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SFNL MATCH OF THE DAY

DIVISION 1

ST PAULS vs OAKLEIGH DISTRICT

 V 

McKinnon Reserve, Tucker Road, McKinnon – 2:15pm

Listen to the SFNL Radio Team’s commentary live on 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm or live stream the radio broadcast and get all live scores at sfnllive.com.au.

 

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DIVISION 1 – Round 9 Preview

With Good Will Hunter

@Will_Hunter89

MORDIALLOC vs BENTLEIGH (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)

 V 

This shapes as a tremendous encounter between two sides that you would expect to feature post Round 18.

Mordialloc play Ben Kavanagh particularly well, conceding a miserly 126 points in four matches at the venue in 2016 at an average of just 31.5 points per game. This will make life hard for Nicholls and co in the Bentleigh forward line.

Nevertheless, Bentleigh have plenty of class around the ground and you’d think they will do enough to prevail in a low-scoring contest.

 

EAST MALVERN vs ST KILDA CITY (Dunlop Reserve)

 V 

After accomplishing the seemingly impossible, East Malvern now turns its attention to the visiting Saints at the Zoo.

It hard to get a read on City this year given their vast fluctuation in form. They looked to have turned the corner after defeating St Pauls, but went from the penthouse to the outhouse in the space a fortnight.

But regardless of which St Kilda City turns up, the 6-2 Panthers have the runs on the board will continue their march to September with a comfortable win.

 

CHELTENHAM vs CLAYTON (Jack Barker Oval)

 V 

The Rosellas will have gained plenty of confidence from their win last week, but the goal now is to string another four-quarter effort together against Clayton.

The Clays have disappointed the faithful for various reasons this year, but they must win this to stay within touch of a finals berth.

Cheltenham are not without a chance, but Clayton should just sneak home.

 

ST PAULS vs OAKLEIGH DISTRICT (McKinnon Reserve)

 V 

The Southern FM Match of the Round seen St Pauls host Oakleigh District in a true eight-point battle at the Kennel.

The fifth-placed Oaks sit one rung above the Dogs, with just 3.4% separating the two teams. Both have a 4-4 record, and would love to get an early break on their rival in the race to September.

This will no doubt be a spirited contest, and potentially a high scoring one, with both sides possessing multiple avenues to goal.

St Pauls reminded the competition just what they are capable of last week with a devastating final term, and more of the same will see them home over the Oaks.

 

DINGLEY vs EAST BRIGHTON (Souter Oval)

 V 

After a rare loss on their home patch last week, expect the Dingoes to run out on to Souter Oval on Saturday with flared nostrils and make a big statement.

East Brighton’s lack of competitiveness this year has been a real concern, and another 100+ point drubbing looms at the hands of the competition’s benchmark.

 

 

DIVISION 2 – Round 11 Preview

With Jason Barbin

@JBarbin10

Several key matchups highlight what will be an interesting weekend of football in division two and several finals spots will be up for grabs.

 

CHELSEA HEIGHTS vs HEATHERTON (Beazley Reserve)

 V 

The Heighters will be keen to bounce back after a loss to Port Melbourne but will also be buoyed by a positive performance against the standouts of the season. Heatherton on the other hand will be disappointed by its efforts against Hampton and will be keen to find its early season form. Hard to go past the boys from Beazley Reserve at home and Chelsea Heights should score a comfortable win.

Chelsea Heights by 39 points.

 

MURRUMBEENA vs KEYSBOROUGH (Murrumbeena Park)

 V 

Both sides were back on the winners list in Round 10 but of the two victories, Murrumbeena’s was the most impressive and it will take a lot of confidence from being able to knock off Skye on its home turf. Despite these two teams sitting seventh and eighth on the ladder this game will be fierce with the victor gaining an advantage in the chase for a top five spot.

Murrumbeena by 21 points.

 

HAMPTON vs CAULFIELD (Peterson Street Reserve)

 V 

Fresh off the bye, Caulfield will be raring to go when it makes its way to the Toolbox to take on Hampton, which is fresh off a win against Heatherton. The Hammers have troubled the Bears at times in the past but its hard to go past the second-placed Caulfield outfit which has looked impressive and is a legitimate premiership contender.

Caulfield by 23 points.

 

SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS vs PORT MELBOURNE COLTS (Springvale Reserve)

 V 

Unfortunately for Springvale, just when it looks like it might have found some form after a positive performance against Keysborough, the Districts run into the division’s best team in Port Melbourne. If Springvale can recreate last week’s form and take advantage of a potentially under strength Colts side, they may get close but that’s a big if.

Port Melbourne by 44 points.

 

HIGHETT vs SKYE (Turner Road Reserve)

 V 

Game of the round in my opinion sees the Dogs host the Bombers in what will be a big game of football for both clubs. Skye still remains a game clear of Highett but dropped the ball last week against Murrumbeena and are in danger of moving back to fifth, or worst case scenario, out of the top five. Highett are in strong form and will be tough to overcome at the Kennel.

Highett by 10 points.

 

BYE: BLACK ROCK

 

DIVISION 3 – Round 10 Preview

With Andrew Paloczi

@Apaloczi

ASHWOOD vs HALLAM (Essex Heights Reserve)

 V 

A defeat has sent Hallam to fourth spot on the ladder and the Hawks face another tough assignment against Ashwood.

The Magpies are just one spot below Hallam, but also lost in Round 9.

This match looks like a beauty as the two teams battle for ascendency.

Despite being the visitor, Hallam is a good chance to win narrowly.

 

LYNDHURST vs MOORABBIN (Marriott Waters Reserve)

 V 

Lyndhurst has not enjoyed a win since Round 4 and is still chasing that elusive first home victory when it takes on Moorabbin.

The Kangaroos also haven’t sung their club song since Round 4, so expect a passionate contest.

Lightning will strike this week.

 

MOUNT WAVERLEY vs SANDOWN (Mayfield Park)

 V 

There is no way to put a positive spin on the challenge facing a winless Sandown. It confronts the undefeated Mount Waverley in the hostile surrounds of Mayfield Park and scoring records will be in danger.

The ball is likely to spend most of the day in the Mountain Lions’ forward line, with big forwards James Gough and Luke Galle having a day out.

 

DOVETON EAGLES vs SOUTH YARRA (Power Reserve)

 V 

South Yarra has earned plenty of respect this season and is capable of pushing Doveton on the Eagles’ home turf.

Doveton goes in as favourite and should win, but expect goals to be hard to come by against a disciplined South Yarra backline.

 

CARRUM PATTERSON LAKES vs ENDEAVOUR HILLS (Roy Dore Reserve)

 V 

Endeavour Hills is in tremendous form and swooped on third place on the ladder with its fifth consecutive win.

Carrum Patterson Lakes received a boost with its second win of the season.

The Lions will be no match for the Falcons.

 

LYNDALE vs DANDENONG (Barry Powell Reserve)

 V 

Lyndale will be disappointed to sit outside the top five by a game and percentage and is sure to put Dandenong to the sword in this encounter.

The Pumas will dominate from start to finish, helping to keep pressure on the teams just ahead of them on the ladder.