Only 2 correct calls last week, and some teams clearly took my words to heart as they slaughtered their opponents to prove a point. I didn’t realise my word meant so much.

So once again let’s dive into the pool of premonition and hopefully with better results this week.

Defenestrators vs Such is Fyfe

Last 5 record:

June 1, 2018 – Defenestrators – 1755 – 1669

March 29, 2018 – Defenestrators – 1903 – 1835

August 4, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1920 – 2045

May 19, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1730 – 2047

August 5, 2016 – Defenestrators – 1845 – 1879

Such is Fyfe: 0

Defenestrators: 5

Last time they met:

Both teams experienced dizzying highs (Tom Mitchell (145) and Joel Selwood (136) and disappointing lows (Jack Darling (5) and Charlie Cameron (14)) in the same game, with enough better than average scores in the middle to get the Defenestrators over the line.

What tips the scales:

Shannon Hurn scored a big 108 against their former team last time they met. Brad Hill missed this game but after starting the year in red-hot form he could be the catalyst for Such is Fyfe.

Verdict:

The Defenestrators will look to extend their streak and show all the signs of being too good for coach McClaren.

MaherShalalHashBaz vs The Love Sparkles

Last 5 record:

July 27, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1783 – 1910

May 4, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1733 – 1809

August 18, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1922 – 1166

August 4, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 2024 – 1966

May 12, 2017 – The Love Sparkles – 1840 – 1899

MaherShalalHashBaz: 4

The Love Sparkles: 1

Last time they met:

Marc Murphy worked hard (139) in the last battle of the Burgi. While the forward lines fired for both sides, with Jamie Cripps (106) and Luke Breust (108) going big for the Sparkles, and Charlie Dixon (96), Tom McDonald (94) and Josh Dunkley (116) getting coach Jordan over the line. However in the end there were too few contributors for The Love Sparkles.

What tips the scales:

Big changes to the aforementioned forward lines with Cripps changing allegiances to play for his opposing team, Dunkley out of form and Dixon and McDonald out injured. Both forward lines have been underwhelming and the team whose forward line fires the biggest shot, might make the difference.  Jeremy Howe scored 17 points last time they met, so he will be keen to avenge his showing that day and is tracking superbly averaging 86. Also a guy called Tom Rockliff was back to peak form before a concussion. How (if) he pulls up from that concussion could be the difference.

Verdict:

Coach Jordan brings his best in the family feuds, and I’m tipping that to continue with Jordan to win in another close contest for The Love Sparkles.

Rico’s Roughnecks vs Solomon’s Soldiers

Last 5 record:

June 1, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1835 – 1566

March 29, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1699 – 1675

July 21, 2017 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1890 – 1610

April 28, 2017 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1821 – 1574

July 7, 2016 – Solomon’s Soldiers – 1822 – 1826

Rico’s Roughnecks: 4

Solomon’s Soldiers: 1

Last time they met:

Wait, what? The Soldier’s won back in 2016. I was fully expecting a white wash in a bleak history for the Soldiers. I expect their record to improve moving forward, even against the lethal weapon that is the Roughnecks. The rise of Devon Smith (129) was fully realised in this game, and a cheeky 108 from Alex Neal-Bullen gave coach Ritchie a comfortable win. While the output of the Soldier’s 3 Dangergawn vote getters from this week; Angus Brayshaw (133) (against his former team), Lachie Neale (117) and Bontempelli (95), were merely a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing day.

What tips the scales:

Hugh McCluggage (28) and Patrick Cripps (57) had a forgettable day the last time these teams met. Averaging 83 and 113 respectively this year, they will be ready to avenge for their last showing. While Kane Lambert only had 33 last time they met but a 142 like he did on the weekend would make coach Ritchie feel a lot more comfortable.

Verdict:

While I’m rueing under-estimating the Soldier’s, I’m probably going to do so again here. Roughneck’s to win this in a good contest.

The Redshins vs The Taxmanian Devils

Last 5 record:

July 27, 2018 – The Redshins – 1660 – 1700

May 4, 2018 – The Taxmanian Devils – 1830 – 1653

July 28, 2017 – The Redshins – 1729 – 1651

May 5, 2017 – The Taxmanian Devils – 1617 – 1664

July 29, 2016 – The Taxmanian Devils – 1702 – 1803

The Redshins: 2

The Taxmanian Devils: 3

Last time they met:

Plenty of good contests between these two teams in the past now is predicted to see them in a tight contest again, this time for the wooden spoon. In this game Ben Cunnington (147) unleashed beast mode to will his team on but surprise big games from Tom Hawkins (132), David Myers (106) and Jade Gresham (101) were enough to steer this ship home for the then Bailout Plan.

What tips the scales:

How will the Redshins B-team stack up. Decimated by injury (and elbowing blokes in the head. That’s what the Redshins call “leadership potential”) all those kids the Redshins drafted are going to have to prove their worth pretty quickly. Although what’s most amazing is that Tom Liberatore is not on this injury list? Will the rag-tag Taxmanian Devils, swoop in to pick up a win at the opportune moment, or will the Redshins have enough depth to carry them to victory.

Verdict:

This should be a thrilling game, and I’m backing the Redshins for the win and tie their head-to-head at 3-all from the last 6.

Puttanesca Chiefs vs Shire Scourers

Last 5 record:

August 17, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 2121 – 1849

August 3, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 2219 – 1721

May 11, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1908 – 1851

August 25, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1883 – 1958

July 14, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 2005 – 1802

Puttanesca Chiefs: 5

Shire Scourers: 0

Last time they met:

Those of you who are squeamish should probably look away now, as these last 5 make for some bad reading for the Scourers (I probably should’ve listed this disclaimer before I posted the last 5 record… sorry). The Chief’s have beat up on the Scourers by an average of 220 points across their last 5 match ups, which unfortunately includes a grand final. And the last time they met was no different.

The Chief’s had 5 120+ scores with Brodie Grundy strolling out a lazy 147. Even Trent Dumont (118) decided to play well, in a clear sign that he’s better than Tim Taranto… right? The only player not to show up for this match was Cam Guthrie (60). Thanks Cam. While the Scourers had an admirable 10 players score 90+ including Elliott Yeo (130), there was no stopping this freight train.

What tips the scales:

Jacob Hopper (50) and Ed Langdon (51) are different players since then and will look to add some grunt to this midfield unit. While the 111 Franklin scored in their last outing seems like a distant memory, and if he can get back to anywhere near that mark, this team might stand a chance. But the Chief’s did just beat every other side by 200 points last week, so maybe your best bet is to buy a voodoo doll.

Verdict:

Puttanesca Chiefs win, probably not by 220 though. Probably…