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View this week's issue of the SFNL Record HERE.

 

DIVISION 1 – Round 2 Preview

With Good Will Hunter

@Will_Hunter89

MORDIALLOC vs EAST BRIGHTON (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)

 V 

The Bloods matched it for periods last week against the Dingoes but were in essence let down by one poor quarter of footy. Such complacency against the best sides has dire consequences, as they discovered, so you can bank on them being more competitive across the whole four quarters this week.

East Brighton will put last Saturday’s thrashing behind them as they celebrate Mark Jamieson’s 250th match this week, a tremendous milestone for the loyal club stalwart. Unfortunately for the Vampires, Mordialloc will likely spoil the party with an emphatic victory at home.

 

CHELTENHAM vs BENTLEIGH (Jack Barker Oval)

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SFNL MATCH OF THE DAY

Listen live on 88.3 Southern FM or via sfnllive.com.au.

 

This clash could have a bit of spice in it with Pat Nicholls set to line up against his old side for the first time. No doubt he will be the one that the Rosellas need to tame if they are to cause an upset here.

Jackson Barclay will also be better for his run last week and will improve with every match he plays, so expect him to figure more prominently for Cheltenham this week. The club will also be hoping for a greater scoreboard output from Chris Graham and James Pennycuick.

But Bentleigh’s talented midfield group should prove too strong for the Rosellas in this one and will claim the four points.

 

ST KILDA CITY vs OAKLEIGH DISTRICT (Peanut Farm)

 V 

The Division 1 newcomers were tremendous in disposing of Cheltenham last week and early indications are that they have the cattle to push towards a finals berth this year, particularly with Paul Fermanis running himself into form.

An improving St Kilda City at the Peanut Farm will no doubt prove a greater challenge this week, with new skipper Ricky Thompson leading the Saints’ resurgence.

This should prove to be the round’s closest encounter with the Oaks prevailing in a thriller.

 

EAST MALVERN vs CLAYTON (Dunlop Reserve)

 V 

ANZAC Day footy returns to the Zoo with East Malvern hosting Clayton in the now traditional clash on Monday afternoon.

The boom recruits lived up to expectations in the Panthers’ massive win last week, and a second consecutive game at home is a bonus.

Clayton are tipped to improve this year but did just enough to overcome the Saints last week. An improved effort will certainly be needed to curb the rampaging Panthers but without the steadying influence of captain Jayden Gilmour down back this may be a challenge too great and East Malvern should retain the Sir John Monash Cup.

 

Dingley and St Pauls will enjoy a week off after their Round 2 clash was moved forward to April 10th to coincide with the League’s Season Launch.

 

DIVISION 2 – Round 3 Preview

With Jason Barbin

@JBarbin10

 

Round 3 begins on Saturday and although it’s early in the season, some of last season’s top performers are in need of a win.

 

BLACK ROCK vs SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS (McDonald Reserve)

 V 

Both sides are still in need for their first wins of the season and this could be one of the matches of the round with the two sides having put together some promising performances early in the season. Kristian Bliesner is looking like a dangerous option up forward for the Rockers while Brenton Rafferty is having a good start in the midfield. For the Districts, Lance Baptist is one to watch as the two teams go head-to-head. Intriguing game but for me Black Rock gets the nod.

Black Rock by 12 points.

 

PORT MELBOURNE COLTS vs KEYSBOROUGH (JL Murphy Reserve)

 V 

The last two teams to enter the Southern Football Netball League square off for the first time but under vastly different circumstances. The Colts are on a high after two powerful performances while the Burra are in need of a lift after a demoralising loss to Highett. Jason Butty is the Colts’ version of Tyson King and could be in for another bag if their midfield gets on top early. Keysborough needs its players to step up in this one if it’s any chance for a victory.

Port Melbourne by 30 points.

 

HEATHERTON vs SKYE (Heatherton Recreation Reserve)

 V 

The Tonners are up and about after two excellent performances to start the season and they could make it three in a row when they host the Bombers. Skye hasn’t had the best start to the season but there is a lot of improvement there for Ben Walker and the boys. Matt Van Schajik is in fine form in front of goals and will spearhead the attack for Heatherton while Jim Martinson will lead Skye in the midfield in what should be an exciting tussle.

Heatherton by three points.

 

HAMPTON vs HIGHETT (Peterson Street Reserve)

 V 

The only two sides to have had the bye clash in Round 3 and with wins on the board, confidence for both sides is through the roof. The Hammers will be keen to sing the song in their first match at the Toolbox and will come out firing against a Dogs side fresh off a thumping win over Keysborough. But for me, Highett goes into this match as the better side and the form of Tom Brown inside 50 last week shows he is a genuine X factor and he could again lift Highett to victory.

Highett by 18 points.

 

CAULFIELD vs MURRUMBEENA (Koornang Park)

 V 

Heading into the corresponding fixture in 2015, both sides were up and about and looking to cement a finals spot. In 2016 Caulfield goes into the match as clear favourites with Murrumbeena failing to fire in its first two games of the season. But ANZAC Day presents another opportunity for the boys from the Beena to click into gear but they will be up against it when they tackle a strong Bears outfit. If Murrumbeena can shut down Nick Gilbert they’re in with a chance.

Caulfield by 20 points

 

BYE - CHELSEA HEIGHTS

 

DIVISION 3 – Round 3 Preview

With Andrew Paloczi

@Apaloczi

MOORABBIN KANGAROOS vs HALLAM (Widdop Crescent Reserve)

 V 

Moorabbin finished ten games clear of Hallam last season.

Such has been the Hawks’ improvement, they will be confident of beating the Kangaroos in this clash.

At home, Moorabbin should win, but don’t be too surprised if the Hawks make it three victories in a row.

 

LYNDALE vs SANDOWN (Barry Powell Reserve)

 V 

Lyndale has one win and hosts Sandown which has begun its season with a couple of losses.

The Cobras have scored an alarmingly low total of 66 points in two games.

It is tough to imagine Sandown producing a winning score and the Pumas should win easily.

 

LYNDHURST vs ENDEAVOUR HILLS (Marriott Waters Reserve)

 V 

Lyndhurst and Endeavour Hills each have a win and a loss.

The Falcons’ depth will be tested, with the club noting in the SFNL Record that the injury situation is “at breaking point”.

The young Lightning side has made an impressive start to the season, and has an excellent opportunity to beat the Falcons.

 

DOVETON EAGLES vs CARRUM PATTERSON LAKES (Power Reserve)

 V 

Doveton has started the season with a couple of impressive wins and takes on a Carrum Patterson Lakes’ team that has been unable to be competitive so far, and is desperately missing the likes of Joel Dalton and James Dent.

It’s unrealistic to think CPL will win this clash, but hopefully the Lions make the Eagles work hard.

 

ASHWOOD vs MOUNT WAVERLEY (Essex Heights Reserve)

 V 

Mount Waverley has made a blistering start to the season, but will face stiffer opposition against Ashwood.

The Magpies will be full of confidence after a thumping win in round 2.

This should be a good game. Ashwood has a knack for bringing teams down to earth and is a threat here, but the Mountain Lions should keep their unbeaten record intact.

 

SOUTH YARRA vs DANDENONG (Fritsch Holzer Park)

 V 

South Yarra comes into this contest against Dandenong full of confidence after earning an impressive win in round 2.

The Redlegs, on the other hand, have managed a paltry total of nine goals in two games this season and will struggle to penetrate the Lions’ disciplined backline.

It will be a comfortable South Yarra victory.