Welcome back footy fans. footy's back for the weekend and I'm been looking forward to what should potentially be an exciting round of football.. Or maybe it will be similar to last week, with a few surprise results!
Etobicoke Kangaroos v Toronto Dingos
Will this one be an "out with the old, in with the new" type deal? The Roos are certainly on the back foot and Dingos look to be firing early in the 2013 season.
Chippa may need to consider pulling on some real cleats and increasing his ability to turn. Running in straight lines and receiving may not be as easy this year as it has the past two to three seasons. Big Wade from Queensland is the man to watch this week and it will be interesting to hear where he starts in the forward line.
After knocking off Guelph by such a margin last week, it is difficult to pick against the Dingos this week. Etobicoke's only saviour will be if it rains and makes the game scrappy.
Phantom predicts Wade at Full Forward to kick 5 and Dingos win by 8 goals.
Central Blues v Toronto Rebels
This game should be an interesting one as both teams surprised The Phantom last week! The Blues looked to have recruited well and were picked to beat the Demons, but it seems Willsy still can't win the game off his own boot and they lack goal kicking options.
The Rebels seemingly played out of their skins in Hamilton and won by a bigger margin than expected. But remember the Hammer are likely in a rebuilding phase having lost a lot of quality in recent years.
The Phantom really doesn't know who to pick! Will the Blues bounce back? Can the Rebels win two in a row for the first time since about 2003? Let’s be honest, wins have been hard to come by for that club for some time now.
Phantom prediction is Rebels by 11 points in an ugly game of football.
Guelph Gargoyles v Toronto Eagles
I am sure the Gargoyles will be reeling after losing at home last week and ready to make amends in a big way against the Toronto Eagles.
Playing Coach Kerm Matthews should be back into his side, which will give them a solid target up front. The Eagles gave it to the Swans last week and will be determined to show they aren't just making up the numbers again this year. Ralph Koens will be gaining confidence in that dodgy knee every week.
The reality of this one is that Guelph are not easy to beat. Chances of them dropping two in a row seem unlikely. But this one should be a battle.
Phantom prediction is Gargoyles by 9 points.
Hamilton Wildcats v High Park Demons
Coming off a solid win against the Blues in Round 1, High Park will travel to the Hammer with a tailwind on Saturday confident of winning, and winning big.
The Wildcats may not have the cavalry they did in 2011 and 2012, but they still have a lot of heart and are very hard at it. Jet tackles and tackles hard, and the new Ruckman will become a force as he gains experience.
The Demons are well known for being soft, so the question is can the hardness of the Wildcats intimidate them? While the Phantom thinks the answer to this question is yes, the Demons stock of Australians is better (and in better shape) than the Wildcats.
Phantom prediction is Demons by 20 points.
Ottawa Swans v Broadview Hawks
The Hawks are the first to take the trip to the Nation’s Capital this year and no doubt are heading up the 401 as favorites after beating Etobicoke in Round 1.
The Swans were unimpressive in their loss to the Eagles last week, missing Roffey and relying too much on Kozlowski and Shaughnessy. But on a smaller field at RCR and home ground advantage, they are definitely in with a shot of the Hawks.
Similar to the Wildcats and Demons game, Broadview's Australian contingent leaves Ottawa well behind, especially if Shuttleworth is back in the side.
Phantom prediction is Hawks by 22 points.
WOMEN'S FOOTY
Etobicoke Vs Central Blues
Etobicoke Roos v Central Blues having missed a pick last week on the Roos, The Phantom is reluctant to not pick them again this season.
Then again, the Blues women’s team are a solid outfit and have been training hard for months now. Question is, can they kick goals and put serious scoreboard pressure on the Roos womens team, who demonstrated last week they have no problems in that area.
Phantom prediction is Etobicoke Roos with a 2 goal win.
Hamilton Wildcats v High Park Demons
It is only Round 2, and these two foes face off in the rematch of the 2012 Women's Division Grand Final. The Wildcats women’s team will be ready, willing and waiting in anticipation of shutting down Erin Loughnane and the Demons, who haven't been in the losers circle in quite some time.
Kendra Heil and Danielle Commolli will be tackling hard as always but will they be able to put the score on the board to get their team over the line.
The 2012 Grand Final was 16 scoring shots to 7, showing that you have to kick goals to win football games!
Phantom prediction is the Demons by 5 points.
And there you have it my round two predictions. Hopefully we're in for some quality football and I get all 7 results right!
The Ghost who Handballs
Last Modified on 01/06/2013 04:19