With teams only playing each other once more for the year, we take a look at their finals chances and expected finish on the table.
BROTHERS
After starting the season with a loss down at Gladstone it looked as though it may be another long year for Brothers. However, what they have done over the last couple of months has proven to everybody that they will be the team to beat this season.
They recruited well over summer and now have depth all over the ground. They have up to 10 players who can rotate through the middle of the ground without losing anything around the contest. This provides trouble for opposition teams who they seem to run into the ground with the constant rotation of fresh players through the centre.
To go with an elite midfield, the options up forward with Brothers also prove hard to contain. They have both Steve and Scott Smithwick as key targets whilst small forward Aiden Colbourne is arguably the best player in the competition so far this year. Whilst teams have managed to shut one or two of the forwards down, it is the ability of the other players to step up and kick goals which proves so valuable.
Likely Finish 1-2
YEPPOON
The Swans began the year on fire, unbeaten in their first six games. It looked as though they would be just about unbeatable this year, yet this has changed recently, particularly over the past fortnight.
After consecutive losses there are questions being raised about the quality of the Swans line up. Whilst the opposition teams have risen to the challenge, finals football is a lot tougher and it will be interesting to see whether the Swans can regain the winning edge they held over teams.
They will still finish the season high on the ladder thanks to their terrific run early, but they will be looking to gain some momentum leading into finals. Daniel Watkin has kicked 32 goals so far this year and they will need plenty more from him, whilst Hawke, Wallin and Nicholls will need to lead the way.
Likely Finish 1-2
GLENMORE
The Bulls have been around the mark all year and will need to lift another gear if they are to be a threat come finals time. They really only need to win two more games for the year to cement a finals position and that would be their minimum expectation going into the latter stage of the year.
They have proven that they can match it with the better sides in the competition, beating both Yeppoon and BITS so far this year. However, it is their inconsistency which causes concern. They just scraped over the line against Panthers when they were really struggling and were also defeated by Gladstone last time the two sides met.
If the Bulls are keen on making an impact on the finals then they will need to lift all over the field. They have one of the better midfields in the league with the Payne brothers and Aaron Russell, but it is at either end of the ground where their concern is. If someone can stand up for them and become a focal point in front of goal then they will test all sides, they just can’t afford to rely too much on their midfield players.
Likely Finish 3-4
BITS
After being the most dominant team in the league in recent years, BITS have found it tougher going in 2010. They have particularly struggled with numbers this year; last weekend’s game against the Muddies just about the first time for the year where they have fielded two full teams.
However, BITS can’t be dismissed as only making up the numbers come finals time, if they make it. Whilst they should secure a finals spot, teams above them would be happy to see them miss out. If they win three out of the last five games then they will play finals, anything can happen from there.
They have a number of really good young players, in particular Daniel Hunt and Jacob Mills, as well as a number of solid more experienced players. Caveny, Hall, and Dickenson have plenty of footy and will be invaluable come finals time, and John Beirouti at full forward will prove very difficult to contain.
Likely Finish 3-5
GLADSTONE
The Muddies got off to a flying start this year, winning their first against Brothers, yet since then have managed only two wins. Their strongest side is the equal of just about any other team in the league; however the inability of the Muddies to play out four quarters has continually hurt them this season.
If they are to play finals then they will need to win four of their last five games. This would mean that they would need to win two of their remaining three away games – against Brothers, Yeppoon, and BITS. They have been comprehensively beaten in their last encounters with all three teams, and would need to turn their season around.
They have given opportunity to a number of junior players – Aiden Hearn, Rusty Parnaby and Jack Byrne all now regulars in the senior team. It is now up to the older players to lead the way. If they play at their best then they can still make finals, however anything less and they could well finish on the bottom of the table.
Likely Finish 4-6
PANTHERS
The Panthers have turned their season around over the past fortnight. After only having one win from their opening eight games, they looked a certainty to be last on the ladder this year. However, with an impressive win down at Gladstone followed by a sensational victory over Yeppoon last game, it is still possible that they can make the finals.
This is a very big ask, they would most likely need to win all of their remaining games. They have proven that they can play fantastic football when they are on, it is just a matter of getting this each week. They have proven recently what they are capable of, as a young side the last couple of games has been invaluable to their confidence.
Whilst making the finals is highly unlikely, the Panthers will be looking to finish the season off strongly. They are now starting to play some good footy and will be hoping to add to their recent wins.
Likely Finish 5-6
Last Modified on 30/06/2010 20:56