Well here it is ladies and gentlemen the final round of season 2014 is upon us. B Grade this season has been an enjoyable one and we've all had a great time. A lot of other Grades are talking finals already, well not all our finals positions are set yet so let's not look too far ahead. A few weeks ago MrM was asked to do my mock ladder of what I could look at the end of Round 18. Have a look, it's seems MrM wasn't too far off the mark.
North Fremantle
Wembley
Scarborough
Kelmscott
Hamersley
Wanneroo
Collegians
Maddington
Bullcreek Leeming
Willetton
North Freo are assured of Minor Premiers. Wembley and Scarborough need to sort who gets the home final in week 1. Hamersley and Kelmscott are a very good chance to get the final two remaining spots. But that order is yet to be determined as well. Wanneroo are still mathematically possible for the top 5 but need results and margin to go their way. Whilst Maddington, Collegians miss out and sadly Bullcreek and Willetton are off to C Grade next season. Let's get into Round 18..
Maddington v Wanneroo @Harmony Fields
Last time they met
Wanneroo 9.6 (60) defeated by Maddington 9.10 (64)
Well some may Maddington have had a disappointing season coming from A Grade to B Grade but MrM says different, sure they probably didn't perform as well as they would have thought in the League team, but the Reserves and Colts have had a few wins, which is more than they have won in the last few years. I'm sure given it's their Past Players day on Saturday they will be ready to stamp out any finals hopes that Wanneroo may have. Coming off a tough game last week Wanneroo will need to be ready to have another tough game on Saturday. They need a big win to give themselves any chance of reaching finals so I'm sure it will be and exciting affair on Saturday, Wanneroo to get a win here. Also I hear Maddington do wonderful hot chips...let's wait and see.
Wanneroo by 5 goals
Bullcreek Leeming v Willetton @Beasley Park
Last time they met
Willetton 16.2 (98) defeated Bullcreek Leeming 9.11 (65)
Well what a very disappointing season both these clubs have had. I'm sure Bullcreek will admit they have definitely not met expectations, after all MrM had them finishing in the top 3. They go back C Grade next season and should set a goal of returning straight to B Grade. Willetton have also had a disappointing year especially when they earnt a reprieve last season when they were able to stay in B Grade after another sides indiscretions. They haven't performed well in the last 3 seasons so heading to C Grade gives them a good chance to rebuild. Some may call this "The Who Cares Cup" but both sides will throw everything at a win, pride is still on the line as well as it being a local derby. I don't think I've tipped Willetton all season, and I'm sorry Blues Boys that won't change.
Bullcreek by 2 goals
Wembley v Hamersley Carine @Carine Open Space
Last time they met
Hamersley Carine 11.11 (77) defeated Wembley 11.10 (76)
Wembley need a win here and if they can they need to put the foot on the throat and keep it in place. That's because they sit in second place by 0.9 they need a big win to ensure they can maintain that position and earn a home final. They could also win by a small margin and still go through, but I'm sure they like to win big. They've had a good season across the whole club and will no doubt be looking to head to A Grade next season. All Hamersley need to do is win, win and they play finals, lose and they could miss the chance to host a final or miss out on playing finals altogether. They will be out to prove themselves before finals and show they can match it with one of the best teams. Hamersley have been up and down all season and I'm not sure if they can win here. Wembley to use it as a good tune up before finals.
Wembley by 5 goals
Kelmscott v Collegians @John Dunn Memorial Park
Last time they met
Collegians 19.13 (127) defeated Kelmscott 8.9 (57)
Kelmscott have definitely proved their worth this season and have shown when they can play football they can match it with the top sides. Depth is a real issue for them so they need to hope they are full strength come finals time since their reserves sit bottom of the table yet to register a win. Just like Hamersley, Kelmscott need a win
win and they play finals, lose and they could miss the chance to host a final or miss out on playing finals altogether. Collegians will be disappointed they missed finals this season, although they just missed relegation by the skin of their teeth. With a young side coming through next season they should continue to work on getting back to A Grade. They are up against a good Kelmscott side here and I'm sure this will be a good tough game.
Kelmscott by 2 goals
Scarborough v North Fremantle @Millington Reserve MOTR
Last time they met
North Fremantle 8.8 (56) defeated by Scarborough 10.5 (65)
What a tune up before finals, most people's Grand Final teams playing right here just before finals. Even though these games are usually fizzers and they won't throw everything at it with finals just around the corner, I'm still awarding this MrM's Match of the Round.
Scarborough have been most impressive this season and definitely deserve the top 3 finish this season, especially after they were disappointed losing the Preliminary Final last season. They have a lot more to gain out of this game than North Freo do. If they want a home final they will need to win, and hope Wembley don't win by as much so they can sneak into second. North Freo have been the benchmark all season and will have a well earned rest next weekend before competing in the Second Semi Final. They don't have a lot to gain from this match as regardless they will still finish top. They could rest a few sore players with those niggling injuries and give them a rest. That's why Scarborough will win here,
Scarborough by 3 goals
Well that's it folks, my final regular season preview. I hope you've all had fun. Even if some people would come out of the woodwork just to have a go at me, then disappear again. It's been fun, your hot chips (for those wonderful people who have them) have been good and it's been a blast.
