Well footy heads, we are now at the half way mark of the season and for some teams out there, finals aspirations could be almost over! Some telling games coming up this week, it should be a beauty! My tips for the week as follows..
Etobicoke Kangaroos v Central Blues
This could be a pretty interesting game as Etobicoke look to continue their winning form and the Blues have a chance to keep their season alive. A loss here could spell the end of it for the Blues at the half way mark with only a win on the board after 5 rounds.
The quality of the Roos Australian stock makes my head tell me to pick the Roos in this game, but if someone takes out Chippa in the forward 50 then the Blues could be in with a chance. Especially if Willsy and the Doc come to play and someone can kick goals for them!
Phantom prediction to play it safe and pick the Roos to win by 3 goals
Toronto Eagles v Toronto Dingos
This will be "Game of the Round" as the Dingos look to bounce back from their loss to the Rebels and the Eagles try to extend their winning streak.
Honestly, I think this is the first real test of the year for the Eagles and I am sure they know it! The Dingos were disappointed to have lost last round and with a weeks rest will be primed and ready to go. Is my new favourite player "Big Wade" going to return to the line up? Groin injuries have been keeping him out so he is a little suspect.
Can the Hamburgler get out of first gear and kick a bag? He will need to for the Eagles to make it over the line this week.
Phantom prediction Dingos by 2-4 goals with last quarter being the decider.
Guelph Gargoyles v Hamilton Wildcats
Guelph returns to Margaret Green Reserve this week to take on the struggling Hamilton Wildcats. After scraping thru against the Swans last weekend, the Gargs will no doubt have a much stronger line up and be looking to give Hamilton a tough game. They need the 4 points and percentage from a win here will keep their finals more than alive.
Looking ahead the Gargs do have a pretty decent second half of the year so don't expect to see them drop off anytime soon!
The Wildcats are struggling and with the loss of some key players, need to rally and stick together not just this week, but for the rest of the season. Everyone has their ups and downs, and its their turn to be down. Play some defence Cats, and watch Matty Dean!
Phantom prediction Guelph by 50 points
Broadview Hawks v High Park Demons
High Park do have some ability but similar to the Blues lack scoring options. They generally like to put all their good players behind the ball leaving them few targets up forward. Broadview on the other hand have multiple avenues to goal and use them all.
While I'd like to say the Dees are in with a chance here, the truth is they have yet to show they are a finals team and are a class below the Hawks, and a few feet shorter too! Kelly can't do everything and Mitchell needs to step up.
Phantom prediction Hawks by 30 points
Ottawa Swans v Toronto Rebels
Well this could be an interesting game as trips to Ottawa can be tough for anyone. The Hawks went up with a strong team and belted the Swans, while the Dingos went with an average team and scraped thru. Will the Rebels be primed and ready to go or just scrape thru? Its hard to say but we all know that Guelph took 17 men and still got over the line.
I don't know for certain, but I highly doubt that Ottawa matched their short numbers. The Swans are well known to go against that OAFL code and take any possible advantage for a win at home.
The Swans have their goal kicker back in Roffey and will be primed to take on the Rebels who are playing better than expected this season. Based on mixed results this season, its tough to call this one but I think the Rebels have a bit too much for the Swans.
Phantom prediction Rebels by 4-5 goals
WOMENS
I had prepared a prediction for Hamilton Wildcats v Central Blues in the Women's Division but I've just been notified that the game has been postponed until a later date. So there will be no prediction for Women's footy this weekend
Good luck to all teams this weekend! And don't forget to follow me at @FootyPhantom on twitter and for those already on keep connected with #afloR6!
The Ghost who Handballs
Last Modified on 06/07/2013 13:19