ROUND 18 PREVIEW
Dandenong V Sandown (Greaves Reserve)
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Last time they met – R11, 30 June 2018, Dandenong 15.10 (100) def Sandown 11.7 (73).
The last round of the season kicks off with Dandenong and Sandown squaring off in a clash where both sides will be desperate to finish off on a winning note.
It has been a bit of a battle for both of these clubs at various stages of the season but there have also been plenty of encouraging signs for both outfits too.
Dandenong in particular look to have turned a corner in the back half of the season, stitching together three wins thus far in the most successful season for the club in some time.
They get a great chance to make it four victories for the year when they run out onto their home turf for the last time.
Sandown have battled manfully for the majority of the year, particularly in the second half of the fixture where they have endured some very torrid times.
Team confidence and morale will be quite low after they were absolutely pasted by CPL last round but coming up against a more even opponent could provide them with a much needed boost.
Adding to their belief is the fact that their only victory came against Dandenong earlier in the season when they held on for a thrilling six-point triumph.
This should be a great contest with two even teams looking to end the season on a high. But the home ground advantage and recent form might just tip the scales in favour of Dandenong.
Dandenong by 15 points.
Lyndhurst V Moorabbin (Marriott Waters Reserve)
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Last time they met – R11, 30 June 2018, Lyndhurst 12.1 (73) def Moorabbin 2.5 (17).
Lyndhurst are in an unfamiliar patch of bad form after their meek loss to Frankston last weekend. Heading into finals the Lightning have lost three of their past four games, all against teams who will feature in September action.
It is a concerning form line for the club who at one stage didn’t look like losing in the middle stages of the season. Coming up against a Kangaroos side, who have lost nine of their last ten outings, should allow the Lightning to notch up a win before things get serious.
However, the clash against the lowly Kangaroos might not provide them with much meaningful practice given the visitors struggles this year.
Perhaps the more important aspect of the game for the Lightning is how they play. If they battle to scrape through for an uninspiring win it might not be enough to boost the confidence levels within the group.
Even worse would be the unlikely scenario of a loss which would shatter any assurance and momentum heading into September. Although this prospect seems far-fetched as the Roos have already mentally checked out for the rest of the season.
Expect Lyndhurst to win comfortably but they won’t have it all their way.
Lyndhurst by 35 points.
Carrum Patterson Lakes V Frankston Dolphins
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Last time they met – R11, 30 June 2018, Carrum Patterson Lakes 12.8 (80) def Frankston 7.6 (48).
Carrum Patterson Lakes host Frankston in a clash that promises to be an absolute beauty with finals just around the corners for both of these outfits.
CPL are flying again after recovering from a tiny lull in the middle of the season. After notching an impressive away victory against Lyndhurst a fortnight ago, the Lions then brushed aside the Cobras with disdain by an immense 128 points last week.
Their final assignment before September action is a clash against the Dolphins, who are also in reasonable form at the moment.
Before last weekend Frankston had struggled to beat sides above them on the ladder, losing six of their seven clashes against fellow top four sides. But all that changed after a clinical four quarter performance against Lyndhurst, the Dolphins running all over the top of the visitors to clock up an impressive 40-point win.
These two sides have already featured in a brilliant game of football against each other when the Lions held on for a three-point win way back in Round 4. It would be no surprise if this clash followed a similar theme.
The Dolphins will need to shut down Brenton Rafferty and Alex Wilson who have been in sublime touch all season for the Lions. The duo have combined to kick 90 goals between them and are the key players within the Lions forward structure.
CPL are in great form at the moment and playing at home should see them edge out the Dolphins in another thriller!
Carrum Patterson Lakes by 6 points.
@LincolnEdmunds
