Welcome back footy heads! The weekend's here and so is another round of footy. After an action packed round 2, I'm expecting even better footy this week.
Etobicoke Kangaroos v Toronto Eagles
Round 3 kicks off with a big rivalry game between the Roos and Eagles at Humber South on Friday night. It's been some time since the Roos arrived in Round 3 without a win and they no doubt need to step up in this game and get a big W. The Eagles are 2-0 with a fantastic come from behind win in Round 2 against Guelph in Toronto.
The Roos rely very heavily on Harris and Emile, and lack depth this season.
Some consider the Eagles lucky to have won against the Gargoyles last week, but have bolstered their side and will obviously be keen to continue on the win streak. Question is will Cappa pull the pine needles out of his behind this week and contribute?
Phantom prediction is shut down Harris, shut down Roos with the Hamburgler to kick another 4 goals - Eagles by 12 points
Toronto Dingos v Broadview Hawks
This looks to be a cracking game at Humber South on Saturday morning between a couple of serious Top 2 contenders. The Dingos, coming off a serious battle ending in draw with Etobicoke last week, will be desperate to get back into the winners circle. The Hawks had a big win against a lacklustre Swans team in the Nation's Capital last week and should be feeling fresh and ready to go.
This Phantom isn't really sure if the Dingos have the stock in defence to contain the goal kicking power of the Shuttleworth brothers who kicked 9 goals between them in Ottawa. Bob Clarke isn't likely to stand a chance! Is Big Wade Edwards good to go, or carrying injuries? Craig Stewart, 45 is apparently their best "utility" so depth is a huge question on this Phantoms mind.
Phantom prediction is Hawks by 8 points in a rough and tough battle.
Hamilton Wildcats v Central Blues
Two winless sides who haven't troubled the scoreboard much in recent weeks hit it out at Mohawk Park this Saturday, desperate to get their first win of the season. The Wildcats have a look of rookie Canadians and their Aussie stock isn't the best. To be honest, any Aussie stock with the ageing Timmy Wilson in the starting 6 is generally going to struggle.
The Blues have Willsy and the big Doc and few other decent Aussies, but their Canadian stock is better than decent and they will give a contest all over the ground and get numbers to the ball. They may need to play Doc up forward this week to give themselves some scoring opportunities.
My prediction is that this game will be an up and back all day battle between defences - Blues to take it by 15 points.
High Park Demons v Ottawa Swans
The grape vine is ripe with rumors about the Demons - first they're telling everyone they will be on top of the ladder after Round 3, next there are reports of players wanting out mid-week! What is true and is false, this Phantom is not sure but no doubt the ever cocky Demons will be confident of a win in Round 3. They will be missing a couple of their better Aussies but have some talented Canadian’s retuning to the side such as Ireland, Thom and Robbie Valance to fill the holes.
While this Phantom expected Ottawa to be much improved this season, it seems they aren't and were beaten and beaten well by the Hawks at home last week. Will Roffey, Kozlowski and Shaughnessy return to their line up to give them a shot at the Demons? In their second of three trips to Toronto this season, let’s hope the Swans can show a bit more this time.
Phantom prediction Demons by 4 goals - could be a blow out if the Swans better 3 players don't show.
Toronto Rebels v Guelph Gargoyles
In the only game of the round to be played at University of Toronto at Scarborough this should be an interesting hit out. Top 3 contender Guelph are 0-2 to start the year and will be desperate to get their season back on the road to the finals. The Rebels sit at 2-0 first the first time in a decade or so and probably haven't won 3 straight since Nick Papaioannou had hair.
Guelph have been missing a few keys players in recent weeks, but the grape vine tells me that all will be returning this weekend to ensure the Gargoyles get into the winners circle. Morgan King has done very little for the Rebels this season and must be due to perform for his side, but it won't be enough this week. Guelph to show they are truly a Top 2 or 3 side.
Phantom prediction Guelph Gargoyles by 25 points.
WOMEN'S FOOTY
High Park Demons v Ottawa Swans
While the ladies from Ottawa have had a week off and will be keen to bounce back from their loss to the Roos in Round 1, it is difficult to see them overcoming the Demons this week. The Demons continue to show their strength and while they are coming off a close win in Round 2 against the Wildcats, will be confident that can get the job done under any circumstances.
The Swanettes are a good team and will definitely challenge the Demons, but this Phantom can't see them coming away with the W.
Phantom prediction - Demons by 19 points
Hamilton Wildcats v Central Blues
Similar to their men, the Blues have a lot of fight and get numbers to the contest, but lack the ability to put scores on the board which makes it hard to pick them this week. The Wildcats Women’s Team put up a serious fight against the Demons last week, showing they are strong again this year and ready to go.
Playing at home and hungry for a win, the Wildcats girls will give them a tough time on Saturday in Hamilton.
Phantom prediction Hamilton Wildcats by 26 points.
So there you have it, my round 3 predictions. If you want to keep up with my throughts in real time, look me up on Twitter at @FootyPhantom. Looking forward to some exciting footy and sledging this weekend!
The Ghost who Handballs
Last Modified on 08/06/2013 02:36
