Coolaroo: 14 wins, 1 losses – 56 points
To Play: Highfields (A), South Toowoomba (H), Dalby (H)
Coolaroo’s first and only loss of the season to date was at the hands of a desperate University outfit two weeks ago. This is expected to just be the bump in the road which shows the young fellas that wins don’t just come around. They face 3 sides all in finals contention in the final 3 weeks, with this weekend being the biggest danger. With 3 wins and a lot of percentage clear of 2nd, they will easily wrap up the minor premiership.
Prediction: 1st
Highfields: 11 wins, 4 losses – 44 points
To Play: Coolaroo (H), Warwick (A), Lockyer Valley (A)
As a club, Highfields are starting to see results go their way because of their hard work in recruiting juniors and developing their interest in footy. Along with the top of the table Under 14s the club is certainly in good hands. For the immediate future they will face a crucial clash against Warwick which will decide whether they play in an elimination or qualifying final on August 31.
Prediction: 5th
Dalby: 11 wins, 4 losses – 44 points
To Play: Chinchilla (H), University (H), Coolaroo (A)
The Swans have a history of going out to boost their percentage against the lower sides and this weekend will be no different, especially given how tight the table currently is. Although they are unlikely to topple Coolaroo, the match against University may well decide which final they play. The Swans have less players than their finals bound opposition and utilise the open spaces to their advantages, an approach which comes in very handy come finals when player equalisation no longer is in effect.
Prediction: 3rd
Warwick: 11 wins, 4 losses – 44 points
To Play: Pittsworth (A), Highfields (H), Toowoomba East (H)
Warwick have the easiest run of the teams they are fighting for position with, but have a far inferior percentage to the other sides in the top 5. If they can win all 3 it is anticipated that percentage won’t have any effect on their placing inside the final 5. However dropping the match against Highfields could see them drop as low as 5th – talk about your all-time 8 point games!
Prediction: 2nd
University: 10 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw – 42 points
To Play: Goondiwindi (H), Dalby (A), South Toowoomba (A)
University have become mean in the middle of the season, not losing a match since their Round 8 clash with Dalby. This includes wins over the previously undefeated Coolaroo as well as two wins over second placed Highfields. They are swarming the footy and spreading well from the contest. Assuming this is to continue they will lock away a spot in the finals, however if their form drops off ever so slightly, their Round 18 match against South Toowoomba could become a pre-elimination final.
Prediction: 4th
South Toowoomba: 10 wins, 5 losses – 40 points
To Play: Toowoomba East (H), Coolaroo (A), University (H)
South Toowoomba has a tough run home which will likely see them miss the finals. They will probably have to rely on University dropping from their ‘form high’ (is that a term?) to force a game-to-go in Round 18. The Bombers are lacking the out and out stars of some of the other teams and will have to focus on lifting their second tier if they are to challenge for repeat finals appearances.
Prediction: 6th
Last Modified on 19/08/2013 09:54
