Well footy heads, we're back with another round of footy in Ontario with Round 9 this week and the finals are edging closer and closer. A big game this week between top of the table Broadview Hawks and the Toronto Eagles, should be match of the round. Here are my predictions for Round 9!
Toronto Rebels v Central Blues
This should be an interesting game depending on which Rebels and which Blues team fronts up to play! The Rebels team that drew with Ottawa or the Rebels team that beat the Eagles? The Blues who smashed Ottawa or the Blues who were touched up by the Dingos? Will “Mighty Mouse” Willsy around? Lots of questions on this one.
The Blues do have some quality around the ground but are really lacking in scoring options, while the Rebels are pretty solid in defence which could make it a tough day out for the Blues. This one could go either way, but on paper I’d have to go with the Rebels on this one.
Phantom Prediction - Rebels by 20 points, dependant on who turns up!
Hamilton Wildcats v Toronto Dingos
The first game in a double header at Mohawk Park on Saturday sees the Dingos traveling to Hamilton to take on the Wildcats.
The Wildcats have been struggling of late and with yet another player in Brendan Major moving on, it’s really difficult to see how they can challenge the Dingo’s who are really a premiership contender this year.
This one could be messy, but after weeks of beatings I think the boys down in the Hammer will be looking to have a solid end to the season.
The Dingos have got themselves back in the mix, coming off a solid win over the Blues and will be looking to go into the break with another win under their belt. Though, rumour has it they may struggle with numbers this weekend so who knows we may be in for a battle.
On form though, you couldn’t go passed a Black and Red victory.
Phantom Prediction - Dingos by 60 +
Guelph Gargoyles v High Park Demons
Second game in the double header at Hamilton, this is a crucial game for both the Gargoyles and the Demons.
The Gargoyles are coming off a belting at the hands of the Hawks at home last week and are on the road for the remaining 4 games. The Demons had a big win over a hapless Hamilton, so you can’t take too much out of that one. They do have a slither of momentum happening, but there are still a lot of questions on their depth. Apparently they can’t even field a Div 2 side!
If the Demons are any chance of making the finals they need to win this game and keep the tiny momentum going. The Gargoyles on the other hand need a solid win here to lock themselves in the top 6 heading into the final 3 games.
Phantom Prediction - Guelph by 17 points in a tight one!
Ottawa Swans v Etobicoke Kangaroos
Etobicoke travel to the Nation's Capital this week to take on the Swans in part one of a Men and Women's double header at RCR.
The Swans are up and down at the moment and it’s difficult to know which team will show up. If they have Woods, Kozlowski, Shaughnessy, Roffey and Strom all firing, they could be a chance... maybe.
The Roos, well you would think they have most of their guns heading up the 401 as many love to chase a perceived easy win. The key will be if the Swans have someone to stop Chippa, especially around goals as that could no doubt be the deciding factor.
Honestly though I think the Roos should be too good in this one and should take home the 4 points here.
Phantom Prediction - Roos by 4 goals
Broadview Hawks v Toronto Eagles
I thought I'd save the best for last in this rounds predictions with the top of the table clash at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
The Eagles haven't actually played since they lost to the Rebels a few weeks ago due to some unfortunate circumstances. And that one left not too much to be desired. Half time fadeouts are becoming a trend that they don’t want to follow.
The Hawks on the other hand are on fire and made light work of the Gargoyles in Guelph last week. They are looking like the team to beat come September!
This should be a rough and tough game, with a bit of physicality and the big bodies of the Eagles may be suited to the small ground in Scarborough. I can at least say it will be competitive up until halftime, as that seems to be the only time the Eagles put quarters together.
Rumour has it that “Mr 19” is back for the Eagles, and not soon enough with the Hamburgler fading up forward. But he is no Dullard and will have get more than just easy kicks in front of goal.
Phantom Prediction - Hawks by 40 points pulling away in the 3rd
WOMEN
Ottawa Swans v Etobicoke Kangaroos
Part of the double header in Ottawa, this should be a huge game for both teams as the Swans finally get a home game - possibly the first for the season.
The two teams are both quality outfits and I expect this week to be a great game. It’s a tough one to call because we haven't seen the Swans at home yet! I suspect they will have some big numbers and will be really looking forward to the challenge!
The Roos Ladies have been solid this year and have some great young players coming through. A tough game to predict but one I must. I’ll have to go with the home side on this one.
Phantom Prediction - Swans by 2 goals
Hamilton Wildcats v High Park Demons
<AFL Ontario web master has removed this prediction due the game being forfeited>
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Until next week!
The Ghost Who Handballs
Last Modified on 27/07/2013 11:02