World Footy News

As the Australian Rules footy season comes to its winter recess across the countries of the Middle East, it is a time to reflect on what is fast becoming a five team race to the finish line. Earlier this year World Footy News updated the progress after the first couple of games, but much has happened since then to give all teams hope for the season which recommences on 17th January.

After Round Two, the Dubai Dragons had won both of their clashes and were odds on to run off with the competition, leaving the other clubs to squabble over the crumbs. Things have changed quite substantially since then.


Last year’s grand finalists, the Doha Kangaroos began their quest with comfortable wins in rounds two and three over the Dubai Dingoes and Abu Dhabi Falcons. With the Dubai Dragons having lost the local derby to the Dingoes in an upset, suddenly last year’s finalists are locked on two wins each at the top of the ladder.

The Dingoes win against the Dragons gives them one win from their three games. Muscat Magpies also enjoyed a win against the Dingoes and to round out the fixtures to date the Abu Dhabi Falcons defeated the Magpies. This collection of results now sees the Dingoes, Magpies and Falcons locked on one win each, a game behind the Kangaroos and Dragons.

This sets up a fascinating finish to the season with all teams a realistic chance of winning enough games to set up a grand final berth.

Barring upsets, both Doha and Dubai Dragons have 2 winnable games each in the run home, but their Round 6 clash against each other will likely determine top spot. At the other end of the ladder both Muscat and Abu Dhabi have tough runs home. Muscat plays Doha and both Dubai teams which is a tough run. Abu Dhabi fares a little worse, playing the same three sides, but Muscat plays two of those games at home.

Dubai Dingoes have the best run home, playing both Muscat and Abu Dhabi. A win in just one of those should be enough to see finals action.

In any event, the final rounds from January to March will provide no end of frenetic entertainment as all five clubs know that they can still control their own destiny. Everyone is still in the race with three rounds to go. And you can bet the house on all teams doing their best to create the upsets which might change the whole complexion of the AFL Middle East competition for this 2013/14 season.

We look forward to our next review at the end of the home and away matches, and a preview of the finals series.