Well Footy Heads, Round 4 AFL Ontario action is nearly upon us, and once again we have a big round of football ahead of us! A double header in Guelph and the Dingos in Ottawa means only two games in Toronto on the weekend for the Division 1 competition.
In the Women's Division we have two currently undefeated teams hitting it out with Etobicoke and High Park on Saturday morning. It should be a great round of footy in Ontario. Here are my predictions for this week
Etobicoke Kangaroos v High Park Demons
This week’s Friday night game is going to be an interesting hit out. The Roos are winless after three rounds and were lucky to scrape out a draw against the Dingos. The Demons are coming off a shocking loss to the Swans in Toronto in Round 3.
While it has been pointed out to me that focusing on players coming in and going out is not necessarily ideal, the fact is that without Harris - the Roos are in seriously rough shape. Haesler hasn't had a kick all season and Rigney has taken up umpiring.
The Demons will no doubt be ready to bounce back from their shock loss, despite losing Dale Simnett for a week on suspension. They may have been a little ahead of themselves last week and paid the price, but this week will bounce back and leave the Roos winless after 4 rounds.
Phantom prediction Demons by 20 points
Hamilton Wildcats v Toronto Eagles
One of two Division 1 games to be played in Guelph on Saturday, the Wildcats will no doubt be up against it as the Eagles look to soar on to their 4th win of the season. Reality is that Hamilton don't have anyone to run with Runnalls, let alone Koens. The two of them will continuously drop back and rebound the football and leave the Cats unable to score.
In a rebuilding year with few goal kicking options, the Wildcats can only hope to get as much game time into their rookies this year as possible and recruit for the future. After being embarrassed by Central Blues in Round 3, it is hard to see them getting past the Eagles. Phantom prediction is Toronto Eagles by 10 goals.
Guelph Gargoyles v Central Blues
The second Division 1 game in Guelph on the weekend sees the out of form home team against Central Blues, who have recently arrived in the winners circle.
The Gargoyles have just come off a rough loss to the Rebels in Toronto, fielding poor numbers due to injuries and a misunderstanding about their game time and location. They will need to rally and get everyone on board to get the momentum moving their direction before the season slips away.
The Blues may have won and won big, but they played the potential wooden spooners and Willsy kicked more than half their score. The chances of Guelph letting him do the same again is very unlikely, and the hairy short man will be closely guarded by the Gargoyles.
At home, the Goyles are tough to beat and the Phantom prediction is Guelph by
16 points
Toronto Rebels v Broadview Hawks
The only Division 1 game to be played in Toronto on Saturday this match up looms to be a great game. As we all know, the Rebels had an easy win against a depleted Guelph outfit and the Hawks were beaten pretty convincingly by the Dingos. Although the grape vine does carry word that the Hawks never gave in until the final siren.
The Hawks, no doubt ready to bounce back after Round 3, will be bolstered by the return of Cody Royle from Team Canada coaching duties who will provide plenty of run from half back.
The Rebels have put some big scores on the board this year and have a chance to continue their winning form. But they will have to be on their A Game this week to be able to get past Broadview who are seriously Top 2 contenders.
Phantom prediction Broadview by 11 points.
Ottawa Swans v Toronto Dingos
Toronto Dingos are the second team to make the trip to Ottawa in 2013 and will be very confident of coming away with a big win, despite being on the road.
The Swans snatched victory away from the Demons last week who were brought down to 17 men, and from all reports were very undisciplined and punished by the umpires. The chances of the Swans making it two in a row are not great, considering the Dingos are up and about early in the year.
On a small ground like RCR, the Dingos will get numbers to the ball and force it forward all day, giving the inexperienced Swans little chance to put enough score on the board to get close to a win.
Phantom prediction Dingos by 51 points - lets hope the Swans of last week turn up and make it a dog fight.
WOMEN'S FOOTY
Etobicoke Kangaroos v High Park Demons
The two undefeated Women's Teams of Ontario hit it out on Saturday morning and the Roos will be ready. The Demons had a fairly close win over the Swanettes in Toronto in Round 3 and appear to be getting shaky.
Loughnane reportedly kept the Swans in the game with inaccurate kicking but that could also mean she was under pressure at the time of kick.
Sharna Edwards will be out to impress this week and the Amaral sisters ready to go too.
Phantom prediction Etobicoke by 4 points
Hamilton Wildcats v Ottawa Swans
The ladies from Ottawa make their first road trip without the men this round and have quite a mission ahead of them as the game is in Guelph on Saturday. The Swanettes really gave the Demons a hard time in Round 3 in Toronto but unlike their Division 1 brothers - could not finish them job and lost by 2 goals.
The ladies from Hamilton are coming off a huge win over the Blues and have a lot of momentum behind them.
With such a long drive, it is hard to see the Swans getting a win this week, although I am confident they will put up a serious fight.
Phantom prediction - Hamilton Wildcats by 21 points
And there you have it, my spot on predictions for round 4! Remeber you can read my thoughts in real time, at @FootyPhantom. Here's to a solid round of footy!
The Ghost who Handballs
Last Modified on 15/06/2013 04:48