ROUND 16 PREVIEW
Lyndale V Sandown (Barry Powell Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R9, 16 June 2018, Lyndale 13.6 (84) def Sandown 6.9 (45).
Lyndale recorded their first win in over a month last weekend but unfortunately for them other results means that is now mathematically impossible for the Pumas to feature in September.
Therefore this game now holds dead rubber status with both sides having the last three games of the season to build to 2019.
It’s been a particularly disappointing year for Lyndale after entering the season with high expectations. If they are honest they will know they have been too inconsistent to be worthy of a finals spot.
It’s been an even longer season for Sandown who have not won a game since Round 4. The Cobras have shown glimpses of their potential on numerous occasions since then, but unfortunately it has only lasted for a quarter a two.
Now they run into a Lyndale side who just pasted the hapless Kangaroos, followed by a stiff challenge against ladder leaders CPL the week after. It would be no surprise to see the side get blown away in the next fortnight with the long season starting to take its toll on already weary legs.
Of particular concern is the firepower found in the Pumas forward line which can devastate sides when everything clicks. If the home side can produce similar form to last weekend their forwards will be licking their lips at the prospect of another goal fest.
Even though they won’t feature in finals, expect the Pumas to finish off the year strong with the Cobras firmly in the firing line this week. Lyndale in a canter.
Lyndale by 60 points.
Dandenong V Moorabbin Kangaroos (Greaves Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R9, 16 June 2018, 17.4 (106) def Moorabbin 14.11 (95).
Both Dandenong and Moorabbin are playing for pride this weekend after both clubs endured 100-point drubbings last round. The Kangaroos were particularly disappointing as many expected them to put up a good fight on their home deck against the Pumas who had not won in their previous four outings.
Nevertheless this clash presents both sides with a chance of a rare win and Moorabbin will be hoping for a better result than when they last travelled to Greaves Reserve. The contest in Round 9, which broke the Redlegs winless drought, will still haunt the Roos who at that stage were still gunning for a top four spot.
Almost two months later they have only picked up one victory since and desperately need some positivity to come out of the final three rounds.
The Redlegs will fancy themselves though and will be determined to turn their form around after a tough patch in recent weeks. The game isn’t without meaning for the home side either as they look to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. A win here would go a long way to ensuring that Dandenong elude that feat.
It’s hard to get a read on either team’s form at the moment but Moorabbin should be determined to get one back on the Redlegs. Should be a close one.
Moorabbin by 10 points.
Lyndhurst V Carrum Patterson Lakes (Marriott Waters Reserve)
V 
Last time they met – R9, 16 June 2018, Lyndhurst 7.11 (53) def Carrum Patterson Lakes 3.3 (21).
Another mouth-watering top of the table clash awaits us on Saturday when Lyndhurst host Carrum Patterson Lakes at Marriot Waters Reserve. Both sides are currently locked on 13 wins for the season with the winner of this clash likely to claim the minor premiership.
These two sides have met twice this season with the ledger square at 1-1. The only other stumble endured by both clubs this season has been against Cerberus, who downed them both in the past fortnight.
All of this indicates that not much separates the two teams and it could be the home ground advantage that decides which way this contest goes. This is a major boost for the Lightning who have not lost on their home turf all year including against the Lions when they last visited.
Much intrigue will centre on Lightning key forward Hamish Browning this weekend after he was surprisingly spotted running around in the reserves last round. The spearhead responded with four majors and the competitions leading goal kicker should be a welcome addition back into the senior side.
But the Lightning defenders will need to be wary of scoring power of the Lions too, with Brenton Rafferty and Alex Wilson currently occupying spots in the top four goal scores in the league. If CPL can get quick and direct ball movement, expect their forwards to prosper.
This should be an absolute cracker of a contest with CPL desperate to avoid two losses in a row. Even though the venue is a fortress for the Lightning, the Lions might just pinch a win here.
Carrum Patterson Lakes by 2 points.
Cerberus V Frankston Dolphins (McAuliffe Oval)
V 
Last time they met – R9, 16 June 2018, Cerberus 8.6 (54) def Frankston 5.10 (40).
It’s the battle for third spot when Cerberus host Frankston at the Navy Base on Saturday afternoon. The Dogs are simply irresistible at the moment, winning seven games in a row against some quality opposition along the way.
Now they have a huge chance to claim third spot on the ladder when they face the Dolphins who have also been in good form, winning their past four on the trot.
The prospect of jumping to third seemed impossible almost two months ago for the Dogs with only three wins in their first eight games. But since then their impressive winning streak now has them firmly in premiership contention.
Frankston should not be discounted though after stringing together some good form in the past month. More importantly for the Dolphins they were able to straighten up their kicking last weekend, a disease which seemed to have infected the club in recent times.
The Dolphins have been one of the feel-good stories this season and have now locked in a maiden finals appearance in their inaugural season. They won’t be satisfied with just making it though and will be gunning to keep hold of third spot.
This should be an entertaining contest as both sides have shown the ability to score heavily. But on current form and playing on their home deck, Cerberus are too hard to ignore.
Cerberus by 19 points.
@LincolnEdmunds
