Wow, what a week of Division 2 football. Two good teams become losers, 1 loser is still a loser and 2 losers forget they are so and accidentally win. This week’s Power Rankings are written with baited breath though after a week of interesting results. Is the tide turning? Or are we simply seeing the leveling out of what is realistically a very even competition. Either way, it’s still quite clear that the level of competition has dropped from previous years. Better for some clubs, but is this better for Football in Victoria……I’m not so sure.
1. Northern Raiders (3-1) – Same Power Ranking
Hmmm. The Raiders lost………
Surely their offence didn’t purely rely on Quarterback Jamie Di Cicco? Lets hope not. Out for a few weeks with a broken arm, all of Division Two will be watching closely to see how the Raiders approach replacing the infamous Quarterback. Infamous you hear me say, yes that’s right. Undisclosed sources have informed me that Di Cicco has been known to call out ‘Do you even know who I am’ when sliding for first downs. So infamous it is.
Either way, Raiders have earned their stripes for number 1 ranking. But where to from here? It could be an interesting week of Division 2 Football.
2. Melton Wolves (3-1) Same Power Rankings
Fresh off of a bye week and up against the top of the table Northern Raiders. With such an even competition, playing well was a straight forward objective for the Wolves but this week will really see if the boys from Melton can put on the big boy pants and compete. As has been the difference between the top two teams in previous years, its not necessarily character that will set the two teams apart more-so competitive edge. Good luck, the number 1 Power Rankings is on the line.
3. Western Crusaders II (3-0) – Up 1 Power Rankings
Deservingly moving up in the Power Rankings, CRU 2 managed to dispatch of a valiant Ballarat last week. CRU 2 simply have done nothing wrong so far this year but please don’t confuse that with thinking that I think they are doing everything right. They keep things simple and don’t turn the ball over and that is getting them wins. Again I’ll sing the praises of Running Back Tuitavuki, besides some ball deception, he is their offence. I look forward to you achieving your goals in getting to America and when that happens, what will CRU 2 have left? Please tell me the answer is Clinton Downing
4. Ballarat Falcons (2-2) – Down 1 Power Ranking
The Footballing Falcons. One things for sure, this years breed of Falcons love their football. Being sighted at every oppositions game, they are either actioning a lot of scouting or simply love their Football. Me thinks both. One thing I’ll give them credit for is the versatility of their team. With what hasn’t looked like consistent or strong numbers all season, they have relied on a handful of swiss army knives to get the job done. And for the most part they have. A close loss last week has them move down the rankings but only due to their opposition deservingly swapping places with them.
5. Bendigo Dragons (1-3) – Same Power Ranking
Hey, look at you Bendigo, you finally won a game. Woohooo! NOT. If you think you’re a bunch of superstars from yesteryear then you’re wrong. On top of that it was against the bottom of the ladder. Don’t get me wrong, I still think your team could finish in the top 4 but you’re still far from it. Whats worse then a bad team? A good team who can’t fulfil their potential. That’s just humiliating. I mean, have a look at the Miami Dolphins. Want to impress me? Pull your heads in and win more
6. Monash Barbarians (1-2) – Same Power Ranking
Barbarians, our love-hate relationship continues. When you should win you lose, when you should lose you win. This week? Who knows. But here are some facts. Division 1 begins this week and the Warriors will need their depth. Despite what seem to be amazing numbers, majority are rookies. You came up against the best team in Division 2 without their starting Quarterback and won. Cmon, it’s Div 2. A quarterback can make or break a team. I mean, look at Pakenham last year or better yet Bendigo this year. They started some hack for two games and finally woke up to themselves and put a baller in. Whoop-de-doo. Put all of these issues together and the immediate future doesn’t look great. Second half of the season though…..I’m not so sure.
7. Casey Cardinia United (0-3) – Same Power Ranking
Casey. Cardinia. United. The results still speaks volumes. The only team in Division 2 with no wins and unfortunately it doesn’t look like that will change. If you could mute the sounds and let the football do all the talk then you would spot an impressive young Quarterback and one or two linebackers that have some game however I seemed to have forgotten my remote the weekend just gone. Lets see the noise turned down and the game turned up.
This week see’s the most anticipated match up of the season. Ballarat vs CCU. Rumour has it that both team’s administration have agreed to change games this weekend. Screw football, lets play a game of capture the flag. Easily the two most flagged teams in Division 2 over the last 3 years, this game is scheduled to be another epic.
All bullshit aside, I actually assisted in officiating a game between the two sides two years ago and witnessed 28 flags in that game. Let’s see what the count is this week.
