With the final round commencing on Saturday, Blake Gray reviews the impact of this week’s games on shaping the Division 1 ‘Choose Tap’ Finals Series.
1) Norwood
60 points (15 wins, two losses) 184.26 per cent
Round 18 Matchup: East Ringwood
If Norwood win this week:
– They finish the year as minor premiers, having lost only two games
If they lose this week:
– They still finish minor premiers, although will lose momentum gathered in the last four weeks
Predicted finish: 1st
Predicted final match-up: Bye
2) Vermont
52 points (13 wins, four losses) 160.95 per cent
Round 18 Matchup: Balwyn
If Vermont win this week:
– They finish second
– They make Balwyn’s premiership aspirations a tough ask
If they lose this week:
– They finish third and will play Balwyn in a qualifying final.
Predicted finish: 2nd
Predicted final match-up: Qualifying Final v Montrose
3) Balwyn
48 points (12 wins, five losses) 163.76 per cent
Round 18 Matchup: Vermont
If Balwyn win this week:
– They take Vermont’s position in second.
– They will meet again next week at Bayswater Oval
If they lose this week:
– They could finish as low as fourth if Montrose defeat Knox.
– They go into an elimination final having lost their last two games
Predicted finish: 4th
Predicted final match-up: Elimination Final v Blackburn
4) Montrose
48 points (12 wins, five losses) 129.05 per cent
Round 18 Matchup: Knox
If Montrose win this week:
– They give themselves the best opportunity to finish third and will be hoping Vermont defeat Balywn
– They finish the season as one of the in-form teams having won their final four games
If they lose this week:
– They will play in an elimination final against either Blackburn or Balwyn
Predicted finish: 3rd
Predicted final matc h-up: Qualifying Final v Vermont
5) Blackburn
44 points (11 wins, six losses) 146.11 per cent
Round 18 Matchup: Scoresby
If Blackburn win this week:
– They finish as high as fourth
If they lose this week:
– They remain fifth
– They prove they are not genuine contenders for the premiership
Predicted finish: 5th
Predicted final match-up: Elimination final v Balwyn
