by Chris W.B

With two rounds to go before the ASRL 2002 Finals series, we've decided to give our prediction of how things will go for the weeks to come.

DIVISION ONE
GOLD COAST CRUSADE
The Crusade face a tough run home, taking on Central Coast away and South Melbourne at home. Our early estimates show Gold Coast should win both, although the away game will be a close one.
Final Points: 43

BRISBANE BULLS
The Bulls also have a fairly tough run home, facing finals contenders Canberra and wild-cards Hobart. However, with the Canberra game being at home and their good record against Hobart, they should be able to make it two from two.
Final Points: 40

CENTRAL PHOENIX
The Phoenix have what you could call a soft run home, clashing with cellar dwellers Sutherland and Tamworth City. That said, they're in poor form, and could struggle. Should make it two from two however.
Final Points: 38

CANBERRA CHARGERS
Have a very tough run home, which could see them duck out of the finals in the last two games. Probably won't be able to match Brisbane away, and then face Central Coast. Maybe win one from two.
Final Points: 31

NORTH SYDNEY NEWBLOODS
Have 'died in the ass' of the season, but could still leap into the top four should Canberra drop their games. They should down Tamworth City, but Darwin will probably be too good for the Newbloods.
Final Points: 30

HAWKESBURY MAVERICKS
Are out to give it one last hurrah, with ten players retiring at the end of the season. Need for Canberra and North Sydney to drop a game, and to win both of their final two. Should down both Eastwood and New England.
Final Points: 32

SOUTH MELBOURNE BLUES
Need to make it two from two if they're any hope of making the finals. With Gold Coast away it seems like a tall order. Shouldn't have any trouble with New England though.
Final Points: 29

DARWIN CYCLONES
Will need to win both of their games comfortably and pray for the higher ranked teams to drop games if they intend to make the four. Should take out both of their fixtures against Hobart and the struggling Newbloods.
Final Points: 30

DIVISION TWO

NORTH MELBOURNE MAULERS
The Maulers have Coffs Harbour and Sunshine Coast, neither side a tall ask given injuries or poor recent form. Should win both for the minor premiership.
Final Points: 38

CARNARVON COWBOYS
The Cowboys are achingly close to back to back finals appearances, but face two sides away to end their season. Victoria should be an easy task, whilst Port Moresby in PNG could be a big ask.
Final Points: 35

MANLY CANNONS
The Cannons face fellow contenders Parramatta away, before finishing the season with a clash against the lacklustre Fear. Should win both to have a finals berth.
Final Points: 35

ADELAIDE ATTITUDE
After looking like assured finalists only a few weeks ago, Adelaide now need to win one or both of their clashes dependent on how their competitors go. They face Townsville away and Perth at home, neither game an easy ask. Should win at least one.
Final Points: 31

PARRAMATTA VIKINGS
Face fellow contenders Manly and unpredictable Sydney to finish the season. Could win both, although a single win from the two is more likely.
Final Points: 30

PERTH TAIPANS
Last year's Grand Finalists need to rack up a double and win both comfortably to leap into this season's final series. Face Adelaide and Port Moresby in their final two games, both of which are tough to predict. Won't be able to win both.
Final Points: 29

DIVISION ONE
Gold Coast 43
Brisbane 40
Central 38
Hawkesbury 32
Canberra 31
North Sydney 30
Darwin 30
South Melbourne 29

DIVISION TWO
North Melbourne 38
Manly 35
Carnarvon 35
Adelaide 31
Parramatta 30
Perth 29

THE FINALS PICTURE
TABLE
Gold Coast 43
Brisbane 40
North Melbourne 38
Central 38
Manly 35
Carnarvon 35
Hawkesbury 32
Adelaide 31

POSITIONAL FINAL
Gold Coast (14) def. Manly (12)
Brisbane (6) lost. Carnarvon (4
North Melbourne (20) lost. Hawkesbury (24)
Central (14) def. Adelaide (

QUARTER FINALS
Gold Coast (22) def. Adelaide ( ELIMINATION
Carnarvon (22) lost. North Melbourne (30)
Hawkesbury (26) lost. Brisbane (33) ELIMINATION
Central ( lost. Manly (1

MINOR SEMI FINALS
Gold Coast (26) def. North Melbourne (0)
Brisbane ( lost. Manly (24) ELIMINATION
Central (14) lost. Carnarvon (1 ELIMINATION

MAJOR SEMI FINALS
North Melbourne (22) def. Carnarvon (2) ELIMINATION
Gold Coast (24) lost. Manly (26) WINNER TO GF

GRAND FINAL QUALIFIER
Gold Coast (22) def. North Melbourne (2)

GRAND FINAL
Manly (4) lost. Gold Coast (16)

All of these games were quickly simmed, no changes made (except to remove injuries or bring back players). These are a good indication of how things could pan out, of course the fluke factor is always an issue.