From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

Full article Click here

THE Casey Scorpions go into today's first round of the VFL finals against Northern Bullants facing elimination, a prospect that seemed unlikely for most of the season with the Scorpions entrenched in the top four.

But a one-point loss to Coburg in the second-last round and an upset victory by Werribee over Williamstown in the final round elevated Werribee to fourth and stripped Casey of the double chance.

"It was disappointing, but look, we probably knew it was going to happen when we lost to Coburg," said senior coach Greg Hutchison.

Although Casey had the Bullants' measure at their only meeting this season in round six, when Casey trounced today's opponents by a whopping 118 points, Hutchison believes the Bullants have the advantage this time around.

From the ABC Grandstand website
Reported by Chris Thompson

Full article Click here

Port Melbourne host the Bullants in the final round of the home-and-away season this Saturday and ABC Grandstand will be there to bring you all the action live from 1pm.

Both teams are already assured of a finals berth, but there’s still plenty to play for in terms of ladder position.

A Port win could see them finish atop the VFL ladder, a spectacular achievement for a stand-alone side and the ideal position from which to launch a premiership bid.

Full article Click here

THE Tassie Devils will cease to exist next season if AFL Tasmania's proposed Statewide league becomes a reality in 2009.

That was the message AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade conveyed to the Devils' players at training last night ending recent uncertainty and speculation over the club's future.

"I advised them that if AFL Tasmania establishes a Statewide league we won't be fielding a team in the VFL," Wade said yesterday.

"At this particular point in time we don't have a State league because we still have clubs that are required to commit.

"But I also advised the players that it is highly likely that we will have a State league - and we won't be doing both," he said.

Reports that a financial lifeline could be extended to keep the Devils alive in 2009 drew an ultimatum to AFL Tasmania from three Northern clubs yesterday.

Just one round to go!

With one round to go there is still plenty of tipsters with a chance to get into the prize money. 
thanks to all tipsters for being part of the vfl tipping comp for 2008 and good luck for the final round of the season.

Aggregate score winners for round 19

Adam 'frankie spencer' moffat collects $40 adam picked the exact score of 177 points for the casey v coburg match.

Seven winners shared

Bananaman and jeff smith share $30 each as they were nearest the aggregate score for tipsters with 7 winners

A big thanks to George 'VFA' Paras for once again running the tipping comp. Good luck to all of you still in with a winning chance.

From the Sunday Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

Full article Click here

PORT MELBOURNE goes into the final round of the VFL home-and-away season knowing it has a top-three spot sewn up after a 66-point victory over Collingwood at home yesterday, 13.21 (99) to 4.9 (33).

Although missing full-back Luke Livingston with a minor hamstring injury, and losing key onballer David Spriggs, also to a hamstring injury, Port controlled the game from the outset, with Collingwood looking out of its depth by quarter-time.

Unable to match Port for firepower up forward, Collingwood tried to slow the match in the second term and succeeded, restricting Port's running game and stemming the flow of goals. While frustrating their opponents with their "chip and wait" game plan, the Magpies failed to convert possessions into scoring opportunities despite Sam Iles and Rhyce Shaw, who returned from injury in good form, getting plenty of the ball across the midfield.

NORTH BALLARAT takes a wealth of attacking power into battle with Tasmania in the Victorian Football League in Hobart today.

The return of North Melbourne-listed Josh Smith gives the Selkirk Roosters potentially five big key forwards.

Smith lines up alongside Paul McMahon, and North Melbourne team-mates Michael Wundke, Aaron Edwards and Robbie Tarrant.

The combination of McMahon, Smith and Wundke has worked extremely well and been instrumental in developing North Ballarat into a premiership contender.

THE Metricon Bendigo Bombers’ tough finish to the VFL season continues at the Queen Elizabeth Oval today when they host the Werribee Tigers in round 19.

Having kicked just a combined three goals in their past two games, which have been losses by 119 and 155 points, the Bombers must today confront a Werribee side that is fighting for a spot in the top four and the coveted double chance.

Going into today’s game, Werribee sits fifth, just percentage behind the Casey Scorpions with two rounds remaining.

With the growing injury toll at Essendon now at an extreme, only two AFL-listed players will line up for Bendigo today.