MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S TOP 10: The Bomber that’s going to be a star and what I’m missing at Wimbledon

I’ve got predictions wrong in the past but not this one, writes Matthew Richardson.

1. Media pundits such as myself love to make bold predictions in the AFL.

Many of them are incorrect and we never really get held to account.

However, after seeing Nate Caddy from the Bombers live in his first three games, I’m confident to predict he is going to be a star. The 18-year-old is a natural forward and Bombers fans love him already.

2. Talking of forwards, Collingwood is going to need to do some re-jigging.

Brody Mihocek is out for the season, Mason Cox and Jamie Elliott are both injured, and there’s no continuity at selection. Beau McCreery was missed also last Friday night, with his forward pressure and pace paramount.

Dan McStay is ready to return but you can’t expect him to just go bang. There are a few challenges ahead for coach Craig McRae and they run into a hot Geelong side Friday night at the MCG.

3. Yes the Cats are back in town.

Three weeks ago they got smacked by Carlton and their champion spearhead Tom Hawkins got injured. I thought they could be done. How silly of me.

Chris Scott has shifted Sam De Koning into the ruck, deployed Tom Stewart as a midfielder and added new players in Shannon Neale and Lawson Humphries. Never write off Geelong.

4. Heard of the footy gods?

Damien Hardwick’s last win as coach at Marvel Stadium was in 2021. It was after that match he said he didn’t like coming to the Docklands. His record at the ground since is eight losses and a draw.

Do you think Dimma doesn’t know it? He was an angry coach after the Suns’ defeat last week and even dropped the F-bomb. The footy gods are a thing.

5. It’s getting to the pointy end at Wimbledon, though I hardly knew it was on.

Not sure why. As a kid, I was allowed to stay up late to watch it with iconic commentators Fred Stolle, Tony Trabert and John Newcombe. My favourite memory is Pat Cash’s epic win over Ivan Lendl in 1987.

6. Congratulations to Dave Rodan, who just goal-umpired his 100th game.

We all love seeing D-Rod’s beaming smile every time he signals a goal.

My former teammate makes the right decision 99 per cent of the time and I would love to see him umpire the grand final. He brings joy to our game.

7. Port Adelaide players have spoken loud and clear.

It’s been a big response the last two weeks when the fans booed coach Ken Hinkley after the Brisbane drubbing at home. Kenny is a players’ man and deserved that from his team.

8. The Saints can score and play exciting footy... sometimes.

The problem is they only seem to get ignited after being five goals down. What a win over Sydney last week. Hopefully, it’s there from the start against Adelaide this weekend.

9. After two wins in eight weeks the Giants have re-joined the logjam for the finals.

What a run to September it’s going to be. It’s never been tighter all the way down to Hawthorn in 13th.

10. Revenue raising

When a speed limit goes from 30km/h to 40km/h up to 60km/h and then back to 30km/h in the space of 2km it’s all about raising a few dollars and not road safety. Tell me I’m wrong.