AFL

ROUND 1 - THURSDAY NIGHT

Carlton @ Richmond
1st Q - TIGERS (x0.5) WIN

The Season gets under way tonight with the traditional 1st up clash between the Tigers and the Blues. Richmond supporters are full of voice and will really fancy their chances of turning the tide against the Blues who have dominated this match in recent years.

The Blues are clearly under done. Failing to win a match during the entire NAB cup campaign. This is mainly due to injuries and tonight this proud club will be missing a few key players yet again. Jameson, Duigan will miss from the Blues back half, and Laidler, Waite will  be under done. Warnock will also miss adding extra pressure to the comeback of Kruezer. While Walker will also miss which adds a blow to the Blues forward structure.

Richmond on the other hand are showing significant improvements in the small glimpses we have seen so far this year. I know it is only  the NAB cup but this has giving this young group a huge boost in confidence. So with all this in mind I love the Tigers to start this one well! Weather they can sustain for the entire match I'm not sold but they are every chance to start season 2012 with a bang! Richmond to lead after the opener!
(0.4u @ 2.2 @ Sportingbet)

FRIDAY NIGHT
Collingwood @ Hawthorn
ML - HAWKS PK (x1) WIN

Collingwood's story is similar to Carlton's this pre season. Injuries everywhere! The Magpies will enter this new fase under Bucks without their skipper Maxwell, Tarrant, Brown from their back half. Wellingham, Johnson and Wood from their Midfield and Didak and Beams from their forward half! Not to mention season ending injuries to Krak and McCaffer! Not ideal, especially against the Premiership favourite red hot Hawks!

Hawthorn will still be stinging from letting last years prelim final slip to Collingwood make no mistake! The Hawks just look primed and should take the points and get a little revenge back on the Pies!
(0.9u @ 2.12 @ Pinnacle)