'Suns eclipse Blues in Upset' - Round 22, 2012 Wrap.

Oh, how fortunes can change in the space of a week!

Last round we saw Carlton burst out of the blocks and blow away their arch rivals Essendon with a resounding 96 point thrashing. Fast forward a week later and no one could have predicted they would then go on to lose to the 17th placed side, Gold Coast.

The loss not only ended the season for Carlton, whose finals hopes hinged on a win in the last 2 remaining rounds, but it also spelt the end of Brett Ratten's coaching career. After a rollercoaster year, over the past 4-5 weeks it seemed as though the carriage had found it's way back onto the tracks, but it completely derailed in the blink of an eye on the weekend.

The only way to describe it is that it was merely the straw that broke the camels back.

In Brownlow news, it was a clash of the top 2 fancies with Cotchin and Watson going head to head in Richmond vs. Essendon's Friday night blockbuster. As has been the case over the past couple of weeks, Essendon's lacklustre performance mirrored that of Jobe's own game, who fell away completely as the match drew on. Cotchin, however, while starting the game slowly, put on the afterburners and put in a performance that is sure to attract attention from the umpires. I'd say Cotchin will get the 1, but it wouldn't surprise me if he nabs the 2.

In the Gold Coast vs. Carlton match, Ablett should again feature in the votes despite the fact he didn't play a stand out 'Ablett-esque' style game. Whether he can claim the 2 or 1 vote in this game could well decide if he wins the Brownlow medal on the night.

Next round looms as a danger game for Ablett's competitors, if his favourable history against Adelaide is anything to go by. In the Round 1 match against the Crows this year he accumulated 42 disposals and 2 goals. He could poll as much as 2 votes in this match. In his 2 matches against them in 2011 he had 39 disposals, 1 goal (1 Brownlow Vote) & 41 disposals, 4 goals (3 Brownlow Votes). 

I have Ablett/Watson/Cotchin/Thompson all within a nose of holding the outright pole position as we round the bend and get onto the straight of the final H&A game in Round 24.

Who will win? Have your say in the comments section below, and make your selection in the new poll installed to the top right of the main page.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's.

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Richmond vs. Essendon:

Possible Votes: B. Deledio, S. Tuck, T. Cotchin

St. Kilda vs. GWS:

Possible Votes: L. Montagna, S. Milne, N. Dal Santo

Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane:

Possible Votes: D. Zorko, J. Redden, Brad Ebert

Sydney vs. Hawthorn:

Possible Votes: S. Burgoyne, R. O'Keefe, J. Kennedy

West Coast vs. Collingwood:

Possible Votes: D. Kerr, N. Naitanui, L. Shuey

Gold Coast vs. Carlton:

Possible Votes: H. Bennell, C. Judd, G. Ablett

Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs:

Possible Votes: C. Enright, J. Bartel, M. Boyd

North Melbourne vs. Fremantle:

Possible Votes: D. Mundy, S. Hill, A. Sandilands

Melbourne vs. Adelaide:

Possible Votes: T. Walker, K. Tippett, S. Thompson, P. Dangerfield

'Bombing Out!' - Round 21, 2012 Wrap.

With a finals spot on the line, in a game that was a virtual elimination final, you'd have thought the match between arch rivals Carlton and Essendon would've lived up to the usual arm-wrestle both teams have had in the past. Taking this into account, you'd be shocked to hear the final margin stood at a whopping 96 points in favour of Carlton.

What this means is the Essendon are all but out of contention in the premiership race, having yet to face off against Collingwood in Round 23. For Carlton, the equation is simple; they must win their next 2 games against Gold Coast and St. Kilda, and pray that Fremantle go down to North Melbourne next week.

This round was even more significant in Brownlow terms, given you would think Watson would not come close to the votes, whilst other contenders in Ablett, Cotchin, Thompson & Dangerfield are all vying for votes after solid performances.

With 2 rounds remaining, the Charlie is within grasp for a select few, and the competition is only starting to heat up.

Below is a list of those who I thought were 'KEY PLAYERS' in each match. Take note that I am deliberately randomising the list, and in no way does the order I list them in reflect who I think will get the 3, 2, 1's.

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Geelong vs. St. Kilda:

Possible Votes: J. Kelly, T. Hawkins, M. Duncan

Essendon vs. Carlton:

Possible Votes: M. Murphy, B. Gibbs, K. Simpson

GWS vs. Melbourne:

Possible Votes: T. Greene, J. Howe, J. Grimes

Fremantle vs. Richmond:

Possible Votes: A. Sandilands, T. Cotchin, D. Mundy, H. Ballantyne

Collingwood vs. North Melbourne:

Possible Votes: B. Harvey, D. Beams, S. Thompson

Brisbane vs. Adelaide:

Possible Votes: J. Redden, D. Merrett, S. Thompson, P. Dangerfield

Port Adelaide vs. West Coast:

Possible Votes: S. Selwood, M. Priddis, C. Masten

Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney:

Possible Votes: J. Kennedy, K. Jack, R. Griffen, R. O'Keefe

Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast:

Possible Votes: G. Ablett, B. Sewell, L. Hodge, J. Roughead.