GV WOMEN RACE TO THE FINALS – OH, WHAT A MESS!
The run to the Gridiron Victoria Women’s Finals is a mathematician’s nightmare. In a performance not dissimilar to Russel Crowe in A Beautiful Mind, the good people and Gridiron Down Under have come up with their final four scenario… do you agree?
All teams have two matches remaining and five teams are currently tied on four competition points.
CROYDON RANGERS – Best 1st, Worst 2nd EDITORS VERDICT 1st
Croydon currently sits atop the GV ladder with a 5-0 record. With two long road trips following a hiccup against Monash, the girls in green are looking to solidify their early season form against the Raiders in Ballarat. Following their trip down the Western Highway Croydon’s final game will be against Geelong in G-Town, well Corio.
To secure top spot Croydon only needs to win one of their following two games having already secured the tie-breaker against the currently second placed and fast improving Melbourne University. If Croydon lose out and Melbourne Uni win out then it’s down to second place for you!
MELBOURNE UNI CHARGERS – Best 1st, Worst 4th EDITORS VERDICT 2nd
Melbourne Uni sits comfortably in second place with a favorable run to the finals. First Uni faces Monash in Footscray and the following weekend they head to Clayton to take on the winless Kestrels. One thing for sure is you will see the wheelie bin in May!
To secure second place they only need to win one of their two remaining games which looks promising considering the struggles the Kestrels have suffered this season. In the unlikely event Melbourne Uni drop the ball against both Ballarat and Monash we could see them finish as low as 4th.
UNLEASH THE LOG JAM…
WESTERN CRUSADERS – Best 3rd, Worst 8th EDITORS VERDICT 3rd
The social media savvy Crusaders have a comfortable run to the finals. Their first hit out is against the Kestrels in Ballarat who with an undersized line will struggle to pick the wedge. Second up the Crusaders face the Silverbacks who considering their D-Line size might be able to hold them out a little longer.
To guarantee third place the Crusaders need to win both games. If not, they’ll rely heavily on other results to finish in fourth. Will the stripping of two competition points early in the season come back to bite the Crusaders?
GEELONG BUCCANEERS – Best 3rd, Worst 7th EDITORS CHOICE 4th
The first week back Geelong travel to Endeavour Hills to take on Pakenham. Pakenham can trouble any team on their day but I can’t see how they’ll stop the consistent run Geelong Running Back Richelle Cranston provides. However, the Buccs could not stop the Cru’s Wedge and although they racked up points of their own their defense was routed.
Second up for the Buccs is the Croydon Rangers. If the Rangers win against the Raiders the week earlier then the result means little to their ladder position and everything to Geelong’s. Even though one win can do it for Geelong they must win both games to give themselves every opportunity to remain with the top four.
The one name that strikes fear into the heart of any defense is ‘Rocky’. That’s right ladies she’s back and she doesn’t seem low on juice following the Women’s AFL season. Well, she did have a little break in the middle 😉 How much difference can she make on the back end of the season?
NORTHERN RAIDERS – Best 3rd, Worst 7th EDITORS CHOICE 5th
First things first the Raiders have to travel to Ballarat to face the Rangers. The Rangers are looking to secure top spot with a round to spare and beat the Raiders for the first time in their history. The Raiders have proven they can produce high scores but are not the team of previous years.
For the final game in the regular season, the Raiders host the Warriors. The Raiders will be favourites for the win due to the speed of their Australian Outback representative Jordan DiMizio who will take it to the speedy Warriors Quarter Back.
The Raiders are in a similar situation to the Buccaneers. Win both and you’re in a great position.
What the Raiders can’t control is the tie-breaker the Buccaneers have after the 48-30 victory against them in Week 5. This may have them fall short of a playoff shot.
MONASH WARRIORS – Best 3rd, Worst 7th EDITORS CHOICE 6th
Monash has arguably the toughest run to the finals. First up they face red-hot Melbourne Uni who only get stronger as the season progresses. Secondly, they face The Northern Raiders who have the speed to shut down and outside running game.
Monash showed speed against the Rangers defense last week but couldn’t stop the offense when they needed it most. Even with the addition of interstate players, it might be too late for the improving Warriors. If Monash misses out on the finals it still remains an impressive debut season.
PAKENHAM SILVERBACKS –Best 3rd, Worst 7th EDITORS CHOICE 7th
The soon to be ‘U’ are playing Geelong and will struggle against their speed and execution. The Silverbacks struggle to pass the ball and will need a multi-faceted approach to sneak past Coach Noonan who I’m sure will be keeping it as low-key as possible.
Secondly, they face the Crusaders. With a loss against the Buccaneers, they could find themselves mathematically eliminated from the finals race. It’s a long day against The Wedge, even longer if the result doesn’t matter.
BALLARAT KESTRELS – Best 7th, Worst 8th EDITORS VERDICT 8th
With injuries to key players and the final games against the second placed Chargers and the third-placed Crusaders, it’s hard to see the Kestrels getting a W this season.
It’s been great seeing them return to the competition in 2017. A strong recruitment drive will see them well placed to break their duck next year.
EDITORS FINAL FOUR
- Croydon Rangers
- Melbourne Uni Chargers
- Western Crusaders
- Geelong Buccaneers
