With just four games remaining the competition for a spot in the finals is really hotting up.
Cheltenham V East Malvern (Trevor Barker Oval)
East Malvern plays in a mini-final for the second week in a row as they come up against the fifth-placed Rosellas. A win for Cheltenham will put it two games plus percentage clear of the Panthers in sixth, all but ending their finals chances. Should be a solid contest, but I’m backing the home side to get the chocolates.
Chelsea Heights V Bentleigh (Beazley Reserve)
Should be an interesting game this one. The Heighters have a massive chance to shore up a finals berth with a win here, given they play just one guaranteed finalist in their run home, while a loss for Bentleigh all but puts them out of business. The Demons are certainly a chance, but you would think Chelsea Heights will prevail at home.
East Brighton V St Kilda City (Hurlingham Park)
The Saints will be ruing their missed opportunities last week as it cost them two premiership points. I’d expect them to put in an A-grade effort this week against a genuine premiership contender, but East Brighton will be too good and will win this one pretty convincingly.
St Pauls V Clayton (McKinnon Reserve)
These two sides come in to this match with vastly different form. The Clays are struggling, and haven’t tasted success since round seven. Conversely, the Dogs have hit their straps at the right time of the year and are now looking very ominous as the finals approach. All the signs are pointing to a big win here for St Pauls.
Heatherton V Dingley (Ross Street Reserve)
There won’t be much to look forward to here as the ladder leaders take on the winless Tunners. The Dingoes will win in a canter.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 15 Preview
with Jason Barbin
As we move on to round 15, a few cracking matchups await us as the finals continue to draw closer.
Mordialloc vs Oakleigh District (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)
If there was any team that could cause a big upset come finals time it is Oakleigh District. This team on their day has the ability to beat anyone. But the best way to put doubt in their opponent’s mind is to put the score on the board and that won’t be easy against the best side in Division 2. Can the likes of Paul Fermanis and Dan Kiellerup give Oakleigh an edge or will the experience of James Morris and Sam Anstey prove to be a winner. Game of the round.
Mordialloc by 21 points
Hampton vs Doveton Eagles (Peterson Street Reserve)
This is a must win game for Hampton. Assuming other results go their way, a win here could potentially lock up a finals spot for the Hammers. As it stand they are half a game up on 4th and could potentially go a game and a half ahead of 5th with a favourable draw left. Doveton won’t make it easy though and were victorious the first time these two met. Crucial game.
Hampton by 7 points
Springvale Districts vs Murrumbeena (Springvale Reserve)
If Springvale are any chance of playing finals they need to snap their 5 game losing streak against Murrumbeena this week. The Beena are still a chance, albeit a very slight one, of playing finals so they won’t be giving up either. This makes for an exciting contest and one that should go down to the wire. Springvale should prevail with too much veteran experience.
Springvale by 19 points
Highett vs Caulfield (Turner Road Reserve)
Another exciting contest as 5th plays 6th for what could be the final spot in the top 5. Last time these two sides met Caulfield won comfortable and this should give them confidence despite Highett being a tough team to beat at home. But if there is one thing we have learnt about Highett is to never count them out. Just ask Springvale. Caulfield is the underdog despite ladder position but a potential finals berth should provide them with the hunger to win this one.
Caulfield by 14 points
Skye vs Moorabbin (Kananook Oval)
This should be a relatively easy game for Skye. They have been the best defensive team all year and Moorabbin have struggles to score at times. With top spot still up for grabs and Mordialloc facing a tough game this week don’t expect Skye to falter in this one.
Skye by 49 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 16 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
In round 16, Sandown travels to Essex Heights Reserve to play Ashwood. A win by the Cobras would guarantee them a spot in the finals. It should be an enthralling contest as the Magpies strive to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
Dandenong lost its last contest with Carrum Patterson Lakes by 128 points. Hopefully the Redlegs can be much more competitive at Greaves Reserve, but beating the Lions seems out of the question.
Black Rock is the visiting team against Hallam. Both sides will be looking to bounce back from a loss, but the Jets should triumph.
South Yarra has had an erratic season, and will need its best form when it travels to Mayfield Park to take on the imposing Mount Waverley. The Mountain Lions have won every home game this season and the trend should continue this week.
In round 7 Endeavour Hills finished only four points behind Lyndale, so the Falcons will feel in with some hope at Barry Simon Reserve. However, the Pumas will be determined to hang on to third spot on the ladder and are unlikely to let this chance slip away.
