For some, the end of a long season is on the horizon. For others, the business end beckons, with playoffs and a chance at championship glory just around the corner. For more on GV’s penultimate round in Division 2, here’s Kane Latham. He may not be The Undertaker’s brother, but he writes these previews for free and for our purposes that makes him much, much better.
Gippsland Gladiators (5th Place, 2-6) v Monash Barbarians (3rd Place, 5-3)
Last time they met: Barbarians 20, Gladiators 6
The Gladiators have been hammered by injury, including a shoulder injury to their starting QB, and had to forfeit last week. The Barbarians are fresh off the bye, and will be looking to hold onto third place. It will be interesting to see who starts at QB for the Gladiators, and who will stop the run from Monash. Expect big things from the tall Slot/Wide Receiver at the Barbarians (#87), and plenty of QB keeps. For the Gladiators, Solodchuck (RB/LB, #37) has been great on both sides of the ball, but I expect this to be a one sided affair. The Gladiators will fight hard, but the lack of numbers will allow the Barbarians to run rampant in the second half.
My prediction: Barbarians 28, Gladiators 8
Bendigo Dragons (1st Place, 7-1) v Northern Raiders (2nd Place, 6-2)
Last time they met: Dragons 28, Raiders 0
The Raiders took home the SuperSoaker Bowl honors last week, but this week they come up against a different beast. The Dragons are firing on all cylinders, and haven’t looked like missing a beat. Fresh off the forfeit last week, I expect them to come out breathing fire. The Raiders have been cruising along, with their trademark defense being the strength, led by #55. That defense will be tested this week, and their offense even more so. I can see the contest being tougher than what is reflected on the scoreboard.
My prediction: Dragons 28, Raiders 6
Pakenham Silverbacks (4th Place, 4-4) v Ballarat Falcons (6th Place, 0-8)
Last time they met: Silverbacks 43, Falcons 0
All I can say is, my ankle finally doesn’t feel like it’s going to explode and I’m excited.
My prediction: Bendigo will be freezing, as usual.
