GAME OF THE ROUND
This year’s frontrunner takes on last year’s premier in an obvious game of the round nominee.
Alas, the byes have conspired to deny us a true test of where these two are at. North Melbourne being on the bye would typically be a blessing for most, but it’s a particular irritant for the Sparkles. They lose Xerri, arguably the form player in the league over the past 6 weeks, as well as Simpkin and LDU to boot. The Roughnecks are stung by absences in the midfield – Richards, Cerra, and Wardlaw. They’re no Xerri. But Viney hasn’t returned, and Laird is an unexpected out, leaving the Roughnecks even thinner in the middle. They might be relying on guys they would never otherwise rely on.
Despite the outs both teams look to be fielding a complete 22, with bench cover, this weekend. The byes are a great opportunity each year for the chasing pack to make up ground on those above them. Can the Sparkles claim a big scalp?*
*early results look promising for the Sparkles, getting big scores from McCluggage and Daicos – while the Roughnecks already have 3 scores under 33. They’re saved somewhat by the Sparkles having a couple of mediocre scores on the board themselves. But the Roughnecks, who haven’t done much chasing this season, will be chasing this weekend.
Key Outs
Roughnecks: Macrae, Farrell, Cerra, Richards, Wardlaw, Curtis, Viney, Laird
Sparkles: Xerri, Dale, Simpkin, LDU, Wines, Freijah
Last time these two met
Was in round 3, where the Roughnecks scored a commanding 298 point victory. You know it’s not your weekend when a first-year player like Sam Davidson top-scores with 125. Thankfully for them, the Sparkles won’t have to worry about Davidson this weekend.
DangerGawn votes
| Sam Davidson |  | 125 |
| Rowan Marshall | | 123 |
| Hugh McCluggage |  | 121 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
A rollercoaster Defenestrators season reached dramatic heights last weekend, as they put on a Sunday special to storm home and steal victory over a valiant Threat Level Midnight.
They now have a two game gap over the chasing pack, which includes this weekend’s opponent, who have now lost 3 straight.
The Vipers have an opportunity here though. They’ve lost Liberatore to the bye, and that hurts. But the Defenestrators have a dangerous mix of “existing injuries” and now “Carlton on the bye”. A win would keep them at arm’s length from the clubs looking to usurp their place in finals. And with TLM almost certain to taste victory, I suspect maintaining that gap would be most welcome.
Key Outs
Defenestrators: Treloar, Walsh, Coniglio, Daniels, Dangerfield, Williams, Docherty, Hollands
Vipers: Liberatore, Naughton, Harmes
Last time these two met
Was a round 3 classic, with the Vipers compounding the Defenestators’ early season misery with a 21-point victory.
In a high scoring affair, it was the Vipers who won in part due to ruck supremacy, with Cameron’s 136 well outpacing Gawn’s 84.
DangerGawn votes
| Tom Liberatore |  | 142 |
| Darcy Cameron | | 136 |
| Jack Sinclair |  | 134 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
I said Threat Level Midnight were almost certain to taste victory… but maybe not? Keeper’s projections leave a little to be desired, but they have this matchup as a tight one. Midnight have several big outs, who won’t be replaced. The Soldiers aren’t troubled by such things as they don’t have anyone that qualifies as a big out in the first place (okay, Ashcroft is good). I think Midnight will have enough even without fielding a complete 22, but keep an eye on it.
Speaking of close projections, Chiefs v Devils! Keeper has this one tight as well, again owing to a few donuts for the Devils. More scores like Ginnivan’s 115 will have coach Bernardi feeling nervous, particularly given the general cursed nature of his season to date.