Shire Scourers (1847) vs The Redshins (1643)
A big win to the Scourers. His GWS boys lifted with their highest scores of the year – Heath Shaw (123) and Jacob Hopper (109). They formed part of a solid septuple of hundreds. Interesting to note was that Ed Langdon (106) has now scored three tons on the trot, two weeks after I lambasted him for his yo-yo performances. It looks like the good Yeo is taking him under his wing. Of some concern is the ruck division, with both Jacobs (49) and Bellchambers (63) uninspiring. Yet, with a 200-point win, the concerns are light and the delight is high.
The Redshins were disappointing. A week after their inspiring win against the Roughnecks, the team just dropped off. Former Team-of-the-Week captain Chris Masten (38) was back to his ordinary self. Cam Ellis-Yolmen (57) also returned to his ordinary self. Jack Riewoldt (1) was certainly unlucky, but that single-figure score looks ordinary. Maybe next week for the Redshins – they know how to surprise.
Rico’s Roughnecks (1863) vs The Love Sparkles (1785)
Last week, Adam scored 1727 and Dad scored 1915. A week is a long time in football and even longer in fantasy football. Adam’s clutch win was brought about by an octuple of hundreds, none bigger than Stef Martin (137). It was also a decent debut for Caleb Daniel (79) and a fantastic debut for Alex Neal-Bullen (122), who at least made the crow’s massacre pleasant viewing for Adam.
Very little viewing was pleasant for Dad with new recruit Dylan Shiel (55) disappointing; the defence could not maintain their record-breaking pace. Indeed, only David Zaharakis (143), who has been phenomenal this year, was able to salvage something from the difficulties.
Solomon’s Soldiers (1640) vs The Bailout Plan (1683)
This game reached no great heights, but at least it was close. Very pleasing for the Bailout Plan was the midfield. Megastar Nat Fyfe (128), bright star Seb Ross (133) and newly minted star Ben Jacobs (114) all lifted and that was enough for Luke. No need to bemoan the bevy of bad scores, this is a win and they need to be treasured.
There was very little to write home about for Alex. Jordan De Goey (61) was unable to recapture his past magic. No midfielders cracked the ton, including the “big four” as labelled by Alex. Indeed Neale (62) and Bontempelli (60) were downright awful. In one bright spot, Andrew Brayshaw (166) made the crow’s massacre pleasant viewing for Alex.
Puttanesca Chiefs (1826) vs Such is ‘Fyfe’ (1733)
The Puttanesca Chiefs were dependable as ever. They haven’t dipped below 1800 for seven weeks now. That kind or consistency is something to admire / envy. Even Paddy Dow scored a 90 in reserve. The biggest criticism I have is that Jack Macrae (113) totally bombed given his last few weeks.
Nathan must be wandering where it all went wrong. Week 1, he only juuuust lost to Mark. Since then, it has been frustrating loss after frustrating loss. In an alternate universe, Such is ‘Fyfe” won that first match and are on top of the ladder. In this reality, his team looks like it is lacking that competitive drive and has one eye on next year. Indeed, Nathan has more wins than no one in the league right now. At least Isaac Smith (113) was able to hold his head up high in his fiftieth.
Defenestrators (1981) vs MaherShalalHashBaz (1963)
I have not scored that highly since Round 1, when I played the Defenestrators. I don’t know what it is about Paul, but my boys lift when they play against him. I was particularly proud of the now-consistently-good Dayne Zorko (110) and the Jack Steven (134) show. Five hundreds, six nineties and only one score below sixty.
Of all my scores in 2018, I can be most proud of this score. Yet it was not enough. Even my booing of Ed Curnow (104) didn’t help the cause. Indeed, the good scores just kept coming and coming. I know Nankervis (107) and Kreuzer (106) are decent ruckmen, but are they really a twin-ton machine. Apparently. I know Gaff (154) and Mitchell (135) are amazing, but those scores were phenomenal. Too many good players stepped up for a nonuple of hundreds – something I simply could not combat. In the end, I lost one of the close ones, but I stand quite proud of my charges.