Ugh, what were those scores. Not too many can hold their heads high, with only one team breaking 1900 (and just at that). However this made for some very close games, including a 1 point win overturned by the DRA. Just like my predictions, it was a pretty erratic week in ultimate footy (but 3 outta 5 ain’t bad).
So let’s see what thunderstorm round 8 dishes up at us and hope to get a little insight, to allow us to walk between the rain drops or maybe just to brace ourselves for the wave of reality that’s coming our way.
The Redshins vs Solomon’s Soldiers
Last 5 record:
July 5, 2018 The Redshins 1843 – 1901
April 13, 2018 The Redshins 1561 – 1781
July 14, 2017 The Redshins 1690 – 1804
April 21, 2017 The Redshins 1738 – 1745
June 3, 2016 The Leadskins 1740 – 1844
Solomon’s Soldiers: 0
The Redshins: 5
Last time they met:
This was a cracking contest as both teams brought their best. Jordan DeGoey (104) and Christian Petracca (110) put on a show up forward, while Sam Powell-Pepper (94) and Darcy Byrne-Jones (95) brought some pride to all the hyphens out there. Even Jack Trengove was up and about with an 83. While a massive 142 from Tom Cutler and 115 from Nic Naitanui reminded coach Symes what his team has been missing.
What tips the scales:
The Redshins have the last 5 on the trot against the Soldiers and that will definitely be a moral booster. We have to call out Travis Boak, because the man keeps getting it done. He’s averaging 118 for the season. Interestingly Tom Liberatore’s drop off has coincided with Toby McLean’s rise, so they kinda cancel each other out. And the Redshins will be desparate for Tom Bellchambers to get up for this one (Only a few more weeks ‘til Naitanui’s back) While for the Soldier’s, Cam Guthrie hasn’t scored below 90 all season including 114 last week. Finally Mark’s undying faith in the man is coming to fruition ;P. And Caleb Daniel is compensating for his size, with a 98 average this year and coming off a big 125. However Blake Acres and Petracca’s Jekkyl and Hyde act, must be frustrating coach Bridge.
Verdict:
On a rare turn, I’m going against history and tipping the Soldier’s to get the monkey off their back this week.
Defenestrators vs The Love Sparkles
Last 5 record:
August 10, 2018 The Love Sparkles 1708 – 1803
July 12, 2018 Defenestrators 1913 – 2032
April 20, 2018 The Love Sparkles 1855 – 1806
June 30, 2017 Defenestrators 1966 – 1883
April 7, 2017 Defenestrators 1934 – 1830
Defenestrators: 3
The Love Sparkles: 2
Last time they met:
The 2018 elimination final is a dark day in Defenstrator history. For every hero like Tom Mitchell (130, come back to me Tom) and the enigmatic Anthony McDonald-Tipugwuti (109), there was a Rhys “worst trade ever” Stanley (31) and Jack “I hate you Paul” Darling. In brighter news, for The Love Sparkles Jake Lloyd (117) and Jack Steele (124) showed the signs of their sparkling futures, while Scott Lycett’s prowess in the final (114) may have been what earned him his spot on the keeper list.
What tips the scales:
It’s the media’s dream as the paths cross between the recipients of a mega-trade; Dylan Shiel and Luke Shuey now with the Love Sparkles and Rory Sloane and Matt Suckling lining up for the Defenestrators. Were salary caps breached in transacting these deals? This author chooses neither to confirm nor deny those allegations, but sticks to the facts. And the facts are that the Super ‘S’ Bros (Shuey and Shiel) will have pleased their coach with career averages of 97 and 107 respectively. While Sloane and Suckling have battled tags and injury respectively, but have put up comparable averages of 109 and 96 respectively. Whoever will hold their nerve, or cave under the pressure of facing their old side, could be the difference.
Verdict:
The stats say The Love Sparkles win this one, and I’m not one
to argue with the stats.
The Taxmanian Devils vs Puttanesca Chiefs
Last 5 record:
June 1, 2018 Puttanesca Chiefs 1956 – 1607
March 29, 2018 Puttanesca Chiefs 1871 – 1371
July 7, 2017 Stranger Danger 1955 – 1675
April 13, 2017 Stranger Danger 1941 – 1722
May 20, 2016 The Bailout Plan 1786 – 1889
The Taxmanian Devils: 1
Puttanesca Chiefs: 4
Last time they met:
Bailey “what is with all the silent consonants in my surname” Fritsch turned his potential into points in this match, with a 126. While Jack Gunston scored a 99, back before he decided to just be a team player and stop scoring fantasy points himself. While Shaun Higgins (119), Callum Sinclair (117) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (97) were like an aristocracy amongst the peasants.
What tips the scales:
For two teams that are well, going in different directions, they both pushed their opponents to the end last week. But the Chief’s walked away with a win, the Devils did not. Winning the close ones is the sign of a quality team and the Taxmanian Devil’s will embody this trait in time too. For the Chief’s it’s all about injuries this week with Joe Daniher, Taylor Adams and Patrick Dangerfield questionable, and the Chief’s hopeful on Lachie Whitfield’s return. On the flipside, Rowan Marshall is making us believe that he is the real deal. This would give the Chief’s a scary 1-2 ruck punch! Coach Bernardi would be delighted with Nat Fyfe putting together back-to-back 124’s. He’s hoping this trend continues. And the form of Jeremy Cameron, Conner Rozee and this article’s favourite player Trent Dumont, would give the coach plenty to be excited about for the future. Harry McKay getting more than 3 might make this contest a little more interesting too 😛
Verdict:
Chief’s win. The injuries will dictate if it is a thrashing
or a narrow escape.
Rico’s Roughnecks vs The Lethal Vipers
Last 5 record:
July 27, 2018 Rico’s Roughnecks 1871 – 1665
May 4, 2018 Rico’s Roughnecks 1818 – 1768
July 7, 2017 Rico’s Roughnecks 1778 – 1759
April 13, 2017 Rico’s Roughnecks 1871 – 1834
August 12, 2016 Rico’s Roughnecks 1912 – 1887
Rico’s Roughnecks: 5
The Lethal Vipers: 0
Last time they met:
Gary Ablett pulled out a vintage performance of 130 and Jaeger O’Meara had (118). Are you sure these scores aren’t from 2019? (wait Alex Neal-Bullen got a 112, so it’s definitely 2018). While David Mundy top scored for the Vipers with 128, there wasn’t a lot to get excited about from this match as a Viper’s supporter.
What tips the scales:
These results can be cruel sometimes, and the Lethal Viper’s got within 50 points of the Roughneck’s on 4 of their last 5 encounters. However with a change in team direction, this once tight rivalry may be stretched wide open. To add insult to injury, recent converts Scott Pendlebury and Kade Simpson scored 125 and 101 respectively last time they met. Fortunately, Simmo is injured, but Pendles has wound back the clock with his poise and extraction of the pill. While for the Vipers, Jack Newnes is a new man and is seeking to avenge the 57 he had on the Roughneck’s in their last matchup. Luke Ryan is also getting back to his best with a 112 last week, to average 98 in his past 5 matches.
Verdict:
Roughnecks to extend the pain, and I don’t think this margin
is going to be within 50 points.
MaherShalalHashBaz vs Shire Scourers
Last 5 record:
August 10, 2018 Shire Scourers 1780 – 2002
June 1, 2018 MaherShalalHashBaz 1935 – 2012
March 29, 2018 MaherShalalHashBaz 1804 – 1807
August 11, 2017 Champs 16 1790 – 1674
July 7, 2017 MaherShalalHashBaz 1970 – 1853
MaherShalalHashBaz: 3
Shire Scourers: 2
Last time they met:
Coach Nelson did it again, knocking MaherShalalHashBaz out of the 2018 finals. 120’s from Elliot Yeo, Sam Menegola and emerging midfielder Ed Langdon took the Shire Scourers through to the semi finals. While Lance Franklin (105) was just warming up at this point. Dyson Heppell (132) and Zach Merrett (119) bled for their club, but there were too many passengers for coach Jordan with 6 scores under 60.
What tips the scales:
One of the great rivalries of our competition, these two teams love a close game (and as noted above, especially in a final) so I expect this week to be no different. The talent is re-emerging for the MaherShalalHashBaz as Merrett is averaging 115 in his last 5 games, Max Gawn 112 average in his past 5, and Josh Dunkley and Dayne Zorko pulled out 130+ scores last week. They just need to keep this ball rolling. However, the Scourer’s were the team to beat in round 7, with Anthony Miles (115) back in the side for Gold Coast, Tom Papley with 2 hundreds in his last 3 games and Darcy Parish putting together some consistent performances. Don’t write either of these teams off just yet.
Verdict:
The stats, the ladder position and the form of last week all point to the Scourers, so I have to back that in, but this will be the matchup of the round. Watching this result with great interest.