There have been giant strides in the AFL diversity championships
There are mixed feelings in Sydney. Whilst the GWS GIANTS have begun to find their rhythm and have taken large steps forward, the Swans are yet to take flight. I told you AFL is an unpredictable game, but there was no way any pundit, guru or astrologer could have picked that the Swans would remain winless after the first five rounds. With another few rounds of major shocks and jam-packed action, along with news from some brilliant initiatives demonstrating the AFL’s dedication to multiculturalism, here is this week’s Round Roundup.
GWS return to form as Sydney’s wings are clipped
After a sluggish start to 2017 for GWS, they have now recorded three consecutive wins to march back in to the top four on the ladder. Following a dominant display against the Kangaroos, who seem to still find themselves in a rut after a horrible end to the 2016 season, the GIANTS faced Port Adelaide Power in a crucial match-up. Port Adelaide have found themselves on the fringes of the top eight teams for several years, but 2017 has seen the Power produce some impressive performances. On current form, the Power and GIANTS are finals contenders, making such a matchup all the more important. However, with strong performances in the midfield, the GIANTS emerged victors and made a strong statement to the rest of the competition. It was no surprise then that the GIANTS were the favourites to win against the Swans in the famous Sydney derby. And despite a strong start by the Swans, the midfield and forward strength of the GIANTS proved too much as the Bloods sunk to a fifth straight loss.
It is not all doom and gloom, though. The Swans have been one of the strongest teams in over a decade and one could say they were due for a poor start. Similar to the way Hawthorn bounced back from four straight losses to trounce the West Coast Eagles, with the big names on the Sydney team sheet, we can expect the Swans to make a strong return in their upcoming game against Carlton. Of course, if you’re still feeling low about the results, the success of the AFL’s Diversity Championships will be sure to cheer you up.
The Diversity Championships
The National Diversity Championships kicked off in Blacktown with the AFL providing young players of various backgrounds with an opportunity to develop not only their physical but also interpersonal and leadership skills. With participants ranging from those with Indigenous backgrounds to those of Indian and Zimbabwean heritage, the Championships, which went over six days, were another example of the way in which sport can play a key role in bringing communities together.
With the participants recording a message of support for Adelaide Crows star Eddie Betts following an unfortunate racial abuse incident, it was an inspiring demonstration of the AFL’s commitment to multiculturalism and promoting diversity.
It’s why this game is loved so much and why it truly is the game for all Australians.
Round 6 – Tipping
| In current ranking order | Khushaal Vyas |
Bhai* |
Smit Bhatt |
Margit Shah |
Tanya Sinha |
| GWS Giants v Western Bulldogs | GIANTS | GIANTS | GIANTS | GIANTS | Bulldogs |
| Hawthorn Hawks v St Kids Saints | Hawks | Saints | Hawks | Saints | Hawks |
| Carlton Blues v Sydney Swans | Swans | Swans | Blues | Swans | Swans |
| Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide Power | Power | Power | Power | Lions | Power |
| North Melbourne Kangaroos v Gold Coast Suns | Kangaroos | Kangaroos | Kangaroos | Kangaroos | Suns |
| West Coast Eagles v Fremantle Dockers | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles |
| Essendon Bombers v Melbourne Demons | Bombers | Demons | Bombers | Demons | Demons |
| Geelong Cats v Collingwood Magpies | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats |
| Adelaide Crows v Richmond Tigers | Crows | Crows | Crows | Crows | Crows |
*The mysterious brother of mine you’ve heard so much about in these articles. He’s the one to beat!