Round 2 is here, and with it comes an intriguing game of the round, and several games that could lay claim to the sneaky interesting matchup designation (all of which could also be blowouts?)
GAME OF THE ROUND
Clear game of the round on paper, with both teams coming in armed with round 1 victories. This is an early evidence point – will Threat Level Midnight be able to bridge the gap between themselves and the likes of the Devils in 2026? Or is that gap still a gap, and not a step?
A cruel blow for them as they seek an answer to that, with a nasty case of deja vu striking the club this week. Gulden going down at a similar time, and for a similar time, as he did last year. With Rowell also on the sidelines, they’re feeling some hamstring awareness as they attempt to put their best foot forward.
But they’re well placed coming into this one, at least as far as opening round scores goes. A mammoth 141 from newly acquired Josh Daicos is already in the books, as is a 112 from the similarly new faced Lachie Schultz up in the forward line. They’ll likely also lock in a 79 from De Goey up forward.
They can also bank perfectly acceptable scores from Fletcher and Coleman if they so desire. The midfield is a rockier proposition though. Long’s opening round score is a middle of the road 66, and Allan’s is downright unpleasant.
The Devils have a 94 from Berry and a 92 from Worpel banked, and they’ll get Rankine back up forward. But it remains to be seen who from their Carlton contingent will get a gig. Probably not Cripps. Their depth in the middle, like their opponent, may be tested in round 2. Can they fend off the chasing horde and let everybody know there’s still a gap between them and the up-and-comers?
I’ll be watching this one with great interest this weekend.
Key Outs
Devils: Viney
Midnight: Gulden, Rowell, Newman
Last time these two met
Was in round 14 of last season, which saw the Devils put Midnight to the sword by 361 points.
In a funny bye-round induced quirk, they did this despite Threat Level Midnight taking home every DangerGawn vote on offer. Taking two donuts into the round will put you at risk of losing in those circumstances. Depth matters kids!
DangerGawn votes
| Caleb Serong |  | 146 |
| Harry Sheezel | | 131 |
| Dylan Moore | | 122 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
I was tempted to go the Defenestrators here, given they gave the Sparkles a good run last weekend. But MaherShalalHashBaz put such a powerful marker down that it felt a stretch to say it might be sneakily interesting. MSHB also have some startling opening round numbers to play this weekend…
So instead I’m opting for those Sparkles, taking on the Vipers, who must be, by some measure, the most recurring guest in the SIM slot since I’ve been doing this. I think Midnight would be the only threat to their mantle.
Truth be told, calling this one interesting might be a stretch as well. Only because the Sparkles have some massive opening round scores locked in already. A 136 from Daicos (which will presumably take him to 6 DangerGawn votes come the conclusion of the round…), a 98 from Lipinski, and heck a 95 from Ryan Lester! Those are two players you’d circle on the team sheet as players who might give you an opening to match it with these Sparkles. Don’t fancy they’d lose often with those types of scores from the lesser lights.
The Vipers only have one score they’ll likely bank, but it’s a good one. Cameron’s 112 will get them off to a good start – just not as good as the one the Sparkles will enjoy. Can they pull of an upset? The deck doesn’t appear to be in their favour.
Key Outs
Vipers: Cadman
Sparkles: Wines, Ridley
Last time these two met
Was a close one, with the Sparkles only triumphing by 79 points.
As is often the case during the byes, the losing team had the best performers. The Vipers fielded 6 tones, and 4 scores of 120+. The Sparkles were also undermined by 3 scores in the 40s.
Fortunately for them though, the Vipers 6 scores below 50, including a 2 from Jayden Hunt. A 2!
DangerGawn votes
| Will Setterfield |  | 138 |
| Andrew Brayshaw | | 136 |
| Bailey Dale |  | 127 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
Oh dear. Te Puke Pukekos copped a stinger of a result last weekend. A classic “nothing is breaking for you” game, despite heroics from Ash and English.
And now Heeney is out. What should’ve been a feel good fortnight to open the season, with two victories banked before a sterner test in round 3, is now looking like damage minimisation. They’ll win this weekend (right?). Though Heeney is out. No Draper. Phillipou out as well. Hmmm. Forward line is feeling it early. Chandler presumably comes in. They’ll be hoping Pedlar keeps his spot. I guess you can field Sharman…
I suspect they’re happy they’re playing the Soldiers this weekend. Though, the Soldiers do have a 109 from Ashcroft on the scorecard already. 82 from Jagga is handy as well…
At least Joe Fonti looks good! That’s something.