Sydney University
Currently: 1st
The Run Home: Newtown (H), UNSW/ES (A), Macquarie Uni (A), Balmain (A)
Analysis: After their premiership success in 2013, Sydney University are looking very good to go back to back. One concern is the ever growing injury toll for some of their stars which may play a big role in seasons end. They do play UNSW/ES in Round 13 which could very well be a grand final preview with the Stingrays being closest to beating them this year and we are tipping their first loss of the season.
Prediction: Despite a loss to their main rivals in the run home, the Bombers will claim the minor premiership and will be hard to stop in the finals.
UNSW/ES Stingrays
Currently: 2nd
The Run Home: Macquarie Uni (H), Sydney Uni (H), Western Wolves (H), Newtown (A)
Analysis: UNSW/ES are clearly the next best side in the competition only losing two games all year, both to Sydney Uni. They would love to knock them off in Round 13 which is a strong possibility and if so can take that confidence into the finals.
Prediction: Will finish in second with a first round matchup against Sydney University. Timing their run nicely and a big chance to go all the way.
Newtown Breakaways
Currently: 3rd
The Run Home: Sydney Uni (A), Western Wolves (A), Balmain (A), UNSW/ES (H)
Analysis: The Breakaways are currently sitting in third but also only a game in front of Balmain who are sitting last. They will looking to keep the margin as close as possible in the games against UNSW/ES and Sydney Uni and maybe try and pinch one of them. Must beat both the Wolves and Dockers to make sure they give themselves the best chance to play finals.
Prediction: They will match two wins with two loses to close the home and away season which will be enough (with their superior percentage compared to the teams around them) to see them finish third and return to finals action.
Macquarie University
Currently:4th
The Run Home: UNSW/ES (A), Balmain (A), Sydney Uni (H), Western Wolves (H)
Analysis: In their first year up from the Division Two competition, Macquarie Uni have not looked out of place and been more than competitive. They finish the year with two home games against Sydney Uni and Western Wolves. Will look to be competitive in their games against the UNSW/ES and Sydney Uni with percentage being very important in final placings. Must beat both Balmain and the Wolves to make finals.
Prediction: The last round matchup against Western Wolves could determine fourth place with Macquarie University winning at home and scraping through on percentage. Fourth.
Western Wolves
Currently: 5th
The Run Home: Balmain (H), Newtown (H), UNSW/ES (A), Macquarie Uni (A)
Analysis: The Wolves are currently sitting just outside the top four but are still a strong chance to make finals. Not having to play Sydney Uni is a bonus with games against sides around them letting the Wolves pretty much control their own destiny. If they win those three games against the sides around them they should make finals but if they drop any of those games they will be fighting to make it.
Prediction: The Round 15 clash against Macquarie University could be the battle for fourth but they will just miss out on percentage. Fifth.
Balmain Dockers
Currently: 6th
The Run Home: Western Wolves (A), Macquarie Uni (H), Newtown (H), Sydney Uni (H)
Analysis: Its been a long year for the Dockers, forfeiting their two most recent games and not being the dominant force they have been for the last couple of years. In saying all of this, the positive is that they are still well and truly in the finals hunt. Their next three games are against teams battling for those last two finals spots. If they can beat them and rediscover their form, they could be a surprise packets in the finals.
Prediction: A tough year for the Dockers who have struggled for numbers in a couple of games. Last
Last Modified on 30/07/2014 09:33
