Happy Halloween everybody? I end that statement with a question mark due to Australia’s love/hate relationship with the holiday, not knowing whether you’re an easy going human being who doesn’t get fired up over perceived slights, or one of those people who flat out hates it when kids get to have some fun because it interferes with your irrational, little-brother hatred of all things American. The fact that you’re reading an article on an American Football website leads me to believe you sit in the first camp, so…. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!!
As far as I’m concerned, there is no better way to celebrate this wonderful and harmless (unless you’re Jamie Lee Curtis) occasion than with what promises to be 2 awesome games of championship football in Melton, home of GV’s newest club the West Melbourne Wolves. Are you ready for Stafford’s Halloween VicBowl review and hilarious predictions? That’s a rhetorical question.
Gridiron Victoria Facebook Event
Saturday, October 31 – MacPherson Park, Melton
JUNIOR (U/19) VICBOWL – 3PM
Melbourne Uni Lions (1st Place, 7-0) vs Western Crusaders (2nd Place, 5-2)
Last Time: Lions 22, Crusaders 12
The all-conquering defending champion Lions are 1 win away from that elusive perfect season, and are the clear benchmark in GV’s junior division. Off of the back of a physical brand of football that wouldn’t look out of place in the senior men’s competition, the Lions are averaging a winning margin of 38 points per game, and look determined to cement their legacy as one of the greatest junior teams of all time, next to the 2001 Berwick Miners. The one team that managed to push them to the limit this year was the Western Crusaders, who played out a tough 22-12 contest just 2 weeks ago. Despite this effort, I see the Lions flexing their muscle early in this game and taking home the championship with relative ease.
Stafford’s “King of the Jungle” Prediction: Lions 40, Crusaders 14
WOMEN’S VICBOWL – 7PM
Northern Lady Raiders (1st Place, 6-0) vs Geelong Buccaneers (3rd Place, 4-2)
Last Time: Lady Raiders 60, Geelong Buccaneers 0
The time is now for the ladies from Reservoir. After losses to the now dormant Western Foxes in the last 2 women’s championship games, the Lady Raiders established themselves as a class above the competition in 2015 and are heavy favourites to win their first VicBowl. Led on Offence by Steph Pulis-Cassar and Paige Farrell, and on Defence by Jordan Di Mizio, they are a balanced team with winners across the board. The Geelong Buccaneers have had an outstanding season as well, making it to their first VicBowl via a classic, triple overtime semi-final victory over the Croydon Rangers. They boast arguably the most dangerous player in the league in running back Richelle Cranston, and will need her at her best if they are to cause an upset in this one.
Stafford’s “Still better than Oakland” Prediction: Lady Raiders 32, Buccaneers 12
Congratulations and good luck to all teams participating this weekend, happy football (and Halloween).
TODAY Women’s VIC BOWL ? @GridironVic between the @NRGridiron & Geelong Buccaneers today at 7pm hosts @melton_wolves
— Gridiron DownUnder (@GridironDownUnd) October 30, 2015
@GridironVic Junior VIC BOWL ? will be played today, 3pm between @MelbUniGridiron & Western Crusaders. Who Will Win?
— Gridiron DownUnder (@GridironDownUnd) October 30, 2015
