Well after 17 Rounds of football, this week the season will come to an end for 5 teams. It's been an up and down season for most, but for some it's been a good year. Now the top 5 is set it comes down to ladder positioning and MrM has done the ladder predictor, and I'm sorry to say, but Whitford is the big loser, in that as they can slip to Fourth this weekend if results go against them, Fifth if things go really bad. (I'm talking utter capitulations here).
It's sure to be an interesting Finals series, however we still need to get through this weekend first, draw a deep breath, then keep on keeping on.
MrM has enjoyed his first week off work watching the Olympics and is enjoying every moment of the games so far. Australia got off to a good start on the medal telly and as I'm writing this the Campbell sisters are raring to go for the 100 metre Semi Finals and are looking very good indeed, both in and out of the pool. Aussie Mack Horton enraged a whole national when he criticised China...and good on him for doing so. How good is Michael Phelps though...it's amazing to think between MrM and Michael Phelps we share 21 gold medals, it's just outstanding stuff. The track and field starts again soon and it's sure too be just as exciting with all eyes on Usain Bolt...MrM cannot wait.
Alright before all that, we have football to get through and 5 games to talk about, so let's jump at it.
Collegians v Melville @Dalkeith Oval
Last time they met
Melville 6.14 (50) defeated by Collegians 10.12 (72)
Collegians would be hoping for a big win here to give them the percentage boost they need to jump up into Second spot on the ladder and give them a home qualifying final as well. They shouldn't get too far ahead of themselves though as Melville will still have a point to prove as they head back towards C Grade next season and they will want to take a scalp with them and dent Collegians chances of getting that home final. Given the game is at "The Shank" I except Collegians to come out on top and with a hefty margin to boot.
Collegians by 8 goals
North Fremantle v Swan Athletic @Gil Fraser Oval
Last time they met
Swan Athletic 16.8 (104) defeated North Fremantle 9.9 (63)
This game was labelled by one pundit the "who cares cup" as neither of these two sides can play finals, interestingly though both Reserves sides should play finals with plenty riding on that game, will we see some drop back MrM thinks so.
North Freo started the season well, but faded with injury, but either looked really good last weekend or Wanneroo poor, plenty to work on in 2017. Swan Ath have been the opposite, started off poorly, but finished strong and should take plenty out of that for next season, I can see this game being a dull affair, but Swan Ath will kick the Ath of the North Freo mob, if big bustling J.Polich has a day out, could be a sneaky chance for leading goal kicker.
Swan Athletic by 3 goals
Mt Lawley v Whitford @Hamer Park 1 MOTR
Last time they met
Whitford 16.9 (105) defeated Mt Lawley 13.12 (90)
What a game it is we have here, Mt Lawley v Whitford in what's to be an early finals like game for these two sides which is why this is Match Of The Round.
Mt Lawley will be desperate for a win here to ensure themselves they aren't just making up the numbers come finals time. They do have a chance to host a final, but given its unlikely a good win here will give them plenty of momentum. Whitford has stalled, the clan from the West of the Mitchell have faulted in recent weeks and have given others a chance to pass them. I except this game to go right down to the wire, but it's a home game for Mt Lawley (bring your floaties Whitford it's rained this week) I'll go with the Hawks and "The Brothers of Destruction" to run wild.
Mt Lawley by 2 goals
Kingsway v Quinns District @Kingsway Reserve
Last time they met
Quinns District 7.11 (53) defeated by Kingsway 13.7 (85)
Kingsway's loss last weekend virtually cost them any chance of finishing second and even finishing in the Top 3 will be a tough task. They are however on track to play finals but a win will give them every chance to get that double chance come finals time. Quinns, well it's been fun, but they are back to C Grade in 2017 and may go out with a bang here, but I expect Kingsway to get a win. How many regular season WAAFL games get played at a WAFL venue?!...not many I expect. Should be a close Reserves game too, with the winner playing finals. Kingsway in the League though.
Kingsway by 6 goals
Wembley v Wanneroo @Pat Goodridge Reserve
Last time they met
Wanneroo 12.10 (82) defeated by Wembley 17.8 (110)
Wembley, well they will finish top of the ladder and have had a largely successful season. To top it all off on Saturday they open their new clubrooms for the first time and it's sure to be beneficial for all the community. Add in Past Players day, Thirds and Fourths have a bye, it's party time at Pat Goodridge Saturday, but along come Wanneroo to spoils that party. Wanneroo will be desperate to finish a tough season on a high and have organised something special for Saturday. MrM may even don a jumper for one last time before he calls time on his illustrious career once and for all (doubtful though...)
Should be a fun day, Wanneroo will get the greatest upset win here as Wembley enter self preservation mode.
Wanneroo by 2 points.
Good luck this weekend all, don't be a hero in this last round, just play football and all will be fine, the weather looks like being a little sunny for once and that has MrM beaming.
