Hi Footy Heads, we have another great round of AFL Ontario football coming up as the season begins to take shape! Last week your Phantom picked 4 from 5 winners in Division 1 and both in the Women's competition. Some criticism has been received online and but mostly praise, I will try my best to keep everyone happy.
Coaches, your reports are due in ASAP and please ensure to give votes for both teams as best you can. I know it is difficult when focusing on your own side, but it is possible for someone else to do the opposition votes for you. Those clubs who either didn't send in last week or were really late, please try to pick it up so I am not forced to keep the fans waiting. Tuesday morning absolute latest. Also, if you want me to read your match report, please send a link to follow.
Congratulations again to Jacob Martin the 2XU Player of the Round. The second winner and much deserved after a great performance for the Gargoyles over the Demons.
Be sure to #AFLOrd3 on all score updates and tweet me anytime @PhantomAFLO. Here are my #AFLOrd3 predictions
Roos v Eagles
The Roos are up and about early and are looking to be finishing high in the Top 6. A strong fought win over the Dingos last week and a handy win in Round 1 sees them well up on the ladder early on. Cuzner is performing well and Lake is getting into the Canadian footy too.
The Eagles are really struggling. Their numbers haven't been the best but after last weeks thrashing at the hands of the travelling Swans it really is difficult to pick them in this one. These experienced warriors will always fight but they run out of legs too quickly and will go into Round 4 winless after the Roos top them in #AFLOrd3.
Phantom Prediction - Roos by 9 goals
Demons v Blues
This looks to be a great game as the Demons are playin with some much better early season form than I would have expected. Possibly due to Neil Casey being dominant and Loughnane being in great shape.
The Blues were put back in their place by the Hawks last week so will be keen to come out and hit the Dees hard. A real test for both sides, the jury is out on the Blues. The Demons nearly knocked off the Gargoyles last week so this will be good to see who could be a higher placed finisher in 2014.
Phantom Prediction - Blues by 24
Dingos v Wildcats
Having started the season with 2 tough losses, the Dingos boys will be licking their lips to take on the Cats who are also 0-2. They really need the win as they have a fairly tough draw including facing Broadview again later in the season.
The Wildcats will keep fighting and showing that spirit they're known best for. But unfortunately this isn't going to be the week where they sneak a win. Dingos need it too much
Phantom Prediction - Dingos by 70
Swans v Rebels
This will be an interesting game as the Swans have just come off a massive road victory and will be full of confidence. The were knocked out of the finals by the Rebels last year so may have a score to settle with them. Kozlowski will play an important role as will Shaughnessy sweeping across the defence.
The Rebels get their first real test this week and I expect to see a number of returns after missing some key players last week. Credit where credits due, the Rebels have been slow starters but strong finishers in this seasons games, but I don't see them going on to a 3rd straight win.
Phantom Prediction - Swans 8 points
Hawks v Gargoyles
I know I have been heaping praise on the Hawks lately but they keep getting the job done and it is difficult to go against them this week. Shutts and Dullard are playing well early and now have Killa and Stirling to back them up. They also have some weathered Canucks putting their head over the footy, keeping them well balanced.
The Gargoyles had a good win over the Dees at Mohawk Park and while they have to travel a little further this week to U of T, know how to play smaller grounds. This should be match of the round for my mind but I have question marks over the Gargoyles Aussie depth. Can Kerm, Logel and Dyer up front cause problems for the Hawks defence?
Phantom Prediction - Hawks 21 points
Women's Division
Demons v Blues
The Demons were well beaten last week in Hamilton and the reigning back to back premiers are sitting 0-2. With an 8 game season, it is important to get the wins on the board so this week is a must win game.
The Blues are fresh as it gets having not played yet in 2014. A real first up test for the ladies who look to be much improved. Time will tell
Phantom Prediction - Demons 14 points
Kangaroos v Wildcats
These two sides face up for the second time in 3 weeks after they played their Round 10 game in Round 1. The Wildcats dominated that game and it looks likely they will do the same again.
The Roos were much improved last week and got some score on the board, but I am reluctant to pick them this week even with a score to settle.
Phantom Prediction - Wildcats by 11
Last Modified on 07/06/2014 04:25