By Jarryd McGuane
@JMcGuane
Endeavour Hills vs East Brighton (Barry Simon Reserve)
This week’s match of the round has third-placed East Brighton traveling to Barry Simon Reserve to face Endeavour Hills.
Endeavour Hills are unfortunately coming off a forfeit to Highett, but have shown throughout the season that they are willing to do the tough stuff to win games.
East Brighton is fresh off defeating the improved Bentleigh side and is consistent in the way they handle the sides below them on the ladder.
Expect it to start tight before the Vampires speed takes them over the top of the Falcons.
East Brighton by 20 points.
Oakleigh District vs Murrumbeena (Princes Highway Reserve)
The opening game of the round pits fourth-placed Oakleigh District against the high-flying Murrumbeena at Princes Highway Reserve on Friday night.
Oakleigh District took it right up to Mordialloc but fell eight points short and we have come to expect their tough brand of footy that keeps them in games.
Murrumbeena on the other hand have showed why they are the team to beat in the past few weeks, with one of the most complete midfields and forward lines in the competition and speed all over the ground.
I see Oakleigh District having a lot of fight and evening out the start of quarters before Beena depth helps them run over the top.
Murrumbeena by 45 points.
Hallam vs Lyndhurst (Hallam Reserve)
In the first of two Saturday games, Hallam returns home to Hallam Reserve to face Lyndhurst.
Hallam has shown increased attacking and clean ball movement in the past few weeks despite their last up loss to Murrumbeena.
Lyndhurst has showed they are fast starters that have struggled to continue scoreboard pressure.
Going off the home field advantage, expect Hallam to inflict more pain on the Lightning.
Hallam by three points.
Edithvale Aspendale vs Mordialloc (Regents Park)
Regents Park plays host to two-win Edithvale Aspendale and second-placed Mordialloc Saturday afternoon.
Edi-Asp came from behind to take down Lyndhurst and showed great defensive fortitude after a slow start.
Mordialloc were held to their lowest score last week but that should be taken as an anomaly as they played short on numbers.
Mordialloc should bounce back and control the game from the outset.
Mordialloc by 34 points.
Bentleigh vs Highett (Bentleigh Reserve)
The final game of the round, Bentleigh host Highett at Bentleigh Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Bentleigh had their first loss for four weeks against East Brighton, but with their key forwards and improving midfield they are likely to claim more wins down the stretch.
Highett got the four points last round at the hands of an Endeavour Hills forfeit and it keeps the Bulldogs finals hopes alive.
With Highett coming off fresh a week of, their rejuvenated bodies should get the job done over the Demons.
Highett by 14 points.
