I’m back in the country and just so thrilled to leave behind that horrible sunny 30 degree weather of the Philippines and return to the beautiful rainy 13 degree Adelaide weather. Thanks Adelaide.
In round 10, only one match was decided by more than 100 points again showing this league is tighter than a cyclist in spandex. And with that image in mind, let’s jump into the predictions for round 11.
Shire Scourers vs Solomon’s Soldiers
Last 5 record:
March 28, 2019 Solomon’s Soldiers 1874 – 1731
July 27, 2018 Shire Scourers 1785 – 1821
May 4, 2018 Solomon’s Soldiers 1778 – 1718
May 19, 2017 Champs 16 1788 – 1503
May 27, 2016 Solomon’s Soldiers 1776 – 1752
Solomon’s Soldiers: 3
Shire Scourers: 2
Last time they met:
Some big names on fire out of the blocks for the Soldiers in 2019, with Brisbane’s newest recruit Lachie Neale (146) leading the way. Staples like Angus Brayshaw (121) and the resurgence of Marcus Bontempelli (116) drove this team to the win, but promising signs from James Aish (95) have kept him on their list. Amongst all the talk of the new kick-in rule and who would receive the highest boost from the added kickins no one saw Jack Crisp (142) being the highest scoring defender for the round. While Josh P Kennedy (120) wound back the clock, but it was not enough for coach Nelson to overcome the Soldiers 12 scores of 90+.
What tips the scales:
The disappearance of Gus Brayshaw (only averaging 70 in his last 4 games) and a 2 game lull in scoring from Patrick Cripps, gives the Scourers hope their fortunes will change in this rematch. While a return to form for Elliott Yeo (averaging 130 in his past 4) and Heath Shaw (averaging 117 in his past 3) is also good news for the Scourers. However the scourers also have 4 Swans in their line-up, a team that happens to play the most fantasy restrictive opposition, Geelong, this week.
Verdict:
Going with form, history and the Geelong factor this week.
Soldiers win a close one.
Defenestrators vs The Puttanesca Chiefs
Last 5 record:
March 28, 2019 Puttanesca Chiefs 1893 – 2173
July 27, 2018 Puttanesca Chiefs 1855 – 1767
May 4, 2018 Defenestrators 1826 – 2049
July 28, 2017 Defenestrators 1991 – 2062
May 5, 2017 Defenestrators 1843 – 2126
Defenestrators: 3
The Puttanesca Chiefs: 2
Last time they met:
Dayne Beams (128) and Matt Suckling (119) had their best games for the year and Aaron Hall (106) gave the Defenestrators hope he could return to his best form. However it was hard to find a bad performance in the Chief’s line up with juggernauts Lachie Whitfield, Clayton Oliver and Patrick Dangerfield all scoring 130+, while a 113 from Ricky Henderson kicked off his rise to elite midfielder, and the rest is covered superbly by Alex in his last article.
What tips the scales:
Defenestrators have 4 players from GWS, who are playing the competitions push-overs Gold Coast. Plus the return of Matt Crouch and Tom Lynch will give them the added fire power they’ll need to stand a fighting chance. While the Chief’s have the unstoppable Lachie Whitfield who will run rings around Gold Coast and a former Defenestrator David Zaharakis up against the AFL’s other whipping boys Carlton. The decision of if Taylor Adams will play or not, could determine this outcome.
Verdict:
The Chief’s still look unstoppable, and I don’t think things
will change here.
The Taxmanian Devils vs Rico’s Roughnecks
Last 5 record:
March 28, 2019 Rico’s Roughnecks 1926 – 1633
August 3, 2018 Rico’s Roughnecks 1740 – 1645
May 11, 2018 Rico’s Roughnecks 1875 – 1624
May 19, 2017 Rico’s Roughnecks 2107 – 1655
June 3, 2016 Rico’s Roughnecks 1963 – 1863
The Taxmanian Devils: 0
Rico’s Roughnecks: 5
Last time they met:
Adam Treloar ran rings around his opponents for 152. Brad Ebert surprised everyone with a 121 playing almost entirely in the forward line. And even Chris Masten chipped in with a 101. Nat Fyfe (119) and Michael Hurley (103) were the only centurions for the Taxmanian Devils in a team that was still finding its feet after the change in administration.
What tips the scales:
The additions of Scott Pendlebury and Kade Simpson combined for 200 points last week. While former Taxmanian Devil, Shaun Higgins had a 108 and is in good nick. While for the Taxmianian Devils, Jeremy Cameron has scored 90+ in 4 of his last 5 matches and faces Gold Coast this week.
Verdict:
The Roughneck’s will continue their win streak over the
Devil’s and end their 2 games losing streak.
The Love Sparkles vs The Lethal Vipers
Last 5 record:
March 28, 2019 The Love Sparkles 1983 – 1803
August 3, 2018 The Love Sparkles 1959 – 1656
May 11, 2018 The Love Sparkles 2088 – 1767
June 22, 2017 General Soreness 1708 – 2071
March 30, 2017 General Soreness 1791 – 2024
The Lethal Vipers: 0
The Love Sparkles: 5
Last time they met:
It was the defenders that led the way with Jake Lloyd (127) and Tom Stewart (115) the best of 8 centurians for the Sparkles. While Bradley Hill (129) put on a clinic for the Vipers and Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Bryne-Jones and Mitch Duncan all matched each other at 108, but fell short to a commendable total by the Love Sparkles.
What tips the scales:
A lot has changed from the Vipers team as they shipped out 7 players in the 9 weeks between when these teams last played, including 4 of their career highest averaging players. The rebuilding Viper’s know where they sit, but good scores from James Cousins and DBJ give some hope. While injuries continue to hurt the Love Sparkles and they will be sweating on the availability of Dylan Shiel. However, the excellent form of Luke Shuey in recent weeks and the return to form of Toby Greene gives them hope
Verdict:
The Love Sparkles win with ease here.
MaherShalalHashBaz vs The Redshins
Last 5 record:
March 28, 2019 MaherShalalHashBaz 1777 – 1600
June 28, 2018 MaherShalalHashBaz 2019 – 1369
April 6, 2018 The Redshins 1556 – 1806
May 19, 2017 MaherShalalHashBaz 1888 – 1595
June 10, 2016 MaherShalalHashBaz 1922 – 1593
MaherShalalHashBaz: 4
The Redshins: 1
Last time they met:
Chris Mayne (131), Tom Philips (116) and Dom Sheed (106) were not the names I expected to be reading out in this list, but they started the season off in hot form to give coach Jordan some real punch. While Travis Boak (138) made the competition stand up and take notice and recruit Xavier Duursma (102) and effectively a new recruit in Tom Liberatore (106) were the best of a poor Redshins outfit.
What tips the scales:
The Redshins have the hot form, with the resurgence of forgotten tigers Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, Dustin Martin and Brandon Ellis making every matchup with this team very interesting. And if Trent Cotchin and Josh Jenkins return, that would be even more so. While for Jordan, the resurgence of Dayne Zorko, Josh Dunkley, Zach Merrett and Dom Sheed in recent weeks has made this team a real weapon of the competition again.
Verdict:
History says they are never close margins between these two teams, but I think this week begs to differ. Both teams need a win and will be hungry this week. I’m tipping the Redshins in high scoring affair. The match to watch this round!