Finals are upon us! Our top 8 this year has some old faces, and some new ones. The Werewolves and the Hurricanes have continued their dominance of previous years, maintaining their positions in the top 4. However, it is the new faces that have made things interesting. After missing out on finals last year, the Dragons sit on top of the ladder, and the Steins and Bunnies have moved up to home elimination finals, as well as the Magic who are also making an appearance after missing out last year.
Fixture:
Dragons vs Hurricanes: The first of our qualifying finals features the best team of our H&A season in the Dragons, hosting the Hurricanes, who were undefeated halfway through the year, only to fall back with the other teams in the 2nd half due to injuries and just poor form in general. The Dragons have had an incredible run this year. Starting the year with a tight win over the Badgers in an extremely high scoring game, and then following that with a loss to the Owls in another very high scoring match. Since then, they have gone on to win every single game that they have played, which has resulted in them earning that #1 spot on the ladder. How were they able to do this though? Well, you only need to look at their midfield. Zerrett, TMitch, Duncan, Rocky (prior to his injury), Ebert, with backup from Crisp and Hall as well. It's nuts. The Hurricanes meanwhile had won their opening 10 games, before going on a 3 match losing streak against all of the other top 4 teams, dropping to 4th on the ladder, and losing that all important home final in week 1. But, they have proven over the last couple of years that they are a force to be reckoned with, and the last 5 weeks don't mean a single thing if they are able to perform each week. The Dragons seem to be making a statement by giving Rockliff a run in the reserves this week, in hope of finding his form of the first half of the year, but could this come back to bite them? Personally...I don't think it will. Dragons to win this and go on to hosting a prelim!
Leeches vs Werewolves: The Leeches have been one of the more consistent teams of the competition this year. This of course resulted in them winning the Rob Roy Knockout Cup Award on the weekend, which is a huge achievement! And while I'm sure they partied that night, their focus would have shifted straight to finals week the next day, with a home final against the Werewolves facing them. The breakouts of Oliver and Billings, the consistency of their backline, it's very hard to see them throwing up a poor score on any given week. And when Gaz is fit and playing, having him as captain is a huge advantage. The Werewolves however will be without star midfielders Dayne ZZZZZZORKOOOOOOOOOOOO and Patrick Cripps, which definitely puts them behind the 8 ball before the match has even started, let alone the fact that the Leeches have the home ground advantage. In saying this though, the Werewolves put up the highest score of the week last week, and it's no coincidence that this happened with Gray and Fyfe hitting some form as well, who have both struggled throughout the year. I'm quite tempted to back in the Werewolves away from home here, even without some of their stars...yep, Werewolves for me in a close one!
Steins vs Owls: The Steins are another team who have been very consistent most of the year. They did have a bit of a quiet patch for a small part, but mostly been very good. And in the last week, they were able to secure 5th spot, a home elimination final, and get to play the injury plagued Owls, as opposed to the Magic or Bunnies who would likely be a much larger threat. The returns of Gawn and Hogan over the last month have been huge for the Steins, and made sure that they were able to finish the season strongly, setting themselves up for a good finals series. The Owls, as previously mentioned, have been destroyed by injuries. Just to name a few this week they will be without Pendles, Sandilands, Christensen, Robinson, Jroo, and KK. Any team would struggle to cover outs such as that, so to still finish 8th is an amazing effort. But, their scores have recently dropped off lately, and with the Steins hosting this one, I think we will be saying goodbye to our 2016 Premiers. Steins to win this comfortably.
Bunnies vs Magic: This might just be the closest game of this first week of finals, and probably the one I'm most looking forward to. Both the Bunnies and the Magic have improved a fair amount from last year, posting some very respectable scores more often than not, and find themselves in this huge elimination final battle. The Magic were knocking on the door of the top 4 for a while as well, but were unlucky to drop a couple at the end of the season, losing their home final with it. The importance of home ground advantage in finals is massive as well, so they'll be hurting already. The youth in this Bunnies side is second only to the Giants you would think. Matty 'BTB' Crouch, Zac Jones, Isaac Heeney, Matt Kennedy, SPS, Ben Ainsworth...along with some of the more experienced players in Hurley, Murphy, Cunnington, and Ryder, this is exactly what you need to build a team that will compete for a number of years to come. The Magic's strength lies in its midfield. Sloaney, Ward, Gaff, Grigg, with support from Polec and Ellis. They were unlucky to cop an injury to Brad Crouch though, who would have been a huge asset in this game. Some of their forwards have also stood up though, in particular Cameron and Daniher, giving more support to Buddy up forward. Their defence could be their downfall however, especially if any of their big guns don't fire. Should be a great contest, but I'll back in the boys from Blackpool at home!
For those in the bottom 8, feel free to modify your team each week if you want to take part in the 'Consolation Finals' set up in UF. This will have zero impact on ladder position and won't have HGA or anything, so just for a bit of fun :)
Finally, entering certain territory.
Birmingham Dragons
D: Matt Suckling, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Martin Gleeson , Robert Murphy
M: Brad Ebert, Tom Mitchell (C), Zach Merrett (VC), Mitchell Duncan
R: Tom Bellchambers
F: Josh Caddy, Josh Jenkins, Luke Breust, Will Hoskin-Elliott
I/C: Jack Crisp, Aaron Hall
Emerg: Ben McEvoy (R), Tom Rockliff (M), Mitch Hannan (F), Shaun Atley (D)
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
I dare you :P
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
Wow!! must be serious.... breach of team protocol?? was he out drinking after last weeks game?
Quote from: SydneyRox on July 26, 2017, 11:59:08 AM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
Wow!! must be serious.... breach of team protocol?? was he out drinking after last weeks game?
nope just sick of his shower form
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 01:04:10 PM
Quote from: SydneyRox on July 26, 2017, 11:59:08 AM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
Wow!! must be serious.... breach of team protocol?? was he out drinking after last weeks game?
nope just sick of his shower form
Almost guaranteed to score like 200 and potentially even cost you the game now. Just ask Dave.
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 01:04:10 PM
Quote from: SydneyRox on July 26, 2017, 11:59:08 AM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Dragons have dropped Tom Rockliff he will not play :o
Wow!! must be serious.... breach of team protocol?? was he out drinking after last weeks game?
nope just sick of his shower form
sounds like #tradetalk #letsmakeadeal #bunnies2018
Jobe for Tom. Done!
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
and hoping he actually at a good team and cares next year
Def: Laird, Williams, Henderson, Salem
Mid: JPK (VC), Jelwood (C), Goddard, Newnes
Ruck: Trengove
Fwd: Petrie, Westhoff, Edwards, Towers
Util: Wells, May
Int: Dumont, Barret, Lobb, Simpson
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 05:03:40 PM
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
and hoping he actually at a good team and cares next year
So you'll trade him if he stays at Brisbane? Done.
RIP. Riewoldt and Redpath out too this week.
Defence: S.Docherty, J.Johannisen, Z.Tuohy, K.Kolodjashnij.
Midfield: S.Pendlebury, B.Gibbs, O.Wines, S.Thompson.
Ruck: A.Sandilands.
Forwards: J.Gunston, A.Christensen, J.Riewoldt, L.Jong.
Utilities: A.Swallow, M.Robinson.
Defence: S.Wellingham, S.Mayes T.Jonas, M.Talia, C.Delaney, K.Collins, B.Williams, J.Glass-McCasker.
Midfield: J.O'Meara, C.Guthrie, C.Ellis-Yoleman, R.Lester.
Ruck: Z.Clarke, J.Griffin, J.Ceglar, G.Nyuon.
Forwards: T.Cloke, J.Garlett, S.Lloyd, J.Redpath, P.Ambrose, T.O'Brein, A.Galucci.
Quote from: Vinny on July 27, 2017, 08:02:41 PM
RIP. Riewoldt and Redpath out too this week.
Defence: S.Docherty, J.Johannisen, Z.Tuohy, K.Kolodjashnij.
Midfield: S.Pendlebury, B.Gibbs, O.Wines, S.Thompson.
Ruck: A.Sandilands.
Forwards: J.Gunston, A.Christensen, J.Riewoldt, L.Jong.
Utilities: A.Swallow, M.Robinson.
Defence: S.Wellingham, S.Mayes T.Jonas, M.Talia, C.Delaney, K.Collins, B.Williams, J.Glass-McCasker.
Midfield: J.O'Meara, C.Guthrie, C.Ellis-Yoleman, R.Lester.
Ruck: Z.Clarke, J.Griffin, J.Ceglar, G.Nyuon.
Forwards: T.Cloke, J.Garlett, S.Lloyd, J.Redpath, P.Ambrose, T.O'Brein, A.Galucci.
I think you'll find Ryan Lester is fwd only too!
Quote from: Vinny on July 27, 2017, 08:02:41 PM
RIP. Riewoldt and Redpath out too this week.
Defence: S.Docherty, J.Johannisen, Z.Tuohy, K.Kolodjashnij.
Midfield: S.Pendlebury, B.Gibbs, O.Wines, S.Thompson.
Ruck: A.Sandilands.
Forwards: J.Gunston, A.Christensen, J.Riewoldt, L.Jong.
Utilities: A.Swallow, M.Robinson.
Defence: S.Wellingham, S.Mayes T.Jonas, M.Talia, C.Delaney, K.Collins, B.Williams, J.Glass-McCasker.
Midfield: J.O'Meara, C.Guthrie, C.Ellis-Yoleman, R.Lester.
Ruck: Z.Clarke, J.Griffin, J.Ceglar, G.Nyuon.
Forwards: T.Cloke, J.Garlett, S.Lloyd, J.Redpath, P.Ambrose, T.O'Brein, A.Galucci.
To be fair, Mayes Lester and Guthrie would be best xv anyway cause KK Thommo and Jong are garbage ;)
But yeah fairly flowered aha
No Cripps, Zorko or Priddis whilst the Leeches get Ablett back.
Would love to have the same confidence as you do about us Dave :-\
Leeds Leeches
D: Alex Rance, Jeremy Howe, Michael Johnson, Dylan Roberton
M: David Mundy, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver (VC), Gary Ablett (C)
R: Sam Jacobs
F: Isaac Smith, Jack Billings, Jack Sinclair, Taylor Walker
U: Dom Tyson, Tom Scully
E: Sam Kerridge (M), Tom Stewart (D), Karl Amon (F), David Mackay (R)(OOP)
Quote from: Rusty00 on July 27, 2017, 09:46:08 PM
No Cripps, Zorko or Priddis whilst the Leeches get Ablett back.
Would love to have the same confidence as you do about us Dave :-\
Priddis was still in when i backed you guys...may think otherwise now :P
Winchester Werewolves
D: Kade Simpson, Luke Hodge, Michael Hibberd (EVC), Nathan Wilson
M: Nathan Fyfe (C), Lachie Whitfield (VC), Robbie Gray, David Myers
R: Toby Nankervis
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Jarryd Roughead, Toby McLean, Jack Steele
I: James Sicily, Alex Witherden
E: Sam Gibson (M), Travis Colyer (F), Easton Wood (D), Nic Newman (R OOP),
BLACKPOOL BUNNIES
DEF: Michael Hurley, Jake Carlisle, Tom Langdon, Zak Jones
MID: Matt Crouch(C), Marc Murphy(VC), Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington
RUC: Paddy Ryder
FWD: Jon Patton, Richard Douglas, Charlie Dixon, Isaac Heeney
UTI: Dane Rampe, Matt Kennedy
EMER: Sam Petrevski-Seton(M), Ben Reid(D), Ben Ainsworth(F/M)
Oxford Owls.
Docherty, Johannisen, Tuohy, Mayes.
Wines (C), Gibbs (VC), Swallow, Guthrie.
O'Brein (OOP)
Gunston, Lester, Garlett, Cloke.
Jonas, Williams.
Brown (D) ...
That's all we got.
Manchester
D: BSmith, McDonald, Sutcliffe, Scharenberg
M: Gaff (VC), Sloane (C), Ward, Polec
R: ZSmith
F: Buddy, Cameron, Daniher, Jones
I: Grigg, Ellis
E: Cripps, Baguley, Durdin, Buzza
Steins
Def: Adam Tomlinson - Nick Vlastuin - Callum Mills - Luke McDonald
Mid: Josh Kelly (VC) - Lachie Hunter - Marcus Botempelli (C) - Connor Blakey
Ruck: Brodie Grundy (EVC)
Fwd: Christian Petracca - Elliot Yeo - Jesse Hogan - Lewis Taylor
Util: Max Gawn - Sam Menegola
Emerg: James Harmes (D) - Brayden Fiorini (C) - Rupert Wills (F/C)
Seriously dont know whats wrong with the Hurricanes right now but we better get our shower together next week... :(
Bad news for the Leeches with Ablett out.
Bad news for the Werewolves with Oliver becoming Captain :'(
Spudson and Spudkervis have blown any slight chance we had :(
109 (incl. HGA), Hurley, Langdon, Bastinac, Douglas and BTB (C) v BSmith, Scharenberg, Gaff, Daniher and Sloane (C)
If we had HGA it might've been a contest but at this stage we need a Sloane special.
we been so lucky getting away with these wins when not scoring great just the other teams have had even worse weeks
Gleeson having a shocker
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 30, 2017, 02:39:01 PM
we been so lucky getting away with these wins when not scoring great just the other teams have had even worse weeks
Gee i really didnt even need a good week this week to win but im not even gonna crack 1800 lmfao, i dont deserve to be in the finals right now. But got a few back next week and hopefully all those guys who are under performing atm hit form... :(
111 from petrie in the 2nd half gets us the win....82 in the first. I cant believe we are a chance with this terrible effort...gonna be HGA which is annoying given how shower we were.
Sloaney </3
has a emerg score been added for the Hurricanes for May :o :-X :-\ :'(
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 30, 2017, 07:40:29 PM
has a emerg score been added for the Hurricanes for May :o :-X :-\ :'(
No and its Dumont unfortunately. I need 63 from petrie in the last 1/4.. unlikely but possible :P
Wow, some low scores this week. Unfortunately not by Leeds, or next week's opponent :-\
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 30, 2017, 02:39:01 PM
we been so lucky getting away with these wins when not scoring great just the other teams have had even worse weeks
its an amazing game, when 1st vs 4th produces the 3rd and 4th worst score for the round!!
Quote from: Rusty00 on July 30, 2017, 11:11:56 PM
Wow, some low scores this week. Unfortunately not by Leeds, or next week's opponent :-\
yeah, gonna be a close one!
Blakely 23% TOG for the Steins for a whopping 9 points, doesn't get much worse than that :o
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 05:03:40 PM
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
Outscored Zerrett, Ebert, and Crisp. Which one of those guys make way for Rocky this week?
Quote from: GoLions on July 31, 2017, 02:37:53 PM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 05:03:40 PM
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
Outscored Zerrett, Ebert, and Crisp. Which one of those guys make way for Rocky this week?
none we get the week off :P
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 31, 2017, 03:05:21 PM
Quote from: GoLions on July 31, 2017, 02:37:53 PM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 05:03:40 PM
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
Outscored Zerrett, Ebert, and Crisp. Which one of those guys make way for Rocky this week?
none we get the week off :P
Haha, the week after then :P
Btw, scores will go up either later tonight or tomorrow
Final score adjustments:
Hurricanes: +106 Dumont covering May
Dragons: +57 HGA
Leeches: +81 HGA
Steins: +9 HGA
Owls:
+2 Wines C over Docherty
+60 O'Brien OOP ruck
Bunnies: +79 HGA
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on July 26, 2017, 05:03:40 PM
sending a message to the rest of the team we don't accept piss weak efforts
and hoping he actually at a good team and cares next year
haha, you're a tough coach KB, if i didnt accept piss weak efforts i would have like 3 players...
Final match results:
(https://i.gyazo.com/95cf0b4fc8b796b2947cfb4e90dd3cc4.png)
The Dragons escape with a win against the Hurricanes, and can count their lucky stars that they weren't up against any other team in the top 8 this week! The Hurricanes are looking at being knocked out in straight sets at this stage with a score like that. I should note, that if iZander backed in good ol' Jasper P over May, the 'Canes would have won by 3 points. The Hurricanes will be up against the Steins next week, and the Dragons get a break to address a few things, as this scoring won't win them another final.
Leeches have a convincing win over the Werewolves, who were simply missing too many players to cover effectively. Leeches are arguably the favourite to take out the premiership this season if they can keep up this scoring, but we all now how well the Dragons can go on their day as well. The Werewolves have a tough job against the Bunnies next week.
The Owls were just hit too hard by injury, and the Steins got over the line comfortably at home. A very winnable game against the Hurricanes awaits them next week, and they'll consider themselves favourites going into the game. We say goodbye to our reigning champs though, but expect them to come out all guns blazing next year with a fit and firing squad!
And in our other knockout final, the Bunnies come out as huge winners over the Magic, making a statement to the rest of the other finalists, that they mean business! They'd be a tad annoyed that they face the Werewolves, and not the Hurricanes, though. Will be a very tough match, especially with the Werewolves having HGA. Meanwhile, we also say goodbye to the Magic, who will be devastated that they gave up that top 5 spot in the last round of the year, which has turned out to be very costly indeed.
Quote from: GoLions on July 25, 2017, 03:18:00 PM
For those in the bottom 8, feel free to modify your team each week if you want to take part in the 'Consolation Finals' set up in UF. This will have zero impact on ladder position and won't have HGA or anything, so just for a bit of fun :)
And what about our bottom 8, eh? :P
The Breakers put up a very good score against the Knights, who must have been extremely exhausted after their last 2 months. A few outs didn't help.
The Hedgies managed to get over the Hawks, with a few outs for each team perhaps impacting the result as well.
The Giants and Hoods both put up solid scores, with the Giants getting over the line in the end.
And finally, the Badgers get their first win since Round 3 of the H&A season, just managing to outscore the Rams ;D
Lids back this week, lol.
Still believe.
Quote from: Purple 77 on July 31, 2017, 09:03:39 PM
Still believe.
I said it when he got injued, hes out spiritual leader. Guess when this poor form started?
Quote from: GoLions on July 31, 2017, 09:01:50 PM
Quote from: GoLions on July 25, 2017, 03:18:00 PM
For those in the bottom 8, feel free to modify your team each week if you want to take part in the 'Consolation Finals' set up in UF. This will have zero impact on ladder position and won't have HGA or anything, so just for a bit of fun :)
And what about our bottom 8, eh? :P
The Breakers put up a very good score against the Knights, who must have been extremely exhausted after their last 2 months. A few outs didn't help.
The Hedgies managed to get over the Hawks, with a few outs for each team perhaps impacting the result as well.
The Giants and Hoods both put up solid scores, with the Giants getting over the line in the end.
And finally, the Badgers get their first win since Round 3 of the H&A season, just managing to outscore the Rams ;D
Hoods had no ruck playing again as well Nigs back was nice