Round 4 Previews

DIVISION ONE with JASON BARBIN


Round 4 is Umpire Appreciation Week so I’ll take a moment to thank every umpire who gives up their time every week to officiate the game we all love.


 


St Pauls vs East Malvern


St Pauls takes on East Malvern in what should be another comfortable win for the Doggies at home. East Malvern has been highly competitive in their first 3 games but hasn’t been able to secure a win. They will need to produce something special to beat a red hot St Pauls outfit.


St Pauls by 38 points.


 


Clayton vs Cheltenham


A potential first round finals match up, the Clays and the Rosellas come together in round 4. Look for Zac White to match up on Aaron Purvis as both players are in fine form in their respective midfields. Dean Evangelista and Chris Graham are the key targets up forward. Match of the round.


Cheltenham by 6 points.


 


St Kilda City vs East Brighton


The Saints take on the Vamps after both teams had positive wins last week. The Vamps look to regain key forward Dean Francis while the Saints look for Mark Tasiyan to continue his good form. Could be a close one but the Vamps will look to consolidate their top 3 spot, but never count out St Kilda City at home.


East Brighton by 25 points.


 


Heatherton vs Chelsea Heights


With both sides suffering big losses last week, look for both teams to come out fighting. Chelsea Heights look the better side on paper and should bounce back with a comfortable win against a Heatherton side that have struggled mightily this season. I’m really liking the form of young Chelsea Heights forward Erishmiilan Uthayakumar.


Chelsea Heights by 44 points.


 


Dingley vs Highett


The Dingoes and Doggies go head on in this round 4 matchup. Dingley have also been in red hot form and remain one of the 2 undefeated teams while Highett are still looking for their first win. Look for the Dingoes to post their 4th win in a row, but they will be wary of the fact they have lost to sides below them at home before.


Dingley by 36 points.


 


DIVISION TWO with THE FOOTY TRAGIC


Skye v Caulfield


On “exposed” form, I can’t see the Bears causing too much trouble for Skye, especially as it is at Skye. However the last time these two met, Caulfield won their only game for the season in an upset at Caulfield. I can’t see an upset here this week though, and Skye should win.


 


Murrumbeena v South Yarra


Murrumbeena have been far from world beaters in the last couple of rounds, with South Yarra close behind. It is shaping up as a long season for the South Yarra Lions, and although Murrumbeena are yet to impress (despite defeating Moorabbin in round one), they should be too good for South Yarra, especially at home.


 


Hampton v Bentleigh


Hampton had a bit of a hiccup in Round One, but have bounced back with a couple of nice wins, but this week’s opposition is a cut above their last two opponents and they will have to bring their “A Game” to have any chance.  Bentleigh also had a shock loss in Round One but have bounced back in true style and should be too good this week as well to go to “3 and 1.”


 


Oakleigh District v Mordialloc


This shapes up as the “Game of the Season” so far. After this week there will be only one undefeated side (barring a draw of course). These two sides have been traveling nicely and have beaten all-comers so far. I have changed my mind a dozen times as to who will win this and in the end I am bowing to the “Home Ground Advantage” and think the Districts should win in a ripper contest.


 


Moorabbin v Springvale Districts


The only trouble that Springvale Districts will have this week is negotiating the tight confines of Widdop Cres Reserve. Moorabbin have lost a couple of their Premiership players and are having trouble getting themselves firing so far. They should be able to do enough to worry most teams in Division 2 and will win some games; this week that won’t happen though, Springvale Districts will win!


 


DIVISION THREE with WILL HUNTER


This week’s matches will provide a real treat for any footy fan, with some evenly placed teams set to provide a few thrilling contests.


To kick-start the round is a clash between powerhouses Sandown and Doveton at Edinburgh Reserve. The Eagles are sitting pretty atop the ladder and are playing some impressive football. But the Cobras’ final term against Hallam was simply devastating, and reminded us all of just what they are capable of. If they can replicate that performance, I think they can knock the Eagles off their perch. But irrespective of the result, this is shaping to be a phenomenal contest.


Ashwood travels to Greaves Reserve to take on Dandenong in what is going to be a true eight-point game between two potential finalists. The Magpies have had a horror draw, playing two of the top three sides in the first three rounds. Dandenong, on the other hand, have the form, winning both its matches since getting within a point of Doveton in round one. Tough game to pick this one, but I’m going with my gut and tipping Ashwood in a bit of an upset.


Over at Barry Simon Reserve, the struggling Endeavour Hills host Carrum Patterson Lakes. The Falcons have found the going tough this season and look set to finish closer to the bottom than the top. I think the Lions should win here, but at home Endeavour Hills are certainly a chance to claim their first points for the year.


Easily the hardest game of the round to pick a winner is this one: Lyndale vs Black Rock at Barry Powell Reserve. The Jets finally broke their Div 3 duck last Saturday, while Lyndale have been the most improved team of 2013. I’ll tip the Pumas at home, but honestly my guess is as good as yours.


Finally, Mount Waverley clash with Hallam at Mayfield Reserve. This one is pretty straight forward – Mount Waverley easily over the winless Hawks.


 


UNDER 19’s with WILL HUNTER


After five from five last Saturday, this week will really test my tipping prowess.


This week’s matches are headlined by a top of the table clash between St Pauls and Murrumbeena at McKinnon Reserve. Both sides are undefeated and evenly matched on paper. It’s hard to split these two and the result could very easily go either way. But the Dogs looked very impressive last week and on that form I will pick them to get the chocolates at home.


At Meade Reserve, Clayton search for their first win of the year against Bentleigh. The Magpies have struggled for numbers in games this season, but last week was a promising performance. I think the Demons will be too good, but I expect the home side to put up a massive fight.


The next game sees Dingley host Carrum Patterson Lakes at Souter Reserve. The Dingoes were disappointing at Bentleigh last week, but they play the Den particularly well with their run and spread of fast runners. On that basis I’m tipping them to bounce back with a win over the Lions.


Finally, Hampton take on Skye at the Toolbox. The Hammers will be refreshed after the bye last week and will come out firing at home. However, Skye have a very solid line up and will win a close one.


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