Now that we have finally returned to football in Victoria because a week is a long time for those not fortunate enough to have headed up for the college game or hit the Hennessey on the Gold Coast. With just 4 games left in the shortened season, the only thing assured is the Crusaders waltzing into the Vic Bowl for another championship.
With just 4 games left in the shortened season, the only thing assured is the Crusaders waltzing into the Vic Bowl for another championship.
Monash Warriors 3rd (4 – 2) vs. Croydon Rangers 2nd (4 – 2)
Last Time: Rangers 15 – Warriors 14
I guess this should be the “Game of the Week”, with the 2 teams battling out for 2nd place. The Rangers took out this game 15-14 in what I consider the first upset of season 2017. Looking at how these 2 teams are traveling is just a glance at what both teams are capable of. Injuries and unavailability have proven to be a big hit on either team building any fluid development since their last encounter. The Rangers are slightly ahead in my opinion, but this could all be whitewashed if a certain RB was to return at full strength.
I am expecting this to be another close encounter as these proud teams will not step aside for the other, and so we will get a game most often played outside of the Red Zones. Remembering the Rangers are the bogey side for the Warriors, I will not make the mistake in my predictions from earlier in the season.
Prediction: I am expecting the Rangers to consolidate 2nd place with a 24 – 22 win.
South Eastern Predators 6th (1 – 5) vs. Melbourne Uni Royals 5th (1 – 5)
Last Time: Royals 23 – Preds 6
Having watched this game in Bendigo for their last encounter, I was disappointed to see so many players missing from their respective squads, although I know all too well the difficulties of this journey. So now we have the “No Excuses” return match where we should expect to see all fit combatants hitting the field. I am hoping we see the return of a full OL from the Royals, which will make their Run and Pass games far more diverse. While the Royals had a small drop in form during the first half of the season, they entered
I am hoping we see the return of a full OL from the Royals, which will make their Run and Pass games far more diverse. While the Royals had a small drop in form during the first half of the season, they entered the bye week with confidence from what was a great effort against the perennial powerhouse, Monash. The Preds are also riding high after their first, and well deserved, win of the 2017 season. The Preds should also be buoyed by playing at home, and possibly being the only team who can handle the rise and falls of the field.
I am looking forward to watching the Preds take another step forward in development, but the Royals are the bogey team for the Preds and will walk away from this week with the win that levels them on points with the Buccs. The importance will be how these 2 teams prepared during the bye week.
Prediction: Royals to ignore home ground “advantage” and walk away with the win 37 – 16.
Western Crusaders 1st (6 – 0) vs. Geelong Buccaneers 4th (2 – 4)
Last Time: Western Crusaders 50 – Geelong Buccaneers 12
This is not the “Game of the Week” if you are looking for a close game, but it will be interesting to see how far back their memories go to the calls “RunUpTheScoreGATE”. The Crusaders show no signs of slowing down, in fact as I have mentioned before, their cohesion is starting to hit levels that would make this one of the best teams I have seen in the history of GV. Often players from championship teams will go on about “our team would wha, wha, wha”, and to this, I reply “Whatever”. Look at the play of this team from a nonbiased view and you will quickly see just how damn good they are. On the other side of the field, we will continue to see Geelong rebuild and measure their progress against the #1 team. Geelong will get spanked, be assured of that, but by how much will determine how far they have come. After having stolen 4th spot from the Royals, Geelong decided to keep the season interesting by dropping a game to the Preds. That loss will likely haunt them until the end of the season.
The highlight of this game will arrive at 10:30am Sunday when people will see if Cru II is building up the stock for a title reign that could last a number of years.
Prediction: A full day of celebrations for the Cru Nation as they celebrate the Div 1 team winning 55 – 6.
