I am Daniel Noonan, and each week I will be ranking the GV teams from top to bottom, not necessarily in the order, they appear on the ladder, but where I feel they sit in the scheme of things for genuine championship contention.
So after two weeks of top ratings, last week was a down week. I personally thought my terrible photoshop skills were worth a few more laughs than they actually got, but the real issue of last week was the head honchos at Gridiron Down Under censoring my article. I now know why my idol Bill Simmons had to leave ESPN to start out his own website. You have been warned Richard: If you keep censoring me, I’m going to approach HBO just like Bill did.
1. Western Crusaders (4-0, +147 in Net Points) Same Spot as Last Week
Another week, another blowout victory for the Western Crusaders. They face their biggest test of the year against the Monash Uni Warriors this week. This will no doubt be the match of the round. Can the Crusaders get over their Bogey team? Do the Warriors put much stock into regular season results? Is Craig Wilson secretly a Warriors double agent? Will the Vic Bowl be played before both teams’ multiple import visas run out? These are all questions for much smarter men than me.
2. Monash Warriors (3-1, +74 in Net Points) Same Spot
Has Dom “Baby Hands” Dearman lost his magic? He was responsible for 4 Interceptions against a Buccaneers defence which has been porous all year. The run defence of the Warriors also looks a little suspect, and will face a massive test this week against the most physical team in GV. The Warriors seem vulnerable for the first time in a few years, but rumours are swirling around the GV water cooler that a certain “Two Brothers” may be adding some much needed firepower in the coming weeks.
3. Croydon Rangers (3-1, +9 in Net Points) Same Spot
Importy McImportface IS BACK! He must have taken offence to my praise of Jordan Beck last week and responded by destroying the Royals secondary. He scored on the first play from scrimmage, and then proceeded to be open on pretty much every play after that. The score line flattered the Royals, and the absence of Beck due to a foot injury stopped it from being a blowout. The Rangers better put some work into finding another runningback, or hope Beck’s injury isn’t long term, as the two backups who played this week struggled to find space. On the defensive side of the ball, my love for Liam Fordham grows weekly.
4. Melbourne Uni Royals (1-3, -35 in Net Points) Same Spot
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. The Royals must be setting GV records for how many times they turn the ball over every week. This week the face the Geelong Buccaneers in what is a must win game: Just like last year it seems the two clubs will be facing off for 4th spot and a shot to get blown out by the Cru in a semi-final. Unlike last year, the Royals seem to be the more talented team of the two.
5. Geelong Buccaneers (1-3, -2928373783 less another 6 in Net Points) Same Spot
Well, well, well – Where has the team that showed up Saturday been all year? The Buccaneers are a passing offence away from making a run at the finals. Had it not been for a horrendous spot on a 4th down QB sneak, the Buccs would have had the ball at 20-20 with 2 minutes to go. Which is mind boggling when you consider they had thrown 2 completions and 3 interceptions up to that point in the game
6. South Eastern Predators (0-4, -144 in Net Points) Same Spot
They lost 66-0 that is all.
