Its a good sign when all 5 games have a significant bearing on ladder positions..
- Top spot well and truly on the line, almost a winner takes all as neither side lost to anyone else in the first round of games.. - Mitchell Park could make it 1 game between 4 sides for the relegation battle with an upset at Raider HQ - Lutheran, Fitzroy and Mawsons all face tough games, but Lutheran and Mawsons both being at home would give themselves a better than a mugs chance of winning.. - Trinity have proven they can be beaten by anyone on any day - But can also match it with anyone.. So they are always a week to week proposition
D6 Ladder after Round 10: 19 - West Croydon 18 - Woodville South 16 - Ingle Farm 12 - Brahma Lodge 09 - Trinity OS ------------------------------------- 08 - Mawson Lakes 06 - Houghton Districts 06 - Adelaide Lutheran 04 - Fitzroy 02 - Mitchell Park
Round 11: Adelaide Lutheran v Ingle Farm: Battle of the Bulldogs out in the South Parklands, and despite the large gap on the premiership ladder, this match promises to be a hotly contested one. Adelaide Lutheran limped to the break on the back of a couple very ordinary performances, and consistency down as the Bulldogs relied heavily on Koenig and Hickey to carry the brunt of the work, and when young Youlten or Redhead hasn't scored, they've struggled. The Borgas brothers have been sound performers this year also, but they'll need to find an extra gear against an Ingle Farm unit with its sights firmly set on finals action. Lynch's return to the Green & White has helped provide the firepower it lacked last year, while Hancock and Buck have continued to put their best foot forward. It'll be interesting to see how each side comes out after a week off, a chance to rest weary legs - will they be hungry and fresh, or be complacent and still in "holiday mode"? Ingle Farms 2nd half fade outs this year are becoming somewhat of an epidemic this season, and if Lutheran can stay in the contest long enough, they aren't without a chance in this match.
Houghton Districts v Mitchell Park: It's been a tough return to D6 for Mitchell Park, and despite ticking a number of boxes this season, the box most important - the win column - has proven most difficult. Houghton on the other hand burst out of the blocks early in the season, and suddenly found themselves amongst the upper half of teams. Poor form and injury tolls have hurt both sides and impacted their ability to play the footy they'd most like - and has seen both drop off the pace. A crucial clash this is however, the Parkers can find themselves back within range of the sides above, and a chance to get out of the relegation zone, while the Raiders can maintain touch with the top 5. For the side that loses, it makes the last 7 games that little bit more difficult, and pressure will be mounting. Bray will be the difference in this match, the Houghton forwards record significantly improves at home - and when he fires at home the Raiders are usually tough to beat. The smaller ground at Houghton though will be welcomed by Lynton Power who will be working hard to drive the Lions to a famous victory. Hard to pick a winner in this game, but I think Mitchell Park head in slight favourites.
Mawson Lakes v Brahma Lodge: Mawson Lakes half a game outside the 5 will be hungry to snatch a victory at home against the highly fancied Brahma Lodge. It was around this time last year that the Mozzies began finding their mojo, and the drums began to beat as they challenged and defeated several sides. A serious danger game for Brahma Lodge, coming off a hefty loss to West Croydon, and a week to relax from footy, if the Tigers aren't switched on here they may leave with tails between legs. In round 2 it was the Lodge by 27 points in an even contest. Brahma are renowned for their scoring ability, but they tend to leak scoring shots and points at the other end, whereas Mawson Lakes are traditionally a very defensive unit. If the Lakes can curb the scoring of the Tigers, they'll get their opportunities themselves and could find themselves in front at the final siren.. however.. if Brahma want to be a serious challenger they need to win these games, and that they will, I think we will see the Tigers flex their muscles and it wont be pretty for Mawson Lakes.
Trinity OS v Fitzroy: Trinity have fought their way back into the 5 after a few tough losses early in the year. They'll head into this game full of confidence and belief, and be looking to try and create some space between 5th and 6th. Fitzroy have struggled all year, and find themselves in danger of being relegated, but can be buoyed by their 2nd half performance against Ingle Farm before the break. Down by 10 goals at the half, the Lions responded, and managed to get themselves within a kick during the last quarter before fading to a 15pt loss. Great effort from a side who most thought would get pumped by plenty. A lot to play for in this game - for TOS a finals spot beckons should they win - lose and find themselves potentially outside the 5 at rounds end. For Fitzroy a loss almost guarantees them a bottom 2 finish this season and D7 next year, but a win crazily enough puts them back amongst the sides above. Trinity should be too strong in this match, it's just a matter of by how much.
West Croydon v Woodville South: Match of the round and it's a beauty! 1 point separates these two on the ladder heading into this clash. One will be licking their wounds Saturday afternoon, while the other will have one hand on the minor premiership. It's incredible to think after the dominant first half of the year by West Croydon that they may well find themselves in 2nd place after this one, but that's the reality. As previously mentioned, given the form shown by both sides in the first half of the season, it's difficult to see them dropping many games for the remainder, therefore this clash may well determine the minor premier as stupid as that sounds! The Hawks have the firepower up forward to belt anyone, the Cats have the skills and smarts to outclass, but I think this match will be a hard fought, physical arm wrestle of a game. Both sides will be eager to get the win, impose themselves mentally on the other, and inflict as much hurt as they can on the opposition. Cracking contest, would love to watch, I'm going with Woody South in an upset.
Dolphin Treasure wrote:Your an attention seeking embarsement..
