Round 8 Preview
Prahran over the Gryphs by 21 Pts (I don’t expect the Four Blues to show their old D3 rivals any favours in the replay of last year’s Grand Final. One has to consider that PA’s have only lost once in two seasons and know how to win the close ones. Players of the calibre of Matt Fletcher will ensure the Gryphs remain competitive, but they are not in the same class as their adversaries).
Turtles over Therry by 19 Pts (Should be a highly competitive game, but if Eltham can get over the Oak Park boys, they can put a two game break on their opponents in true ‘8 point’ style. The Matt Attack, Feben & Crooks to be the difference).
SMS over South by 14 Pts (Such a crucial fixture for the Bloods who simply have to win to remain in touch, but conversely a combine win can see the relegation battle all but sealed for the year. I feel the latter is more likely, but not without South pushing them all the way).
Parade over Latrobe by 44 Pts (Bundoora derbies are often highly competitive and close affairs, but the gulf in talent this year points to this one being anything but. I have misjudged The Trobers for much of the season, but hopefully no more. They are winless with a percentage of just 48, so how could one select them here…)
Bullants over Emmaus by 57 Pts (It is unlucky for Emmaus that they face Bulleen a week after one of their weakest performances for the year, as they will receive no mercy from the home side. Expect the Ants to put this one away early and cruise to a 10 goal win. Justin Khouri to bag a half D).
Round 8 Review
3/5 (26/40 cumulative) was a fair result, but I suspect most D2 experts were around this mark. Highlight of the round was clearly the dominant performance of the Gryphs at East Caulfield Reserve who exposed the Four Blues and ran away with the points in a spirited display. Dan Baxter turned back the clock and was best afield in a match that was well and truly over by the final change. I’m not sure if one should state that alarm bells are ringing at Toorak Park, but on two occasions this season they have thrown in the towel once beaten against good opposition, which is most unlike the Prahran teams of yesteryear. The other remarkable feature of the round was the tie at Ferndale. The Saints probably thought they should’ve won with more scoring shots, but ultimately were lucky to draw as South charged home in the second half. Autio vs. Hannan even West vs. Griggs even. The result will not particularly help either side, especially the Bloods. The Turtles took three and a half quarter to shake Therry in a highly competitive game at Research. Woods, Laver and Ciavola amongst the defining contributions for the home side. Emmaus made Bulleen earn the points at Ted Ajani, but the Bullants will take the points and move on. Parade thrashed Latrobe Uni in the Bundoora Derby, but in fairness to the students, they were not shaken off till the final term.
Round 9 Preview
The solstice has arrived, as has the mid way point of the season and some intriguing fixtures await as the ladder takes shape. 8 mathematical chances for finals, but I would argue only 6 are a realistic possibility.
Turtles over Emmaus by 31 Pts (The grounds should still be pretty wet on the weekend, so the margin may be closer, but one can only be impressed at Eltham who have arguably the best attack in the division and a miserly defence. Should do it easily with Galvin best afield).
Parade over Gryphs by 8 Pts (Clear match of the day and 8 pointer to boot. You get the feeling that the winner of this may go on and play finals whilst the loser may have to settle for a season of mediocrity. As Parade have an excellent defensive structure I will side with Boundy’s Men, but I could easily be wrong).
Therry over SMS by 36 Pts (The Oak Park lads have displayed mixed form in 2012, but were darn good last week at Eltham. Back at home they will stay in touch with the four and dispel any ambitions that the combine may have had to this end. ‘Jenny’ George to boot another half d).
Bulleen over SMD by 16Pts (The Bullants – like Essendon – seem to have issues with football in June. Having said that, their best has been head and shoulders above anyone else in the section. The Bloods to give their all at home but fall short by a few kicks. Cowell to be the difference between the two sides).
PA over Latrobe by 66 Pts (The last time Prahran lost they came out the next week and won by 13 goals, so I expect the same again. I sincerely hope the Trobers remain competitive in the remaining games of the season as they must now play for pride. The Four Blues easily).
Good Luck to all
Quasi
Prahran over the Gryphs by 21 Pts (I don’t expect the Four Blues to show their old D3 rivals any favours in the replay of last year’s Grand Final. One has to consider that PA’s have only lost once in two seasons and know how to win the close ones. Players of the calibre of Matt Fletcher will ensure the Gryphs remain competitive, but they are not in the same class as their adversaries).
Turtles over Therry by 19 Pts (Should be a highly competitive game, but if Eltham can get over the Oak Park boys, they can put a two game break on their opponents in true ‘8 point’ style. The Matt Attack, Feben & Crooks to be the difference).
SMS over South by 14 Pts (Such a crucial fixture for the Bloods who simply have to win to remain in touch, but conversely a combine win can see the relegation battle all but sealed for the year. I feel the latter is more likely, but not without South pushing them all the way).
Parade over Latrobe by 44 Pts (Bundoora derbies are often highly competitive and close affairs, but the gulf in talent this year points to this one being anything but. I have misjudged The Trobers for much of the season, but hopefully no more. They are winless with a percentage of just 48, so how could one select them here…)
Bullants over Emmaus by 57 Pts (It is unlucky for Emmaus that they face Bulleen a week after one of their weakest performances for the year, as they will receive no mercy from the home side. Expect the Ants to put this one away early and cruise to a 10 goal win. Justin Khouri to bag a half D).
Round 8 Review
3/5 (26/40 cumulative) was a fair result, but I suspect most D2 experts were around this mark. Highlight of the round was clearly the dominant performance of the Gryphs at East Caulfield Reserve who exposed the Four Blues and ran away with the points in a spirited display. Dan Baxter turned back the clock and was best afield in a match that was well and truly over by the final change. I’m not sure if one should state that alarm bells are ringing at Toorak Park, but on two occasions this season they have thrown in the towel once beaten against good opposition, which is most unlike the Prahran teams of yesteryear. The other remarkable feature of the round was the tie at Ferndale. The Saints probably thought they should’ve won with more scoring shots, but ultimately were lucky to draw as South charged home in the second half. Autio vs. Hannan even West vs. Griggs even. The result will not particularly help either side, especially the Bloods. The Turtles took three and a half quarter to shake Therry in a highly competitive game at Research. Woods, Laver and Ciavola amongst the defining contributions for the home side. Emmaus made Bulleen earn the points at Ted Ajani, but the Bullants will take the points and move on. Parade thrashed Latrobe Uni in the Bundoora Derby, but in fairness to the students, they were not shaken off till the final term.
Round 9 Preview
The solstice has arrived, as has the mid way point of the season and some intriguing fixtures await as the ladder takes shape. 8 mathematical chances for finals, but I would argue only 6 are a realistic possibility.
Turtles over Emmaus by 31 Pts (The grounds should still be pretty wet on the weekend, so the margin may be closer, but one can only be impressed at Eltham who have arguably the best attack in the division and a miserly defence. Should do it easily with Galvin best afield).
Parade over Gryphs by 8 Pts (Clear match of the day and 8 pointer to boot. You get the feeling that the winner of this may go on and play finals whilst the loser may have to settle for a season of mediocrity. As Parade have an excellent defensive structure I will side with Boundy’s Men, but I could easily be wrong).
Therry over SMS by 36 Pts (The Oak Park lads have displayed mixed form in 2012, but were darn good last week at Eltham. Back at home they will stay in touch with the four and dispel any ambitions that the combine may have had to this end. ‘Jenny’ George to boot another half d).
Bulleen over SMD by 16Pts (The Bullants – like Essendon – seem to have issues with football in June. Having said that, their best has been head and shoulders above anyone else in the section. The Bloods to give their all at home but fall short by a few kicks. Cowell to be the difference between the two sides).
PA over Latrobe by 66 Pts (The last time Prahran lost they came out the next week and won by 13 goals, so I expect the same again. I sincerely hope the Trobers remain competitive in the remaining games of the season as they must now play for pride. The Four Blues easily).
Good Luck to all
Quasi
