AFL
Melbourne v Sydney – they say a week is a long time in footy so a fortnight must be an eternity. Two weeks ago, Melbourne were undefeated and the only team touted to be a threat to their throne was the Lions. Fast forward to today and Melbourne have lost two on the bounce and Brisbane are 1-1 with their win being a come-from-behind victory against a bottom 4 side candidate. A snippet of analysis from our Titan of AFL, Joel Williams, provided a telling storyline:
Big Bud is out of the side, and was a difference-maker last week, but so is Steven May arguably more important for
Melbourne. This will keep Lever honest who is averaging just 1.7 intercept marks v 4.1 in 2021. The Swans have the
firepower, to hurt a May-less Demons defence.
Tip Titan members had a relatively painless watch, particularly in the second half, watching Joel’s tip for Swans +24.5 point handicap storm home.
Collingwood v Hawthorn – The Magpies busted their way into the top 8 in a thrilling 4 point win over the Hawks. Young future star Oliver Henry was able to put a late missed shot on goal behind him as he took a critical contested mark inside 50 and calmly slotted what would be the last goal of the match and give Collingwood the lead. It was the third game of the year the Hawks have lost by 10 points or less as they continue to struggle putting together long patches of consistent form.
Feature Horse Racing
Queensland Oaks – Gypsy Goddess won the Group 1 Queensland Oaks on Saturday in brilliant fashion. Jockey William Pike was forced to settle second last in the run as a result of drawing barrier 18. He got moving on the star filly, who was 4 wins from 4 starts at Eagle Farm prior to Saturday, at the 800 metre mark and she produced a sweeping run to loop the high quality field in a flash. Trainer David Vandyke said his horse winning was the biggest achievement of his career to date.
Tennis
French Open – The King of Clay, Rafa Nadal, improved his unbelievable French Open record by notching his 14th title and 22nd Grand Slam win, brushing aside Casper Ruud in a straight sets masterclass (6-3 6-3 6-0). He remains undefeated in Roland Garros Finals, having won his first all the way back in 2005. The dominance on show was highlighted by only losing 7 points in the final set.
NBA
NBA Finals – The Golden State Warriors have bounced back from a surprising Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics with an emphatic 107-88 win in Game 2. Steph Curry had 29 points including five three pointers while Jordan Poole added 17 off the bench including a ridiculous 39-foot three point dagger as time expired in the 3rd period.
Boxing
Lightweight Belt – American prodigy Devin Haney has kept his unbeaten record in tact as he defeated a gallant George Kambosos Jr by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 118-110). Kambosos Jr lost now Australian fans in his boxing display however he was no match for the meticulous gloves of Haney. 41,129 fans watched the fight which was the second highest number in Australian history and the rematch clause in Kambosos Jr’s contract is expected to be executed.
