Meanwhile, four teams are desperate to get a win on the board early or run the risk for being 1-3 a third of the way in. Then we have two teams who will battle it out for a possible first win!
Who will step up and who will crumble, we will know all come Saturday evening. Keep the #AFLOrd4 tags going thru the weekend so everyone can follow! Here are my predictions.
Roos v Demons
The Friday night specialist Roos have a real challenge on their hands here as the Demons have taken a few unexpected scalps already this year already.
The Roos had a great win over the Dingos but cruised to wins over the Wildcats and Eagles. This week is a big test for the club, against a side they knocked off in the 2011 Grand Final.
The Demons are in red hot form having knocked off the Swans on the road and the Blues last week. Neil Casey appears to be unstoppable and new boys Sammutt and Anjou getting plenty of it. Do they have what it takes to shut down the Roos new Aussie contingent and win on a Friday night?
Phantom Prediction - Roos by 3 points
Wildcats v Eagles
Two sides without a win go into this round desperate to get 4 points on the board! Really this could be anyones game on the day and the Wildcats certainly know how to play up on the escarpment.
The Eagles hit the road for the first time this season after 3 games at Humber South and the smaller ground may suit their old legs. With a few players coming back into the line up, I expect their bench will be a lot fuller than in recent weeks.
The Cats must surely be able to smell a possible win here! The Eagles are struggling and while the Cats are too, if anyone can smell blood its the Wildcats. Digits will need to be on his game and with a couple under the belt the rust should be gone. I expect to see him and McDowall rack up touches in this battle to get off the bottom!
Phantom Prediction - Experienced Eagles over Wildcats by 2 goals - but it could go either way
Gargoyles v Dingos
The Gargs will be happy to be back in Guelph after games in Hamilton and Scarborough the past two weeks. Their ladder position doesn't really to them justice as they find themselves 1-2 early in the season. They will be desperate to even it out after 4 games as it is a long way back from 1-3 a third of the way thru the season.
The Dingos are in the same boat and really need to get a win after being touched up by the Hawks and Roos in the first two weeks. A big win last week will give them some confidence but I think if the Gargoyles get on the board early, they could be in trouble. If they have to play Old Dogs up front again, they are going to struggle. Interesting considering the Coach suggested their forward line was better this year than last but so far they haven't shown it.
This game is a must win for both sides so it should involve plenty of hard hits and desperation.
Phantom Prediction - Gargoyles 4 goals
Hawks v Rebels
The Rebels travel to Scarborough to take on the reigning premiers and flag favourites on their home field following a big win in Ottawa in Round 3. After easy wins over the Eagles and Wildcats, it is safe to say this is the biggest test yet for the Rebels who appear to want to be quiet achievers so far this season. They're going to need to play some quality footy and have some luck to snatch this one.
The Hawks are up and about and Killa is being touted the new Dullard. Scary thought isn't it? They Hawks are very strong up forward and while the Rebels have been defending quite well this season, they haven't faced a forward line with this much potency to date.
While I think this will be a good battle, it is impossible to pick against the Hawks as they are in fine form early in the season.
Phantom Prediction - Hawks 20 points
Swans v Blues
We all know the Swans were bitterly disappointed to drop #AFLOrd3 to the Rebels and start the season 0-2 at home. With 7 games left, they know they need to win more of these than not to have a chance of playing in the AFLO Finals.
The Blues appear to have some holes after missing 3-4 key players last week and as the Ottawa trip is generally a tough one for all, could be ripe for the taking. I am not sold on them yet this season and need to see more but after a win at Guelph, loss to Hawks and loss to Demons find themselves 1-2. This game is a must win for the Blues who could also find themselves in a difficult position early on in 2014.
Phantom Prediction - Swans by 5 points
Womens
Roos v Demons
The Demons take on the Roos on Saturday morning at Humber South in what should be a great hit out between the two sides.
The Roos have been playing some good footy and are constantly improving each week. They had a great win over the Wildcats last week and will be looking to carry some momentum into Round 4.
Despite being low in numbers, the Demons have managed 2 good wins following their Round 1 forfeit and had a lot of scoring shots last week against the Blues.
Phantom Prediction - Demons 15 points
Swans v Blues
The Blues travel East on the 401 towards Ottawa this Saturday hungry for their first win. Bodashefsky returns home to Ottawa to bring the lightning in will be a tough battle agains the Swans.
The Swans are looking good so far this season and if Aimee Legault is in the lineup again, a lot of pressure is taken off their usual stars in Dickinson and Costanza.
Phantom Predictions - Swans 20 points.
And there you have it people, another week of predictions in what is turning out to be a competative season. Hopefully this week I pick all 7 games!
The Ghost Who Handballs
