King Island 1332 def Gisborne 1056 It was a slow start for the visitors and not much changed as the match wore on, not even the savior Liam Jones could resurrect his sides hopes. It was a classic case of too much left to too few, with only 5 Gisborne players breaking 70 points for the game. Lachie Neale showed the new kid on the block why he is the original #GisborneGun, leading the way with 113. Witts (86) narrowly took the honours in the ruck against Smith (83), while Talia (109) down back and Douglas (105) playing high half-forward were also solid but they were the only bright lights on a fairly bleak day for the visitors. For the Monarchs, Macrae (124) continued his strong season and Walker (117) and Henderson (114) followed up their recent purple patch of form. But it was McStay (110), again as a late in, that put in a stand-out performance to stake a claim on a regular starting spot. It was a more even team effort than last week for the home side that helps to steady their position in the 8 but no tons in the midfield showed they are still a step off the top sides. Votes 3 Macrae 2 Walker 1 Henderson
Pakenham Parasites 1,241 def Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1,105 Hughenden back at home this week could not replicate last weeks’ performance and lost to the Parasites by 136 points. It was always going to be a tough day for the home side with no ruckman and Daniel McKenzie (15) putting his hand up being no match for Bellchambers (107). This gave the Parasites an armchair ride with Sidebottom (122), Newnes (101) the main beneficiaries. It was down back that the Parasites were outstanding, rebounding numerous attacks from Hughenden’s midfield army Shiels (121), Jack (104), Ward (97) and Oliver (95) with the Parasites solid defence of Mullett (102), Simpson (89) and Johannisen (87) I have finally found some form getting the job done. The Parasites forward line was ably lead by Franklin (118) and Riewoldt (84) with a lacklustre defensive effort put up by the Hughenden backman. The win sees the Parasites keep in touch with the top8 and Hughenden remains tied to the bottom of the table. It doesn’t look good for Hughenden next week up against the in form Buffalos and the Parasites are at home looking for another win and a top 8 spot hosting the Eden Whalers. BAFFU Awards 3 Sidebottom, Pakenham (122) 2 Shiels, Hughenden (121) 1 Franklin, Pakenham (118)
Preview – Nuytsland @ Christmas Island “We’re a mathematical chance”. The age-old adage is repeated by coaches all over the land at this time of year. In fact, as the Smugglers have bounced around in and out of the 8 for the last three years, it’s become our motto – the inspirational words written 6 feet high on the changing room walls. Sitting 10th and playing the two teams directly above them (Pakenham and Blanchetown) in the next two weeks, the Smugglers are still a mathematical chance to play finals in 2017. Except… they’re no actual chance, because this week brings the best team not just in the FU, but across all the ORFFX leagues to Flying Fish Cove Park, in the form of @bryzza 's Nuytsland Vikings. A loss for the Smugglers is the end of the road, while the Vikings need the win to keep the rapidly improving Gropers from top spot. Unfortunately for the locals it’s almost impossible to see a route to victory for the home team. The Vikings are 10% better across the defensive, midfield and interchange lines and a whopping 20% better up-front. Matty Kreuzer is in career best form, and holds the advantage over Grundy, but he can’t make up 130 points on his own. Therefore, the Smugglers’ coach has been forced to be bold, dropping veteran LeCras and last start 99-pointer Dale, in favour of ex-Viking Laverde for his first game this year. Laverde comes off 6 goals last week in the North Indian Ocean League, and the locals are hoping his knowledge of the Vikings’ defensive structures will result in a similar showing this week. The other changes see Viney (Nuytsland) and Tyson (Christmas Island), adding talent and toughness (Nuytsland) and another body (Christmas Island) to the respective line-ups. As motivation the Smugglers’ coach has dug out the VHS of the 2015 match-up between these two sides, which is one of the great FU games, with Christmas Island taking the points, 1408-1407. A similar performance will be needed this week to keep the season alive. Last time: Vikings 1231 – Smugglers 1061 All time: Smugglers 3-1 Prediction: Christmas Island are coming off a 1400+ point performance, and are almost at full strength (Deledio was last seen several years ago so is assumed lost at sea) and still if everyone hits their average the Vikings win by 95. That’s too much of a buffer for an improving Smugglers outfit to rein in. Vikings by 75.
You think you've got problems..... Last week I had Eade send Sexton, who had 2 prior scores in the 80's playing on the wing, to tag Jamie Elliott. The result 4 possessions and 11 SC pts. This week bl**dy Pyke has sent Knight, coming off 2x 70's, to tag Selwood. The result at 1/2 time, 3 possessions and 6 SCpts... It's quickly turning me into an alcoholic....hic! And at 3/4 time, he's gone back to 2 SC pts.........where's the Leo?
UPDATE FROM THE STADIUM, BANCHANG. At the first break here in beautiful downtown Banchang, the visiting Monarchs from King Island, hold a narrow lead 4/277 to 3/220. Even with the Barcrawlers coaching dept. deciding to tag Betts (60) with the youngster Knight (16), the visitors played much more consistent footy, which enabled them to maintain a lead of 57, despite the efforts down back from Zac Touhy (101) and in the middle by Banchang's No.1 MSD pick Greenwood (103). Banchang have the advantage of a 2 goal breeze in the next term, so it will be interesting to see if they can take advantage of it and go to half time break ahead on the scoreboard.
Early in the match and it's the hometown Sandgropers 3/327/109 leading @martyg's visiting Bunyips 3/270/90.
Currently sitting here drinking a variety of cream whiskys..... can I join you in being an alcohol-hic???
The Smugglers coach expected to be down at 1/9th time, but perhaps not by this much - Vikings 134 (M.Crouch) to Smugglers 35 (Menzel).
The Grenades are 252/3 84.0 and the Barracudas are on 124/2 62.0 It's early days yet however the Grenades are out of the box quick smart with Douglas!
Close start down in the Crater with the Buffaloes holding a slight advantage 444/5/88.8 over @Batfink and his Prairie Dos 266/3/88.7
The Crocs's extremely slim finals hopes are slipping away with the home side holding a tiny lead over the Panthers. However, on an average score per player basis, the Panthers are well ahead... Crocs 378 / 6 / 63.00 Panthers 363 / 4 / 90.75
We're into the third at Mill Park and its a tight low scoring scrap. Bulls 770 / 10 / 77 Prospectors 766 / 11 / 70 McEvoy & Ebert leading the way for their respective clubs. The Bulls faint finals hopes remain on life support, while the Prospectors opportunity to lock in a top 8 spot is reliant on a big Sunday from Martin, Petrie, Astbury & Perryman.
Southern Cross have lost a small amount of ground on @martyg's Blanchetown however with a strong numerical advantage tomorrow it looks like the Sandgropers' game to lose. SCS: 1053/11/96 BBU: 1010/14/72 Go Gropers!
The Grenades are 763/10 76.3 and the Barracudas are on 743/10 74.3 Will this be a Witty Steele by the Grenades?