What a great round of footy we had in #AFLOrd1, Footy Heads! I am expecting to see a lot more of the same this week with some big games to be played in #AFLOrd2. There are some must win games for a few sides this week so picking winners looks like it could be a little tough.
Congratulations again to Neil Casey of the Demons, winner of the first 2XU Player of the Week Award. Justin Rigney of the Kangaroos and Nick Shuttleworth were probably a little unlucky not to take the win themselves, though Rigney did play 16-on-16 against a weaker opposition.
Here are my predictions for Round 2
Kangaroos v Dingos
It is pretty safe the say that the Roos were not really tested last week so this weeks game against the Dingos should be interesting. The Roos have bunch of new Aussies in their mob and while JR was solid up front with 8 goals last week, the supply thru the middle won't be as clean on Friday night. How will the new boys go with under pressure is one question on my mind and my other is how deep are the Roos?
The Dingos were very average last week against the Hawks. They may have sugar coated it on their website write up but reality is they copped it sweet from the reigning Premiers. They will not want to put on another performance like that this week. Aitken was solid around the packs last week and Evans should be in the line up. Ladd is the other new recruit who didn't really impress but it may take some time to get used to the switch from British Bulldog to Canadian footy.
Phantom Prediction - Roos by a goal
Wildcats v Rebels
Wins are likely to be hard to come by for the Cats this season as they focus on rebuilding and blooding Canadians but last week were missing Visser who will give them an extra solid body. McDowall looks like a great addition and with Digits, will be good leaders for the new recruits to look up to.
The Rebels had a relatively big win over the Eagles without ever really thrashing them. They will be looking to come out strong against the Wildcats and stamp their mark on it early, however they are known slow starters. Considering this game starts at 9am in Hamilton the guys will want to be ready. Don't be surprised to see the Wildcats up and about early on in this one but doubt they will run out the game with the Rebels.
Phantom Prediction - Rebels
Gargoyles v Demons
Gargoyles really need to win this one as they have some tough games on the horizon in the following weeks. Early season wins are key, especially for a side with the Coach and some key players going to Australia in August. While definitely one of the strongest clubs in Canadian talent, not sure how solid the Australian contingent is. Is this Dyer kid going to show up?
The Demons played some good footy last week in Ottawa in the second half and stole a victory from the Swans in great fashion. Will they be able to do it 2 weeks in a run? Another slow start could really cost them but having the option of throwing Casey forward to cause problems is a good ace to have up the sleeve. Especially considering his height and we know Daws caused problems for the Gargoyles last week with his height.
Phantom Prediction - Gargoyles by 20 points
Hawks v Blues
Without a doubt this one is the #AFLOrd2 Match of the Round and early season predictions suggest these clubs could be suiting up on Grand Final Day. We know the Hawks are all class thru the midfield and with Shutts and Sperling up front now and Cragg and Bowley as back up, there is some forward strength. How strong is the defence going to be is the question?
The Blues started the year with a bang in Guelph with a dominant display. Doc and Willsy thru the middle and Daws up front were solid, while Chopper didn't even get a mention. So expect to see him doing some damage this week.
This game will really show if the Hawks are the bench mark or if the Blues are the real deal.
Phantom Prediction - Hawks by 5 points
Eagles v Swans
Another big game here as both teams need to get a win on the board as soon as possible. The Swans started off strong last week but couldn't hold the Demons off in the second half. Kozlowski and Roffey were missing last week and are said to be 50/50 for this week. I think they will both play and Strom will be up and about after a quiet game last week. Stafford and Walsh should be good again, question is how will their fitness stand up on the bigger ground at Humber South?
The Eagles were disappointed with the result last week against the Rebels. They came out hard but ran out of gas despite fighting it out to the end. If they can get an early lead against the Swans, they will be stronger this week and hold onto it. Need more guys to contribute up forward other than just the Hamburgler though.
Phantom Prediction - Eagles 7 points
Womens
Wildcats v Demons
Based on their forfeit last week and rumours of low numbers this season, it is hard to pick the Demons. Then again they have Erin who basically runs around and does whatever she likes.
The Cats were superb last week against the Roos and could have won by a lot more. Would almost be rude not to pick them this week, especially considering its a home game. They will be licking their lips at a chance to knock off the team that beat them in last years Grand Final.
Phantom Prediction - Wildcats 8 points
Roos v Swans
This is a tough one to pick as the Roos really let me down last week when I thought they'd be stronger. They were missing Sylvie DeB in the ruck, is she due back this week? Anytime soon?
The Swans were disappointed to not get to play last week and will be ready to rock when they get to Toronto to take on the Roos. Dickinson and Costanza will lead from the front all day and I don't think there's any doubt the Swans will be desperate for a win in Toronto.
Phantom Prediction - Swans 11 points
Until next week Footy Heads..
The Ghost who Handballs!
Last Modified on 31/05/2014 07:32