THE Collie Mail's annual tipping competition is drawing to a close and Darcy Buckle is narrowly avoiding being lumped alongside AFL cellar dwellers St Kilda.
With Round 18 half-completed the Steere Street Deli owner is one point away from being awarded the not-so-coveted wooden spoon and is clearly not happy with his performance.
"It has been dismal. I thought I was a better tipper than that," he said.
Despite the grim outlook, he still has a chance to avoid the wooden spoon, with some good tips over the weekend meaning he is now one point ahead of Fitzgerald's Jewellers' Ian Fitzgerald.
Mr Buckle had three rounds in a row mid-season where he only picked two winners and has his own theory as to why things haven't gone to plan.
"The girls that work here are my advisers," he joked.
When asked if this meant he was shifting the blame, Mr Buckle laughed and responded, "Absolutely".
"I was going off a bit of a feel at the start and I was going alright.
"As it went on, you try and pick the favourites with a couple of roughies.
"There were a lot of upsets lately but no, it hasn't gone well.
"I will definitely have another crack next year - it has been a great promotion for the business."
Any business owners who would like to participate next season should contact Collie Mail media consultants, Charmaine Pepper or Lisa Gillespie on 9734 2044.
