This game was an absolute ripper last year with Kennedy and Smith leading a massive upset over the more fancied Grammar brigade who had Ellis and Tomahawk running around for them.
This time its on the windy Todd Road oval - but conditions look to be reasonable. If it is dry and still, Xavier's marking forwards will run riot. They have found it hard to lock down speedy midfielders though like Martin, Scully (HC) and Sundberg (CGS).
If MGS are going to have a chance, their star pair Shaw and McLardle need to stamp their authority on the game early.
I can't see how Xavier's spine can be held though - most of their guns are Yr 11s and they all seem to be going to the next level - a final series would surely have them and Caulfield neck and neck.
Wynne is getting back into some good form after his good performances against Skevs and GGS. Kennedy is showing signs that he has what it takes to join joey at the Hawks. Noonan is hands down the in form defender (with Chivers). Lees (WA) is moving into the upper echelon of the comps midfield. Sibosado (the other twin) is starting to show scary signs that he may just be the next big thing. Hannebery is just about ready to explode on the scene, with a few tidy performances.
My tip is that the game will be close until half-time and then Xavier will have a burst where one of their tall forwards loads up - Smith, Santilli, Kennedy, Wynne or Sibosado.
My tip - Xavier by 35 points
This time its on the windy Todd Road oval - but conditions look to be reasonable. If it is dry and still, Xavier's marking forwards will run riot. They have found it hard to lock down speedy midfielders though like Martin, Scully (HC) and Sundberg (CGS).
If MGS are going to have a chance, their star pair Shaw and McLardle need to stamp their authority on the game early.
I can't see how Xavier's spine can be held though - most of their guns are Yr 11s and they all seem to be going to the next level - a final series would surely have them and Caulfield neck and neck.
Wynne is getting back into some good form after his good performances against Skevs and GGS. Kennedy is showing signs that he has what it takes to join joey at the Hawks. Noonan is hands down the in form defender (with Chivers). Lees (WA) is moving into the upper echelon of the comps midfield. Sibosado (the other twin) is starting to show scary signs that he may just be the next big thing. Hannebery is just about ready to explode on the scene, with a few tidy performances.
My tip is that the game will be close until half-time and then Xavier will have a burst where one of their tall forwards loads up - Smith, Santilli, Kennedy, Wynne or Sibosado.
My tip - Xavier by 35 points
