Ahoy there. We’re on deck for another round of predictions. And while many coaches are looking to walk the plank after the scores of the last few weeks, Alex swashbuckled his way to the bye-round bounty. But with the ‘bye’-of-the-storm behind us, we catch the new winds and set sail on another ultimate footy adventure! Arrrgh
Defenestrators vs Shire Scourers
Last 5 record:
April 4, 2019 Defenestrators 1903 – 1753
May 18, 2018 – Shire Scourers – 1841 – 1874
August 18, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 2024 – 1889
August 4, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1920 – 2045
May 12, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 2095 – 2052
Shire Scourers: 3
Defenestrators: 2
Last time they met:
It was a Crows fan, using his Crows players to topple another Crows fan. Tom Lynch (118), Rory Sloane (120) and Matt Crouch (100) would all have been singing the club song proudly after this match. While Coach Nelson’s Swans put up a good fight with JPK and Issac Heeney, the match winner the last time these teams met, scoring 121 apiece, it was not enough to keep the Scourer’s streak going.
What tips the scales:
Robbie Gray getting a good run at it in the guts, has lifted his scoring of late (103 in his last 4) and Josh Kelly is on another planet at the moment (138 in his last 4). While the Shire’s Scourers will be happy with the return of Hamish Hartlett (77 from 2 matches) and Dan Hannebery (103) and hope this continues.
Verdict:
With 4 of the last 6, the Scourers save their best for the
big games. Going with history on this one. Scourers to bounce back this week
with the win.
MaherShalalHashBaz vs The Taxmanian Devils
Last 5 record:
April 4, 2019 MaherShalalHashBaz 1755 – 1591
July 12, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1943 – 1306
April 20, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1702 – 1685
June 22, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1719 – 1414
March 30, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1784 – 1742
MaherShalalHashBaz: 5
The Taxmanian Devils: 0
Last time they met:
At least the Taxmainian Devils fielded a full team this time round (as opposed to 19 players last time these clubs met). But with 13 scoring shots from Jeremy Cameron (142) for the round and great score from Jordan’s coveted draft prospect Conner Rozee (121) there was a sniff of hope from a great core. Unfortunately though 7 sub 50 scores does come back to bite you. While a consistent effort from Coach Jordan and a 114 from Dyson Heppell, got this team over the line.
What tips the scales:
Dan Houston is in a rich vein of form averaging 90 in his last 4 games. And the return of Charlie Dixon will be a relief for this forward line, however it looks like it might have come at the expense of their best forward of 2018, Justin Westhoff. While for the Devils, Seb Ross has remembered how to play football with 2 hundreds on the trot. While a good run of form from surprise packets Karl Amon (90 in his last 4) and WHE (99 in his last 3) gives hope.
Verdict:
Both teams are coming home with wet sails, as they are both
2 from 2 in their last head-to-heads. But with the last 6 in a row, I’ll back
history and give my nod to the team with the unpronounceable name
(MaherShalala… whatever).
Roughnecks vs The Love Sparkles
Last 5 record:
April 4, 2019 The Love Sparkles 1796 – 1808
August 19, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1904 – 1893
May 25, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1863 – 1785
March 22, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1877 – 1667
August 11, 2017 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 2008 – 1795
Roughnecks: 4
The Love Sparkles: 1
Last time they met:
Curiously 5 scores over 110, including a mammoth 142 from Kane Lambert, were not enough to topple the consistency of The Love Sparkles. Ben McEvoy was BOG with 127.
What tips the scales:
These two love a tight contest with a total of 23 points
splitting their last 2 matchups. Scott Lycett
(130) went big as the sole ruckman last week, which looks like a trend that
might continue. However, this would be offset by yet another injury to the team
formerly known as General Soreness, as Jessie
Hogan (11) went down with a navicular undisclosed foot injury. While
for the Roughnecks, their rebranding could be the inspiration they need. We
mourn the loss of Rico from the league, but like Dunkin’ Doughnuts and Sonny
and Cher before them, cutting ties with your deadweight can often bring success
(and we all know the Roughneck’s are crying out for some of that this year). Ryan Burton (101 average in his last 2)
has put together a couple of nice games . And in a struggling forward line
crippled by injuries, the return of Kane
Lambert would be a big inclusion.
Verdict:
As gallant as The Love Sparkles have been in trying
circumstances, I’m tipping the Roughnecks to win and kick-start their season
again. Better late than never.
Solomon’s Soldiers vs The Lethal Vipers
Last 5 record:
April 4, 2019 Solomon’s Soldiers 1933 – 1709
May 18, 2018 – Solomon’s Soldiers – 1837 – 1773
May 25, 2017 – Such is Fyfe – 1847 – 1511
March 23, 2017 – Such is Fyfe – 2177 – 1619
July 14, 2016 – Such is Fyfe – 1846 – 1717
The Lethal Vipers: 3
Solomon’s Soldiers: 2
Last time they met:
The Soldiers went big in this game, with 5 scores over 120, including Lachie Neale’s resurgence to elite midfielder with a 135. The Lethal Viper’s took the cake for the highest scoring player on the ground, Luke Ryan with 136, but lacked depth; a point which ultimately led them to the rebuild.
What tips the scales:
Griffin Logue (87 in his last 2) looks like a great find in the right colours and Patrick Lipinski is boasting an average of 97 from his 4 games for the year. While the Soldier’s latest trade ins, Issac Smith (90) and Stef Martin (119), looked like great fits for the team. This will also be the first matchup between big name trade targets Caleb Daniel and Andrew Brayshaw. Brayhaw is slowly stepping up his production but is yet to hit his straps, whereas Daniel is flying with 135 last week and a 114 average across his last 4.
But the biggest difference could be the Soldier’s swagger, after taking out the mid-season trophy with some stunning form. Will this form carry into the head-to-head matchups? Or has this team gotten ahead of themselves?
Verdict:
Soldiers win for me, with all the confidence in the world.
Puttanesca Chiefs vs The Redshins
Last 5 record:
April 4, 2019 Puttanesca Chiefs 2110 – 1741
July 20, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1963 – 1676
April 27, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1810 – 1645
May 25, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1971 – 1902
March 23, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1847 – 1675
Puttanesca Chiefs: 5
The Redshins: 0
Last time they met:
The Chief’s took it up a notch in this game on the back of Lachie Whitfield (162) doing his best Michael Jordan impersonation. And it’s not often you see 2 ruckman score 122 in the same team, but Rowan Marshall is looking like one of the best draft picks in league history. Ricky Henderson (108) wouldn’t be far behind. Travis Boak (118) set the standard once again as he has all year, not just for this team but competition wide. But when your opposition puts up a score like that, all you can do is stand and applaud.
What tips the scales:
The form of Cale Hooker (111 average in his past 3) and Jack Billings (142 average in his past 2) are just putting this team further beyond reach. While for the Redshins the long awaited return of Nic Naitanui will be a helpful addition. But ultimately (and unsurprisingly) he will be relying on the form of his Richmond players, and up against St Kilda this weekend, I’d back them in for some big scores.
Verdict:
The Redshins good form in recent weeks, is not going to be enough to get past the Puttenesca Chief’s in this punter’s humble opinion.