Greetings friends! It’s starting to look a lot like playoffs in the GV Universe, I can see the glint in the eye of all teams still alive in the finals race, just as much as I can see the extinguished light of lost opportunity in those who have had their dreams of playoff glory mathematically dashed. Week 12 is an important piece of the proverbial postseason pie, so if you love amateur football journalism as much as I do, it’s time to get Riggity-Riggity-Wrecked son!!!
Saturday, July 18 – The Cove, Corio
Western Crusaders (4th Place, 4-5) vs Monash Warriors (1st Place, 8-1)
Last Time: Warriors 22, Crusaders 15
The Warriors are in a situation all too familiar to them, cruising towards a first place finish, and coming off a late-season workmanlike win over an improved Berwick Miners outfit. The Crusaders on the other hand added another chapter to their season of inconsistency with a shock 26-20 defeat at the hands of the Melbourne Uni Royals. This game is a tough one, as the combination of the Warriors possibly resting players with a playoff spot in the bag, and the Crusaders best being good enough to challenge the league benchmark on their day, makes it a bit of a coin flip. On this occasion, I’ll give the duke to the Warriors, with their in-form passing game led by Dom Dearman giving them the edge. With that said, the Crusaders on their day are capable of beating anyone, so expect a high quality contest.
Stafford’s “Cray-Cray at the Cove” Prediction: Warriors 28, Crusaders 16
Geelong Buccaneers (3rd Place, 5-4) vs Melbourne Uni Royals (Last Place, 2-8)
Last Time: Buccaneers 54, Melbourne Uni Royals 6
Another very interesting game with playoff implications. The Buccaneers dropped a shocker prior to their bye with a surprising loss to the Berwick Miners in The Hills, and have been in and out of sorts the last month. The Royals are very much embracing the role of late-season playoff spoiler, a role they are playing with veteran savvy and aplomb. Back to back wins over the Predators and Crusaders have established them as the team no-one wants to play in the run home. The Buccaneers will be looking to regain their mojo and officially stamp their postseason ticket, so I expect them to produce their best in this game. The Royals are no longer the league pushover, and will bring the fight right up to the lads from Corio, but with experience on their side and with far too much to play for, the Buccaneers will do enough to get the job done.
Stafford’s “Savvy and Aplomb” Prediction: Buccaneers 22, Royals 8
Saturday, July 18 – Ranger Field, Croydon
Croydon Rangers (2nd place, 7-3) vs Berwick Miners (6th place, 3-6)
Last Time: Rangers 23, Miners 12
The Rangers got back on track last week with a dominating victory over the South Eastern Predators, while the Miners have had arguably their best 2 weeks of the year the past fortnight, with an upset victory over the Buccaneers and a competitive loss to the league leading Warriors. Two quality teams playing a the great game of American Football on a Saturday afternoon, with the sweet smell of Ranger Burgers filling the air, drinks from the Lone Ranger Bar at reasonable prices, a grandstand with a wonderful view of all the action… If I was a member of the general public I’d most certainly make this a day out. Kickoff is at 1:30pm, come down to Ranger Field and enjoy what is sure to be a classic GV battle between two of the league’s oldest clubs. Prediction? The Ranger Burgers will be delicious.
Stafford’s “Shilling Ranger Burgers” Prediction: Rangers ??, Miners ??
Happy football to all involved in this week’s slate of games.
Peace Out!
