WXV Round 12: The Frantic Fight for Finals

[Purple 77]

Welcome back everyone! Thank god the bye madness is over.

Partial lockout on Thursday night, followed by a full lockout on Friday night

Round 12, AFL Round 14

Home Team	Away Team	Venue	Head-to-Head
Beijing Thunder	Buenos Aires Armadillos	Beijing Olympic Park	2  v  3
Cape Town Cobras	New York Revolution	Newlands Cricket Ground, AAP Alliance	1  v  4
Christchurch Saints	Cairo Sands	AMI Stadium, AAP Alliance, Africonia	2  v  0
London Royals	Berlin Brewers	London Olympic Stadium, EurAsia, Europe	2  v  3
Mexico City Suns	PNL Reindeers	Fireball Stadium	5  v  0
Pacific Islanders	Dublin Destroyers	Tuanaimato International Stadium	1  v  4
Rio de Janeiro Jaguars	Tokyo Samurai	Maracana Stadium	1  v  1
Seoul Magpies	Moscow Spetsnaz	Seoul World Cup Stadium, EurAsia	0  v  5
Toronto Wolves	New Delhi Tigers	Rogers Centre	4  v  1

The ‘Jing season might be over, but there’s no use telling the players that. Over the past 4 rounds, four consecutive 140+ scores has seen Beijing the 3rd highest scoring team during that time, but only netting 2 wins to remain as the 2017 hard luck story. On this kinda form, you could mount a case that Beijing could win their remaining 6 games to finish on 9-8 and on the brink of the 8. I sure would love to see it, but just how deep is the word “Blitz” branded in their flesh? Meanwhile at the Dillos, this final stretch of the season will probably only serve as preparation time for the trade period I’d wager. They don’t really look like beating anyone at the moment and until they find a genuine captain, I don’t think they will. I’m sure a captain option will be of top priority come the trade period... maybe someone like a Pendlebury. So yeah, Beijing for mine.

Something the Cobras won’t want to have happen this year is for their highest score to have occurred in Round 1. So far, that is indeed the case and apart from two other 130+ scores, the Cobras have been lacking this season and I think I’ve gone through why in the past. They won’t make finals, but I reckon they’ll get up and beat someone they shouldn’t in these last 6 games, and it’d be GREAT to see it happen in one of the next 3 weeks against New York, Rio or New Delhi. The Revolution have got most of the crew together now, but that 150+ score that we’ve assumed would be consistent with this list has yet to arrive and really, until it happens... they probably don’t deserve to be in the top 4. However, what they do have is the ability to find ways to win and that will be a real weapon in the finals. The coaches nearly brought it to AAP last week, but as is my fear for New York, once the quality teams get on the big stage... they tend to go really big. I don’t think the Revolution will have to this week, but I’m watching them closely until they do.

The Saints’ coach would have had his jaw dropped, eyes wide but forehead veins bulging last week when Gibbs scored 208 without representing any team. Gee, that REALLY would have been handy to this side that is amongst a handful teetering on the wrong side of the 8. Every game counts for this side, and Gibbs could have proved to be a match winning difference (but he definitely wouldn’t have been captain when Boyd and Blakely are around). Their opponents this week... are in the top four... are the Cairo Sands...  hmm. Normally only one of those ends to a sentence applies, but both sure as heck do were we can now safely say Cairo is the surprise team of 2017. They’re 8-3! 8 and 3! This team will make finals! Well, it’d be really brutal if they didn’t from here at least and I can’t help but wonder whether a loss here will insert some doubt in the minds of Karen and how damaging that could be. Still, can you imagine if they won the premiership? Phwoah. Yeah, Cairo for me I guess.

The Royals have really been struggling of late; they are the lowest scoring team of the past 4 rounds and haven’t scored 130+ since Round 6 (though that might not be a problem this week). Just not a whole deal of leadership present at the Royals and they really could do with another two quality midfielders to sit alongside Shuey and Hanners. The team that was once 4-2 is now 4-7 and yet the difference in scoring between these two periods is only about 80 SC points less. They just need to start scoring closer to 130 again and they’ll keep getting a win here and there. But yeah. For Berlin? I don’t really wanna talk about it. Pushed hard this year, but look set to miss finals and start a rebuild next year. Not looking forward to it.

Awwwww dayum! WHAT A WIN! And what a vital win?! The Suns had one player left and he needed to score 82 points to win the match. And Kade Simpson did. Assisted by HGA, the Suns won by 1 SC point against the big scalp that is Pacific and when you haven’t been performing that well lately, these wins are huge. Sitting 7-4, the Suns only really need 3 wins from here which, although not that guaranteed to be honest, they should get with bottom 4 teams Buenos Aires and London to come. Had they lost to the Islanders, I would have been worried about their chances, but I reckon they go on from here. The Reindeers have been pretty fortunate in their last two games where scores of 117 and 124 has gotten them wins. PNL now sit 5-6 amongst the nervous group outside the 8 and still have some hope of making finals. I’m gonna say it’s pretty unlikely, but if they get back to their form from Rounds 6-8, they can beat all of their remaining opponents. But not everyone is London or Buenos Aires, so these sub 125 scores ain’t gonna cut it. Mexico City for me.

The highest scoring team takes on the 4th highest scoring team in what I declare as my MATCH OF THE ROUND! Yeah, that one stings. How has this team lost 5 games? Actually, do you know that Pacific’s average winning score is 145, whilst their average losing score is 140! Most teams don’t even average 140 and two of them are in the top 4! It really is incredible how much the draw dictates the ladder and to be honest, I love it. I’m still confident the Islanders will make finals; sitting 8th a game clear of 9th and a game behind 7th but with the 3rd best percentage in the comp. They just gotta keep scoring like they are because surely the opposition won’t keep rising to the challenge? The Destroyers reclaimed their throne as the most potent scoring team of the comp, and to be honest that’s a pretty impressive feat given I called them out only 3 rounds ago. They were coming off a 3 week period at an average of 129 ppg, only to then average 159 in the proceeding 3 weeks. Are they back in business? Most definitely. Have they reclaimed premiership favouritism? Ask me on Sunday. I want 300+ points in this match where I think Pacific might just again lose big.

The Jags 6 games winning streak came to an end last round in a solid contest against New York. Ever since Round 6, Rio have been superb going at an average of 146 to quietly sit 7th on the ladder. I don’t think I have ever been so confident that the team sitting 7th on the ladder with 6 games to go will make the finals and if it were up to me, I’d have them with the 3rd best odds at taking out the premiership. If they start trusting GAJ with the captaincy again (which would have won them the game against New York), there is no reason why they can’t go back-to-back. Sigh, I don’t look forward to writing about Tokyo sorry Boomz. There hasn’t been a lot to praise for a long time now, given your last win was in Round 3 and your last decent score was in Round 5. What I will do though, is proffer to you that Stretch is a chance to be selected at Melbourne either this week or next; he’s been superb at VFL, except Melbourne just keep winning... but I’m confident given our three consecutive 6 day breaks, some midfielder is gonna get sore and then BAM! In comes Billy! Oh right, yeah the Jags for me.

Wow nelly! I called it! I’m not sure it was in the Round 11 previews, but if not it was Round 10 or 9, but I said Seoul was due to go BAM and BAM they went! They obliterated the Cobras with the highest score so far this year on the back of not only a rampaging Dangerfield, but the rest of the team finally came to the party. The trio that is Oliver, Dangerfield and Kelly is at the envy of the whole comp as all three sit inside the top 13 best mids of the comp. This team should not only make finals, but do some damage and frankly I can’t wait to see it. The dream run at Moscow finally came to an end last week, despite scoring their best score of the season against the Thunder. Sitting 5-6 after once being 1-5 and totally written off, the pencil eraser is starting to hover around the team from Moscow... but the reality is that in any moment it’s gonna turn around and scribble over them with thick, grey leaded rage. They can only really afford to lose one of Seoul, Dublin and Rio, whilst PNL, Christchurch and Buenos Aires aren’t guarantees. But I’m really lovin the ride here, and I don’t want it to stop! However, I expect Seoul to slam on the brakes this week.

Over the last three weeks, Toronto have been the 5th highest scoring team of the competition! To me, that’s kinda like saying Melbourne are the 5th best team in the competition... I’m both looking for tell-tale signs that I’m dreaming, but am gosh darn excited until proven otherwise. Personally, I’m thrilled at how Toronto has turned things around and I would find it fitting if they were to topple the team most famous for their turnaround in the Tigers this week. Just think, the coaches that steered the team that won the 2015 spoon just guided EurAsia to victory last week. However, New Delhi isn’t nearly as scary as they were early this season and tbh, if Dublin fire again and the Tigers either lose or don’t fire themselves... I’d have no choice but to change my premiership favouritism to the Destroyers. Six games have gone by since New Delhi last scored 150+ and I think it’s time we all got a reminder of the Tigers’ premiership credentials. New Delhi to win and go 160+. 

[DazBurg]

good man purps doubt us as usual to fuel the reindeer fire :P

[Ringo]

and we are now down Lin Jong Purps so easy win for you.

[GoLions]

NY no chance for top 4. RD/AK, I'll bet you 2.5 Nigeys (won from Rocky being goat, pay up Jay you flower ;) ), that Cairo not only beats you H2H this year, but finishes above you on the ladder as well.

#NoLibbaNoNY

Revolution bogged down by Sands

#NoLibbaNoNY #NoWaiteInLeadershipGroupIsAnAbsoluteWaiste #SackRD #AlsoNige

#NoLibbaNoNY

Cape Town in with a real shot against New York  :o

5 of our best 15 aren't available. Everyone's a shot against us - Toronto showed that!

#NoLibbaNoNY

Happy to package any or all of these with a player for an upgrade on that player. I think I'm 98k over the min cap as well, so any offers that see me losing cap $$$ by more than that I won't be able to accept #scrapthecap #kateuptoncobras #nolibbanony

Now, I'm going through New York's list, and, well...

Def: J Gibson (Haw) Not Libba, S Hurn (WC) Not Libba, R Tarrant (NM) Not Libba, L Henderson (Geel) Not Libba, B Reid (Coll) Not Libba, J Harmes (Melb) Not Libba, S Gilbert (StK) Not Libba, B Sinclair (Coll) Not Libba, M White (Melb) Not Libba, L Keeffe (Coll) Not Libba, H Marsh (Syd) Not Libba, B Cox (Freo) Not Libba

Mid: J Selwood (Geel) Not Libba, D Mundy (Freo) Not Libba, J Lewis (Melb) Not Libba, T Scully (GWS) Not Libba, D Tyson (Melb) Not Libba, R Conca (Rich) Not Libba, A Sexton (GC) Not Libba

Ruck: K Tippett (Syd) Not Libba, Z Clarke (Freo) Not Libba, J Fitzpatrick (Haw) Not Libba, D Cameron (Syd) Not Libba, E Ratugolea (Geel) Not Libba

Fwd: JJ Kennedy (WC) Not Libba, J Roughead (Haw) Not Libba, M Wallis (WB) Not Libba, I Heeney (Syd) Not Libba, R Douglas (Adel) Not Libba, J Stringer (WB) Not Libba, S Reid (Syd) Not Libba, J Gresham (StK) Not Libba, M Brown (Ess) Not Libba, H Ballantyne (Freo) Not Libba, K Kirby (Coll) Not Libba, M Hannan (Melb) Not Libba, L Young (WB) Not Libba, D Johnstone (Melb) Not Libba, S Tunbridge (WC) Not Libba, D Keilty (Melb) Not Libba

Rookie List: D Houston (Port) Not Libba, K Heatherley (Haw) Not Libba, T Elton (Rich) Not Libba, M Eagles (Bris) Not Libba, J Jones (Geel) Not Libba

There is no Libba. HENCE, no New York. I rest my case your honour.

[Torpedo10]

We could've had Oliver playing for us had JB made one little agreement in a Clayton/JOM exchange.  :-X

It's going to be a stretch, JOM won't play unless he's fully fit for the Hawks and our midfield is too weak right now.

[Ricochet]

NY no chance for top 4. RD/AK, I'll bet you 2.5 Nigeys (won from Rocky being goat, pay up Jay you flower ;) ), that Cairo not only beats you H2H this year, but finishes above you on the ladder as well.

#NoLibbaNoNY

Revolution bogged down by Sands

#NoLibbaNoNY #NoWaiteInLeadershipGroupIsAnAbsoluteWaiste #SackRD #AlsoNige

#NoLibbaNoNY

Cape Town in with a real shot against New York  :o

5 of our best 15 aren't available. Everyone's a shot against us - Toronto showed that!

#NoLibbaNoNY

Happy to package any or all of these with a player for an upgrade on that player. I think I'm 98k over the min cap as well, so any offers that see me losing cap $$$ by more than that I won't be able to accept #scrapthecap #kateuptoncobras #nolibbanony

Now, I'm going through New York's list, and, well...

Def: J Gibson (Haw) Not Libba, S Hurn (WC) Not Libba, R Tarrant (NM) Not Libba, L Henderson (Geel) Not Libba, B Reid (Coll) Not Libba, J Harmes (Melb) Not Libba, S Gilbert (StK) Not Libba, B Sinclair (Coll) Not Libba, M White (Melb) Not Libba, L Keeffe (Coll) Not Libba, H Marsh (Syd) Not Libba, B Cox (Freo) Not Libba

Mid: J Selwood (Geel) Not Libba, D Mundy (Freo) Not Libba, J Lewis (Melb) Not Libba, T Scully (GWS) Not Libba, D Tyson (Melb) Not Libba, R Conca (Rich) Not Libba, A Sexton (GC) Not Libba

Ruck: K Tippett (Syd) Not Libba, Z Clarke (Freo) Not Libba, J Fitzpatrick (Haw) Not Libba, D Cameron (Syd) Not Libba, E Ratugolea (Geel) Not Libba

Fwd: JJ Kennedy (WC) Not Libba, J Roughead (Haw) Not Libba, M Wallis (WB) Not Libba, I Heeney (Syd) Not Libba, R Douglas (Adel) Not Libba, J Stringer (WB) Not Libba, S Reid (Syd) Not Libba, J Gresham (StK) Not Libba, M Brown (Ess) Not Libba, H Ballantyne (Freo) Not Libba, K Kirby (Coll) Not Libba, M Hannan (Melb) Not Libba, L Young (WB) Not Libba, D Johnstone (Melb) Not Libba, S Tunbridge (WC) Not Libba, D Keilty (Melb) Not Libba

Rookie List: D Houston (Port) Not Libba, K Heatherley (Haw) Not Libba, T Elton (Rich) Not Libba, M Eagles (Bris) Not Libba, J Jones (Geel) Not Libba

There is no Libba. HENCE, no New York. I rest my case your honour.

Pretty compelling tbh

[RaisyDaisy]

No point naming a team this week I guess  :'(

[meow meow]

B: Leigh Montagna, Nathan Wilson, Harris Andrews, Conor McKenna
M: Bryce Gibbs (vc), Connor Blakely (c), Sam Mitchell, Alex Neal-Bullen
R: Aaron Sandilands
F: Shaun Higgins, Jarrad Waite, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Ryan Lester
I: Nathan Vardy, Jordan Roughead

E: Tom Boyd, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Jake Lever

[Purple 77]

Ha, quality GL

[Toga]

BEIJING THUNDER:
D: J.Hunt, S.Mayes, H.Taylor, S.Wellingham
M: L.Neale (CC), D.Zorko (CC), O.Wines, C.Ward
R: B.Grundy
F: J.Jenkins, C.Petracca, J.Caddy, B.Hill
IC: B.Ellis, K.Lambert

Emg: J.Aish (m), D.Howe (d/m), B.Lennon (f)

Hopefully we can notch up another win this week :)

[RaisyDaisy]

You wouldn't believe it, but guess who has an OOP ruck and HGA against yet again?

There you go GL, basically a 100+ head start. Don't choke ;)

[meow meow]

Casually playing 3 rucks in my XV with another one at E1.

[RaisyDaisy]

Casually playing 3 rucks in my XV with another one at E1.

And how's that working for you? :P

[Holz]

Casually playing 3 rucks in my XV with another one at E1.

why not get some mids?

I wouldn't really brag about playing 2 players averaging in the 60s in the utility spots.

[GoLions]

You wouldn't believe it, but guess who has an OOP ruck and HGA against yet again?

There you go GL, basically a 100+ head start. Don't choke ;)

fuark, if anything, this gives you guys a huge advantage :-\