“The Run Home” from ‘The Outer Eye’
How boring is it to have to endure a bye in the EFL on the weekend ? One can only hope the rest does our boys some good, there’s a restlessness and lack of satisfaction for the supporters in not getting to go along and watch us play. Worse still, with no EFL game, one was forced to choose the ‘poor alternative’ instead – a game of AFL featuring a very, very ordinary Collingwood. Having endured this rubbish, and now looking forward to the rest of the exciting EFL season, TOE felt the need to explore the possibilities that could unfold in the last 4 weeks of the year – and share them with the Norwood faithful.
Balwyn (14-0) 56 pts
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Will finish top no doubt. They are the standout team for the year, unbeaten, and rarely challenged in all 14 wins. Norwood’s effort to get within 20 points remains one of the more competitive efforts against them. They’ll get the double chance and appear unbackable to at least make the “big dance”. However, they have to play someone on that day..
Vermont (11-3) 44 pts
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The Eagles have been outstanding after a poor start, losing the first two. But for a brainfade late in Rd 3 against us, it could/should have been 0-3. Since then almost faultless. They look very classy and have good players all over the park. Their recent shellacking at the hands of Balwyn leaves some hope for the other top3 contenders – Noble Park and Norwood
Noble Park (10-4) 40 pts
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Slipped up early in the season against Blackburn, and have been beaten twice by Vermont and once by Balwyn. (They play Balwyn again soon). Their only ‘big scalp’ was unfortunately, Norwood, who they trounced by 50+ pts at Pat Wright Oval earlier in the year. Like Vermont, they are classy, and sense weakness in their opposition very quickly. They remain a serious threat, but perhaps Norwood’s best chance of usurping for a top 3 spot.
Norwood (10-4) 40 pts
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Our year has been very solid bar a poor showing at Scoresby and an uncharacteristic effort against Noble. With a 30% differential between us and Noble, we can’t bridge that in 4 games, so to get a top 3 spot, we need results to go our way – and win all our games – including tough games against Vermont(H) and Balwyn(A) in the last 2 rounds. If we get a top3 spot, we’ll have earnt it. The addition of one of the EFLs best players – Leigh Williams, cannot hurt our chances, but perhspa the most kimportant player in the tea at the moment is Big Brute ‘Troy Armstrong’ who will shoulder the ruck load after the key losses of Rudi Falovic and Jon “Monky” Wynn.
Sth Croydon (7-7) 28 pts
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Currently sitting 5th, a spot which is up for grabs come finals, a club best return of 7 wins in 1st division season was marred on the weekend by a bad home loss to East Ringwood, denting their chances severely. With games against Balwyn and Noble in the next two weeks, the bulldogs may have blown it, and will rely on other challengers in Lilydale and Rowville also dropping games.
Rowville (6-8) 24 pts
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With 6 wins in their first season back in 1st Division, Rowville could be forgiven for being satisfied. But with a relatively easy draw ahead, by far the best percentage of the contenders for 5th, and also playing no more sides in contention in the last 4 weeks, Rowville can seize the opportunity and take down 5th spot. With Cody Morris kicking bags up forward, they could be a threat in finals too. They are TOE’s pick to fill 5th spot.
Lilydale (6-8) 24 pts
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A promising start to the season has turned bad for Lilydale with a recent string of losses putting the finals claim in jeopardy. They can turn this around in the next three weeks , but they have been put off their game by the departure of key players going AWOL to overseas destinations (how the Norwood faithful remember that scenario…). They then face Noble in the last roundin what would be at best – a do or die for them – which, if it eventuated and they won, could be a great result for Norwood as well.
The rest
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Scoresby East Ringwood Knox and Blackburn have all endured poor years and cannot play finals. However, they they all hold a significant advantage over EAST BURWOOD, who with just 2 wins and a poor percentage, are 2 games behind, and appear almost certain to be headed for the dreaded “R” – relegation.
The final word
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BALWYN look good things in 2013, their form irresistible. VERMONT NOBLE and NORWOOD are locked in a 3-into-2 play-off for the double chance to seize the right to challenge them. Vermont holding the balance of power in this battle courtesy of the extra win and Norwood are the narrow outsiders. There is a significant gap in form and talent to the 5th team, but someone will get a coveted finals spot. ROWVILLE look the team most likely.
Go Wooders
Last Modified on 29/08/2013 22:12