The Sydney Swans take wing in time for the Indigenous Round
It’s as if these articles have some magical power for telling the future. I’ve droned on and on, like a broken record, about how exciting and unpredictable this game is. I’ve babbled about how you just never know what’s going to happen in any given week of the season. Well, last round proved me right and more so than ever before! So strap yourselves in for another crazy reflection of an unbelievable round of AFL in this edition of the Round roundup.
(Photo by Craig Golding/AFL Media)
The Records Tumble
We can’t go much further without addressing the very rare occurrence that took place in Round 7. Starting with a Giant shock, St Kilda upset GWS and Fremantle overcame the Essendon Bombers – it was the first time that every match in the round was won by a team placed lower on the ladder. Safe to say, it has completely rattled our tipping competition and AFL pundits everywhere are scratching their heads wondering which teams will actually feature in the top eight by the end of the season.
Swans Take Wing
It finally happened. For the first time in 2017, the SCG boomed with the famous “Cheer, cheer the red and the white” chant as the Swans overcame their horrendous losing streak with a comprehensive win over the Brisbane Lions. Whilst this takes them off the bottom of the ladder, there is still a fair way to go. A huge positive seems to be the emphatic return to form by Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin kicking a massive 8 goals for the game. However, before we get too excited, the Swans are still far from their best. Still smarting from their shocking loss to the lowly placed Carlton, the Swans remain looking fairly weak in defence and occasionally in the midfield. Indeed, despite winning 135-81, they conceded 22 points in the final quarter. Against a better placed team, losing focus and energy in the final term defensively will cost them dearly. It’s a long way to go until the finals in September, but the Swans will need to find another gear.
Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round
One of the things that makes me so proud and happy to follow the AFL is its commitment to important causes and the way it embodies the true spirit of Australia. Round 10 will mark the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round which celebrates and recognises Indigenous players and culture. Indeed, the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round is a mark of respect to the First Australians and an important symbol and reminder of the significance of reconciliation. With specially designed guernseys, AFL match balls and cultural programs, the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round in 2017 will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Australian referendum where Australia voted for increased recognition and rights for Indigenous Australians. There is still a lot of work to be done for reconciliation, to correct the injustices that still face Indigenous Australia, but coming together through sport is an important part. Tune in next issue for an in-depth feature on the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round and enjoy the celebrations!
Round 8 – Tipping
| In current pt ranking order | Bhai*(42) |
Khushaal Vyas (38) |
Smit Bhatt (35) |
Margit Shah (35)  |
Tanya Sinha (32) |
| West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs | Eagles | Eagles | Bulldogs | Eagles | Bulldogs |
| Hawthorn Hawks v Brisbane Lions | Hawks | Hawks | Hawks | Hawks | Hawks |
| St Kilda Saints v Carlton Blues | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints |
| Greater Western Sydney Giants v Collingwood Magpies | Giants | Giants | Giants | Giants | Giants |
| Essendon Bombers v Geelong Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats |
| Adelaide Crows v Melbourne Demons | Crows | Crows | Crows | Crows | Crows |
| Richmond Tigers v Fremantle Dockers | Tigers | Tigers | Dockers | Tigers | Tigers |
| Gold Coast Suns v Port Adelaide Power | Power | Power | Power | Suns | Suns |
| North Melbourne Kangaroos v Sydney Swans | Swans | Swans | Kangaroos | Swans | Swans |
*The mysterious brother of mine you’ve heard so much about in these articles. He’s the one to beat!