Three games into the nine game season and there’s only one game separating top and bottom spot on the AFL Quebec league table. We’ve had blow-outs, nail biters, come backs, fade outs, purple patches, momentum swings, run ons and of course good old shoot-outs, best of all, things are only just starting to heat up. The Shady Punter takes a look at each team’s season so far and the prospects for the year ahead.
1st. Old Montreal Dockers (next opponent: Laval Bombers) - Things are a little bit fishy down at the Old Port (see what I did there?) The team that finished top of the table in 2012 and runner-up for the title somehow snared the early rookie of the year contender Matthew Priess in the preseason draft..WTF? (What a Terrific Find) The Priess-meister has been one the Purple Army’s best players over the first three games and has 7 goals to boot, a sure sign some sneaky sort of draft tampering went on preseason... Toby “SOS” (Squeeze of Sophie) Campain has also been stamping his claim as swingman of the year, the sometimes-forward, sometimes-back superstar Tasmanian sits second on the goal kicking table with 9, yet still has time to lend a hand down back, seriously? And don’t get me started on Francis Lemieux, the guy decided over the winter to re-write the way Aussie Rules is played in Canada, and the lead role is the Lemieux-anater. The part-man, part-machine simply cannot be stopped and has been in career best form. While we all know that if you get water on a Legault they multiply (and if you feed one after midnight they turn into an Aimee) we never expected to see the third amigo, aka Emily “snap snap” Legault, take to the game like a kung fu duck in an ass kicking factory. Legault part 3 has developed her own kicking style, taking sledging to a new level and proved a handy little addition to the Docker forward line with 3 goals for the season. Head coach Ronan Shaughnessy (often found faking injury to play up forward) should be able to lead his troops to an all important top-two finish and challenge for the premiership once again.
Key to match-up against the Bombers: Manus McDermott’s run off half back was pivotal in the Dockers round 1 win over the reigning champs, but after 3 weeks away and rumoured pectoral implants and multiple pedicures, will the dashing full-back be able to take his trademark chest marks and produce those thumping rebound kicks? The smart money says no, but only time will tell, but still no. The Bombers are slowly getting the "old gang" back together and look to have the tall timber to beat the Dockers in the air. Bombers by 11 points in Round 4.
Season ahead: Dockers havethe perfect blend of brilliant rookies, impressive second year players and solid veterans. They'll take home at least 3-4 wins in their next 6 giving the squad at least 5-6 wins that should be enough for top two.
Last Modified on 24/07/2013 03:48