2025 tips
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7 out 8 was pretty good for Round 3. Well done Paul, Amanda, DougO, Fiona and Norm.
It could have been very different with 4 of these results coming from teams that came from behind in the last quarter. Personally I know I would have got 8 out of 8 if that had not happened! Another 8 matches coming up in Round 4. Still no "9winner" Jackpot nor Margin Comp, but not far away. Good luck. Get your tips in for Thursday 3rd April 2025 |
After 3 rounds it is time to enhance my statistics on winners and losers. Like last year the table below will grow showing the winning margin between the named teams and the colours tend to cover the top 8 sides. You can interpret this by reading across the row associated with a particular team to see who they beat by how much (each column with a number).
eg. Adelaide have beaten Essendon (by 61pts), Nth Melb (by 36pts) and StKilda (by 63pts) so far
eg. Adelaide have beaten Essendon (by 61pts), Nth Melb (by 36pts) and StKilda (by 63pts) so far
If you want to participate but can't be bothered selecting each week then consider an automatic selection. I am open to any suggestions, and you can change your approach at any time during the season. Previous tipsters have tried the following:
- team 1 or team 2 in each match on the fixture (Home ground strategy); or
- a more random sequence such as 1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,1 (Sequence strategy); or
- highest ranked team to win each match (Best team strategy); or
- give me a list of the 18 teams ranked in order that I can apply to each match in the round (Favourite team strategy); or
- declare it all too hard and simply apply least favoured selection by other tipsters (No tip strategy)
How does your team rate at the start of the season?
For those of us who are not up to the details of the off season moves by the teams to improve their chances in the upcoming season, I thought this summary of skill by some media experts might be off assistance.
Here are position-by-position rankings for all 18 clubs, covering the backline, forward line, and midfield. Teams were ranked taking into account an array of factors, such as top-end talent, the balance of talls and smalls, mix between offensive firepower and defensive prowess, and the overall depth of the unit.
Here are position-by-position rankings for all 18 clubs, covering the backline, forward line, and midfield. Teams were ranked taking into account an array of factors, such as top-end talent, the balance of talls and smalls, mix between offensive firepower and defensive prowess, and the overall depth of the unit.
Brisbane gets the nod as the competition's best defence heading into 2025. This ranking does hinge somewhat on the health of Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, both of whom are recovering from ACL injuries but should be seen as integral pieces to the unit when they return. The Lions' backline is balanced, deep, and well-equipped to handle any forward setup.
West Coast has the worst backline despite Jeremy McGovern being one of the best defenders in the game, no question, but at 32 he'll need a lot of support that it appears he's not going to get. It's a backline in the transition stage, so expect to see some growing pains.
When it comes to backline balance, there really aren't too many better going into the 2025 season than the Gold Coast Suns. This is a backline with serious upside.
West Coast has the worst backline despite Jeremy McGovern being one of the best defenders in the game, no question, but at 32 he'll need a lot of support that it appears he's not going to get. It's a backline in the transition stage, so expect to see some growing pains.
When it comes to backline balance, there really aren't too many better going into the 2025 season than the Gold Coast Suns. This is a backline with serious upside.
New look Geelong for 2025
Sydney's star-studded midfield is headlined by the trio of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Errol Gulden, all All-Australians in 2024 and bringing an epic blend of explosiveness, class, and scoreboard impact. The depth is also impressive. They tick every box -- elite talent, balance, and crucially, they kick goals.
Richmond's starting midfield group on paper -- Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, and Dion Prestia -- doesn't look too bad. But all AFL midfields are elite, and depth is their main concern, especially after losing Jack Graham and Liam Baker to the Eagles, not to mention Dustin Martin's retirement leaves a hole that could take years to fill.
The Geelong Cats could have easily been ranked higher than this, such is the intriguing mix they have running through the middle. The headline addition is Bailey Smith, an elite talent with a strong inside-outside game, returning from an ACL injury. Patrick Dangerfield remains game-changing when fit, though his age and injury history remains a question mark. This midfield could either struggle or emerge as one of the league's best.
Richmond's starting midfield group on paper -- Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, and Dion Prestia -- doesn't look too bad. But all AFL midfields are elite, and depth is their main concern, especially after losing Jack Graham and Liam Baker to the Eagles, not to mention Dustin Martin's retirement leaves a hole that could take years to fill.
The Geelong Cats could have easily been ranked higher than this, such is the intriguing mix they have running through the middle. The headline addition is Bailey Smith, an elite talent with a strong inside-outside game, returning from an ACL injury. Patrick Dangerfield remains game-changing when fit, though his age and injury history remains a question mark. This midfield could either struggle or emerge as one of the league's best.
The GWS Giants' forward line, spearheaded by last year's Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, is going to cause problems. Hogan will likely be paired with former No. 1 draft pick Aaron Cadman, while Jake Riccardi provides further key position support. Then there's new recruit Jake Stringer who can wreak havoc as another deep option inside 50.
Adelaide has one of the most well-balanced forward lines in the game. It's a group that has all the tools to be among the league's best this season.
Adelaide has one of the most well-balanced forward lines in the game. It's a group that has all the tools to be among the league's best this season.
2024 Season Results
Yes, it was one sided but the venue and the company made for a wonderful Grand Final.
Major prize winners were:
1st place $120 Dave with 139 points
2nd place $80 Mel with 137 points
=3rd $30 each Av and Julie with 132 points
2nd last $35 Marg with 102 points
Final series $60 Julie
2nd half season shared $30 each Doug O and Adrian
5 x Margins Comp $30 each to BruceL, Alison, DougO, Ian and Julie
Biggest prize of all was Jackpot 9winners $140 to Cheryl
And the day at the AquaClub Shepparton was sensational. Weather was great and the company was in fine form. Despite the one sided event we had a great time celebrating Marg's birthday as well. And what more could I say about the catering except, once again, wow!
1st place $120 Dave with 139 points
2nd place $80 Mel with 137 points
=3rd $30 each Av and Julie with 132 points
2nd last $35 Marg with 102 points
Final series $60 Julie
2nd half season shared $30 each Doug O and Adrian
5 x Margins Comp $30 each to BruceL, Alison, DougO, Ian and Julie
Biggest prize of all was Jackpot 9winners $140 to Cheryl
And the day at the AquaClub Shepparton was sensational. Weather was great and the company was in fine form. Despite the one sided event we had a great time celebrating Marg's birthday as well. And what more could I say about the catering except, once again, wow!