GV 2019 Week 9 Predictions and Power Rankings

A top of the table clash between 2 undefeated sides see’s week 9 as season defining.

Can the Royals knock off the unstoppable Crusaders?

Bendigo Dragons (2-5) 8th V Ballarat Falcons (3-4) 7th

The Gold Fields Bowl sees the game return to the city of Bendigo after a year away in Ballarat.

This could be the 2nd best game of week 9 if both teams can field full and healthy line ups.

I give the Dragons the edge but it could be close.

PREDICTION – Dragons 36 Falcons 26

Croydon Rangers (5-2) 5th V Pakenham Silverbacks (1-7) 12th

This game should be decided before half time and will see the Rangers giving backups the experience as we approach the playoffs.

PREDICTION – Rangers 60 Silverbacks 0

*****GAME OF THE WEEK*****

Melbourne University Royals (7-0) 2nd V Western Crusaders (7-0) 1st

It was pretty much a no-brainer when deciding which game was worthy of this title.

Results so far would make you think that this will be a close battle but unfortunately I don’t see ANYONE getting close to the Crusaders.

I know we are all hoping that someone will cause the Crusaders some grief but I’m sorry…….this isn’t going to happen in 2019.

PREDICTION – Crusaders 34 Royals 17

Melton Wolves (2-5) 9th V South Eastern Predators (5-3) 6th

After a bizarre before the half forfeit by the Wolves last week, we see them with yet another tough match-up taking on the Predators at home. They need to find a way to stop the current 5 game losing streak.

The Predators showed the rest of the League that they are starting to find form that might see them upset a few teams come playoff time. The tide has turned with their victory over the Buccs last week.

Should be another high scoring affair for the Preds but Melton could get on the board once or twice.

PREDICTION – Predators 54 Wolves 12

Peninsula Sharks (0-7) 13th V Monash Barbarians (2-7) 10th

After getting thumped by the then last placed Raiders last week, the Sharks see themselves with the prospects of another huge loss. More for the reason they finished with just 10 men last week but still managed to score twice and moved the ball.

The Barbarians can jump a spot with a Victory over the Sharks which should come quite easily.

PREDICTION – Barbarians 66 Sharks 6

Geelong Buccaneers (6-2) 4th V Northern Raiders (1-7) 11th

The Buccs should get back on a winning note when they play the injury depleted Raiders.

The Raiders, despite scoring heavily last week will find the going too tough and will be on the Receiving end of another big margin.

PREDICTION – Buccaneers 72 Raiders 0

NOTE – # = CURRENT RANKING – ( ) = LAST WEEK’s RANKING

WESTERN CRUSADERS 1 – (1)

Still number 1……

MELBOURNE UNI ROYALS 2 – (2)

Can they do the unthinkable this week?

CROYDON RANGERS 3 – (3)

Probably stuck here for a while.

MONASH WARRIORS 4 – (4)

As above.

SOUTH EASTERN PREDATORS 5 – (6)

Finally beating Geelong and moving up a spot in the process.

GEELONG BUCCANEERS 6 – (5)

About where they are at in season 2019

BENDIGO DRAGONS 7 – (7)

Like most clubs, stuck in this position.

BALLARAT FALCONS 8 – (8)

Same spot they held for most of last season.

MONASH BARBARIANS 9 – (10)

Jumping up after Meltons forfeit before the half last week.

MELTON WOLVES 10 – (9)

Probably won’t drop any further and probably won’t go up either.

PAKENHAM SILVERBACKS 11 – (11)

Don’t see any movement up or down anytime soon.

NORTHERN RAIDERS 12 – (13)

As Above…

PENINSULA SHARKS 13 – (12)

As above the above…….