As we are mid-way through the 2014 Peter Jackson VFL season, let’s take a look how each club is tracking in the race for the Peter Jackson VFL Legendairy finals:
BENDIGO
Record: 0-9
Position: 16th
Leading Goal Kicker: Tyrone Downie (14)
What’s happened so far:
It’s been a tough start to the season for long suffering Bendigo fans. Last season the Gold had an average losing margin of about 100-points with eight 100-point plus thrashings. So far this season there’s only been two, although North Ballarat fell one point short of making it three and Footscray won by 27 goals. Bendigo has struggled to apply scoreboard pressure with just two double digit goal hauls this season. They also struggle to apply the brakes on opposition clubs scoring with seven 100 plus point score lines kicked against them.
What’s ahead:
Hard to predict how or when Bendigo will get better. It has been over matched too often - its smallest losing margin is 28-points and its next smallest is 36-points. Overall, it owns an average losing margin of more than 12-goal and that includes nearly half its matches against clubs outside the eight. Bendigo, earlier in the century, suffered a losing streak of 35 and regrettably that looks like being erased before the curtain falls on this season.
BOX HILL HAWKS
Record: 7-2-1
Position: 1st
Leading Goal Kicker: Sam Grimley (17)
What’s happened so far:
Despite hitting a few speed humps in recent weeks, the reigning premiers still shape as one of the most accomplished clubs in the competition. The VFL Hawks have lost two and drawn one game, but those two loses came by a combined nine points and one was against Port Melbourne, which shapes as its main danger. Twice they have defeated Williamstown and they have also accounted for Werribee and Geelong.
What’s ahead:
Apart from back-to-back away trips to Whitten Oval and Victoria Park, there doesn’t seem to be too many trap doors awaiting Box Hill Hawks in the second half of the season. While they have only two more games at home, Box Hill Hawks should finish with enough wins to sit in the top four and more than likely in the top two. If that scenario plays out, coupled with Hawthorn’s extraordinary depth, they will give themselves every chance to win back-to-back premierships.
CASEY SCORPIONS
Record: 3-6
Position: 13th
Leading Goal Kicker: Tim Smith (13)
What’s happened so far:
After making the finals for the past seven seasons, mostly occupying a top four position, Casey finds itself faced with a serious challenge to continue that streak. The Scorpions sit in unfamiliar territory -13th - two games plus percentage outside the eight. While it boasts wins against Essendon, Frankston and Northern Blues, four losses by 16-points or less against Geelong, Werribee, Coburg and Collingwood has plunged Casey to a precarious position. Sandringham, which inflicted a 58-point defeat, has been the only club to really get on top of the Scorpions.
What’s ahead:
While Casey faces Port Melbourne, Box Hill Hawks and Williamstown in the run home, its draw gives it a chance to climb up the ladder and again be finalists. What’s also in its favor is that five of its remaining games are at Casey Fields, which can be as inhospitable as any home venue, especially on a wet, windy winter’s day. Bottom line, the Scorpions need to lift.
COBURG
Record: 3-6
Position: 14th
Leading Goal Kicker: Lech Featherstone (22)
What’s happened so far:
Some queried Peter German’s decision to take on the job at Coburg in its first season as a standalone club. German took over a club that was expected to vie for the wooden spoon, but the Lions have surprised all with their performances. Coburg has inflicted defeats on Northern Blues, Casey and Bendigo and been competitive. They have unearthed a star in Lech Featherstone, who earned a VFL representative guernsey. Andrew Sturgess and Adam Saad have also enjoyed productive seasons.
What’s ahead:
As encouraging as the first half of the season has been, Coburg’s performance will be judged by how they perform in the second half when the draw becomes particularly testing. In a four week period Coburg plays Werribee, Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Box Hill Hawks - a demanding stretch for any club, especially one so youthful and inexperienced. If they can weather that onslaught its last four games - North Ballarat, Sandringham, Frankston and Casey may offer some respite.
COLLINGWOOD
Record: 6-3
Position: 5th
Leading Goal Kicker: Kyle Martin (21)
What’s happened so far:
Collingwood is on track for its best ever season since branching out on its own in 2009. This season Collingwood is well placed for a top four finish after posting six first half wins. Only Port Melbourne and Williamstown have cut up the Magpies and they’ve done that to just about every club they’ve played. As well as a very strong list bolstered by the likes of Kyle Martin and Ben Kennedy who have played virtually all season at VFL level, Collingwood has a deep list led by Jack Hellier, Lachlan Ferguson and Mat Suckling.
What’s ahead:
Collingwood has a favorable run home with five of its remaining games against clubs outside the eight. With no return match against Port Melbourne or Williamstown, Box Hill Hawks are the only top four club awaiting them. Look for the Magpies to have a considerable say in who will win the VFL premiership, especially with its AFL club certain to go deep into September.
ESSENDON
Record: 4-5
Position: 11th
Leading Goal Kicker: Alistair Kefford (17)
What’s happened so far:
Essendon hasn’t been able to build any momentum during the first half of the season. The VFL Bombers have won four games so far, but have won just two games since Round 3 when they struggled to defeat Bendigo by 28-points. While they have lost three games - Casey, Sandringham and Port Melbourne - by 18-points or less, the one point win against Werribee last round certainly gave the VFL Bombers some belief that they could return to the finals.
What’s ahead:
First and foremost, Essendon needs to get on a roll. They can’t afford to trade wins and losses as that will consign them to the lower reaches of the ladder. Essendon’s season will hinge on how it emerges from a five game block against Box Hill Hawks, Port Melbourne, Footscray, Williamstown and Collingwood. If the Dons can emerge with a winning record from that quintet of games it will propel them towards the eight.
FOOTSCRAY
Record: 6-3
Position: 3rd
Leading Goal Kicker: Jack Redpath (20)
What’s happened so far:
It’s been a real roller-coaster ride for Footscray in its first season as a standalone club. Twice they’ve belted rivals by 100 plus points as well as convincingly defeating Sandringham and Coburg, but they’ve also tripped up a couple of times and the two-point loss against North Ballarat really hurts. But, its emphatic win against Port Melbourne indicated it will make its presence felt. Footscray has been well served by its judicious recruiting - Nick Lower, Brent Prismall and Jordan Russell - and that’s complimented by its even AFL list.
What’s ahead:
Unless there is a dramatic improvement at AFL level, the escalator up and back from the AFL will continue, which can only enhance Footscray securing a final’s position. While it doesn’t play all its home games at Whitten Oval, the Dogs have been successful on the road. Its next month will be crucial to how high it finishes as it plays Collingwood, North Ballarat, Geelong, Box Hill Hawks and Essendon before a bye.
FRANKSTON
Record: 1-7-1
Position: 15th
Leading Goal Kicker: Khan Haretuku (12)
What’s happened so far:
After an encouraging 2013 season coupled with significant additions, many thought Frankston had a serious chance of returning to the finals. Those hopes have been dashed with the Dolphins losing four games by 14-points or less, drawing a match and losing against Sandringham by 20-points when they had 10 more scoring shots. That’s little consolation to Simon Goosey who’s watched his players inexplicably go missing for periods of the game which has come back to bite them. Frankston’s only win so far was against Bendigo.
What’s ahead:
With the finals no longer a possibility, Frankston must fight to regain the respect they garnered last season. Goosey once again has the chance to see which players have what it takes to take the club forward. It’s easy to say ‘we could’ve or should’ve’ - the bottom line is where you are situated on the ladder and it’s a position that should sit uncomfortably with all Frankston players.
GEELONG
Record: 5-4
Position: 9th
Leading Goal Kickers: Josh Walker (15) Jackson Hollmer (15)
What’s happened so far:
Geelong is not the same club that dominated last season, the loss of seasoned campaigners like Selwood and Corrigan and a season-ending injury to Ben Raidme has eaten away the VFL Cats experience. Geelong has come back to the pack with successive losses to Richmond, Williamstown and Collingwood after early wins against Bendigo, Casey and North Ballarat. Encouragingly, Geelong rebounded by inflicting the first loss for Port Melbourne, which gave the club renewed confidence it could still impact on the season.
What’s ahead:
With six games, including this round, at Simonds Stadium it should provide Geelong with the opportunity to again play finals. Just how deep into the finals the Cats will go depends upon the injury toll for Geelong’s AFL list. If Geelong is able to have most of its players available they will have enough talent to make some inroads, but you never want to rely on injuries to determine your fate.
NORTH BALLARAT
Record: 5-4
Position: 8th
Leading Goal Kicker: Jordan Staley (14)
What’s happened so far:
Winning its last five games, North Ballarat’s success so far this season is further proof that Gerard FitzGerald is a master coach. Admittedly they’ve fallen across the line with three of their wins by under a goal, but good teams know how to react and perform under pressure and the Roosters are a well drilled team. Only once have they kicked above 100-points and that was against Bendigo and they may be ugly in how they go about it, but at the end of the day they’re winning and that’s what matters most.
What’s ahead:
Is North Ballarat a serious finals threat? Yes. A premiership contender? No. The Roosters scrappy, stifling style ensures a low scoring contest and that keeps them in enough games and if they get a run on as they did against Box Hill Hawks and Casey Scorpions they’re capable of getting enough wins to sneak into the finals. They may not look flash, but warning to all opposition clubs, underestimate a Gerard FitzGerald team at your peril.
NORTHERN BLUES
Record: 5-4
Position: 10th
Leading Goal Kicker: Blaine Johnson (11)
What’s happened so far:
Northern Blues charged out of the blocks to win its first three games, albeit two by less than a goal against Williamstown and Frankston, but then the Blues were brought back to reality by Werribee, who smashed them by 16-goals. It was as if Northern Blues players were still shell shocked as they dropped the next three games, including two close ones - Coburg (9 points) and Casey (16) before Essendon hammered them by 40-points. It took a cameo appearance from dual Brownlow medalist Chris Judd for the VFL Blues to snap its losing streak.
What’s ahead:
Northern Blues are in the mix for the finals, but its quest will be determined by Carlton’s run with injuries and they need to bank wins quickly. The VFL Blues have a challenging run home, particularly its final three against Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Box Hill Hawks with only the game against Port at home.
PORT MELBOURNE
Record: 7-2
Position: 2nd
Leading Goal Kicker: Julian Rowe (19)
What’s happened so far:
After a season which disappointed on a raft of levels, Port Melbourne has emerged as the club to beat in 2014, The Borough have recruited well and, more importantly, gelled from the get-go. Sure, it helps when you have so many leaders and gifted players like John Baird, Sam Pleming, Toby Pinwill, Shane Valenti and co in your team, but you still have to post results. And that’s exactly what Port has done. Port has dropped just the two games so far, going down by just three points against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Along the way, the Borough has defeated Collingwood, Werribee, Williamstown and Box Hill Hawks.
What’s ahead:
Port Melbourne will be looking to shore up a top four finish and with it the advantage of playing a home final at North Port Oval, where they are nigh on invincible. Significantly, the Borough don’t play Box Hill Hawks, Williamstown, Collingwood or Geelong in the run home. It sets the table for Port Melbourne to finish the season near if not on top of the ladder.
RICHMOND
Record: 3-5-1
Position: 12th
Leading Goal Kicker: Liam McBean (12)
What’s happened so far:
Hard to gain an accurate read where Richmond fit in the mix - they’ve been either terrible or stunningly good. Footscray welcomed them to the VFL with a 117-point thrashing then Williamstown belted them by 70-points. Sprinkled in between was a seven goal win over Coburg and a 51-point win over Geelong. There was also a draw against Frankston where the Dolphins overcame a 39-point half time deficit to kick seven goals to two in the last quarter to draw. What makes Richmond hard to follow is that they’ve had access to plenty of players with AFL experience and its VFL list appears solid, but they haven’t been able to put together successive wins.
What’s ahead:
For Richmond to make a serious bid for a spot in the finals, they first must get some consistency. They can’t afford any more losing streaks or inexplicable fade outs. Richmond has a reasonable draw, but that means little unless they’re converted into wins.
SANDRINGHAM
Record: 5-3-1
Position: 6th
Leading Goal Kicker: Trent Dennis-Lane (15)
What’s happened so far:
Sandringham charged Usain Bolt-like from the blocks with four wins, including a six goal victory against North Ballarat, a 58-point win against Casey, and a draw against Box Hill Hawks where they butchered shots on goal. Then a strange thing happened, the Zebras lost their mojo. Sandringham was mugged by Footscray then Werribee and Northern Blues also got hold of them. The Zebras have steadied the ship with a 44-point win against Collingwood last week.
What’s ahead:
Can the results be simply traced back to affiliate St Kilda’s of spate injuries? Only the second half will answer that question. A tough draw with two games against Williamstown, Port Melbourne, Werribee and Geelong loom, but the Zebras do have six games at the Trevor Barker Oval which is a definite plus.
WERRIBEE
Record: 5-4
Position: 7th
Leading Goal Kicker: Ben Warren (22)
What’s happened so far:
Following a tough draw - Box Hill Hawks and Port Melbourne - in the first three rounds, Werribee has rebounded under new coach John Lamont to emerge as a genuine finals contender yet again. While they fell over the line against Casey, Werribee trounced Northern Blues, Sandringham and Richmond before arch rival Williamstown ended its winning streak with a nine point defeat at Point Gellibrand. As much as that loss against Williamstown hurt, the one point loss against Essendon after falling asleep in the third quarter hurt even more.
What’s ahead:
Apart from a trip to Geelong and Victoria Park, Werribee plays only one other serious flag contender - Port Melbourne and that’s at Chirnside Park. It’s one of five home games remaining which bodes well for Werribee’s bid for a top four spot.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Record: 6-4
Position: 4th
Leading Goal Kicker: Scott Clouston (19)
What’s happened so far:
In its first season as a standalone VFL club Williamstown lost its first two games, both close affairs - Box Hill Hawks (13 points), Northern Blues (four) - but then displayed form to suggest it is not only a finals contender, but a definite premiership threat. The Seagulls smashed standalone AFL clubs Footscray (which would have given them much joy), Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong. Frankston was mercilessly dispatched and they emerged from an enthralling battle victorious against Werribee. Port Melbourne had their number, but the Borough is clearly the benchmark.
What’s ahead:
While a trip to Perth in early July for the semifinals of the Foxtel Cup will prove a test for Williamstown’s player management and recovery, a favorable draw that does not see them play against any serious flag contenders for the remainder of the season has them poised for a top four finish.
Last Modified on 18/06/2014 21:13