ROUND 12 PREVIEW
Lyndale V Lyndhurst (Barry Powell Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R5, 5 May 2018, Lyndhurst 11.14 (80) def Lyndale 7.6 (48).
After a disappointing loss last weekend, Lyndale will be up against it when they host ladder leaders Lyndhurst at Barry Powell Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
After discovering some of their best football on the back of fast paced and attacking ball movement, Lyndale hit a road block last weekend bumping them out of the top four.
The Pumas were just never able to get their game going against Cerberus and in the end were thoroughly out played on the day. They face a huge test this weekend as they battle to stay in contention with the top teams.
The Lightning on the other hand continue to motor along and will be looking to notch up ten victories in a row when they travel to enemy territory.
If Lyndale want to come away with the four points they must shut down Hamish Browning, who is joint leader of the competition goal kicking with 32 majors.
The Pumas must play to their strengths if they are to seriously challenge the competitions best. They have the game style that can best exploit the Lightning’s defence, whether they are allowed to play to their strengths though is another question.
Ultimately Lyndhurst have too much class and will make it 10 wins a row.
Lyndhurst by 20 points.
Sandown V Frankston Dolphins (Edinburgh Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R5, 5 May 2018, Frankston Dolphins 20.14 (134) def Sandown 3.12 (30).
After a brilliant start to their debut season, Frankston have hit a major hurdle recently losing their past three matches in a row. The Dolphins subsequently now have a record of 6-5, all but ruling themselves out of a top two finish.
But perhaps even more of a concern for the visitors is their inability to score when the game is not on their terms. Frankston’s average score in losses currently sits at 52 points a game, well down on their average of 83.2 points a game.
In the other camp, Sandown have had a torrid season thus far but continue to battle on as they seek their second victory of 2018. After looking good at various stages against the Redlegs last weekend, the Cobras ultimately ran out of legs in the last term.
They have a good chance to bite back at the struggling Dolphins at home and cause another big shake towards the top end of the ladder.
Don’t expect this contest to be as one sided as when these two clubs met earlier in the year as much has changed since then.
Frankston need to turn their form around quick smart and this week is the perfect launching pad for them. No excuses here.
Frankston Dolphins by 37 points.
Dandenong V Cerberus (Greaves Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R5, 5 May 2018, Cerberus 16.16 (112) def Dandenong 5.7 (37).
Remarkably this game looks like one of the most enticing of the round, a statement that would have been scoffed at earlier in the season. Both of these sides have hit a bit of form recently and capped off impressive victories on the weekend.
Cerberus have perhaps been the surprise packet of the competition thus far. Their ability to compete has never been questioned but their lack of scoring power up front was a cause for concern.
However lately the side has found a better path to goal and after three wins in a row the Dogs now sit inside the top four.
This weekend they travel to face Dandenong at Greaves Reserve in a tricky matchup. The red hot Redlegs have gotten on a bit of roll to win two of their last three to well and truly have their tails up.
Whilst finals are out of the question for the home side, the back end of this season is still vitally important to establish a winning culture and build towards a big season in 2019.
Jayke Hopkins has been brilliant all season for the home side and will once again be key to his side’s hopes of making it three wins from their last four.
Dandenong will be a difficult side at home but Cerberus are heading towards finals and can’t afford any slip ups on their journey.
Cerberus by 22 points.
Moorabbin Kangaroos V Carrum Patterson Lakes (Widdop Crescent Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R5, 5 May 2018, Carrum Patterson Lakes 23.13 (151) def Moorabbin 0.6 (6).
Both of these sides are tracking in completely opposite directions at the moment with Moorabbin’s season all but gone after another big loss last weekend.
It’s been a stunning fall from grace for the Kangaroos after starting the season 3-0, before losing seven of their next eight games.
The poor performances have led to the club parting ways with senior coach David Velt, who was given his marching orders following the Round 10 loss to Cerberus.
Stepping up from the reserves, new Coach Michael Perry has copped a nightmare start to his tenure, facing the top two sides in his first fortnight in charge.
Last time these sides met, CPL smashed the deplorable Roos to the tune of 145 points in a dismal display of football.
On their home deck you would think there’s little chance of a repeat performance here, although it’s hard to see the Kangas bouncing back onto the winners list against the powerhouse side of the Lions.
Despite the turbulent season, Roos forward Dylan Bone has still been able to find the goals and currently sits as joint leader of the competition goal kicking with 32 majors. He will need plenty of help from his teammates if his side is to cause an upset here.
Unfortunately for the Kangas, CPL are a classy side and will inflict some more pain here.
Carrum Patterson Lakes by 45 points.
@LincolnEdmunds
