Hello Footy Heads and welcome to the #AFLOrd9 Preview.
The season has gone fast and with August approaching, the AFL Finals are just around the corner. While anything is possible, I think the Top 3 is basically locked in, although there could be some movement if the Rebels or Swans drop some games.
The Hawks will be back key players, going to full strength soon and will booking to find some form coming into the important time of year. Can they knock the Swans out of the Top 2?
They would need to finish with more wins to do so as the Swans percentage is extremely good having scored more points for than anyone else in the competition! Or maybe if the Rebels if they start to crumble in the next few weeks they will slip down a spot or two? Anything could happen!
Here are my predictions for Round 9
Rebels v Dingos
The Dingos have beaten Hawks and Blues line ups depleted of Aussies in recent weeks and now face the Top 2 sides in the next two weeks, followed by 2 of the current Bottom 3 sides. Win 3 of the last 4 and their finals chances are alive. Drop 2 and they will likely miss the cut along, this week is crucial and if they can make it 3 in a row they will be in good stead to be there in September.
That said, the Rebels have been the form team of the competition having established themselves as the bench mark with a win over the Gargoyles last week in a game everyone has been reviewing closely. While I think a loss is coming for them sooner or later, I have to stick to my guns and back them in to win this one.
Phantom Prediction - Rebels by 20 points
Blues v Demons
The season is all but done for the Demons who despite some early season promise have failed to deliver when its counted. A loss to the Wildcats last week was the first nail in the coffin, their best hope is to caused problems for a few teams with eyes on September and the Blues are definitely one of those. I am just not sure the Demons have the desire to win anymore.
The Blues were the talk of the town with their new recruits in the preseason but none have really done anything. Chopper at least plays as opposed to Daws who is constantly injured. Can't say Guerra has much impact they still rely heavily on Doc and Willsy to do the hard work. They were missing last week and the rest of the team went with them, probably to another music festival or something.
If the likes of Doc and Willsy, oh and Shorty, are back in this week they will roll the Demons easily. Considering they will lose some key Canadians in August this is a must win.
Phantom Prediction - Blues 50 points
Gargoyles v Wildcats
Last week the Wildcats tasted the sweet taste of victory for the first time in too long and proved that they're on the right track in their rebuild.
The Gargoyles returned home last week bitter at a loss to the Rebels so will no doubt be ready to bounce back into the winners circle this week against the Wildcats. A win will see them stay a game clear of both the Dingos and Blues should they both win, or two games clear of either if they lose. A buffer much needed as the Gargoyles lose some key players in August along with their coach and on field leader. While the win was sweet for the Cats, it will not repeat unfortunately as the 4 points mean too much for the Grand River boys.
Phantom Prediction - Gargoyles 45 points
Swans v Roos
The Swans showed last week they have a long memory and have absolutely no problem destroying anyone who comes up to their "field" who has given them a belting in the past. Safe to say the Roos have given the Swans some severe losses over the years and with only a game left before losing some of their stars, the Swans will want to solidify their spot in the Top 2.
The Roos have been getting the job done despite struggling for consistent numbers all year. It shows they are a proud club and don't throw in the towel easily but a trip to Ottawa can be tough as most sides struggle to get their best up there. Even if you are short, it is the Swans mantra not to match as is the gentleman's rule in Toronto.
Phantom Prediction - Swans by 34 points
Hawks v Eagles
I left this one for last as it is to be played on Sunday at Humber South for some reason unknown. Could be a tough game for both on a Sunday morning unless they all stay off the drink which is an unlikely situation as far as the Eagles are concerned. The Eagles are blooding rookies having lost some key players to injury, I don't think they've got their hearts set on seeing any real September action.
The Hawks have Dullard back this week which will give them some midfield relief. They haven't dropped 3 in a row in years and with the stars slowly coming back into the line up, they will look to gather form coming into the right time of year. Early season form has been key to their strong position.
Phantom Prediction - Hawks 33 points
Womens
Swans v Roos
The Lady Roos travel up the 401 with their Division 1 side to take on the Swans in what is always a tough game for any side. Coming off a loss to the Blues, it is hard to see the girls taking down the strong Swans unit in their last game before losing their stars to the National Team.
Phantom Prediction - Swans by 40 points
Demons v Blues
With 2 wins in a row the Blues ladies are up and about and their weight in numbers is the total opposite to that of the Demons who have been struggling of late. I hear they have some injuries after Hamilton bulldozed them last week so they could be ripe for the taking, especially if Erin is not playing again.
Phantom Prediction - Blues 1 goal
That's it for this week, Footy Heads! Another big round of AFLO Footy is approaching and teams are getting desperate to get the wins on the board. Lets see if there are any upsets for us in #AFLOrd9. Good luck to all
- The Ghost Who Handballs
Last Modified on 25/07/2014 16:21