The Road to Finals: Men’s Tier 1 Mid-Season Review

Bathurst Giants will be fighting for more silverware in 2022 after winning the 2021 Minor Premiership. They kick-off their season at home to the Dubbo Demons: PHOTO Ben Neely

With only 4 rounds left of Men’s Tier 1 footy, here is everything you need to know as we move towards the final third of the season.

 

Bathurst Giants

Ladder Position: First

Win-Loss: 8-2

Points: 32

For: 864 (1st)

Against: 529 (2nd)

Percentage: 163.33

Leading goal kicker: Sam Sloan (32 goals)

Mid-season review:

It’s been a great season so far for the Tier 1 leading Bathurst Giants. The side has won eight games out of ten this season and are outright leading the competition by eight-points. Their season started strongly with a fantastic Round 2 victory over last year’s Premiers Bathurst Bushrangers, which has helped to set the trend for the side this year. Their forward line has looked unstoppable at times, with Sam Sloan leading the competition with 32 goals. Despite a rare defeat to the Dubbo Demons in Round 9, the Giants have looked the real deal this year and will no doubt be looked at as favorites come finals.

The run home: Demons (A), Tigers (A), Demons (H), Bushrangers (A)

Projected finish: First

Two wins should be enough to finish atop the AFL Central West Ladder and secure the Giants’ first men’s minor premiership. The Round 15 matchup will be a huge game leading into finals, but their destiny is in their own hands and would expect to have already secured the minor premiership before then.

 

Bathurst Bushrangers

Ladder Position: Second

Win-Loss: 6-4

Points: 24

For: 741 (2nd)

Against: 468 (1st)

Percentage: 158.33

Leading goal kicker: Kolby McMahon (17 goals)

Mid-season review:

It’s been a mixed bag so far for the Bathurst Bushrangers this year. The defending 2020 Premiers have showed glimpses of their dominant self but have also suffered a few hiccups along the way. A narrow loss to the Giants in Round 2 wasn’t an ideal start, but they hit back against their local rivals in Round 4, winning by 17-points. However with two losses to Dubbo in Round 7 and Round 10, and another loss to the Giants in Round 8, their recent form hasn’t been so good. The side will need to step it up if they are to have a chance at winning it all.

The run home: Tigers (H), Demons (H), Tigers (A), Giants (H)

Projected finish: Second

Whilst we don’t think this year will return another minor premiership, it would be foolish to write them off as genuine premiership contenders. Beating the Demons in Round 13 is crucial for their finals preparation, and a positive result in Round 15 would give confidence ahead of the finals.

 

Dubbo Demons

Ladder Position: Third

Win-Loss: 4-6

Points: 16

For: 563 (3rd)

Against: 831 (4th)

Percentage: 67.75

Leading goal kicker: Bevan Charlton-White (14 goals)

Mid-season review:

The Dubbo Demons didn’t enjoy the best of starts in 2021, losing their opening six games. Something changed however after their 108 point loss to the Bathurst Giants in Round 6, with the side bouncing back to go on a four game winning streak. During the streak, they beat both the Giants and the Bushrangers, showing that the Dees may be in for a chance this year. With only four games remaining, they should make the finals and give the top two sides a big shakeup.

The run home: Giants (H), Bushrangers (A), Giants (A), Tigers (H)

Projected finish: Third

Whilst we see Dubbo continuing to build towards finals, and causing some upsets along the way, we don’t see them being able to bridge the two-game gap between themselves and the Bushrangers. Dubbo can win their two home matches, and another win away to either Bathurst side would be monumental for their finals progression. If unable to maintain their current form, the final round match against Orange could decide who makes finals in third place.

 

Orange Tigers

Ladder Position: Fourth

Win-Loss: 2-8

Points: 8

For: 425 (4th)

Against: 765 (3rd)

Percentage: 55.56

Leading goal kicker: Todd Fagan (26 goals)

Mid-season review: 

The Orange Tigers haven’t had the best of luck so far this year. The side came within nine-points of defeating the Bathurst Giants in their Round 5 contest, a game which could have turned their season around. With recent losses to all three teams, the side hasn’t been able to start a push towards finals footy and may run out of time. The side will need to win three of their remaining matches and hope other results go their way.

The run home: Bushrangers (A), Giants (H), Bushrangers (H), Demons (A)

Projected finish: Fourth

Two early season wins against Dubbo showed what the Tigers were capable of. Unfortunately the Demons have had an outstanding second half and wins against the Bushrangers (twice) and Giants have been the difference between the bottom two sides. The Tigers now rely on the Bathurst sides beating Dubbo, and themselves to win three-four more themselves. This looks too difficult a task and will see them miss the post-season.

 

 

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