MILESTONES
100 Games
- Tim Taranto (Roughnecks)
- Jarrod Witts (Threat Level Midnight)
- Darcy Byrne-Jones (Threat Level Midnight)
50 Games
- Zac Bailey (Threat Level Midnight)
- Brody Mihocek (Taxmanian Devils)
GAME OF THE ROUND
When in doubt, pick the one with family.
The Sparkles taking on MaherShalalHashBaz would’ve gotten reasonably long odds as a game-of-the-round coming into the season, but here we are, round 16, and this one has intrigue.
The Sparkles are stumbling. A shock loss to the Chiefs last week left them with just two wins from the past five games. They’ve lost their hold on 2nd spot and a bye for the first week of finals.
Comparatively, MaherShalalHashBaz is surging. They’ve won their last two, and three of the last four. Finals is a distinct possibility now. They’re just percentage out of it at the moment.
With the byes done and dusted the Sparkles would be looking forward to resuming regular transmission and finishing the home & away season strongly. They’ve gotten their extra matchup with the Soldiers out the way – something some of their rivals can’t claim. Another stumble here though could prove demoralising.
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
I’m calling this one milestone madness. Threat Level Midnight have 3 milestone games this weekend, with club stalwart Jarrod Witts, and relative newcomer Darcy Byrne-Jones, bringing up game 100. For the Roughnecks, current DangerGawn Medal leader and general “good boy” Tim Taranto plays in his 100th game. Fun fact, 3 of those games he played for the Puttanesca Chiefs. Who knew?
Despite their divergent ladder positions, these two teams are not that divergent when it comes to the point scored column so far this season. This one could go right down to the wire.
The Roughnecks are a game clear in second place, but they have another matchup with the Soldiers looming. Dropping games like this probably isn’t an option if they’re to hold onto that spot come season’s end.
Threat Level Midnight find themselves at the head of a real logjam between 6th and 8th. Three cannot go into one, so every win, and potentially every point, counts. A win here would lift the club before a tricky matchup in round 17.
STRAY OBSERVATION
Not showcasing the Vipers v Soldiers matchup will feel like a colossal error when the Vipers inevitably rip out on their 1900+ scores and really take it up to the runaway favourites.