After a nice week off for all, we’re back with another round of AFLO footy! With only three rounds to go, the top 6 is by no means set in stone.
Looking at this week’s schedule you would think most would be able to pick the winners pretty easily, but there are a few interesting matchups that could go either way.
Toronto Eagles vs Toronto Rebels
Now this one should be interesting, with two teams who were very average in the last round. Both will come into this one looking to keep in touch with a top 2 finish. This is one that’s definitely worth getting up early for and I’ll be making sure I get there.
After their last meeting you’d probably back the Rebels in this one, as they just looked fitter and more organized. It’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles let the likes of Karavias and Fabbri run free like they did last time, if so then the Rebs will have an easy day out.
Last round though the Rebs lost a game they really should have won on paper, but for some reason no one turned up to play. Which team will they bring out this time? The same team that belted the Eagles in round 7? Or the Ottawa/Blues squad? They’ve been just too inconsistent the past 4 rounds.
Then you have the Eagles, who really aren’t as good as their position on the ladder states. I’m still trying to figure out if their poor performances are a result of a bunch of individuals trying to play as a group or that they are poorly coached. I tend to think it’s the later.
You’d think with the way they have been fading in games that they’d used their bench and rotate, obviously tired bodies. Playing guys in the middle for a whole game worked well 4 years ago, but the league has evolved since then.
Anyway, I see this one having the same result as in their previous meeting with the Rebels having the poorly coached Eagles number.
Phantom Prediction: Rebels taking this one by 4 goals.
Hamilton Wildcats vs Guelph Gargoyles
On paper this one should be an obvious result but after the surprises from the last round, you never know if an unexpected win is on the way. Both these two sides are playing for totally different reason and we could be set for a pretty good match of footy.
With the Gargoyles clinging on to that sixth spot, you’d expect them to come out with one purpose and secure the points. They have the talent and have shown glimmers of the side who has been solid the past two years, but haven’t really got their season going.
The best thing they have going for them this week is that their opposition isn't in the best shape this season. They will also welcome back forward Matthews who has served his suspension.
What can you say about Hamilton? They’ve really struggled this season and hopefully they don't get punished these final few rounds. The rest of the season isn’t looking that much better with the Eagles and a long trip up to Ottawa still on the way.
Hopefully they’ve been working on their defence down in the ‘Hammer’ as getting large amounts of goals kicked on you each week has to be a little demoralizing. Then again, they do only allow one individual to do most of the damage so that’s a win right?
Phantom Prediction: Have to go with the odds on this one, Garg’s by 50 points!
Broadview Hawks vs Central Blues
This has the potential to be good little matchup in round 10. Both teams came off impressive wins in the last round and I will be looking forward to seeing if how this one pans out.
The Blues were quite impressive against the Rebels and show why they have been underachievers this season. They have had an up and down year so far, with some displays of quality football and then some very average footy.
They do have a chance against the Hawks but the major issue I see is that they rely too heavily on certain players to do all the work. There’s really only so much pressure ‘Mini Me’ Willsy and ‘The Doc’ can take on their shoulders. Others are going to have to pick up the pace and help out if the Blues want to finish the season on a high note.
What can you say about the Hawks, they are just flying at the moment (no pun intended). After easily disposing of the Eagles in the last round, you could say things just seem to be falling into place for them heading towards finals.
I really am finding hard to see who can bet this side when they have their full list, as they seem to have a lot of quality players in key spots.
Phantom Prediction: Close until the second, then the Hawks to run away with it by 6 goals.
Toronto Dingos vs Etobicoke Kangaroos
And here’s another interesting battle this weekend. Last time they both met it ended in a draw, any chance of a repeat? Unlikely.. Both these side are having completely different seasons, with the Dingos playing some quality football and the Roos having a tough 2013.
The Dingos have had a solid season so far with only 2 losses. They also been in some pretty good form the pass few rounds and they’d be looking to knock of the Roos and hold onto second spot.
They have some strong options around the ground, especially with ‘Big Wade’ up forward but their defence is definitely a bit of a concern. Kicking goals always helps with winning a game of footy, but if your backline stinks chances are you will struggle.
And how will the Roos respond after their shock loss in round 9? Will they have a few extra faces make appearances now that they are back in Toronto? Or will they struggle to get a team on the field?
With three rounds of footy still to go and a make-up match, there is still plenty of opportunities for them to make finals this year. They just need to have a full list.
As it has been mentioned before, the quality of the Roos Australian stock may not be as good as it has been in previous years but they still have some decent footballers on the field. I have a feeling that they may try to find a little extra to keep their finals chances alive.
Phantom Predictions: Roos to win a nail bitter by 7 points!
Ottawa Swans vs High Park Demons
Now how will this one turn out? Last time these two met, Ottawa was victorious with their first ever win in Toronto. The Dees haven’t travelled that well up to the Nation’s Capital over the years, so this one could go either way in my book!
Ottawa was quite impressive last week, notching their second win of the year and beating a side many thought would have their number. For a team that doesn’t win too often, it’s good to see the Swans get a few W’s up there in Ottawa, as it no doubt gives their members a reason to stick with the club.
As always when playing at home the Swannies have the luxury of fielding a full side. And with guys like Kozlowski, Shaughnessy, Woods and Roffey all playing good footy they are able to mix it with any one on their home turf.
The Dees have kept themselves in the mix for finals after a solid win against Guelph. This was probably their first legitimate win of the season and it shows that they can play a bit of footy too. But this side, as with the Blues, has totally underachieved this year.
They have some good players but they still lack quality scoring options. They may still be a finals team but will have to keep on winning if they want to continue to play into September.
Phantom Prediction: Ottawa to take the points again with a 15 point win!
And there you go! Let see how many old Phantom Pants gets right this week. As always make sure to keep active on twitter with and don’t be afraid to send me a few tweets and banter at Until next week!
The Ghost Who Handballs
Last Modified on 10/08/2013 08:36