SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
BEYONDBLUE CUP
St Pauls V Bentleigh (Koornang Park)
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
Click here to read this week's beyondblue Round SFNL Record.
DIVISION 1
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 10 PREVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
At the halfway mark of the Division 1 season, the ladder sees half of the teams in the competition locked on four wins in one of the most open premiership races in many years.
88.3 SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
St Pauls V Bentleigh (McKinnon Reserve)
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This week’s 88.3 Southern FM Match of the Round sees local rivals St Pauls and Bentleigh go head to head for the
beyondblue Cup.
And with both sides in a rich vein of form, this looms as one of the most exciting matches of the season.
The Dogs have been by far the biggest surprise packet of season 2017, with their talented youngsters propelling the club firmly into premiership calculations. The Dogs currently sit second on the table, and have recorded victories over each of the other teams in the top five.
Bentleigh, on the other hand, have overcome a slow start to the season with both form and injuries playing their part. They were precariously positioned at 1-5 last month following five straight defeats, but have since won their last three matches by an average of 10 goals to soar back into finals contention.
The Demons claimed bragging rights in the previous encounter between these two teams back in Round 1, but St Pauls’ form at the Kennel has been sublime so far this season and it should see them take the silverware in a hard-fought contest.
St Pauls by 12 points.
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
Mordialloc V East Malvern (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)
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It has been an up-and-down year for the Panthers in 2017, and the club would be desperate to claim a big scalp in order to validate its premiership credentials.
And there is no bigger scalp in the competition at the moment than the red-hot ladder leaders Mordialloc at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
While a loss here is far from catastrophic for Ben Lockwood’s boys in the context of the season, it will make it difficult to secure that all-important double chance come finals time, particularly if the Dingoes roll the Rosellas.
The Bloods, however, continue to make every post a winner, and on recent results you would think they appear destined to continue their season into late September, and likely the very last Sunday.
East Malvern should be reasonably competitive here, but on form Mordialloc should be two strong.
Mordialloc by 12 points.
Cheltenham V Dingley (Jack Barker Oval)
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While the Dingoes don’t seem to possess that aura of invincibility that they have enjoyed in previous seasons, they nevertheless remain firmly in the mix for a historic third consecutive premiership.
A victory over Cheltenham here would place the club in the box seat for another top-three finish, but you can bet your life the Rosellas will not be pushovers on Saturday.
Although results haven’t always gone their way, Chelt have shown enough in games throughout the season to suggest they have what it takes to play finals and securing another win here would fill them will plenty of confidence heading into the back half of the season.
But after being over-run in the final quarter by St Pauls last week, you can bank on this proud Dingoes team atoning for their disappointment with an inspired performance at Jack Barker on Saturday.
Dingley by 27 points.
Clayton V Oakleigh District (Meade Reserve)
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Four hefty losses in succession has seen the Districts drop from second to eighth in just five weeks, placing their finals hopes in serious jeopardy.
However, they have a golden opportunity to return to the winners’ list and restored their dented confidence with a trip over to Clayton.
Given Oakleigh’s disappointing recent form, I can see the Clays being somewhat competitive at home, but the Oaks should ultimately have far too much firepower in this local derby and a hefty win here may just get their finals hopes back on track.
Oakleigh District by 40 points.
St Kilda City V Port Melbourne Colts (Peanut Farm)
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Astoundingly, the fifth-placed Saints and ninth-placed Colts are separated by percentage only, with the two sides registering four wins each in the first half of the season.
And the last encounter between the former SESFL rivals saw them separated by eight points in a thriller at JL Muprhy Reserve.
As has been outlined in this column previously, the Saints’ form has fluctuated greatly this season, but at its best it remains capable of extending its season beyond Round 18.
Meanwhile, Port’s debut season in the SFNL’s top flight has left a bit to be desired, particularly away from home, but surprisingly they remain in finals calculations despite being one rung off the bottom of the ladder.
Aside from thrashing Clayton at Meade Reserve in Round 7, the Colts are yet to register a win on the road, and it’s difficult to see that changing this week.
St Kilda City by 23 points.
DIVISION 2
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 12 PREVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Teams continue to jostle for positions on the ladder as we get stuck into the second half of the season.
Skye v East Brighton (Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve)
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Game of the Round
Both sides will be looking for a bit of redemption after disappointing losses last week, Skye to Caulfield and East Brighton to Hampton.
The Bombers however, are the better team and have proven to be a force at home during recent years and with the battle for the top three heating up, need to win this game.
East Brighton is in a similar position, albeit fighting for fifth spot, but face a tough task in order to regain its spot in the top five.
Skye by 22 points.
Keysborough v Highett (Keysborough Reserve)
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The Dogs kept their slim finals hopes alive with an upset win against Murrumbeena and need to recreate that performance again this week.
Highett sits two games outside the top five, but also sit behind five teams in the battle for fifth spot, making this week’s clash crucial.
Keysborough look good sitting in the top two and will be eager to maintain its grip on the double chance with Caulfield and Skye nipping at its heels.
Keysborough by 30 points.
Murrumbeena v Chelsea Heights (Murrumbeena Park)
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With a matchup against the competition’s best side, Murrumbeena will rue its poor kicking in last week’s loss to Highett.
Despite sitting seventh on the ladder, a game behind fifth and sixth, the Beena are a strong side and have a strong claim for a finals run.
But in order to do that they must defeat Chelsea Heights, which is fresh from having the bye.
Chelsea Heights by 14 points.
Hampton v Mount Waverley (Peterson Street Reserve)
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Last time these two sides met, they provided a highly entertaining clash and I expect this matchup to be no different.
Hampton is on cloud nine after a strong win against East Brighton lifted it back into fifth spot and more importantly, finals contention.
Mount Waverley drifted back after losing to Springvale Districts, but we have learnt this season not to write off the division two newcomers.
Hampton by eight points.
Springvale Districts v Heatherton (Springvale Reserve)
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Had you asked me a month ago who I thought would win this matchup, I might not have had an answer, given the disappointing form from these two sides.
But after the Districts’ recent spike in form, two wins in three games, it’s hard to go past the boys from Springvale Reserve.
Heatherton are looking like it will be relegated, but if it’s any chance of avoiding that, a win this weekend is an absolute must.
Springvale by 11 points.
BYE: Caulfield
DIVISION 3
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 11 PREVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Lyndale vs Endeavour Hills (Barry Powell Reserve)
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Lyndale must defeat Endeavour Hills to avoid falling three games behind the Falcons.
Endeavour Hills is currently fifth on the ladder and a win here will make finals a probability.
Lyndale’s last couple of matches have been encouraging, with a narrow defeat against South Yarra and a convincing win over Lyndhurst.
If the Pumas can provide enough opportunities to forward Trevor Kumetaitis, he is capable of kicking a bag of goals.
However, expect Endeavour Hills to have too much class.
To be in with a shot, Lyndale needs to keep former Sandringham Zebra Daniel Batson under control. He has been the Falcons’ best player on five occasions this season.
Sandown vs Black Rock (Edinburgh Reserve)
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Unfortunately for Sandown, Black Rock is now in commanding form and the Cobras will be no match for the Jets.
The margin will be well over 100 points.
Dandenong vs Moorabbin (Greaves Reserve)
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Pride is on the line when two struggling sides clash at Greaves Reserve.
Dandenong and Moorabbin lack depth, with both recently battling to field Reserves teams.
Lack of numbers means there is little prospect of short-term improvement at senior level.
The Kangaroos should be too good for Dandenong, but don’t bet on it.
Hallam vs South Yarra (Hallam Reserve)
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After storming to the top of the ladder, Hallam faces a tough challenge from third-placed South Yarra.
The Yarras are just a win behind the Hawks, albeit with a vastly inferior percentage.
After a comprehensive victory over previously undefeated Ashwood, Hallam needs to guard against overconfidence.
Expect coach Scott Slater to ensure his Hawks maintain their focus.
Hallam is favourite to win a hard-fought encounter, but it is no certainty against an equally disciplined South Yarra team.
Doveton Eagles vs Ashwood (Power Reserve)
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Ashwood coach, Mick Rossborough will urge his players to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Hallam.
Taking on Doveton at the Eagles’ nest is a challenging assignment.
Mind you, it is tough to gauge Doveton’s recent form. In the last four rounds it has thumped three lowly opponents, but lost at home to a resurgent Black Rock.
It is too soon to lose confidence in Ashwood.
It will respond strongly with a narrow win over the Eagles.
Carrum Patterson Lakes vs Lyndhurst (Roy Dore Reserve)
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CPL and Lyndhurst have shown glimpses of potential this season, but haven’t been able to deliver their best consistently enough.
Lightning has four wins, a couple more than the Lions.
However, CPL showed against Ashwood recently it can play competitive footy against strong sides.
It just wasn’t able to sustain the effort for long enough.
Lyndhurst has soundly beaten strugglers Moorabbin, Sandown and Dandenong, but has been unable to beat top teams.
Although in tenth place, CPL will be a tougher nut to crack and can win.
UNDER 19
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 10 PREVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
Top-placed St Kilda City will take on St Pauls in what is set to be a competitive match at the Peanut Farm Reserve, and both Hampton and Oakleigh will be looking to back up their wins from Round 9 as they clash at the Peterson Street Reserve.
Doveton remain in quest for their first win of the season as they face a confident Cheltenham, and Parkmore / Springvale Districts will host a hungry Hallam after their recent loss.
Bentleigh and Endeavour Hills will challenge each other, both coming off defeats in Round 9 and Skye will have their work cut out for them as they take on Dingley at the Carrum Downs Reserve.
