GAME OF THE ROUND
Pukekos gave the Roughnecks an almighty fright last week. And they gave the Defenestrators an almighty fright the last time they took them on.
Can they go that little bit better this weekend?
Pukekos might be due one of these. They’ve lost four games in season 2025 by less than 50 points. They need things to break their way, finally, if they’re to end their long running finals drought. The Vipers are the obvious target they’re chasing. But their opponents this week are the other option.
The Defenestrators were unlucky themselves last week, falling just shy of a much more fancied Devils outfit. It’s been a forgettable season for the perennial contenders, one marred by injuries. Ultimately, this one could have an outsized impact on the ladder at the end of round 21. A win against Pukekos this weekend would all but guarantee a spot in the finals and keep the Defenestrator’s impressive streak of finals appearances alive.
Key Outs
Defenestrators: Walsh, Coniglio, Treloar, Daniels, Powell-Pepper
Pukekos: Parish, Weddle, Day, Phillipou
Last time these two met
We got a real tight contest, with the Defenestrators winning by just 15 points in their round 9 clash.
Only four players tonned up across both teams, and three of those players were Demons (Gawn, Pickett, Bowey). Both teams were hamstrung by some very poor scores (Chol, Wehr, and Cleary all scored in the 30s)
DangerGawn votes
| James Peatling |  | 117 |
| Max Gawn | | 113 |
| Jake Bowey |  | 109 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
The Devils have had a shoddy fortnight, with two consecutive scores in the 1600s. They were scorching hot before then. So what gives?
Perhaps the answer is simply “Carlton”
The Vipers delivered one of their strongest performances of the season last weekend against a hapless Soldiers outfit with one eye (both eyes?) on next February’s draft. But unfortunately they’ve once again lost Caldwell, one of their very best performers. But
Chances are if the Vipers play finals they’ll be taking on a team with the scoring prowess of their opponent this weekend. Can they beat these teams? This weekend might prove instructive.
Key Outs
Vipers: Caldwell
Devils: McKay, Acres… Saad?
Last time these two met
The Devils were comfortable winners in their round 9 matchup, thanks to 7 players scoring 110 or more.
DangerGawn votes
| Nic Martin |  | 141 |
| Jordan Clark | | 134 |
| Connor Rozee | | 122 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
Boy are a few clubs very close on the points scored ladder.
MSHB and the Roughnecks have been in a season long battle, trading places for the “honour” of being the highest scoring team. The Roughnecks briefly reclaimed it after surrendering it during the byes, but MSHB seized it again after a very strong score last weekend. They lead the Roughnecks by exactly 100 points on the season.
The Sparkles and Devils are even tighter, separated by just 27 points. 17 rounds, no player overlap, and just 27 points between them. Incredible.
Te Puke Pukekos will probably need to overhaul the Vipers on the points front if they are to take their finals spot from them. They’re behind by 183 points.