ROUND 16 PREVIEW
The blockbuster we’ve all been waiting for, which could decide the minor premiership, is upon us as Doveton Eagles host Murrumbeena in what could be the most anticipated match of the home and away season.
Doveton Eagles v Murrumbeena (Power Reserve)
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Game of the Week
A fantastic contest between the clear two best sides of the season could decide who comes away with the minor premiership with just three weeks until finals.
Murrumbeena sit atop after Doveton’s loss to Highett last week and will be full of confidence following their early season win against the Eagles.
But during their 10-point win against East Brighton, the Beena were missing key forwards Luke James and Alaster Bradley and their inclusions this week could give them the edge, along with their classy midfield.
Doveton would be disappointed with its loss last week and will be eager to avoid dropping two straight games and conceding the minor premiership and the first week bye come finals time.
Midseason recruit Khaled Kandakji can be a livewire for the Eagles when required and the likes of Nick Battle and Ryan Hendy have enjoyed strong seasons.
A win for the Beena and the minor premiership is as good as theirs, but a win for the Eagles and the race is back on.
Murrumbeena by three points.
Keysborough v Caulfield (Keysborough Reserve)
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Another game with likely finals implications sees third-ranked Keysborough hosts fifth ranked Caulfield in what is another blockbuster game.
While the Bears have struggled for form with five straight losses, their season is just about on the line and a loss could see them drop out of the top five.
Keysborough is in its own little battle with Highett for a spot in the top three and won’t want to concede this game with matchups against the Dogs and the Eagles in the next two weeks.
Keysborough by 20 points.
Clayton v Hampton (Meade Reserve)
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While the Hammers won’t be pleased with last week’s loss to Keysborough, they’ll be happy knowing it didn’t cost them much with Caulfield’s loss to Mount Waverley.
While Clayton was impressive in its loss to Skye, a spot in the top five is on the line for Hampton and a loss here will hurt their finals chances in a big way.
Clayton won’t give it to them easily though and after nearly capturing its first win last week, will be eager to cause some havoc prior to finals.
Hampton by 27 points.
Mount Waverley v Highett (Mayfield Reserve)
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Kudos to Mount Waverley for earning a strong win against Caulfield last week and clinging to the faint, yet mathematical, hope of playing finals.
The Lions’ run should end this weekend however, as they host a Highett side on a high after knocking off the ladder leaders last week.
The newly minted (though they’ll rightly say otherwise) premiership contenders are in a rich vein of form and will look to remain in the hunt for the double chance.
Highett by 23 points.
East Brighton v Skye (Hurlingham Reserve)
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East Brighton left its run against Murrumbeena a little too late last week and, like Mount Waverley, need a win this week to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
Skye is coming off a strong win against Clayton and will look to make it two wins in a row, but it will be a tough ask on the road.
The Vampires are better than their win/loss record suggests and they should be able to keep their finals hopes alive with a win.
East Brighton by 17 points.
@JBarbin10
