GAME OF THE ROUND
Last year’s Grand Finalists come into this round 19 clash looking like the walking wounded. Or walking suspended, if you’re the number one ruck for the Sparkles.
The stakes are probably highest for the Sparkles here. The Devils are pretty firmly entrenched in 4th spot, and the remainder of the home & away season is about avoiding further injury and seeing who they’ll face in an elimination final.
The Sparkles though are entrenched in a tight battle with the Roughnecks for second spot and a guaranteed preliminary final. A crucial matchup looms in that battle (you’ll never guess what the round 21 match of the round will be), but a loss here – coupled with a Roughnecks win, could make it tricky for the Sparkles to supplant them.
Key Outs
Sparkles: Xerri, Papley
Devils: Martin, Horne-Francis, McKay
Last time these two met
Saw the Sparkles win by a comfortable 129 points in a round 10 encounter. The Devils were brought undone by two scores in the 30s (Parker and Lewis Young), while the Sparkles had two mammoth scores from Xerri and Dale.
DangerGawn votes
| Tristan Xerri |  | 155 |
| Bailey Dale | | 154 |
| Ollie Wines | | 127 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
The earlier game might be the one with the two best teams, but this one has the highest stakes.
A Vipers win would just about cement their hold on sixth spot. A loss would make the final fortnight of the season very interesting indeed.
Pukekos have been in rock solid form of late. They triumphed over the Defenestrators in their long-awaited return to match of the round realm, fell agonisingly short against the Roughnecks, and defeated fellow finals rival Threat Level Midnight.
The Vipers have generally been scoring in the 1600s of late, save for a compelling 1860 at the Soldiers’ expense a fortnight ago. Their top end capabilities probably remains superior to that of Pukekos, but the Pukekos have been consistently stronger in recent times. They’ll fancy their chances this weekend.
Key Outs
Vipers: Caldwell
Devils: McKay, Acres… Saad?
Last time these two met
Pukekos emerged victorious by 94 points, though the real highlight (lowlight?) was the Vipers coping a 19 from the usually reliable Ben Keays.
DangerGawn votes
| Isaac Heeney | | 122 |
| John Noble | | 116 |
| Lachie Ash | | 110 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
I mentioned above the prospect of a 3-way battle over the last fortnight if the Vipers lose this weekend, but that depends in part on Threat Level Midnight getting the job done against the Chiefs this weekend – which is no guarantee. When these two faced off in round 10 Midnight won by just 22 points.