With the IAFL 1 regular season soon coming to a close, we look at each team’s current position and what they need to do to make the post season.
Already There: Wexford Eagles, Donegal/Derry Vipers, Craigavon Cowboys, West Dublin Rhinos and the Westmeath Minotaurs.
The Eagles dominant season sees them sit unbeaten atop of IAFL 1 South, and need only a point from their last 2 regular season games to claim the division title. This would come with a bye in the wildcard round and home advantage in the semi-final against the winner of the North Division Wild Card game. The only possible way they won’t finish top of the division is if they lose both their last 2 games, and the Minotaurs win both their remaining games. Regardless of their remaining results, the Eagles are in the playoffs.
The Vipers have already secured top spot in IAFL 1 North with 2 games remaining. The Cowboys can finish on equal points, however the Vipers have the head to head win so the outcome of their 2 regular season games will have no impact on their league standing. They therefore have a bye in the wildcard round and home advantage in the semi-final against the winner of the South Division Wild Card game on 29th July.
The Cowboys will finish 2nd in IAFL 1 North with 1 game remaining in their regular season schedule. This means they have home advantage in the IAFL 1 North Wild Card game on 22nd July.
A great season so far for the Rhinos see them sit 2nd in IAFL 1 South and a place in the playoffs confirmed – though the fight for home field advantage in the Wild Card round is still very much on. With one game remaining, the Rhinos will need a win and the Minotaurs to lose one of their remaining games to secure 2nd. Should the Rhinos and Minotaurs finish level on points, the Minotaurs will edge 2nd place with the head to head win (10-7, 3rd June). The Rhinos cannot finish top of IAFL 1 South as they can only match the Eagles on points, and the Eagles have the head to head win (35-7, 6th May).
The Minotaurs are currently sitting 3rd of IAFL 1 South and have also confirmed their place in the playoffs, but just like the Rhinos, are still fighting for position, including top spot. Their head to head win against the Warriors (26-0, 17th June) will mean they can finish no lower than 3rd, but can still win the division if they beat the Eagles and the Crusaders, and the Eagles lose their last match against the Bulldogs. All to play for in the Westmeath’s team last 2 games.
The Fight For The 6th Spot: Galway Warriors & Antrim Jets.
Whilst the top of each division is pretty much settled, the fight for the last place in the Wild Card round is near boiling point. The Warriors are in prime position to take that spot, and a trip to the Cowboys in the Wild Card round. As per IAFA By Laws, if the team in 4th place in the other division finishes with more points than the team in 3rd in the same division, then the 4th placed team in the other division plays 2nd place in the same division. As it stands, the Galway Warriors are in 4th place in IAFL 1 South with 6 points and the Antrim Jets are in 3rd place with 5 points in IAFL 1 North, therefore the Jets would lose out to the Warriors. The Warriors can secure their spot with a draw or a win against the Vipers in their final game this Sunday, as they have the head to head win against the Jets (6-2, 8th April). Should they fail to win or draw, the Galway outfit will need the Jets to lose their last game, as well as the Pirates and Razorbacks failing in their bids.
A tricky 2nd season for the Jets, sees them on the cusp of missing out on the playoffs. The Jets need a win against the Vipers on 8th July and the Warriors to lose on Sunday coming to get the last place in the playoff hunt.
Outside Chance: North Dublin Pirates & NI Razorbacks.
The Pirates need at least 3 points from the 4 they have left in their last 2 regular season games, as well as needing the Warriors and Jets to lose their final games. Galway has the head to head win (18-14, 13th May) against the Pirates so therefore if they both finish on the same points, the Warriors progress to the post season.
A big ask from the Razorbacks, but with home advantage in their last 2 games, anything can happen. Two wins will be required, as well as the Warriors and Jets both losing their final games. The Belfast team have the head to head win against Galway (12-0, 29th April) so finishing on equal points with the Warriors would see them through.
End Of The Road: Cill Dara Crusaders & Meath Bulldogs.
Given that there are no forfeits from the teams above, then unfortunately the Crusaders and Bulldogs are out of the playoff hunt. The Crusaders can still match the Warriors on points, however their 15-0 loss to the Galway team at the start of June gives the Warriors the head to head advantage, thus ruling out the Crusaders.
Following the Bulldogs forfeit on Sunday past, they can now only achieve a maximum of 5 points in the division table with 2 remaining games for the Meath outfit, which is not enough to make the playoffs this year.
Written by Jo Buchanan