Team-by-team guide, star players and predictions for AFL Middle East Premiership 2017/18

Sport360 staff 13:44 18/10/2017
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  • With the local footie season upon us we have the lowdown on each team aiming to compete for the AFL Middle East Premiership title.

    From the key players to our predictions for the year, we have you covered.

    Who do you think will win?

    Let us know on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

    ABU DHABI FALCONS

    ESTABLISHED: 2007

    PREMIERSHIPS: 1; 2010/11

    COACH: Josh Walker

    CAPTAIN: Zac Moon

    KEY PLAYERS: Zac Moon, Rhys Watkins, Adam Bence

    2016/17 SEASON: 4th

    SPORT360 PREDICTION: 3rd.

    The Falcons have been pushing for the top three the past three seasons but have lost some key games by the narrowest margins.

    With early strong squad numbers the Falcons look set to push once again, and who knows might even reach the 2017/18 GF.

    DOHA KANGAROOS

    ESTABLISHED: 2007

    PREMIERSHIPS: 1; 2013/14

    COACH: Pitre Bourdon

    CAPTAIN: TBC

    KEY PLAYERS: Andrew Moore, Andreas Serner, Chris Brandner

    2016/17 SEASON: 5th

    SPORT360 PREDICTION: 5th.

    The loss of three stalwarts over the summer will hurt the Kangaroos.

    Each game they play will have a lot on the line due to their match results counting for double points.

    If they snare a couple of wins early it could really rock the premiership ladder. Watch this space.

    DUBAI DINGOES

    ESTABLISHED: 2006

    PREMIERSHIPS: 0

    COACH: Mo Darwish

    CAPTAIN: Ben Dawson

    KEY PLAYERS: Jess McGuirk, Jake Gardner, Sean Nicholas

    2016/17 SEASON: 3rd

    SPORT360 PREDICTION: 4th.

    The Dingoes have been hit hard in the off season after losing utilities Myles Lynch (moved overseas) and Mitch Hyde (injured).

    Time will tell if the Dingoes can bounce back to fight it out for the top two.

    The oldest club in the league, but still searching for their first league title.

    DUBAI DRAGONS

    ESTABLISHED: 2008

    PREMIERSHIPS: 5; 2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17

    COACH: Rich Wharton

    CAPTAIN: Ryan Perkins

    KEY PLAYERS: Travis Hayward, Ryan Perkins, Lach de Morton

    2016/17 SEASON: Premiers

    SPORT360 PREDICTION: 2nd.

    Have been the dominant team for the past six years but surely this dynasty will not last.

    The team is full of fresh faces but will they continue to fly the Dragons flag? Still definitely the hunted team, though.

    MULTIPLEX BULLS

    ESTABLISHED: 2014

    PREMIERSHIPS: 0

    COACH: Nathan Holly

    CAPTAIN: Nathan Holly

    KEY PLAYERS: Jack Egan, Nick Burchell, Jon Hickey

    2016/17 SEASON: Runners-up

    SPORT360 PREDICTION: 1st.

    After falling short the past three seasons the Bulls will no doubt come out firing for 2017/18.

    We expect the Bulls to overturn last year’s narrow Grand Final defeat and finally taste AFLME Premiership success.

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