Bentleigh V East Malvern (Bentleigh Reserve)
Notwithstanding they were outclassed by a superior outfit last Saturday, I have liked what I have seen from the Panthers in the previous few weeks and they could be a smoky to play finals provided they beat the Demons here. Bentleigh will make it a contest, but I reckon East Malvern will get up.
St Kilda City V Cheltenham (Peanut Farm)
After a finals berth last year, City have so far disappointed this season. It will be a huge task trying to keep tall forwards Graham and Nicholls quiet this week and I expect the Rosellas duo to help their side kick a winning score here.
Dingley V Chelsea Heights (Souter Oval)
Dingley have now officially become the team to beat in 2014, and although that tag normally comes with a lot of added pressure, I’m sure the undefeated Dingoes will have little difficulty in beating the Heighters at home.
Clayton V East Brighton (Meade Reserve)
Although they snapped a three-match losing streak, Clayton was far from impressive last week. The Vampires, on the other hand, are coming off their first defeat of the season and you would back them in to bounce back convincingly this week.
Heatherton V St Pauls (Ross Street Reserve)
The Doggies seem to have recaptured their 2013 form, winning their past two matches by a combined 171 points. This could get ugly for Heatherton.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 8 Preview
with Jason Barbin
After a well-deserved week off, the teams get straight back into it as the season continues on.
Caulfied vs Springvale Districts
The Bears have been in inspiring form as of late and have since moved back into the top 3. They have been a real surprise packet so far this season and will prove to be more than competitive against Springvale, who have been solid so far this season. This game should be close Caulfield by 10 points
Doveton vs Murrumbeena
Murrumbeena have struggled since their hot start to the season while Doveton have been playing well without being able to get the points on the board. This game could provide a potential upset as Doveton deserve to have more wins on the board. They could get their 3rd here Doveton by 4 points
Oakleigh District vs Highett
These two teams renew their rivalry after Highett spent two seasons in division 1 and neither team should back down. A spot in the top 5 is on the line and a loss for either side could spell trouble towards the latter half of the season. Oakleigh are tough to beat at home but Highett are better than some of their form suggests. Oakleigh by 18 points
Moorabbin vs Hampton
This game is Moorabbin’s best chance to get a win on the board. Hampton have struggled of late and the Roos did show glimpses of good form in their loss to Highett. This could potentially be one of the games of the round as both sides have plenty to play for. Hampton by 17 points
Skye vs Mordialloc.
This is the match we have all been waiting for. First plays second in the battle of the two best teams in division 2. Mordialloc have been a goal kicking machine while the Bombers have shown that they can be an impenetrable defensive force. Game of the round by a mile. Skye tough to beat at home. Blockbuster. Skye by 3 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 9 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
It is hard to believe round 9 is already here, marking the halfway point of the home and away season.
Dandenong travels to Barry Simon Reserve to take on Endeavour Hills. This promises to be an exciting match. Only percentage separates the teams and the Redlegs have an opportunity to climb further up the ladder.
Two in-form sides clash at Edinburgh Reserve as Sandown hosts Black Rock. The Jets will start favourites, but it is likely to be a great battle and could go either way.
South Yarra is at home and welcomes Ashwood. This is a tough one to pick, but perhaps the Magpies are due for their second win.
Carrum Patterson Lakes is at home and plays Hallam. The Hawks have been competitive in many of their games and are perhaps unlucky to have only a solitary win, but the Lions are unlikely to be kind to them.
Lyndale is looking to bounce back to winning ways and faces the biggest challenge in division 3 as Mount Waverley arrives at Barry Powell Reserve.
