With many thanks to @Lenny120

ORFFA ROUND 16 REVIEW

*Big thanks to Walsey for all his work with the ORFFA*

Nunawading (1152) def by Gundagai (1297)

Although an irrelevant game in terms of shaping the top eight, there’s nothing like taking winning confidence into next season. The Grasshoppers have now won two on the trot and look like they are finally starting to piece the puzzle together. Led by a dominant midfield of Adams (123), Cripps (118) and Neale (112), Gundagai comfortably beat the Nuffers, who didn’t get enough from their lower tier players despite a great effort from JPK (137). A win against the Lilacs this week could see Gundagai finish as high as 11th, whilst the Nuffers close out the season against Cradle Mountain.

Mount Beauty (1229) def Waikikamoocow (869)

Mount Beauty has been very impressive all year and this week was no different, easily defeating the injury ravaged Incorrigibles. Led by Sidebottom (108) and Gawn (108), the Uglies are sitting very nicely in third position going into the last round and now have a crucial game against Iron Knob to determine third and fourth positions. For the Incorrigibles, Hannebery (144) starred. However, barring a miracle, they are now out of the finals running and will have their eye firmly on 2017.

Foul Bay (1340) def Whitsunday (1301)

Not many fans turned up to watch this one, with the Foul Bay faithful just counting down the days until finals and expecting a routine victory here. It was the opposite, as the Warriors almost caused a shock upset, going down by just 39 points. Nonetheless, the Chooks are looking as ominous as ever with top spot secured and just one loss for the season. Usual suspects Dangerfield (144), Shaw (129) and Bartel (100) showed their class, whilst Betts (138) scored his first ton since round 10. The Warriors were led by Wines (116) and Birchall (115) but ultimately were overpowered.

Wagga Wagga (1128) def by Darraweit Guim (1204)

In a game with big finals ramifications, the Dirigibles got the better of the Wombats in a close affair. Rance (145) was the key, with great support from Coniglio (121) and Tyson (102). Wagga Wagga was thrilled with the output of Sheed (20) and Griffen (62) after injury lay-offs, and hope they can continue their sublime form in the reserves next weekend. The Dirigibles are a big chance to snatch fifth position and are well placed going into finals. For the Wombats, it’s a showdown with the Vultures to determine eight spot, and both teams will be desperate to have a crack at finals.

Gariwerd (1222) def Wineglass Bay (1174)

It has been a stunning rise up the ladder for Gariwerd, who haven’t loss since way back in round 10. Although a slight scare this week against the bottom placed packers, they did enough to bank four points. Tuohy (108) and Polec (106) led a consistent team effort, with the Cockatoos now needing to beat Marble Bar whilst still scoring enough points to hold fifth position, which will be a tough ask. The Packers, led by the midfield brigade of Mundy (152), Sloane (141) and Scully (117), almost pulled off one of the upsets of the season. With little now to play for, the Packers won’t be sorry to secure the #1 pick in 2017.

Lovely Banks (1200) def Charlies Opening (1160)

The Lilacs were able to upset Charlies Opening to rise off the bottom of the ladder, and while doing so ensuring any glimmer of finals hope for the Spelunkers are vanished. Jackson Trengove (132) put in a rare big performance to lead Lovely Banks to their fourth win of the season. A win against the Grasshoppers will ensure they avoid the wooden spoon. For the Spelunkers, Gunston (101) was the only one to crack the ton in a rather tired performance, and coach Bandit will be looking to the draft to see where his side can improve in 2017.

Marble Bar (1131) def by Birdsville (1190)

It’s been a long season for the Misfits, but they can hold their heads high after almost scraping past Birdsville in a low scoring affair. Laird (129) and Rich (115) led a strong defensive effort, but it wasn’t enough. Marble Bar now sit 16th and could very possibly finish last, albeit unlikely. For the Battlers, they will be relieved having secured a finals spot, but have a very important game against Waikikamoocow this week, as a win could see them finish as high as fifth.

Venus Bay (1056) def by Cradle Mountain (1111)

Coach Fitzy’s spot as coach will come under severe scrutiny at the end of season review, their president has reported. Some very questionable management errors throughout the season have supporters scratching their heads. Cradle Mountain secured a comfortable win, led by big games from Stevie J (146) and Pendlebury (140). Unfortunately for the Devils, however, finals are out of the equation even with a win over the Nuffers in round 17. For the Vultures, new recruit Pittard (54) has been a terrible inclusion to their side throughout the year, but a big game from Watts (131) ensured they achieved some respectability on the score line. Fitzy will be looking firmly to this week in a match against the Wombats where anything could happen.

Larrikin Lagoon (1154) def Iron Knob (1048)

There were a few scrappy affairs this round, and this one was exactly that. However, the Lefties rolled on to 14-2 for 2016 and loom as the big challenger to Foul Bay’s glory. Despite a total of just 166 points from their backline, the Lefties midfielders Lewis (113), Goddard (109) and Priddis (102) ensured the victory. Two donuts in the forward line ended any hope for the codpieces, despite a great effort from Robbie Gray (134). The codpieces now have a significant game against the Uglies, as both teams will be vying for third position.