World Footy News

Not unlike Smaug, the devilishly gold driven dragon from the J.R.R Tolkein novel, The Hobbit, the Dubai Dragons are becoming fiercely protective of their glittering jewels. Whilst other teams slog it out to challenge and steal the loot, not unlike so many dwarves and hobbits, it is the Dragons that, for now, sit above all others.

Undefeated so far this season, the Dubai Dragons have already qualified for their fourth consecutive AFL Middle East grand-final, and are a red-hot chance to make it three glittering trophies in four years – their only hiccup being the loss to the Doha Kangaroos last season.

Matt Burn, President of AFL Middle East, has given a brief rundown on where the 2014/15 season currently sits.
“The Dragons have cemented their spot in a fourth consecutive grand final and are looking to make amends for last year’s Grand Final loss. Before they think about the Grand Final they need to focus on the Falcons this weekend who have had an unlucky season going down in all three matches to fairly narrow margins after last quarter fade outs”

“Dingoes have made up for their below average season in 2013/14 with a chance to seal their spot in the Grand Final against the Bulls this weekend. The Bulls will be fighting hard for the four points and will need to make up the 36% to make the Grand Final. A mammoth tasks but stranger things have happened in football.”
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“Doha will miss the Grand Final season after playing all four of their games (having won two). It has been a season to forget for the Roo's, who have been impacted by injuries to key players and the loss of Ben Simpson after round 1 (due to travel) has also not helped. The 2013/14 Premiers will be back bigger and better next season.”

“This season’s Grand Final is scheduled for Friday March 20 at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai.”

It is an exciting finish to the season with all clubs, apart from the Muscat Magpies who had to withdraw before seasons end, having had their chances to claim a grand final spot. At this stage the improved Dubai Dingoes seem the most likely raiders of the Dragon’s lair but nothing will be certain until the final match is played.

The fact that the BM Bulls are still in the race with a mathematical chance is an amazing story for the debut club and suggests a big future for the third Dubai based club. All eyes over the off season will be on the efforts to rebuild the Muscat Magpies.

But for now, the “Battle of the Five Armies” (thanks to Tolkein) continues and the Dragons have the luxury of sitting atop their mountain and watching over their dominion – for now.