Last weekend’s game of the round very much delivered (much to my chagrin… again).
In last week’s preview I remarked there were interesting matchups if you squinted. Well there sure was some squinting going on! We were dealt a few fascinating results.
Round 20 seemingly requires even more squinting, once you get passed the seemingly obvious game of the round. But could there be further surprises awaiting us?
GAME OF THE ROUND
Threat Level Midnight is coming home with wet sail folks. Nobody has scored as many points as them since round 16, and they’ve all but cemented a long-awaited return to the finals.
Meanwhile, the Devils are listing like the Titanic. They’ve struggled to get out of first gear since that round 16 mark, culminating in a disastrous loss to the Soldiers last week.
It’s a testament to how solid their year has been that they remain firmly ensconced in third spot. But the injuries and late outs have both been crushing, and mounting.
With two rounds remaining, it’s a case of seeing if they can hold off the chasing back and keep their coveted 3rd spot. As luck would have it for the rest of us, the two teams they play are that chasing pack.
Tonight will be interesting. Midnight have several reps taking the field (including some in the emergency slots I see), while the Devils will be hoping Rankine maintains his form, and they get a helping of good Cumming instead of bog average Cumming.
Saturday afternoon’s clash between the Blues and Suns also looks relevant. The Devils will have their quartet of Blues, including Cripps and Hewett in the middle. Midnight will have Rowell, Powell, and Moyle on the Suns side, though potentially with a sprinkling of Cooper Lord as well.
And it looks as if the round will come down to Darcy Wilson protecting whatever lead they’ve earned against Sheezel, Wilkie and Stephens. If he pulls it off, add another 100k to his next contract I reckon.
Key Outs
Devils: Rozee, Butters, Viney, Briggs
Midnight: Schultz, Farrell, Richards
Last time these two met
Back in round 11 the Devils emerged victorious by 112 points, led by the enigmatic JHF and his 124 points.
Midnight were brought undone by four scores under 50, and a 51 from Dylan Moore. Harry Sheezel still scored 121. Only good for one vote though.
DangerGawn votes
| Jason Horne-Francis |  | 124 |
| Jayden Short | | 122 |
| Harry Sheezel |  | 121 |
SNEAKY INTERESTING MATCHUP
We haven’t had much cause to break out the Soldiers banner in these previews this season, but when you topple the third placed side, you get some credit.
Dare I suggest that they’ve seized the ‘frisky’ tag from the Chiefs? Perhaps that’s a step too far, looking at the scoring track record. But it does feel like if all their guys (and I mean all) click, they can put up some commendable scores. Perhaps they won’t be easy beats next season? Watch this space…
Meanwhile, Te Puke Pukekos keep getting it done most weeks with minimal fuss. With the Devils loss last week, they do have an opportunity to take 3rd spot for themselves. They won’t catch the Devils on points, but if they win this one and beat the Devils in round 21, they could very well swap places if Midnight do them a favour in the game of the round.
Key Outs
Soldiers: Darcy, Lindsay, Martin
Pukekos: Budarick, Parish
Last time these two met
A comfortable win for Te Puke Pukekos, with Darcy Parish, who now finds himself on the outs at AFL level, leading the way with 129. The Soldiers managed to snare two of the three DangerGawn slots. But they also had 8 scores under 60.
DangerGawn votes
| Darcy Parish |  | 129 |
| Lawson Humphries |  | 124 |
| Josh Treacy | | 116 |
STRAY OBSERVATION
It likely counts for naught in the end, but a brief acknowledgement of the Defenestrators breaking a rough run by claiming a scalp against the Sparkles last week.
Winning 9 games whilst not having a 100 ppg scorer is nothing to sneeze at (granted Roberts misses the mark due to injury alone). They’ll be an interesting watch heading into next season.
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