Coolaroo: 12 wins, 0 losses – 48 points
To Play: University (A), Highfields (A), South Toowoomba (H), Dalby (H)
Coolaroo are the premiership favourites, albeit narrowly from University given they are so far undefeated. This weekend’s matchup will quite possibly determine who takes the minor premiership and gets the first week off come finals time. Their forward line is multi-pronged with Miels Grice, Phil Dreise & Tom Rudolph all finding avenues to goal. Stopping all three of them is key; but that is far easier said than done.
Prediction: 1st
University: 11 wins, 1 loss – 44 points
To Play: Coolaroo (H), Goondiwindi (H), Dalby (A), South Toowoomba (A)
University are in superb form, having conceded just 11 points in their past three matches, albeit against the bottom sides. This Saturday’s match against Coolaroo could shift them into top spot on the ladder and the crucial weekend off. Trying to reverse their poor finals form from previous years will be key come the season’s end, but with big bodies right across the ground they could monster some teams off of the ball come September.
Prediction: 2nd
South Toowoomba: 8 wins, 4 losses – 32 points
To Play: Dalby (H), Tigers (H), Coolaroo (A), University (H)
South Toowoomba faces a tough month of football leading into the finals, playing 4 teams still in finals contention. Each week has the potential to act as a potential elimination or qualifying final, depending on previous results. 4 wins could see them move into the Qualifying Final, while 4 losses will probably see them drop out of the top 5; something last year’s Grand Finalists will be keen to avoid.
Prediction: 4th
Tigers: 8 wins, 4 losses – 32 points
To Play: Highfields (A), South Toowoomba (A), Lockyer Valley (H), Warwick (A)
The Tigers have a relatively easy run home compared to the other sides in finals contention and that should see them lock away yet another finals appearance as they shoot for 4 in a row. The three-time reigning premiers will have to rebound after a loss to Dalby last weekend and similar slip-ups against Highfields or Warwick could see them playing off in a first week elimination final.
Prediction: 3rd
Goondiwindi: 7 wins, 6 losses – 28 points
To Play: Chinchilla (H), University (A), South Burnett (H), BYE
Goondiwindi are the biggest improvers of season 2013 BY FAR and find themselves in a big battle for 5th spot and their first finals appearance in a number of years. They will be looking to boost their percentage with big wins over the two expansion sides at home but face the real test against University in Round 16. An upset win there should lock them into a finals appearance, but a loss may see them rely on Warwick to drop a game just to make finals.
Prediction: 5th
Warwick: 7 wins, 6 losses – 28 points
To Play: Lockyer Valley (A), BYE, Highfields (H), Tigers (H)
The Redbacks should notch up two wins leading into their pre-elimination final against Tigers in Round 18. Given Goondiwindi have a bye in the final round they will know what they need to do leading into the match to make the top 5. 3 wins will probably see them scrape into the 5, while 2 wins will probably not be enough given Goondiwindi’s probable percentage boosting wins to come.
Prediction: 6th
Dalby: 5 wins, 6 losses – 20 points
To Play: South Toowoomba (A), Lockyer Valley (A), Chinchilla (H), University (H), Coolaroo (A)
The young Swans remain in the hunt given their upset win over South Toowoomba last weekend. At home, the side has defeated Tigers & South Toowoomba and nearly upsetting Coolaroo, making their matchup with University in Round 17 a very interesting one. If they can cause one or two upsets against the top 3 sides they may find themselves in September action. Even if they miss, things are certainly looking up out West.
Prediction: 7th
Highfields: 5 wins, 7 losses – 20 points
To Play: Tigers (H), Coolaroo (H), Warwick (A), Lockyer Valley (A)
The Lions remain only a mathematical chance to make finals and would have to run into a rich vein of form to get the 4 wins which would be required to see September. The match against Warwick will be their Grand Final as they try to build towards 2014.
Prediction: 8th
Last Modified on 02/08/2013 08:27
