by steakn » Fri May 01, 2015 10:37 am
Early predictions in AFL footy are nightmare, GCS would have been in most peoples top 8-10, Bulldogs nearer the bottom, at the top level it can be hard to pick. Country footy completely different(obviously), however the last 15 years in PLFL has seen 3 consistent scenarios.
1. Bostons struggle
2. Mallee Park competitive if not finding the ultimate success
3. Waybacks don't seem to bottom out.
Obviously Souths, Tasmans and Rangers have had their seasons of success as shown by Tasmans recent dominance.
This year is the first year in a long time when i don't believe there is a 3 tiered or 2 tiered comp. Hindsight might make a fool of me, but watching the majority of both grades/matches last weekend it will be really interesting to see how this year pans out.
Tasmans - early favourites for me on the back of several strong seasons and a playing group that has learnt to win, regardless of a small amount of player movement still possess a list that would make most regional football clubs jealous. Their top 30 players are extremely handy and if remain a healthy list should make top 2, their reserves can make finals injuries permitting, but if the seniors lose half a dozen, the reserves will cop the brunt.
I expect A grade to finish 1st & the ressies to finish 6th.
Mallee Park- as stated earlier always competitive, i think they will be around the top 2, they generally dont seem to cop too many key player injuries.
Picked up a couple from Koonibba like usual, and depending on their impact i think a similar result to last year will be on the cards.
A grade 2nd-3rd & Reserves 2nd-3rd
Bostons - to continue on their resurgence, i reckon if they can gel they could go all the way this year. A very deep list and some footballers with experience in success coming through. Their senior list boasts some genuine stars in Miller/Dorward/Castley backed up by a handy cast of mids/smalls and talls. I heard yesterday that even their reserves have 35+ to choose from. Most of the long term people at the club deserve some success and i reckon this year will be a good opportunity to finally see some.
A grade 2nd-3rd & Reserves 1st
Waybacks - back to the future right here, Kelsh/Goodwin/Cragg-Sappsford, 10 years ago these were the guys to propel the WFC to a period of success(amongst a very handy playing group), Add Keatley who from after their last premiership played some outstanding football.
Talking to some respected PLFL legends, they may be fighting an uphill battle to relive the glory days. However, these 4 footballers still have genuine talent and match-winning ability. Once you've thrown Rawson, Shaun Maxfield(state player mind you), Jefferson, Perkins in the mix you still have a very strong core. Whether the older quartet can contribute significantly week in week out will be a telling factor to how they go this year because with all due respect their list does start to thin out towards the last 10-20 (both A/B combined) Waybacks reserves have been the ultimate team in recent seasons winning 4 flags straight, combining past stars with quality juniors. Among those groups mentioned(past stars & juniors) someif not most will find themselves playing seniors regulary.
A grade 4th-6th & Reserves 3rd-4th
Marble Range- I was sceptical early, but when i saw them run out Sunday i thought with the right amount of luck these guys could have a genuine crack this year. Towards the end of the 1st quarter they looked dominant. Parker playing well(huge for them if he hangs around), Lowe is a very handy ruckman(looks old though), Buzz not willing to run much, but positioned himself well for maximum effect. Calderwood looked solid along with Glen Schreiber. Another couple of recruits including Leo Sharaf(?) moved smoothly around half forward and used the footy wisely most of the time.
Their B grade is looking quite old and even though consists of some quality in Sargent, Hollywood and Welfare. I think when the seniors cop a few injuries they will struggle for pace. All in all, a good list when fit but will struggle with injuries imo.
A grade 4th-6th & Reserves 4th-5th
Lincoln South - After struggling last year with many off season departures, LS have gone some way to rectifying list issues.
Chris Minns is an out and out star in the lesser mould of the crows Patrick Dangerfield, Stelzer, George will be great through the middle when fit.
Definitely some ageing talent up top in Jericho/Sinclair/ White/Rowe but a reasonably competitive list with Story/Traeger/ Jantke/McEvoy needing to have outstanding years if they want to see success. They have a handful of quality juniors in Baker/ McDonald/Blewitt/ Dunning who seem likely to hang around long term. A relatively deep list will see their reserves strong most of the year. The big question is how often they will get their best 21 on the park in A grade.
A grade 4th-6th & Reserves 2nd-3rd
For this week
A grade:
Waybacks taking on Tasmans will see the TFC get up by 5-7 goals
Bostons may take time to adjust to the larger Wangary oval in what shapes to be match of the round, Tipping Rangers in a real tight/tough close one. 8 points
Mallee Park @ Mallee Park for LS, Probably too much for the Tennant St rough lids, picking Mallees by 4 goals
B grade:
Waybacks V Tasmans, IF there aren't any late changes to Waybacks seniors, i'd expect the ressies to have a team to beat Tasmans by 3-4 goals
Bostons V Marble Range, Bostons to run the big ranger boys off their feet. Bostons by 10 goals
Mallee V Souths, Will be the reserve grade match of the round. If Rhys Bawden is available, Souths by 1 goal, If not Peckers to win by 16points.