Well the half way mark is here after this round and the ladder is very interesting. It appears as though 6 teams could make the finals, three teams are trying to avoid relegation, and Secret Harbour needs to do everything they can to keep their players engaged and two sides on the park for the rest of the year. two forfeits in reserves already isn't a good sign for the rest of the year, so lots to play for as we reach the halfway mark of the year
Cockburn v Ballajura - Cockburn will be desperate for some kind of decent result at home, they seem to be struggling for wins in the league yet their reserves look like playing finals, On the other hand Ballajura will be burning from last weeks result and will be keen to take out the stuff ups they could not control on someone. I think this could get messy for Cockburn, Ballajura move the ball well, have a good setup in the way they want to go about the game and have good forwards. Ballajura by about 10+ goals away
Dianella Morley v Swan View - MOTR in my opinion as this result will have huge impacts on the ladder. DM would have gotten a decent scare last week from a Manning rippers side that is improving each week. Some times you can have an off day and DM would have been happy to get away with the win. Swan View continue to improve each week. they seem to get themselves up for the challenge of a tough game, and they enjoy the scrap. I think this one will be close and a lot could depend on the ins and outs for both teams. Ill take DM at home but would not be surprised to see Swan View get up especially if its wet.
Piara Waters v Swan Valley - Piara won a tough game last week that and will be keen to continue on their winning ways. Valley broke their duck last week with a big result and will be hoping to string two together to keep the pressure on Cockburn. I expect Piara Waters to win this won but I don't think it will be one sided. Dingo we having beers afterwards mate if you come down?
SNESA v Ellenbrook - I nearly gave this game MOTR but I'm disappointed with the way SNESA went about things last week. Skill errors hurt them and you cant expect to win games of footy if you have more shots at goal than the opposition but cant kick straight. Ellenbrook bounced back to the winners list last week and will be keen to maintain that form to stay in touch with the top three. I notice Ellenbrook don't win a lot by big margins, and that always keeps the opposition in games. I expect SNESA to bounce back in a close game this week and cause an upset to keep them in touch with the top 5. Margin will be less than a goal
Secret Harbour v Manning Rippers - Hopefully Secret Harbour get two sides on the park, and they guys just enjoy their footy. Remember guys there is 10 weeks left in the season. As tough as it may have been this year a tough year at footy is better than a long summer home with the missus. Enjoy your next 10 weeks together and anything can happen. Manning continue to improve and are very well coached. Their runner tends to spend a lot of time on the ground making sure the players set up properly but I think not only will Manning win this game to give them breathing space in the relegation stakes I think they will upset a few sides in the second half of the year.
Well that's my thoughts for this week guys, good luck again to all that play. I'm sure we will see some close game and maybe even an upset result or two - especially if the weather turns.
Good luck everyone and enjoy the beers afterwards. Ill write up half year reports next week after round 9
