D GRADE: Give me something...

[MJS2]

It is true there are 5 outs for BT and they are due to injury and unavailabilty. It will be a test but the bullants should still get over the line, no excuses. They have the depth to fill the void. Good luck to all teams

 

[uglydermie]

Weather report and tips: Note I have added a UV warning for the red nuts...

Melbourne Forecast
Issued at 4:50 am EST on Saturday 29 July 2006

Warning Summary
Nil.

Forecast for Saturday
Partly cloudy with a few brief showers with possible hail. Fresh northerly wind
shifting west to northwesterly by early afternoon then easing tonight.

Precis: Few showers. Windy.
City: Max 14

Laverton: Max 13 Yarra Glen: Max 13
Tullamarine: Max 13 Mt Dandenong: Max 9
Watsonia: Max 13 Scoresby: Max 13
Frankston: Max 13 Geelong: Max 13

UV Index: 1-2 [low]




Ugly reckons:

BT easily over Prahran
OC easily over the animals
OGs
Rupo to demolish Therry
YV to beat Banyule

 

[Midas]

This weeks tips:

OC
Yarra
Two Blues backing up their upset
Rupo (I'm actually rating them now)
OG's

Out

 

[Is that so]

rang through heard results:
Bt over Prahran by 2 must have had the outs.
OC smash ESL as predicted.
OG woke up and win by 20 goals.
TP to strong for rupo whi will no longer make finals.
YV easiily if banyule and will make finals.
Is that so gets 5 so its all good.

 

[Is that so]

For those looking for a blueprint of how to beat OC - watch Leo's this week. Leo's will win, and comfortably. My first big statement on this thread!

Kibe 1st big statement and let it be your last terrible call, OC and BT and well ahead of others in the division as seen by recent results.
ESL relegation is still a possibility.

 

[kingbrown]

Before i say anything i am a saints supporter. Unfortunately i only seen the last quarter at Rupo today. What i can say it was 12 goals to 2 at 1/2 time in favour of Therry, with Rupo kicking 8 goals to nothing in the second half. Can't comment other than the boys said Therry's first quarter was very similar to ours against the OC. Well done to Therry and i'm sure there will be a healthy growing respect in our future rivalry.

 

[DG-Man]

Got to be quick. Heading out!
Kibe.....big statements can bite people on the butt! What happened? OC that good?
OGS are back. B.I.T! Rupo are gone.
May as well play the second semi final - BT vs OC, and the first semi OGS vs YV next week!
Cannot see Rupo, who have to play OC and BT away, making the finals this year. Great effort by Therry. No demotion for them this year.
That is all. Will post tipping later on!
DG

 

[Thorpedo69]

rang through heard results:
Bt over Prahran by 2 must have had the outs.
OC smash ESL as predicted.
OG woke up and win by 20 goals.
TP to strong for rupo whi will no longer make finals.
YV easiily if banyule and will make finals.
Is that so gets 5 so its all good.

I have to say I thought Banyule were a chance of beating YV.

Interesting result in the northern derby too. TP give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation!

The word is that Two Blues had as many key injuries for the game as BT, so I wouldn't attribute the close result to BT having their five players out.

 

[uglydermie]

fair call that. BT where very ordinary today - but in saying that the two blues are a much moe committed team than when we met them 10 weeks ago.

huge win by Old Geelong- Have the wheels fallen off at Keysborough?

Well done TP. Big few weeks to come!

 

[DG-Man]

Couldn't agree more Thorpedo why somone would mention outs let alone name them before a game is pretty naive.


I'm not sure i agree with this. Firstly, as a keen watcher of amatuer football, i rate the coaches of at least half a dozen D1 teams as pathetic. Both senoir coach and coaching staff. Knowledge of oppostion players, team plans, as well as their own team plans border on non existent. Don't get me wrong, i love D-Grade footy, and think we have some quality footballers, however i doubt any early information on ins and outs from opposition teams would make even the slightest difference to the match come game day.
I would love to see an improved Ammos website, where teams were listed by lunchtime Friday. All changes, team sheets. I would love to be able to read through these (All Grades). It would certainly give supporters of amatuer football greater awareness of happenings within clubs, and a greater feel for all the players.
There are clubs that do put their sides on their own website on fridays for their fans sake, and the team named is the team that runs out. I think this is the way to go! I certainly don't think this disadvantages the club in any way!

 

[DG-Man]

Is that So is starting to pressure MJS2 at the top after a 5/5 this week.
5 tippsters scored the card!
ILSS.....only had 1/5 this week to slip 2 behind second last position!
Things are tight at the top!

Tipping Ladder

MJS2 (4) 33

Is That So (5) 32

UglyDermie (4) 31
DG-Man (4) 31

Hansie (4) 30
Bullant (4) 30
Bede Me Up (4) 30

Henry (4) 29
St.Kevs Cowboy (4) 29

Moss Rocket (4) 28
Toohas (5) 28

Side Show Bob (3) 27

Midas (3) 26

King Brown (2) 24
Blue Boys 88 (4) 24

Archangel 17 (3) 23
Magic Mickey (4) 23
OC37 (5) 23

Knackers (5) 22
Half back (5) 22
OM28 (2) 22

ILSS (1) 20

* Please note: As DG likes to improve the weekly tipping ladder (received many PM's and general plaudits for the introduction of the weekly score in brackets!) This week we have the leader in bold and underlined, and all tipsters who tipped the card are in bold.

Not many weeks left. Finals are included.

Cheers - DG

 

[Archangel17]

Did a bit of spying out at ESL v OC this week. 2nd and 3rd quarters. Interesting stuff. OC very impressive. Ratcliffe very strong nuggety onballer.Barton unlikely looking, but very effective flanker.Unkles/Basell dominated ruck. Ballard hardly seen, and rarely in ruck, seemed to be tagging Parton which was ineffective and a waste IMO.Buckle hardly seen. Baranello(1) very impressive, but a lone hand.No T Bull who was one i specifically went to watch, no Tiras. Parton played onball/HF. Maslin lightening quick onballer- goalkicker. Jessup athletic tall flanker.Collins awesome- ESL apparently thought he stank as they werent within 30 of him the entire two quarters.
In summary. OC very good. ESL not close to them

 

[Toohas]

After a pretty tight first half, Yarra got on top of Banyule in the second half for a comfortable win. A lack of discipline from Banyule directly led to goals (free kicks in the forward line after we had kicked a goal, abusing umpires etc.) which gave us our handy lead which we extended on. Tim Hancock was our best player and Andrew Stone kicked five, I think. I thought Skicko and Gayfer were good for Banyule.

We have a new leader for the best clubrooms in D1, Banyule are the best easily.

 

[Toohas]

Couldn't agree more Thorpedo why somone would mention outs let alone name them before a game is pretty naive.
I'm not sure i agree with this. Firstly, as a keen watcher of amatuer football, i rate the coaches of at least half a dozen D1 teams as pathetic. Both senoir coach and coaching staff. Knowledge of oppostion players, team plans, as well as their own team plans border on non existent. I would love to be able to read through these (All Grades). It would certainly give supporters of amatuer football greater awareness of happenings within clubs, and a greater feel for all the players.
There are clubs that do put their sides on their own website on fridays for their fans sake, and the team named is the team that runs out. I think this is the way to go! I certainly don't think this disadvantages the club in any way!

I disagree. Our team meetings with Tim Killworth (an OG life member BTW) last year were something else with regards to how much research he did on the other teams and their players etc. There are also coaches in the grade who are familiar and friendly with each other and they will give each other input on their upcoming opposition. I don't know your connection with Old Geelong, but I think you would be surprised at how seriously most coaches in this division take their role. Maybe it doesn't disadvantage the club too much, but it certainly isn't beneficial for the club to divulge this information either. I don't think any club would be too happy for supporters to come on here and let the world know that players of the caliber of Burridge, Wise and the Bains were missing.

What i can say it was 12 goals to 2 at 1/2 time in favour of Therry, with Rupo kicking 8 goals to nothing in the second half.

Is this true? Not letting a side kick a goal for an entire half, you would think that you'd put more than eight through down the other end. For them to not even score a goal, wouldn't the ball have spent most of it's time in your forward line?

 

[DG-Man]

I disagree. Our team meetings with Tim Killworth (an OG life member BTW) last year were something else with regards to how much research he did on the other teams and their players etc. There are also coaches in the grade who are familiar and friendly with each other and they will give each other input on their upcoming opposition. I don't know your connection with Old Geelong, but I think you would be surprised at how seriously most coaches in this division take their role. Maybe it doesn't disadvantage the club too much, but it certainly isn't beneficial for the club to divulge this information either. I don't think any club would be too happy for supporters to come on here and let the world know that players of the caliber of Burridge, Wise and the Bains were missing.

Hey Toohas, nice to see the thinking man score a 5/5 and put himself back in contention!
I guess i am not saying that i don't think coaches take their role seriously, i just don't think from observing games this year, that many are very good at it. I have played ammos footy in a couple of grades, and am aware of how even F and G grade teams still take it all very seriously.
What has suprised me this year has been how poorly some teams are coached. This is a personal opinion from someone who has watched 14 games this year. I guess when you have been involved/played ammos footy for 17 years, you can have an opinion. Some may disagrere. That's cool. Hey, i'm sure if i had to coach next year i'd be pretty crappy!

And i also don't think it is beneficial for someone on this site to divulge info like the BT guy did. But i also don't think it does much, if any damage.
As i said earlier, it would be great if we could be reading all sides on a Friday afternoon. The more info available, the more interest generated, the better for the comp.

If i looked up on the website the Therry team, as an example, and saw that Crotty, Bannisters, Foster-Knights, Goodwin etc, etc were all available, i would go watch them next week. I've heard about this Crotty guy, sounds like he can play, i love my footy, i'd be there!

I realise some clubs would always like to keep things a little in-house, as a supposed advantage, however i just wonder if there really is any advantage in it. No side reliant on info regarding ins and outs of oppostion teams to play good, solid footy, is going to go far anyway. Can't imagine that the Old Xavs have given 2 hoots about oppositon teams over the last decade.

Cheers - DG

 

[bullant10]

Boys,
We are not in the AFL, D1 footy, most people on this thread are, like me, supporters and spectators. It would have made less than 5% diiference to the way prahran prepared for the game vs BT. Maybe got them thinking a little bit but that is it.
My mail wasn't that far off, 4 out of the 5 didn't play, burridge did.
It was good to watch a few of the border line players put their hand up and have a crack at cementing a spot for themselves in the BT jumper.
Very ordinary game at Ajani - Prahran were well on top early and just dropped off in the later stages of the game. Only had a limited interchange which didn't help.
Very windy conditions which kept the scoring low and the skills scrappy.
OMs result looks a bit worryiong for them being in no danger of relegation and ca't make the finals the boys might become a little complacent.
Rupo = gone!
YV to take forth spot. I picked it nice and early!!
Carey looking very good their form is comingtogether at the right time of the year. Very different side to the one that lost to BT earlier on. Definately the team to beat at the moment.

Would like some updated odds on flag and B&F thanks DG!

 

[kingbrown]

Toohas, i got there right on th 3/4 siren and it was 12 to 4 with Rupo kicking one after the siren. I was told Therry were 12-2 at half time. The last quarter i seen us kick 5 unanswered goals. We had more opportunities, but Therry shut down the play a fair bit and were successful with some telling marks in the last 10 mins. The feedback was Therry's guns especially no.5 was on absolute fire in the first half, Therry looked unstoppable. Harmes was impassable at Full Back. Well done to YV i only tipped against them in hope, not my head. We do have a very hard road ahead and will get a few back in the tipping stakes if Rupo have a few wins!!!! So will ILSS.

 

[MJS2]

I thought it was a great win by the bullants. They were undermanned and with the two blues having a decent side in with Bevan playing who clearly wasn't fit, got over the line in a good old fashioned scrap. The two blues will win more games then they lose in the next four weeks. It was a game where the bullants could have easily lost but good sides win the close ones even when their not firing and this was the case with a come from behind victory. I think it will be OC V BT and OGS V YV in the 1st week of finals. Ruppo have to play play BT and OC away and i cant see them winning either of these games.
The tipping is getting very interesting!

 

[MJS2]

Boys just had a quick look at the fixtures for next four games and i think Yarra Valley are definitely gonna play finals footy. I think everyone has missed the fact that OGS play Therry (away), Carey and Ruppo (away) the St leos. They could potenially lose 3 of these games!!! I might have to change my prediction and say Yarra Valley will play either Ruppo or Ogs and it will come down till the last game where ruppo may have to beat Bullants to play finals footy. Ogs are very vunerable aswell, but have very good percentage. There are only 2 sides who are 100% sure in saying they are playing finals footy. I have a funny feeling that the OGS once premiership favourites wont be playing finals footy!
Any thoughts....?

 

[bullant10]

Boys just had a quick look at the fixtures for next four games and i think Yarra Valley are definitely gonna play finals footy. I think everyone has missed the fact that OGS play Therry (away), Carey and Ruppo (away) the St leos. They could potenially lose 3 of these games!!! I might have to change my prediction and say Yarra Valley will play either Ruppo or Ogs and it will come down till the last game where ruppo may have to beat Bullants to play finals footy. Ogs are very vunerable aswell, but have very good percentage. There are only 2 sides who are 100% sure in saying they are playing finals footy. I have a funny feeling that the OGS once premiership favourites wont be playing finals footy!
Any thoughts....?

Looks like you have done your research MJS2!
I agree that YV will be there, was unaware of OGs tough draw. Rupo would have to pull something special out of the bag to play finals, although it has been a good effort to come up a grade and still be in the mix.
Look at therry and banyule!
MJS2 you seem to know a bit about D1 footy, also leading the tipping - Could you be up for taking the Qwills position next year?

 

[MJS2]

Yeah bullant10, going ok with the tipping but its getting very close. I reckon i couldnt be any worse then the "Quil". When is going to rate the bullants! Maybe when where holding the premiership cup up in September he just might!!

 

[Thorpedo69]

I agree that a come-from-behind win by BT shows good spirit- good teams manage to win those types of scrappy and tough contests. But I think it's concerning for BT that people like MJS2 are referring to them as having been "undermanned" when they had four players (albeit good players) out. Old Carey would not have been at full strength for many games this year, and apparently on Saturday Prahran far from had its best team out on the field against BT.

Carey really do seem like the team to beat. I think BT are a very disciplined and well-coached side, but IMO Old Carey have more weapons all over the ground. Then again, the grand final result in the AFL last year demonstrated that the solid, disciplined side can beat the team of champions.

 

[DG-Man]

Boys,
Would like some updated odds on flag and B&F thanks DG!

No problem bullant10,

Flag prices

OC / BT $2.50 Equal favourites.
YV/Rupo/OGS $12.00

There has been solid support for OC all week. 3 or 4 contributors have jumped on the OC bandwagon, and now we have none other than bullant10 calling them favourites! Is this a Wise thing to say?
BT still have plenty of support, as some seasoned judges believe the great team ethic at the club, plus their wood over the OC may win out come finals time.
No money for any of the others. ILSS is expected to take the juicy odds at sometime during the week. While Toohas is expected to have a nibble on the Valley before finals time.

B & F

Chivers / S.Collins 3/1
No one else in single figures!
DG still believes it is a two horse race. They are my 2 favourite players at the moment. Toohas is asking for odds on A. Drew. There has been interest in a Bannister, Casboult and O'Brien have had specking. Dolly Parton and Basile have had a little interest, while T.West has gone for a bath!

Checking out the draw, it seems that the Rupo vs Ogs game may be the big one. At Rupo, it will be a real toss of the coin. I personally believe that the OGS have a better side man for man, but with a final 4 spot up for grabs, at home, Rupo will be hard to beat.
YV seem to have the easier run home, but with relegation and pride at stake, no games are easy.
I still think there will be some suprises, and in the end OGS big % will prove very important.

Next weeks games have a few rippers. The tipping comp my tighten right up.

Prahran vs Banyule is hard to split, BT should beat a disappointing OM's, however they do play better at home. OC vs Rupo will be an intersting one. OC will be looking for revenge and should be too strong. Both OGS and YV will certainly be hoping the OC are on the ball. Therry vs OGS at Therry is hard to split, while YV will have to have there A-Grade game against a rebounding Leos at Leos!

Looking forward to seeing the tips come rolling in!

Who will be first up to show their hand......MJS2?? Come on...be brave!

Cheers,

DG

 

[uglydermie]

I reckon I know who you are Thorpedo!

Love your work big fella!

 

[Archangel17]

Here we go DG. Early tips.
PR in a canter
BT by 8 goals( would triple this if it was anywhere else, also not sure on availability of Bains)
OC by 80pts( no idea why i tipped ESL last week- going for upset- just wrong one)
Therry(won last week with top players back, and an extra week under their belt- will be too physical for the College/Grammar boys ) by 6 goals
YV after a close first half will pull away by 28 pts with Keem kicking 6

DG i wouldnt mind some coin on A Drew and Monzell.. You may have to bring their odds in a bit, remember Chivers and Collins have many other very good players to pull votes. Bain,Hare, Burridge, Old Man Matthews, Wise, Parton,Kent/Ratcliffe,Howgate to name a few , and both sides have many faces who can bob up for one or two weeks and pull 3 voters , then disappear back in to the rank and file. A Drew has a few supporting guns, however very few would have taken that 3 vote performance in a winning side, or the one or two vote in a losing side that Drew would have.He also has a brother who is a very handy player, and though this may hurt at times, i feel it could actually work in Drewy's favour as ,(No offence Robin), he is the Drew the umpires know. so often it may appear to them that he is all over the field. Monzell is a very good player,and not taking anything away from that, but remember the glasses and the hair. He is easily remembered and stands out on the field. When the umpires sit down to vote , particularly in an even team performance, things like this make it easier. A couple of weeks ago i overheard the umpires voting on the game. I did not hear their final decision, as i did not want to however the conversation went something like this.
" Who do you think played well ?" "Not sure. *** was pretty good, hey that kid with the spiky black hair was good. What was his number?" " Dont know, was it 26? no maybe 29" " Yeah 29 i think"" Oh there was no number 29, hold on i will pop out and have a quick look in their rooms"
Remember the umpires are human. It is not easy to remember 44 players on the field and their numbers . Other things can stand out too.