By Lincoln Edmunds
ROUND 3 PREVIEW
Cerberus V Moorabbin Kangaroos (McAuliffe Oval)
V 
Although the Dogs are yet to get on the board for season 2018, they will fancy their chances at home against a Kangaroos side who have won both of their encounters so far. Cerberus have shown good signs in patches this season, however they are yet to stitch together a complete four quarter performance. This will no doubt be high on the agenda for Coach Adrian James as he looks to get his team off and running into the season. The Dogs will also need to find more avenues to goal with Aiden Lochert scoring three out of the team’s four goals against Frankston at the weekend.
For the Kangaroos there is plenty of work to do after they endured a scare from a resilient Dandenong outfit last weekend. The Roos went to sleep after half time and conceded seven goals to two, as they clung onto a 17-point win. The Roos cannot afford any lapses in concentration against the Dogs this weekend and will look to be fully switched on right throughout the match.
On form Moorabbin should be the favourites for this game, but don’t discount the Dogs at home who are yet to quite click. Kangaroos in a close one.
Moorabbin by five points.
Carrum Patterson Lakes V Sandown (Roy Dore Reserve)
V 
The Lions have had a solid start to the season and will be looking to add to their win tally when they square off against Sandown on their home turf at the weekend. CPL will be searching for another good performance to solidify their claims as one of the top teams this season after two wins thus far.
Standing in CPL’s way this weekend is Sandown, who put in a spirited effort against Lyndale to come up short by 25 points. The Cobras had a crack against the Pumas and if not for an inaccurate first half could have found themselves much closer. Aaron Lucas and Brendan Robinson have been in decent form for the away side and will be crucial if the Cobras are to mix it with the Lions.
CPL should head into this quite confident but should be wary of any complacency. Jonathon Hawes and Daniel Courts have started the season brightly for the home side and should be influential on this contest. The Cobras will put up a fight but the Lions should be too strong at home.
Carrum Patterson Lakes by 30 points.
Lyndhurst V Frankston Dolphins (Marriot Waters Reserve)
V 
Lyndhurst are coming off a disappointing loss against Carrum Patterson Lakes and will be searching to rebound back onto the winners list at home this weekend. The Lightning were never quite able to get the game on their terms against the Lions and struggled to hit the scoreboard. They will be keen to find a better balance up forward and return to the form which saw them boot 17 majors in round one.
Confronting them is Frankston, who have taken to the competition like a duck to water with two impressive performances. In contrast to the Lightning, the Dolphins have had no troubles finding a path to goal with a diverse and even contribution of goal kickers in the first two rounds. Luke Kirkland has been especially lively up forward and will be sure to provide plenty of headaches for defenders.
The Lightning on their home deck will be pumped up for this and this should result in a good even contest for the majority of the day. Even so Frankston are in good form and will be up for the challenge.
Frankston Dolphins by 12 points.
Dandenong V Lyndale (Greaves Reserve)
V 
Whilst Dandenong came away with a loss last weekend, their spirited fightback in the second half will provide them with plenty of confidence as they return to home territory to face Lyndale. The Redlegs comprehensively outscored Moorabbin in the final two quarters last week and will be looking to translate that same intensity into a complete four quarter performance. David Barrie will be central to Dandenong’s forward structure and will be looking build off his four-goal performance last weekend.
In the opposition camp, Lyndale notched their first win for season 2018 after they held off a determined Sandown last weekend. In windy conditions the Pumas were able to score crucial goals against the breeze to set up the win. Jayden Denmead has been in great form for the visitors and Shane Thomas has also provided a good target up forward.
Lyndale will be looking to secure back to back wins but Dandenong will know they are a big chance in this match. Could go either way!
Lyndale by three points.
