GAME OF THE ROUND
The Defenestrators are in a rough patch. They’ve lost four of their last five, and their solitary win was by two points (though admittedly they scored a very strong 1885 in that victory). Their two wins prior to that were by 15 and 13 points.
Perhaps their 7 and 7 record is a fair reflection of how tight their fortunes have been in 2025. But the last month (and their first) now see them dancing a little too close to the likes of the Vipers, TLM and Pukekos on the ladder.
It’s fair to say they need a win. By any amount.
Given the circumstances one imagines they would welcome a clash against the 9th place Chiefs. But the scoring prowess of the Chiefs hasn’t been too far off that of the Defenestrators in recent weeks, and I think this looms as a dangerous game. Gawn is by far their most damaging player, and he’s on the bye.
If they can emerge triumphant here, they’ll pocket another win next week against the Soldiers, and will feel they’ve steadied the ship. They play all the competitors trying to supplant them in the finals before the end of the season, so their fate will be in their own hands.
But a loss here would leave them without much wiggle room the rest of the way…
Key Outs
Defenestrators: Gawn, Walsh, Coniglio, Daniels, Hollands, Salem, Ward, Peatling
Chiefs: Oliver, Lalor, Battle, Ginnivan
Last time these two met
Was in Round 6, where the Defenestrators continued their early season form turnaround with a commanding 316 point victory. Nick Vlastuin top scored for the Defenestrators, while the Chiefs didn’t have a single player reach triple figures.
DangerGawn votes
| Nick Vlastuin |  | 129 |
| Max Gawn | | 125 |
| Bailey Williams | | 112 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
Gulden is back, and I think it’s fair to say the rest of TLM has done an okay job in ensuring their season remains viable in the interim.
He’ll take the field against a red hot Sparkles outfit that’s comfortable dealing with all challenges of late.
While perhaps not the most daunting challenge on offer (that’ll come next week), this will be the first time in 2025 anyone has had to deal with a Midnight outfit fielding all of Gulden, Sheezel, Serong and Bontempelli (alas, if only Petracca wasn’t on the bye). I’m like a broken record when it comes to discussing TLM in these previews, so I’ll keep it brief – this is a core that gives them a chance to beat anyone.
Can this group cause the Sparkles to wobble for the first time in a while? It would certainly send a strong message to the rest of the finals hopefuls…
Key Outs
Sparkles: Lloyd, Newcombe, Crouch, Wines, Neal-Bullen, Baker
Midnight: Petracca, De Goey, Moore
Last time these two met
The Sparkles won comfortably by 151 points. The round 6 encounter saw Nick Daicos score 131 points to be best on ground. Midnight had 4 players score under 50 points.
DangerGawn votes
| Nick Daicos |  | 131 |
| Marcus Bontempelli |  | 119 |
| Jai Newcombe | | 118 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
The Vipers could’ve featured in either of the key matchups yet again this week, and they’ve gotten off to a solid start against the league leaders last night. Only one bad score on the board (though would’ve liked more from Setterfield no doubt). MSHB still have a strong team on the park, and given their track record, it’s hard to see them being toppled here. Merrett’s 57 might give the team in green a sliver of hope.