Essendon Bombers v Brisbane Lions
AFL Aussie Rules : Australia : AFL Premiership
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Sunday, 22nd August 2010 - Kickoff 14:10 AEST

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This is a nothing game between two disappointing sides with long injury lists. Under the roof of Etihad Stadium it looks a pretty certain result with Brisbane having the worst of the two injury lists.

It means nothing but pride but I still consider this a very good bet and will be having high stakes on it.

Essendon Bombers
13th, 7-13 W/L, Form : LWWLL

The Bombers were smashed last week by a rampant Magpies side and there really is not a lot to add other than they were woeful. Things will be different this week as they will look to give their fans a good impression going onto the off season.

Michael Hurley may have found his calling down in defence for the Bombers. He was ordinary up forward in the beginning of the year but has made a bit of a mark in the last 6 weeks or so and I am sure the Bombers coach is pleased with his progress. Heath Hocking and Kyle Reimers will provide the run and carry from defence and hope that they can link well with their midfielders and forwards.

It will be Jobe Watson who leads the Essendon centreline once again and this is where the Bombers find things tough. Jake Melksham and Brent Stanton will need to contribute a bit to the Bomber effort on Sunday because they are emerging in the Essendon ranks and if some of these young bombers do not perform there could be talk of trades come the end of the season. So the Bomber players will be cautious about their futures.

Up forward the Dons have Jay Neagle to lead the line. He has shown signs this year that he can take the next step in the future and perform at the highest level, but he needs to fins a little more consistency to be respected. Paddy Ryder or David Hille will sneak forward when they can and offer another target for Bomber midfielders and the small figure of Angus Monfries will offer a smaller option.

Brisbane Lions
14th, 6-14 W/L, Form : LLLWL

The Lions got pipped at home last week by an out of sorts Adelaide side, so their form does not stack up very good either. That’s why I feel a trip to Melbourne will put this one out of reach. Brendan Fevola is out for the year and Captain Johnno Brown is in doubt to take his place this week. It could be a very rough finish for the Lions.

The Lions have some half decent defenders if they are in the right frame of mind. Daniel Merret can perform when he wants to and at his best he rates among the top few AFL full backs. Brent Staker is handy along half back along with Matt Maguire, who was an established centre half back before he broke his leg in a disgusting incident a few years ago.

The midfield has been awful this year for the Lions apart from Simon Black who must win the Lions best and fairest. He has been the most consistent player in the league for the last decade and will have to go down as an all time great with his impressive list of accolades. Daniel Rich and Travis Johnstone need to play well in order to get a result on Sunday for their side.

Jared Brennan may be asked to go forward alongside Mitch Clark for the Lions if Johnno Brown does not pass a fitness test later this week. Both Clark and Brennan have talent but applying it to a football game is something that we have not seen enough of. Todd Banfield has been a livewire at times for the Lions and will be called upon to kick a few goals if the Lions are to cause an upset.

Last Time these two sides met :

Round 19, 2009 at the MCG
Essendon 13.9 (87) drew Brisbane Lions 12.15 (87).

The Pick :

Essendon to win

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Essendon to win at 1.65 on Centrebet. (High Stakes)