Just thought I would post some odds, just for fun though. Don't get cranky if you dont agree, just post your thoughts.
MEN
2/1 Shepparton ~ Strong as always but may struggle with no Velvet in the team. Also may have to many revs in the team for timber lanes (excluding one or two of course). Kev may have to step up to the plate and bowl at number 1 for the sake of the team.
3/1 Colac ~ Timber lane specialists. Solid team with a couple of young fellas in for a change. All the lefties might trouble each other at the later stages of the blocks. Merv will be the one to keep an eye on.
3/1 ~ Home track and some wise old heads will see them do well. If they can keep up with Matt they will be fine. Ash will be down there with a stick. Can see them winning if they get a good start Saturday.
5/1 Latrobe Valley ~ Will put in a solid showing. The new groom will have to perform for a change, on the lanes that is. Wozza and Boz will pump it down 17 and hope they can carry like at home. Oil may be a factor on the last day.
6/1 Sunraysia ~ Will have trouble covering the pinfall loss of Deano but a couple of new fellas and a smokey will see them challenge late.
6/1 Bendigo ~ A much improved team on last year. Big D Mac back to give them the solid base they have lacked for a while. Odds would be better though if I knew the angry ant Mick still had the fire in the belly. They will just have to keep Farqy in check.
10/1 Geelong ~ Will be interesting to see if they can keep the whole team in Albury for the weekend. Also if Cambo can stop them imploding may help. The young fellas have had a year to think about it. The first day will tell the story for them.
15/1 Warrnambool ~ Just don’t think they will be able to cover the loss of Mr. Way. A few new names as well. Might be a rebuilding year for them. A lot of work for Griffo, Tim and Nick to do to stay in touch with the top of the ladder.
25/1 Ballarat ~ just do not have the thoroughbreds’ to be in the race. Sorry fellas.
25/1 Wodonga ~ As with Ballarat. They just don’t have the depth but could prove me wrong if they have been border hopping for some practice.
2/1 Bendigo ~ This crew have been together for a couple of years now and have been there about. Will be solid and tough to beat. Keep the focus on the game and not the pokies next door to the bowl and they will be right.
4/1 Sunraysia ~ The strongest team they have fielded since Geelong. Good depth and balance. Could be their year. Then again the strongest do not always survive.
5/1 Shepparton ~ No where near as strong as the last few years. Will be interesting to see if two of the Jones’ and Murph can carry enough of the load this year. May be the start of a lean era for the most dominant ladies team in recent times.
7/1 Latrobe Valley ~ good solid team that may go well. Jodie back adds depth. They need to get loud if they are to be the force of old. The late nights might be a problem for them though, the men’s late nights that is.
7/1 Albury ~ Should go well on the home track but a mid field finish will have to be enough for them. Not enough big guns in the team. Consistency could be the game plan for them.
8/1 Warrnambool ~ Not sure of the team but always seem to rack up the points when not expected. Will be interesting to see if they can upset a few of the higher ranked teams.
8/1 Colac ~ a bit the same as Warrnambool but may have an advantage with the timber lanes. Only time will tell.
15/1 Geelong ~ Just no depth to the team and Amanda will be a loss to the team. Will be a bit quieter without Rick there as well.
25/1 Ballarat ~ Can not see them getting over the line with too many match wins unless Sonya and Shannon can shoot some big scores.
40/1 Wodonga ~ Just do not know enough of the names to rate them but good luck to them.
Cheers
Rob