TOPIC:

A very wet few days starting tomorrow morning likely to cause disruption and affect results.

Personally, I don't fancy the idea of standing in the rain in the back paddock at Bassendean. On a dry day, their game vs Bullcreek would be a cracker. Bullcreek got up last time, but can't see them doing it again.

At least there is some shelter at Thornlie where they take on Melville. Melville were very slick last week, but I can't see them doing so well on a large, wet, Thornlie Oval.

In the Reserves, Bassendean and Hammersley have both done very well this year, and are on paper, fairly evenly matched. Hammersley could (and should) have dropped some back and I suspect they will win.

Gosnells and Ocean Ridge should also be a good game, noting that Ocean Ridge are the only Reserves team that Gosnells haven't beaten this year.

After last week, Gosnells can drop some back and Ocean Ridge, like Hammersley, should have dropped some back already. On that basis, (and I think they will handle the wet ground better0, Gosnells narrowly.

Any of the teams in both League and Reserves would be deserving Grand Finalists and it's a pity the weather could influence results - but as they say, it's a winter game.

Birdman, well written again. You have provided some good comments on your views for Semi Final week. It could be a week where the sides that can adapt to the conditions the best will get the job done.

Bassendean have the home game in both the league and reserves in the 2nd Semi, and they will be feeling refreshed and well rested. In the league I think they will fancy their chances. Yes they were beaten by Bullcreek in Round 18, but you wonder if their players played within themselves to ensure they didn't get beaten. Bullcreek were good last week to get over Thornlie, Though the one takeaway from that game was neither side scored a lot. I think Bullcreek may get off to a good start, but unless they are a long way in front at half time I expect Bassendean to roll over the top and get the first ticket to the grand final and B grade football. Basso by 23 points.

In the reserves I think Hammersley will win just in what should be a good game. The weather could influence the result here, Hammersley will just be a bit more finals hardened and could get up by about 10 points.

In the Elimination finals I think we will be in for a cracker, and like you Birdman I'm going to stand under the shelter at Thornlie rather than going out to the paddock at Basso.

In the league game I think we will see a very fires up Melville that will fancy their chances. They play a good style of football, and will back in their pace and skills on the bigger spaces at Berehaven oval. Thornlie will be looking to bounce back from last week, They got exposed in a few areas by the Creek, played some dumb footy and only lost by 10 points. There were some cards in this game so it will be interesting to see what happens to the Thornlie side. They have had a good record in the wet, and even though Melville will like their chances I expect Thornlie to win a close one and progress to the preliminary final. Last time they played in the rain Thornlie won by a point and I reckon we will get the same result.

In the Reserves I think Gosnells can and will win. I find it interesting that they have not beaten Ridge in either game this year. The only risk Gosnells will have is what happened to their numbers after losing the league game last week. In my opinion Ridge struggle to score and Hammersley exposed this last week. Gosnells just need to kick straight and take their chances. Gossy by 13 points.

Good luck to everyone, enjoy playing Semi Final round for some clubs this week will be their last, and for others you will live to fight another week. May your boots kick straight and your beers be cold.

went & watched this game & what a ripper it was with melville winning by 5 pts
thornlie led most of the day albeit being close all day
rams could of won by a slightly bigger margin if not for inaccuarte kicking in the last 2.7
looking forward to the prelim against bullcreek/leeming which has resulted in 1 pt & 7 pt wins