The Love Sparkles (1602) vs The Redshins (1739)
For those who missed it, the Love Sparkles were hit by three doses of very poor luck:
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Luke Shuey was a late withdrawal
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David Zaharakis (12) got injured in the first quarter
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Jarrod Berry was a late withdrawal
This happened in the midfield and there was simply insufficient cover. The Sparkles had to cop one donut and one 12. The rest of the score was the usual mixed bag, with pleasing scores from the likes of Tom Stewart (103) and predictably disappointing scores from the likes of Tom Rockliff (43).
Given the disaster that befell the Love Sparkles, the Redshins just had to make sure they didn’t implode. And they didn’t. Their score was far from intimidating, but with a second win in three matches, Coach Symes will be smiling.
This match-up was particularly intriguing because the two teams are currently in sixth and seventh place. The win for the Redshins makes it that much tougher for the Sparkles to make the six. I still feel as if the Love Sparkles will make it in the end (double late withdrawals and first-quarter injuries aren’t that common), but congratulations to the yellow and black team for getting the key win. Upset wins are their forte and they deliver again.
Puttanesca Chiefs (1956) vs The Bailout Plan (1607)
The reigning premiers vs the wooden spoon favourites and it wasn’t even as close as it sounded. The Puttanesca Chiefs were outstanding yet again, led by the usual brigade – Jack Macrae, Rory Laird, Brodie Grundy. Their score of 1956 is another formidable score they can add to their resume. Plus, as I mentioned last week, their inability to have a bad game (below 1800) is holding them in very good stead. This percentage-boosting win has them on top of the ladder. Mark’s team is now the minor premiership favourite and from there, who knows?
The Bailout Plan are suddenly getting some very ordinary scores from good players like Robbie Gray (69), Brad Ebert (73) and Nat Fyfe (76). The euphoria of last week’s win was always going to be difficult to come back from. Indeed, it is reported that the celebrations went so long, that training this week had to be abandoned in favour of enthusiastic cheering. After the loss to Mark on the weekend, Luke’s boys got together and sang the song because of their win the week prior. At the Bailout Plan, they enjoy the wins when they come because weeks like this are all too common.
Defenestrators (1755) vs Such is ‘Fyfe’ (1669)
This game is Exhibit A as to why the byes are very well-timed. Players from both Such is ‘Fyfe’ and the Defenestrators are looking weary and in need of a rest. Paul, in particular, must have been very frustrated as his players kept leaving the door ajar (Tom Mitchell’s 145 excluded, obviously). Yet Nathan’s players recognised the opportunity for a win about as much as teenage me could recognise flirtatious behaviour.
The Defenestrators reached the lofty heights of 1980 last week. This week they hit the deck like a limp Jack Darling. Poor Such is ‘Fyfe’ just couldn’t get the ball rolling. Joel Selwood (136) was the only real shining light.
One other thing they can hang their hat on – they are so committed to Fremantle, that Scott Jones debuted for the team this week. Right. If you really need a ruckman Nathan, come and ask me. We’re all men here, we know that 1 in 10 men have ruck dramas. It’s ok to talk about it and get some help.
Another random observation: I thought the performance of rival player/ team idol Nat Fyfe was symbolic of Nathan’s season to date. Mercurial brilliance is clearly visible, but the results just aren’t coming. And it just makes you want to smack a Collingwood player in the face with an elbow.
Solomon’s Soldiers (1566) vs Rico’s Roughnecks (1835)
Recently Alex shipped out half of his forward line to Adam, in exchange for two injured stars. While this trade will struggle to match the Stef Martin for Jack Viney and Jack Martin trade for sheer impact or the De Goey and Brayshaw for picks trade for desperation, it is nonetheless interesting to see how former players do against their old side:
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Solomon’s Soldiers |
Rico’s Roughnecks |
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Jack Martin (58) |
Stef Martin (95) |
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Jack Viney (82) |
Caleb Daniel (60) |
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Angus Brayshaw (133) |
Alex Neal-Bullen (108) |
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Jordan De Goey (56) |
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In other news the Roughnecks received enough of a percentage boost to enter second place – if you go to two decimal places. A win against Alex was expected (if not demanded) and he’ll be happy it didn’t come down to the last game and some Gary Ablett brilliance. Having said that, Gary Ablett was still brilliant.
Also, the Roughnecks will be glad for our less than 20% time-on-ground rule. Allen Christensen’s -3 didn’t count. Christensen’s score counted in my Fantasy match-up vs a student and I lost by four points. This is about the only forum in which I can bring that up. It still smarts. Anyway, where was I? That’s right, well done Adam.
Shire Scourers (1935) vs MaherShalalHashBaz (2012)
This score didn’t always look achievable. Although I had the highs of Max Gawn (141) and Tom McDonald (141) on the Saturday, their fellow demons Bernie Vince (46) and Tim Smith (45) managed to curb the enthusiasm. After Saturday night, I was 135 behind, although I had a player in hand. My eye was firmly fixed on Dangergawn results, not match-up results.
However, I underestimated the fire in the belly of my troops (never forget that 2016 grand final). That fire saw Dayne Zorko score 128, Dayne Beams kick 4 last quarter goals to get 137, Tom Phillips play as good a game as Gary Ablett for 143 and Bryce Gibbs stuff the stat sheet for 142. Sunday’s results were about as good as they come. I only had seven players, with four of the scores mentioned above and another ton coming from Josh Thomas (103). After the difficulties of posting the second-highest score in the league last week and losing…this week I posted the highest score. You can’t lose with that. I was happy with 1963 in a loss last week. You can imagine how I feel with a higher score and a win.
Although Nelson certainly made me earn it. His 1935 was a fantastic score. Coach Schonfeldt made a big statement in dropping Jarryd Lyons, but the big score came nonetheless. Six tons helped. This loss, while temporarily stinging, will not bother Nelson too much. We know he likes his wins to come in August and he is certainly August-bound.