1. Jamie Vlatko is hitting form at the right time
It was a question of if Jamie Vlatko would find his best form, but more a question of when. After a bit of a role change meaning a slower start to the year, the tall forward has shot up the Stan Milton Trophy leader board and now sits in 4th position with 41 goals. In the last three weeks, Vlatko has kicked 16 goals and has looked nearly unbeatable up in the air.
2. Magpies youngsters showing good signs for future
Western Suburbs after a very slow start are now one of the form teams in the competitions, winning three of their last four games. With over half their side under the age of 23, 2015 was always going to be a tough year for the Magpies but they have shown the competition that there are bright signs for the future at Wests.
3. The Bats aren’t that far away
The Bats haven’t given up of finals footy in 2015 just yet but it has been a season of near misses for UTS. The Bats have lost 3 games by under 8 points this season including leading at half time against top three sides Manly Warringah and Pennant Hills. If the Bats can turn these results around and start winning the close games as they did on Saturday, they will be a finals team next year.
4. Can the Dragons cause an upset in September?
For much of 2015, it has looked like only three teams are a chance of the premiership. The question remains though, can St George (or Sydney University and UTS depending on results) cause an upset in the finals this year? St George and Sydney University have defeated the sides below them quite comfortably but look a level below the top three. Both sides have shown that when they play their best football, they can compete with the best.
5. Injuries hurting Balmain late in season.
Balmain are facing their biggest test in two years. After an impressive start to the season, the Tigers have lost their last three and are showing vulnerability at the tail of the home and away season. Injuries to star players Luke Jarjoura and Brad Plug and the absence of Chris Bolt are one reason the Tigers have hit a rough patch. The Tigers will need their other players to step up another level if they want to claim back to back premierships.
6. Women’s Division Two Premiership is anyone’s!
With the home and away season finished and finals starting, the pressure will intensify for the final five sides in the Women’s Division Two comp. Gosford claimed the minor premiership thanks to results falling their way on the weekend but having not played finals football before, it will be interesting to see how they perform. Auburn, UTS and Penrith were all finalists in 2014 and have had that taste of finals football and what it requires to win. Blacktown have surprised all in 2015 in their first year in the competition and anything is possible for the Magic.
Last Modified on 17/08/2015 10:24
