Welcome back, Footy Heads to another round of footy in Ontario which after this weekend, brings us two-thirds of the way thru the season and another step closer to September action.
Some crucial games on the cards this week and Rogers TV out to film two games at Humber on Saturday. With the weather looking promising, it should be another good weekend of AFL Ontario action. Here are my predictions for #AFLOrd8
Roos v Hawks
Two teams that struggled for numbers last week hit it out on Friday night at Humber South. With the big guns still away, the Hawks could be ripe to drop another one if they don't get some decent numbers out this week.
The Roos are coming off a big loss to the Blues and would love to sneak a win here to break their fall from grace having dropped 3 straight games to be 4-3.
While I don't think the Hawks are in great form at the moment, I don't think they will be letting this one slip and will want to get the necessary wins on the board to solidify a Top 2 finish. They may actually be in 3rd place now as there seems to be something wrong with the league website but if they are not already third then the Swans are very close behind them!
Phantom Prediction - Hawks by 20 points
Wildcats v Demons
I have been saying all year that the Wildcats are going to sneak a win and this could be their best chance yet. The Demons are struggling a little bit of late and word has it that Casey is carrying a knee or ankle injury. With their season all but done, will he turn is focus to the National team?
If Loughnane and Doggett are still missing this week then they really will be lacking some of their more polished players. I will give the Demons the benefit of the doubt with the pick but don't be surprised if there's an upset at Mohawk Park!
Phantom Prediction - Demons by 10 points
Swans v Eagles
The Swans are flying high and with a Top 2 position at the tip of their beaks, will be looking forward to taking on the Eagles at home who have been struggling so far this season. Some tweets have come in this week that the Eagles have lost 2-3 key players to injury which will make this rough road trip even tougher on the old boys.
With Stafford controlling the middle and Strom likely to come back in this week from injury, the Swans are going to be too strong at home for the Eagles who will likely struggle to get more than 18 to make the trip up the 401.
Phantom Prediction - Swans by 30 points
Blues v Dingos
I've said it before and I will say it again, the Blues love a late season run and the difference this year is that they will make the finals this year unlike the previous couple. A lot more Aussie depth they are taking scalps and while the Dingos are coming off a solid win, the Blues will be too good this week. Especially if Daws is back in the side finally as apparently Chopper isn't doing a lot.
Big Wade is set to return this week, possibly next which will mean Wells can go back to his beloved back line but I don't think the Big Man is likely to have such an impact that the Dingos will get over the line. At this stage in the season, it is mathematically possible for the proud Dingos to make the finals but they need to win 4 of the next 5 so this week would be a good start.
Phantom Prediction - Blues by 25 points'
Rebels v Gargoyles
If the Blues like a late season run the Rebels like a late season collapse. Last year they dropped a bunch of games in the second half of the year and I've been saying for weeks they are due to drop one or two. With the Hawks now 2 games behind them, I wouldn't be surprised if this week is the week the drop off with a tough game against the hard hitting Gargoyles.
I mentioned before that Gargoyles know they will lose some key players in August and getting wins on the board before then is going to be key to their September aspirations. A win this week against the undefeated Rebels would definitely give them the momentum they need. That said, similar to the Demons v Wildcats game, I will give the Rebels the benefit of the doubt but an upset could be on the horizon.
Phantom Prediction - Rebels 15 points
Womens
Roos v Blues
If the Roos want to get some revenge on the Blues after their 20 point beating last week, they don't need to wait long as the two teams hit it out this Saturday morning at Humber South. This should be an interesting game and a new challenge awaits the Blues to see if they can turn one win into two!
Phantom Prediction - Blues again! 10 points
Wildcats v Demons
The Wildcats sit a top the Women's Division Table by percentage but have an equal win loss record to the Swans while the Demons are 2-2 with one loss coming from a forfeit. They can still match it with the rest of them, depending which Demons team turns up to play.
Erin Loughnane is no doubt the key to their success as one of the best players in the competition. Similar to her husband in the mens, if she is in the team the Demons are a better side but without they lack polish.
Phantom Prediction - Wildcats 25 points
That's it for #AFLOrd8 Predictions, Footy Heads! Keep the emails and twitter messages coming with all your rumours and injury news! @PhantomAFL or phantom@aflontario.com
The Ghost That Handballs
Last Modified on 19/07/2014 05:02