Kennedy Parker
🎨𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙🎨
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At last here we are. After 17 long weeks we close the book on the regular season and begin to write out the first chapter of finals. This week sees the two best performed teams of S22 clash in the 1st Qualifying Final, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the winner advances straight to the preliminary final while the loser is left to slog it out against one of the Swamprats or the Dragons.
The Story So Far
Gold City Royals: 1st - 12W - 5L - 0D - 0Pen - 48PTS - 107.94%
The Royals came into S22 with a new co-captain in Blacky and a big name signing in former Warriors captain BigJoeD_, looking to make amends after a bitterly disappointing straight sets exit from finals last season. After beginning the season 2-2, they would gather momentum in the middle part of the season by holding their nerve in several tight games, often overrunning opposition in the last quarter. They would finish the season full of running, winning 6 of their last 7 games to claim their first minor premiership, the late season addition of Nakia bolstering an already formidable lineup.
Roys FFC: 4th - 11W - 6L - 0D - 4Pen - 40PTS - 121.44%
Having built up a reputation as perennial underachievers across their history, the Roys entered S22 having signed several veterans from other clubs; including favourite son 3KZ Is Football hoping things will change for the better. It seemed an oh-so familiar tale when they had only 2 wins from the opening 6 games and a 4 point penalty for late team sheet submission left them on a mere 4 points after Round 6. However, the #royvolution would spring into action after a stirring victory over the Swamprats in the Fatty Lumpkins Memorial Match. An inspired 8 game streak propelled the Roys to the top of the ladder after Round 14 with the most impressive percentage in the league leaving pensioners everywhere asking #whynotus?
S22 Head To Head
Round 10: Gold City Royals 12.7.79 wdb Roys FFC 19.13.127 @ The Golden Throne
On a cloudy day at The Golden Throne, the Royals hosted the Roys in the Round 10 Match Of The Round. The Roys dominated the only meeting between these two teams, kicking 8 goals to 2 in the first quarter and never looking back, eventually running out 48 point winners. A Bit High ran amok with 36 disposals , 11 tackles and 3 goals.
Players To Watch
Gold City Royals - Thatsapaddlin
Thatsapaddlin has been a valuable rookie addition to the Royals squad this season. Having been overlooked by this season’s wooden spooners the Geelong Wolves in S21, he has cemented himself in the starting midfield of the minor premiers. In the last month, he has averaged 22.8 disposals and will be looking to continue his impressive form in a big final.
Roys FFC - Willo_
Willo_ has had an outstanding season in the ruck and has to be the favourite for the All-SFA ruck position. Not only has he provided clean service to his captain fitzroybowiedog and former Wolves teammate A Bit High with 12.3 hitouts a game (3rd in the SFA), he has had an impact around the ground as well with 10.8 handballs and 21.4 disposals placing him in the top 10 in both categories. Willo_ enjoyed a fine game against the Royals in Round 10 with 22 disposals and a goal, and will be hoping for a repeat of that performance.
Tip
These two clubs are difficult to split, both have been impressive and are desperate for finals success. But the Royals are seem to be in better form late in the season while the Roys have stumbled in the past few weeks. I’m tipping them to prevail at home by 11 points in a classic encounter, Marlowe best on ground with 25 disposals and 4 goals.
Captains please remember to post your team sheet before Thursday 11:59pm AEDT with ‘Official Team Sheet’ included somewhere in the post. Serious team sheet errors will incur a four goal penalty before the start of the match. Blacky, Marlowe, fitzroybowiedog
