.Yarran

Hawthorn
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall, Sam Mitchell
C: Isaac Smith, Luke Hodge, Bradley Hill
HF: Jack Gunston, Lance Franklin, Shaun Burgoyne
F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
Int: Liam Shiels, Taylor Duryea, David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin
Emerg: Kyle Cheney, Sam Grimley, Shane Savage

In: M.Bailey, J.Gunston
Out: K.Cheney, S.Grimley

RICHMOND v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday 15 June, 1:40pm, MCG

Richmond
B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Bachar Houli
HB: Chris Newman, Troy Chaplin, Nick Vlastuin
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Daniel Jackson
HF: Aaron Edwards, Shane Edwards, Jake King
F: Ty Vickery, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
Foll: Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
Int: Matt White, Brandon Ellis, Jake Batchelor, Reece Conca
Emerg: Robin Nahas, David Astbury, Sam Lonergan

In: R.Conca, B.Ellis
Out: S.Lonergan, M.Dea (calf)

Adelaide
B: Rory Laird, Ben Rutten, Andrew Otten
HB: David Mackay, Daniel Talia, Brodie Smith
C: Nathan van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
HF: Thomas Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Shaun McKernan, Ian Callinan
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas
Int: Matthew Jaensch, Luke Brown, Ricky Henderson, Matthew Wright
Emerg: Graham Johncock, Jarryd Lyons, Brad Crouch

In: D.Mackay, M.Jaensch, M.Wright, L.Brown
Out: B.Reilly, J.Petrenko (shoulder), S.Kerridge, B.Crouch

FREMANTLE v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday 15 June, 2:40pm, Patersons Stadium

Fremantle
B: Zac Dawson, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr
HB: Paul Duffield, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban
C: Clancee Pearce, Ryan Crowley, Michael Barlow
HF: Nathan Fyfe, Chris Mayne, Hayden Crozier
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Jack Hannath, Alex Silvagni
Foll: Zac Clarke, David Mundy, Stephen Hill
Int: Garrick Ibbotson, Tendai Mzungu, Matt de Boer, Danyle Pearce
Emerg: Cameron Sutcliffe, Matthew Taberner, Tom Sheridan

In: A.Silvagni
Out: C.Sutcliffe

Brisbane
B: Ryan Harwood, Justin Clarke, Elliot Yeo
HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Ryan Lester
C: Sam Mayes, Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley
HF: Rohan Bewick, Jordan Lisle, Dayne Zorko
F: Ashley McGrath, Matthew Leuenberger, Brent Staker
Foll: Niall McKeever, Simon Black, Tom Rockliff
Int: Andrew Raines, Mitch Golby, Sam Docherty, Daniel Rich
Emerg: James Polkinghorne, Billy Longer, Marco Paparone

In: M.Leuenberger, T.Rockliff, J.Lisle, D.Rich, M.Golby, N.McKeever, S.Mayes
Out: B.Moloney (back), J.Polkinghorne, P.Karnezis, B.Longer, J.Crisp, S.Michael, M.Paparone

ESSENDON v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday 15 June, 7:40pm, Etihad Stadium

Essendon
B: Tayte Pears, Jake Carlisle, Mark Baguley
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Michael Hibberd
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell
HF: Jason Winderlich, Michael Hurley, Stewart Crameri
F: Nick Kommer, Joe Daniher, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Heath Hocking, David Zaharakis
Int: Jackson Merrett, Jake Melksham, Ben Howlett, David Myers
Emerg: Tom Bellchambers, Elliott Kavanagh, Kyle Hardingham

In: T.Pears, J.Merrett
Out: W.Hams, D.Fletcher (groin)

Gold Coast
B: Trent McKenzie, Sam Day, Joel Wilkinson
HB: David Swallow, Rory Thompson, Tom Murphy
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Liam Patrick, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Campbell Brown, Daniel Gorringe, Timmy Sumner
Foll: Tom Nicholls, Danny Stanley, Dion Prestia
Int: Jack Hutchins, Michael Rischitelli, Luke Russell, Jaeger O’Meara
Emerg: Jacob Gillbee, Steven May, Maverick Weller

In: D.Gorringe
Out: C.Dixon (ankle)

GWS GIANTS v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday 16 June, 1:10pm, Skoda Stadium

GWS Giants
B: Lachie Plowman, Joshua Bruce, Adam Kennedy
HB: Curtly Hampton, Tim Mohr, Sam Reid
C: Lachie Whitfield, Adam Treloar, Tom Scully
HF: Jacob Townsend, Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio
F: Rhys Palmer, Adam Tomlinson, Devon Smith
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Toby Greene
Int (from): Zachary Williams, Taylor Adams, Stephen Gilham, Dylan Shiel, Aidan Corr, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Gerald Ugle

In: W.Hoskin-Elliott, Z.Williams, T.Greene
Out:

Port Adelaide
B: Alipate Carlile, Jack Hombsch, Cameron O’Shea
HB: Matthew Broadbent, Thomas Jonas, Tom Logan
C: Chad Wingard, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes
HF: Jake Neade, John Butcher, Angus Monfries
F: Cameron Hitchcock, Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Hamish Hartlett
Int (from): Nathan Blee, Andrew Moore, Brad Ebert, Matt Thomas, Robbie Gray, Kane Mitchell, Paul Stewart

In: M.Thomas, M.Lobbe, P.Stewart, A.Moore, N.Blee
Out: C.Heath, J.Redden (shoulder)

COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Sunday 16 June, 4:40pm, Etihad Stadium

Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown, Ben Reid, Heritier O’Brien
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Marley Williams
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Luke Ball
HF: Jamie Elliott, Quinten Lynch, Dane Swan
F: Ben Kennedy, Travis Cloke, Josh Thomas
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int (from): Kyle Martin, Tim Broomhead, Ben Sinclair, Alan Didak, Paul Seedsman, Sam Dwyer, Adam Oxley

In: S.Dwyer, T.Broomhead, J.Elliott
Out: nil

Western Bulldogs
B: Brett Goodes, Jordan Roughead, Michael Talia
HB: Jason Johannisen, Dale Morris, Dylan Addison
C: Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd, Jack Macrae
HF: Robert Murphy, Liam Jones, Ryan Griffen
F: Daniel Giansiracusa, Jake Stringer, Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson, Tom Liberatore, Nick Lower
Int (from): Lukas Markovic, Liam Picken, Mitch Wallis, Koby Stevens, Clay Smith, Nathan Hrovat, Tom Campbell

In: M.Boyd, A.Cooney, L.Markovic, T.Campbell
Out: T.Williams (shoulder)

Usually you get some good value when betting after the bye. Last two years out of the 42 matches when one team was coming off the bye, the team that came off the bye won only 36% of the time. Something punters do not really take into account, in fact some may actually think that a week off is good.

The Hawks are coming off the bye but have won their last nine matches against Carlton. The Blues play their second Friday night match in a row and for the year, while this is the first one for the Hawks. After Sydney’s walloping of the Crows at AAMI last week, the premiership favourite will want to send a message back to the reigning premiers on the big stage. Carlton may do their best to put a fight but the Hawks will put in a four quarter performance and by the final whistle will be well ahead of the -25.5 line offered by Betfair and the bet of the round.

Fremantle this year have beaten the betting lines on no fewer than seven occasions, and have done so in their last five consecutive matches. They are continually underrated as opposed to their opponents the Lions who have only managed to do it on three occasions this year. The Dockers are in red hot form while the Lions have lost four their last five games. Expect a demolishing here with Fremantle to easily cover the -45.5 offered by Luxbet.

Ever since Port’s 5-0 start to the season they have gone off the rails having lost every single game. They have also not beaten a betting line since round six. That is not to say that GWS have done any better, having lost every game this year, but they did give the Cats a bit of shake up at Skoda last week. The margin will not blowout to what bookies think given it is at Skoda again and Port are coming off the bye. GWS with a flying start to the game for the second week in a row and should at the very least be within the +30.5 line offered by Sportsbet.

Adelaide last week were given a royal whack by the reigning premiers, meanwhile the week before Richmond showed they can bounce back from poor a performance the week before. So this week it is the Crows turn and they should get off to a rabid flyer given the Tigers had the week off. Expect the Crows to make it a close one and Sportsbet is offering the best line at +20.5 against a team they beat last year.

The Dogs get some key players back this week and are now on a roll with two wins on a trot. They should not beat the Pies, but Collingwood still have several key players out. Centrebet is offering the best line at +38.5 they should get well within that.

Current Betting Fund:  $1,060.50

Total staked so far: $513.50

Carlton v Hawthorn – Handicap (-25.5) – $200 @ $1.94 Betfair

Fremantle v Brisbane Lions –Handicap (-45.5) – $200 @ $1.92 Luxbet

GWS v Port Adelaide –Handicap (+30.5) – $200 @ $1.92 Sportsbet

Richmond v Adelaide –Handicap (+20.5) – $150 @ $1.92 Sportsbet

Collingwod v Western Bulldogs –Handicap (+38.5) – $150 @ $1.92 Centrebet

(Bet is on team in Bold)

Odds correct at time of posting

What happens when man is taken from their comfort zone and thrown into a battle against Mother Nature?

Well Heineken would like to find out in their new YouTube series – DROPPED.

Meet the next Bear Grylls; with a twist.

Spanish bartender Rikar Gil’s dream of visiting the sunny tropics are dealt are harsh blow when he is DROPPED in the middle of Alaska by the Heineken team, far from the streets of his home town of Madrid.

Watch as he must battle the elements, a fuzzy grizzly bear, and his wits to survive; all while traveling through the Alaskan wilderness and sharing some very frosty Heineken’s and a few tales with the locals along the way.

In true Bush Tucker Man style, Rikar dons his brand new tuxedo and must learn to survive off what nature provides him, with the aim to find an airport and make his way home.

It’s time to get inspired for your own weekend escapades with Rikar and his inspirational story of triumph; and be sure to wash down the adventure with some oh so sweet Heineken.

To infinity and beyond!

Gameday w/ chat: http://bit.ly/AFLBombersBluesr11s13

Carlton Board: http://bit.ly/BFCarlton

Essendon Board: http://bit.ly/BFEssendon

Get your tips in!

Essendon: Essendon struggled against Sydney in wet conditions, going in with one too many key position players in most people’s opinions, but there were a few positives like Stanton’s 36 possession games, Jake Carlisle’s influence at both ends of the ground and Heath Hocking’s job on Daniel Hannebery, but a lack of forward structure was evident

Carlton: Thrashed a hapless GWS outfit but let a Callan Ward off the leash with no Andrew Carrazzo, and that may concern Mick Malthouse with Essendon having 4 or 5 players at a similar quality or higher than Ward. Lachie Henderson is showing promise as a key forward for the blues as well, but the fact that they’re playing 3 small forwards, none of whom push up into the midfield, may hamper the blues

Previous encounters: Essendon 1-3 Carlton (1 draw)

Past 5 matches

Essendon: W-L-L-W-L
Carlton: W-L-W-W-W
Essendon forward line vs Carlton defence

Interesting duel. Carlton have generally struggled with sides that have gone in with three tall forwards as one for the most part has gotten away from them with Vickery against Richmond, Hawkins against Geelong, Otten against Adelaide spring to mind, but Essendon’s forward line hasn’t, well, functioned. It’ll be important for Essendon to shut down the run and carry from Walker, who is probably leading Carlton’s B+F count right now.

midfield battle (rucks included)

Where the game is won and lost. Both boast an impressive midfield group on paper, but it’s how they work that’s important. Essendon have the big bodies in Watson, Howlett, Myers, Hocking, Goddard and co, but Carlton have the speed on the outside with Armfield, Lucas, Gibbs and Simpson, so it’s interesting if Essendon try to win the game like they did last year by trying to “beat up” the Carlton midfield

Carlton forward line vs Essendon defence

Carlton are interesting in the way that they play 5 “pure” forwards as well as their second ruckmen, and this could make things easier for the bombers as they thoroughly smashed a side with similar sort of structure in St. Kilda. Baguley and Hibberd will be important in shutting Betts and Garlett down, and either Hardingham or Browne on Yarran. If a side can contain those three to 4 goals or less they’re half way to beating Carlton

X-Factor player

Essendon’s X-Factor for this week is David Zaharakis. He’s fast, smart and has been in career best form so far this season. This guy can break open a game and is just playing pure football at the moment, and has been as good a recruit as Goddard from the second half of 2012.

Levi Casboult is my pick as the X-Factor for the blues. He’s a big lump of a lad, entering his 4th season at Carlton and should really be starting to hit his straps as a player. He could be the key forward Carlton are hoping for to really get them into contention

Key stats for each side

Essendon:
Contested Possessions. Carlton are 1st in CP differential for 2013 and Essendon 3rd, but Essendon can’t let Carlton get it on the outside to Gibbs and Simpson
Effective disposals. Essendon average the highest Effective disposals differential in the AFL. Can’t let the small forwards of Carlton to pressure them too much
Carlton:
Disposal efficiency. Essendon have been the #1 scoring side in the AFL from turnovers so Carlton can’t let them do that
Contested Marks. Carlton average the second fewest Contested marks in the AFL and strong contested marks are crucial to a side
Thanks to eth-dog

Our rivalry was born when Sheedy moved from Richmond to Essendon in 1981, taking his renowned hatred of all things Navy Blue along with him. Sheedy was the architect of many rivalries, notably Richmond with the Dreamtime at the ‘G game, and Collingwood with the ANZAC Day clash. But no other rivalry has ended up playing out on the big Finals stage like this rivalry has.

His ‘Baby Bombers’ stole the precious from us on the last Saturday in September 1993. And after that, we vowed to hates them forever.

We returned the favour in 1999, by 1! One glorious point. No small thanks to the face of Souvlaki Hut, and one supremely ferocious tackle courtesy of one Mr Fraser ‘Leroy’ Brown. “You’d wanna be on the Blues now!”

Proving the gargantuan stature of this rivalry are the historical results. This is no manufactured seat filler. This is the real deal.

32 Premierships won: 16 Carlton, 16 Essendon.
6 Grand Finals contested between the two clubs: 3 wins Carlton, 3 wins Essendon.
20 Finals contested: 10 wins Carlton, 10 wins Essendon.
217 clashes during the regular season. 111 wins Carlton, 101 wins Essendon, 5 draws.
116 years of sheer unadulterated VFL/AFL rivalry.

And so, after our brief trip in the Delorean, we arrive back to the future – and the future, ladies and gentlemen, is football.
Pound for pound, and as much as it pains me to say it, the teams are evenly matched in many areas.

The Goddard effect is in play – he has improved the quality of this side immensely, relegating players like Melksham to being part of the depth chart rather than central cogs in the team. Gumbleton is finally taking strides to becoming a reliable and effective forward target. Bellchambers has taken his ruck work to a new level over the last year and a half. Carlisle is in AA contention after taking some huge scalps and most importantly has rarely had his colours lowered this season. As for Jobe – nothing more to say here. He’s a bona fide champion of the game now.

For the Blues, Walker is in career best form creating drive of half back and influencing the play. Waite is in and back to his damaging best, allowing the Triumvirate of Awesome in Betts, Garlett and Yarran to wreak havoc on opposition defensive lines. Garlett has taken great strides this year, and has become one of our most consistent performers.

Key inclusions, or players I feel might be important

Carrazzo is a must for this game – Carlton are a significantly better side with him in the engine room. Hocking will blanket Murphy, rotating to Judd if he threatens to influence the game. Carrots is an essential inclusion to return the favour and limit the effectiveness of Watson or Zaharakis. But at this stage it is highly doubtful he will be fit enough to play, denting our chances of winning the crucial midfield battle.

Hurley will likely be included should he prove his fitness, but if Gumbleton has a day out against Sydney it will be a difficult decision for the Essendon match committee. Essendon’s list management team will struggle to keep Gumbleton, Hurley, Ryder and Daniher on the same playing roster in the long term.

How it will play out, or what I reckon will happen

Without Carrazzo, the result will rest on the shoulders of an inexperienced engine room. Look for Curnow to go with Stanton and Cachia to sit on Watson or Zaharakis. Both teams are guaranteed to lift for this clash, and literally anything is possible.

Essendon’s drive off half back must be nullified, and of all teams in the competition we have the ability to not only restrict them but to score a significant victory in this area. Eddie will be cherry ripe and hungry, Yarran will have some run in his legs, and Jeff will relish having the band back together.

Essendon’s tall targets will need to contribute significantly to a winning score. Crameri poses a big threat to us and White will have his work cut out for him to contain his influence on the outcome.
Thanks to Azzurro

Essendon
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B: Mark Baguley, Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hibberd
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, Ben Howlett
HF: Jake Melksham, Michael Hurley, Alwyn Davey
F: David Zaharaki, Joe Daniher, Nick Kommer
Foll: Patrick Ryder, David Myers, Heath Hocking
Int: Will Hams, Jake Carlisle, Stewart Crameri, Jason Winderlich
Emerg: Tom Bellchambers, Leroy Jetta, Kyle Hardingham
In: A.Davey, B.Howlett, M.Hurley, J.Daniher
Out: C.Dempsey (ribs), L.Jetta, S.Gumbleton (ankle), T.Bellchambers

Carlton
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B: Mitch Robinson, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Chris Yarran, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Ed Curnow, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Brock McLean, Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
Int: Bryce Gibbs, Kane Lucas, Eddie Betts, Jaryd Cachia
Emerg: Josh Bootsma, Troy Menzel, Sam Rowe
In: C.Judd, E.Betts, K.Lucas
Out: T.Menzel, T.Bell, J.Bootsma

ESSENDON v CARLTON
Friday June 7, 7:50pm, MCG

Essendon
B: Mark Baguley, Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hibberd
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, Ben Howlett
HF: Jake Melksham, Michael Hurley, Alwyn Davey
F: David Zaharaki, Joe Daniher, Nick Kommer
Foll: Patrick Ryder, David Myers, Heath Hocking
Int: Will Hams, Jake Carlisle, Stewart Crameri, Jason Winderlich
Emerg: Tom Bellchambers, Leroy Jetta, Kyle Hardingham

In: A.Davey, B.Howlett, M.Hurley, J.Daniher
Out: C.Dempsey (ribs), L.Jetta, S.Gumbleton (ankle), T.Bellchambers

Carlton
B: Mitch Robinson, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Chris Yarran, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Ed Curnow, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Brock McLean, Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
Int: Bryce Gibbs, Kane Lucas, Eddie Betts, Jaryd Cachia
Emerg: Josh Bootsma, Troy Menzel, Sam Rowe

In: C.Judd, E.Betts, K.Lucas
Out: T.Menzel, T.Bell, J.Bootsma

GWS GIANTS v GEELONG
Saturday June 8, 1:40pm, Skoda Stadium

GWS Giants
B: Stephen Gilham, Tim Mohr, Adam Kennedy
HB: Curtly Hampton, Joshua Bruce, Adam Treloar
C: Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio
HF: Devon Smith, Jonathan Giles, Adam Tomlinson
F: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Gerald Ugle
Foll: Dean Brogan, Tom Scully, Callan Ward
Int: Taylor Adams, Jacob Townsend, Toby Greene, Lachie Plowman
Emerg: Zachary Williams, Sam Reid, Aidan Corr

In: D.Brogan, S.Gilham, G.Ugle, L.Plowman
Out: S.O’hAilpin, M.Buntine, N.Wilson (calf), A.Corr

Geelong
B: Andrew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Cameron Guthrie, Mitch Brown, Josh Hunt
C: Jordan Murdoch, Jimmy Bartel, Jesse Stringer
HF: Mathew Stokes, Steve Johnson, Mitch Duncan
F: Allen Christensen, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Trent West, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
Int: Jackson Thurlow, Joel Corey, Billie Smedts, Nathan Vardy
Emerg: Jordan Schroder, Jed Bews, Josh Walker

In: J.Podsiadly, B.Smedts, J.Stringer, J.Thurlow, J.Murdoch
Out: H.Taylor (rest), S.Motlop (knee), J.Schroder, G.Burbury (quad), M.Blicavs (rest)

ADELAIDE v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday June 8, 4:10pm, AAMI Stadium

Adelaide
B: Rory Laird, Ben Rutten, Andrew Otten
HB: Brent Reilly, Daniel Talia, David Mackay
C: Bernie Vince, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
HF: Nathan van Berlo, Shaun McKernan, Jared Petrenko
F: Josh Jenkins, Sam Kerridge, Thomas Lynch
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson
Int: Jason Porplyzia, Brad Crouch, Ricky Henderson, Brodie Smith
Emerg: Jarryd Lyons, Ian Callinan, Matthew Wright

In: S.McKernan, R.Henderson, B.Crouch
Out: B.Martin, L.Brown (calf), J.Lyons

Sydney
B: Nick Malceski, Ted Richards, Nick Smith
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
C: Luke Parker, Daniel Hannebery, Kieren Jack
HF: Craig Bird, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
F: Tom Mitchell, Shane Mumford, Ben McGlynn
Foll: Mike Pyke, Josh Kennedy, Ryan O’Keefe
Int: Andrejs Everitt, Brandon Jack, Jesse White, Mitch Morton
Emerg: Jed Lamb, Dean Towers, Tony Armstrong

In: J.White, B.Jack
Out: L.Jetta (shin soreness), T.Walsh (hamstring)

GOLD COAST SUNS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday June 8, 7:40pm, Metricon Stadium

Gold Coast
B: Trent McKenzie, Sam Day, Joel Wilkinson
HB: David Swallow, Rory Thompson, Tom Murphy
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Liam Patrick, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Campbell Brown, Timmy Sumner, Charlie Dixon
Foll: Tom Nicholls, Danny Stanley, Dion Prestia
Int: Jack Hutchins, Michael Rischitelli, Luke Russell, Jaeger O’Meara
Emerg: Jared Brennan, Greg Broughton, Daniel Gorringe

In: L.Patrick, C.Dixon, J.Hutchins
Out: K.Horsley, B.Matera (ankle), D.Gorringe

North Melbourne
B: Lachlan Hansen, Scott D. Thompson, Scott McMahon
HB: Daniel Wells, Nathan Grima, Michael Firrito
C: Sam Gibson, Shaun Atley, Jamie Macmillan
HF: Sam Wright, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Aaron Black, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ryan Bastinac
Int: Ben Cunnington, Aaron Mullett, Taylor Hine, Majak Daw
Emerg: Will Sierakowski, Liam Anthony, Brad McKenzie

In: M.Daw
Out: W.Sierakowski

ST KILDA v WEST COAST EAGLES
Sunday June 9, 4:40pm, Etihad Stadium

St Kilda
B: Dylan Roberton, James Gwilt, Jack Newnes
HB: Sean Dempster, Rhys Stanley, Nathan Wright
C: Jarryn Geary, Nick Dal Santo, Jimmy Webster
HF: Farren Ray, Nick Riewoldt, David Armitage
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Maister, Tom Hickey
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Leigh Montagna, Jack Steven
Int (from): Arryn Siposs, Trent Dennis-Lane, Sam Dunell, Josh Saunders, Sebastian Ross, Ahmed Saad, Clinton Jones

In: B.Maister, C.Jones, T.Dennis-Lane, J.Saunders, S.Dunell
Out: S.Fisher (foot), J.Ferguson

West Coast
B: Blayne Wilson, Eric Mackenzie, Sam Butler
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitchell Brown, Matt Rosa
C: Adam Selwood, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
HF: Ashton Hams, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Dean Cox, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey
Int (from): Patrick McGinnity, Mark Hutchings, Brad Sheppard, Andrew Embley, Jamie Cripps, Andrew Gaff, Jacob Brennan

In: A.Hams, J.Brennan, P.McGinnity, J.Cripps, B.Wilson
Out: D.Glass (hip), M.LeCras (arm)

MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
Monday June 10, 3:20pm, MCG

Melbourne
B: Lynden Dunn, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Terlich
HB: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Joel Macdonald
C: Jack Trengove, Colin Sylvia, Michael Evans
HF: Jeremy Howe, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jack Watts
F: David Rodan, Chris Dawes, Aaron Davey
Foll: Mark Jamar, Matt Jones, Nathan Jones
Int (from): James Sellar, Dean Kent, Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Luke Tapscott, Sam Blease, Jordie McKenzie

In: C.Sylvia, J.Sellar, S.Blease, M.Gawn, T.McDonald
Out: J.Frawley (hamstring), J.Strauss

Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown, Ben Reid, Heritier O’Brien
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Marley Williams
C: Steele Sidebottom, Brent Macaffer, Luke Ball
HF: Jamie Elliott, Quinten Lynch, Dane Swan
F: Ben Kennedy, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int (from): Martin Clarke, Jackson Paine, Kyle Martin, Ben Sinclair, Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas, Adam Oxley

In: T.Cloke, B.Sinclair, J.Paine, A.Oxley
Out: A.Krakouer
BYES: Port Adelaide, Richmond, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane, Fremantle, Hawthorn

Collingwood v Sydney

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, B.Reid, H.O’Brien
HB: J.Russell, N.Maxwell, M.Williams
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, L.Ball
HF: J.Elliott, Q.Lynch, B.Macaffer
F: B.Kennedy, T.Cloke, S.Dwyer
Foll: D.Jolly, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Krakouer, M.Clarke, J.Witts, P.Seedsman
Emg: A.Didak, J.Thomas, B.Sinclair

In: M.Clarke
Out: J.Thomas (Omitted)

Sydney

B: N.Malceski, T.Richards, N.Smith
HB: J.McVeigh, H.Grundy, D.Rampe
C: L.Jetta, R.O’Keefe, D.Hannebery
HF: M.Morton, S.Reid, J.Bolton
F: L.Parker, A.Goodes, B.McGlynn
Foll: M.Pyke, J.Kennedy, K.Jack
Int: C.Bird, A.Everitt, J.Lamb, S.Mumford
Emg: T.Armstrong, T.Mitchell, T.Walsh

In: J.Lamb
Out: T.Walsh (Omitted)

Port Adelaide v Geelong Cats

Port Adelaide

B: C.O’Shea, A.Carlile, C.Heath
HB: Bra.Ebert, T.Jonas, T.Logan
C: K.Cornes, T.Boak, M.Broadbent
HF: A.Moore, J.Westhoff, A.Monfries
F: C.Wingard, J.Schulz, R.Gray
Foll: J.Redden, H.Hartlett, O.Wines
Int: K.Mitchell, S.Colquhoun, M.Lobbe, M.Thomas
Emg: C.Hitchcock, L.Stevenson, T.Clurey

In: T.Logan, M.Thomas, C.Heath, S.Colquhoun
Out: D.Cassisi (Hamstring), P.Stewart (Omitted), L.Stevenson (Omitted), J.Neade (Rested)

Geelong

B: A.Mackie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: C.Guthrie, H.Taylor, J.Thurlow
C: M.Duncan, J.Bartel, S.Motlop
HF: M.Stokes, S.Johnson, G.Burbury
F: A.Christensen, T.Hawkins, J.Podsiadly
Foll: T.West, J.Selwood, J.Corey
Int: B.Smedts, J.Hunt, J.Caddy, M.Blicavs
Emg: M.Brown, J.Schroder, S.Kersten

In: S.Johnson, G.Burbury
Out: J.Schroder (Omitted), G.Horlin-Smith (Soreness)

GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles

GWS Giants

Backs: J.Bruce, S.Gilham, T.Mohr
HB: M.Buntine, A.Corr, A.Miles
C: D.Smith, T.Greene, R.Palmer
HF: A.Treloar, J.Cameron, L.Whitfield
F: T.Adams, A.Tomlinson, C.Ward
Foll: D.Brogan, T.Scully, S.Coniglio
Int: C.Hampton, D.Shiel, J.Giles, A.Kennedy
Emg: J.Townsend, S.O’hAilpin, T.Downie

In: C.Hampton , A.Treloar , M.Buntine
Out: T.Bugg (Illness), T.Golds (Omitted), M.Whiley (Omitted)

West Coast Eagles

B: J.Brennan, D.Glass, M.Brown
HB: S.Hurn, E.Mackenzie, S.Butler
C: A.Gaff, S.Selwood, B.Dalziell
HF: M.LeCras, J.Darling, C.Masten
F: D.Cox, JJ.Kennedy, D.Kerr
Foll: N.Naitanui, M.Priddis, L.Shuey
Int: M.Rosa, J.Hill, B.Sheppard, M.Hutchings
Emg: A.Embley, A.Hams, B.Wilson

In: S.Butler, M.Brown, B.Dalziell, M.Hutchings
Out: A.Selwood (Quad), B.Waters (Quad), W.Schofield (finger), S.Wellingham (Ankle)

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs

St Kilda

B: R.Stanley, J.Gwilt, J.Newnes
HB: S.Dempster, S.Fisher, J.Webster
C: F.Ray, L.Hayes, D.Roberton
HF: N.Dal Santo, B.Maister, J.Geary
F: T.Hickey, N.Riewoldt, S.Milne
Foll: B.McEvoy, L.Montagna, J.Steven
Int: S.Ross, A.Siposs, D.Armitage, A.Saad
Emg: C.Jones, T.Milera, J.Saunders

In: L.Hayes
Out: T.Milera (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: L.Picken, J.Roughead, J.Johannisen
HB: T.Young, D.Morris, B.Goodes
C: M.Boyd, R.Griffen, R.Murphy
HF: L.Dahlhaus, L.Jones, J.Stringer
F: D.Addison, T.Williams, D.Giansiracusa
Foll: W.Minson, C.Smith, T.Liberatore
Int: J.Macrae, N.Hrovat, K.Stevens, N.Lower
Emg: M.Wallis, D.Cross, L.Markovic

In: D.Addison , T.Williams , N.Hrovat
Out: D.Cross (Omitted), A.Cooney (Hamstring), L.Markovic (Omitted)

Richmond v Essendon

Richmond

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: C.Newman, B.Ellis, B.Houli
C: S. Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, J.King
F: T.Vickery, J.Riewoldt, D.Martin
Foll: I.Maric, N.Foley, N.Vlastuin
Int: M.White, J.Batchelor, L.McGuane, S.Lonergan
Emg: A.Edwards, R.Nahas, M.Dea

In: C.Newman, S.Lonergan, I.Maric
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), O.Stephenson (Omitted), M.Dea (Omitted)

Essendon

B: J.Carlisle, D.Fletcher, C.Dempsey
HB: D.Heppell, C.Hooker, M.Hibberd
C: B.Stanton, J.Watson, J.Melksham
HF: J.Winderlich, S.Crameri, B.Goddard
F: D.Zaharakis, T.Bellchambers, M.Hurley
Foll: P.Ryder, H.Hocking, B.Howlett
Int: M.Baguley, D.Myers, N.Kommer, L.Jetta
Emg: J.Ashby, E.Kavanagh, S.Gumbleton

In: C.Dempsey , L.Jetta
Out: E.Kavanagh (Omitted) , J.Merrett (Omitted)

Brisbane Lions v Carlton

Brisbane

B: J.Adcock, J.Patfull, A.McGrath
HB: E.Yeo, R.Lester, B.Staker
C: A.Raines, S.Black, J.Polkinghorne
HF: R.Bewick, J.Brown, P.Hanley
F: D.Zorko, J.Lisle, T.Rockliff
Foll: M.Leuenberger, B.Moloney, J.Redden
Int: J.Green, S.Mayes, M.Golby, S.Michael
Emg: S.Docherty, T.Banfield, P.Karnezis

In: J.Green, S.Michael
Out: D.Merrett (Suspension), J.Clarke (Suspension)

Carlton

B: M.Robinson, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, S.White
C: K.Lucas, C.Judd, K.Simpson
HF: E.Curnow, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: B.McLean, J.Waite, M.Kreuzer
Foll: R.Warnock, M.Murphy, H.Scotland
Int: T.Bell, J.Bootsma, J.Cachia, B.Gibbs
Emg: T.Menzel, L.Casboult, J.Laidler

In: B.Gibbs
Out: T.Menzel (Omitted)

Fremantle v Melbourne

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, A.Silvagni
C: C.Sutcliffe, R.Crowley, P.Duffield
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, N.Fyfe
F: M.de Boer, Z.Clarke, H.Ballantyne
Foll: J.Hannath, D.Mundy, C.Pearce
Int: N.Suban, D.Pearce, T.Mzungu, M.Taberner, H.Crozier, J.Simpson, V.Michie

In: V.Michie, H.Crozier, M.Taberner, J.Simpson
Out: M.Walters (Ankle)

Melbourne

B: L.Dunn, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Watts, J.Sellar, C.Garland
C: J.Trengove, M.Evans, M.Jones
HF: L.Tapscott, J.Howe, N.Jetta
F: M.Gawn, C.Dawes, A.Davey
Foll: M.Jamar, N.Jones, J.Magner
Int: S.Byrnes, J.McKenzie, J.Strauss, D.Nicholson, T.Gillies, R.Bail, J.Spencer

In: S.Byrnes, T.Gillies, J.Spencer, J.Watts
Out: J.Toumpas (Ankle)

Hawthorn v Gold Coast Suns

Hawthorn

B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: S.Mitchell, J.Gibson, G.Birchall
C: I.Smith, L.Hodge, L.Shiels
HF: P.Puopolo, L.Franklin, J.Lewis
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, L.Breust
Foll: M.Bailey, B.Sewell, S.Burgoyne
Int: M.Spangher, J.Simpkin, S.Grimley, B.Hill, T.Duryea, K.Cheney, M.Osborne

In: J.Gibson, K.Cheney, S.Grimley, B.Hill
Out: D.Hale (Ankle)

Gold Coast Suns

B: T.McKenzie, J.Hutchins, D.Stanley
HB: D.Swallow, R.Thompson, T.Murphy
C: M.Shaw, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: G.Broughton, TJ.Lynch, J.Lonergan
F: C.Brown, S.May, A.Hall
Foll: S.Day, J.O’Meara, D.Prestia
Int: D.Gorringe, B.Matera, J.Brennan, L.Russell, T.Nicholls, K.Horsley, J.Wilkinson

In: T.Murphy, K.Horsley, J.Wilkinson, T.Nicholls, D.Gorringe
Out: Z.Smith (Knee), H.Bennell (Hamstring)

North Melbourne v Adelaide

North Melbourne

B: A.Mullett, S.Thompson, J.Macmillan
HB: D.Wells, N.Grima, M.Firrito
C: S.Gibson, S.Atley, R.Bastinac
HF: B.Cunnington, D.Petrie, B.Harvey
F: L.Thomas, M.Daw, L.Adams
Foll: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
Int: L.Hansen, J.Gysberts, S.Wright, T.Hine, W.Sierakowski, A.Black, S.McMahon

In: W.Sierakowski, J.Gysberts, T.Hine
Outs: nil

Adelaide

B: L.Brown, B.Rutten, A.Otten
HB: B.Reilly, D.Talia, B.Smith
C: B.Vince, P.Dangerfield, D.Mackay
HF: R.Sloane, J.Jenkins, J.Lyons
F: S.Kerridge, T.Lynch, R.Douglas
Foll: S.Jacobs, S.Thompson, N.van Berlo
Int: M.Wright, J.Petrenko, S.McKernan, I.Callinan, J.Porplyzia, R.Henderson, R.Laird

In: J.Petrenko, I.Callinan, R.Henderson
Outs: nil

Last week was the first time the weekly punt made a loss; this despite three out of the five bets coming up. That is the nature of the beast, the bookies always take a cut and you need to be a really good punter to come out on top. But it was only a small jab to the cheek, incidental contact and play-on, the weekly punt still has more than tripled its staked amount this year. This week the weekly punt formula has detected a half a dozen line bets offering excellent value which will put it back on the winners list in fine fashion.

The Hawks performances on the betting lines this year has been average, only beating them half the time but last week they beat GWS by 84 points at half pace. While it cost the weekly punt last week, it will not this week. The Suns are having their best ever season, having beaten their previous season record of three wins after only eight rounds but they have lost more key players again. Still, the Hawks will not take the Suns lightly and will be at full throttle as they comeback from their weekend getaway in Launceston. The Hawks line is at only at -66.5 with Betstar at the moment, so take it quickly before the bet of the round balloons out.

It is a pretty simple recurring equation when it comes to Essendon. They are starting to lose players yet again, their mid-form slump has come again and generally speaking the weekly punt thinks the Tigers are a better team. It was proven last year back in round 22 when the Tigers won by 45 points. Expect the same result this week in the Dreamtime match. The line at the moment is +4.5 for the Tigers with Sportsbet but expect that to be closer to even money before Saturday night.

The Dogs are out of form – having lost 17 of their last 18 games – and they have only beaten the betting lines twice this season. They play the Saints who in contrast have beaten the betting lines on five occasions. Last time these two played the Saints won by 76 points. The Dogs are still wounded with several key outs so expect a similar result. The Saints line of -29.5 offered by Betstar is too small considering the Dogs have lost by more than that margin already five times this year.

Fremantle last week were unlucky to take the full chocolates against the Swans at the SCG, but had you had taken the Dockers line the last three weeks you would have taken chocolates each week. Fremantle are in really good form and as stated last week, they are showing to be a premiership contender. Their opponents this week are on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Demons are the least competitive team so far this year and expect Lyon’s boys to eat them up in Perth. With Fremantle continually underrated by the betting market expect another week of profit on the line with Betstar offering -61.5 and more easy money.

The Lions are starting to impress after their last fortnight. After beating the Bombers at Etihad last week, they were within a kick of taking the lead late in fourth quarter against the Eagles at Gabba the previous week. The Blues are going to have a tough time at the Gabba and the weekly punt suspects the Lions may just get over the line. Contentious late decisions and draws get always get in the way of a punter’s bet, so betting on the line here is the best bet again. The Lions have beaten the lines the last fortnight and expect them do so again and Sportsbet will give you the best odds at $1.92 and the best line at +16.5.

GWS cost the weekly punt dearly last week but it will not this week as we are betting on them against the Eagles. The Eagles have only beaten the betting lines twice this year, equal least in the AFL. They are just a little overrated as mentioned in previous weeks and this week should be no different. GWS should be able to cover +70.5 offered by Sportsbet with the Eagles missing key outs again.

Normally the weekly punt does not take special offers but Sportsbet are offering money back on head-to-head bets for the Friday night clash between Collingwood and Sydney at MCG. The weekly punt almost took the line but it is very close to its predicted margin. Take the Pies with odds of $1.57 and if they lose by 20 points or less you get your money back. Done deal.

Current Betting Fund:  $1,590.50

Total staked so far: $513.50

Hawthorn v Gold Coast – Handicap (-66.5) – $200 @ $1.91 Betstar

Richmond v Essendon –Handicap (+4.5) – $200 @ $1.92 Sportsbet

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs– Handicap (-29.5) – $200 @ $1.91 Betstar

Fremantle v Melbourne –Handicap (-61.5) – $200 @ $1.91 Betstar

Brisbane v Carlton –Handicap (+16.5) – $150 @ $1.92 Sportsbet

GWS v West Coast –Handicap (+70.5) – $150 @ $1.92 Sportsbet

Collingwood v Sydney –Head-to-Head– $100 @ $1.57 Sportsbet

(Bet is on team in Bold)

Odds correct at time of posting