This weekend the League is proud to celebrate the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity that exists within Southern Football Netball League clubs through Multicultural Round.
88.3 Southern FM Match of the Round Broadcast
Saturday 8th August
Division 2
Oakleigh District vs Murrumbeena
Princes Highway Reserve, Princes Highway, Clayton
Broadcast time 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday Football Netball Show
Tune in on Sunday morning to catch Wiz, Coutta and the Bug as they discuss all things Southern Football Netball League on The Sunday Football Netball Show. In celebration of Multicultural Round, this week's special guest will be Michael 'Buddy' Spohn, the American-born star from the Black Rock Football Club. The Sunday Football Netball Show is proudly supported by Ivan’s Pies, and by simply tuning in for the latest news and views, you could win some delicious prizes courtesy of Ivan’s Pies.
On air 10.30am – 12.00pm (88.3 Southern FM) or listen direct from sfnllive.com.au.
Podcasts of last week’s broadcast match and Sunday Footy Show are available above, via ‘Media’, then ‘Radio’, then ‘Podcasts’.
The Round 16/17 SFNL Record can be downloaded by clicking HERE. Earlier issues are available via ‘Media’, then ‘SFL Record 2015’.
This week’s winners of the
BLK Player of the Round and
Leader Shooting Star Nomination have been announced – to see who’s won / been nominated, click on the ‘News’ option above (select ‘BLK Player of the Round’ or ‘Leader Shooting Star’).
Division 1 - Round 16 Preview
With Good Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
This weekend is Multicultural Round and it’s a time for us to celebrate the diverse array of nationalities, backgrounds and cultures that exist within the Southern Football Netball League ranks.
Mordialloc vs East Malvern (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)
One word – HUGE! Third plays fourth in a clash that could well decide which of these teams earns the all-important double chance. And given the form of the Panthers and the Bloods at the minute, this will be an absolute epic. East Malvern was simply unstoppable last week, and the manner in which they disposed of Cheltenham sent a warning to the rest of the competition that they cannot be discounted from premiership calculations. Mordialloc, on the other hand, have shown an uncanny ability to win the tight games and they have turned Ben Kavanagh Reserve into perhaps the biggest fortress in the competition. This will be another tight contest, but Mordi’s home ground advantage is enough to sway me in their direction.
Chelsea Heights vs East Brighton (Beazley Reserve)
The Heighters are now all but certain to claim the wooden spoon this year, and another tough assignment awaits this week as they host the second-placed East Brighton. Dingley’s loss sees the Vampires draw level with them on points and they will be looking to record a percentage-boosting win here to aid their chances of pinching the minor premiership. Expect them to do just that on Saturday.
Cheltenham vs St Pauls (Jack Barker Oval)
Another confidence-boosting win, this time against the ladder leaders, simply confirms the Dogs’ standing as the in-form team in the comp. And to be able to do that on the back of the loss of skipper Kenton Hall the previous week showed that this team has all the courage and determination required to go far into September. The Rosellas, meanwhile, are coming off another drubbing and the end of the season can’t come quickly enough for them. St Pauls to win by plenty.
St Kilda City vs Clayton (Peanut Farm)
St Pauls did Clayton no favours with their win last week. The Clays are still a mathematical chance to play finals footy, but realistically it’s not going to happen. St Kilda City also have little to gain from its remaining games, but nevertheless you can expect spirited performances from their young kids. However, it won’t be enough to get the four points as Clayton will be too good.
Dingley vs Bentleigh (Souter Oval)
For a side that has become so accustomed to tasting victory, the Dingoes seem to be in the midst of a mini form slump by their lofty standards, having now lost two of the past four matches. But I’m not sure if Shane Morwood will be overly concerned as they remain in top spot and look like they are priming themselves for a big finals campaign. Bentleigh come into this match in reasonable form with three wins in the last month, but they lack the firepower required to upset the premiership fancies.
Division 2 - Round 16 Preview
With Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Round 16 is Multicultural Round in the Southern Football League and is a time to celebrate the players of all backgrounds who play the great game of football.
Skye vs Hampton (Carrum Downs Reserve)
This is a big game for the Bombers and a loss will mean they miss out on a spot in the top three. Skye has been hit with injury throughout the season but the depth has shone through and will need to do so again against a Hampton side full of confidence after two big wins. With a low percentage compared to the rest of the top six, the Hammers need to keep winning to hold off an eager Caulfield unit.
Skye by 12 points
Oakleigh District vs Murrumbeena (Princes Highway Reserve)
This is arguably Murrumbeena’s biggest test this season against the highly fancied Oakleigh District. These two sides have been the best in the competition over the last month and positions in the top three will be on the line when the two sides clash. The question is can the offensive power of Oakleigh break down the defensive juggernaut that Murrumbeena has shown it can be? This will be one of the games of the year.
Oakleigh District by four points
Heatherton vs Doveton Eagles (Ross Street Reserve)
These two sides occupy the bottom two spots on the ladder and with the season approaching its end, the loser of this game may find themselves facing relegation in the finals rounds of the year. Doveton has been the better of the two sides over the last few weeks but Heatherton are a better team in front of its home crowd.
Doveton by 10 points
Springvale Districts vs Caulfield (Springvale Reserve)
With Hampton facing a tough matchup against Skye, this is a must win game for Caulfield if it wants to take part in the finals. Springvale hasn’t been in the best of form but will be wanting to wreak havoc on the finals aspirant and finish the season off on a positive note. Springvale will be tough to beat at home but Caulfield should be too strong.
Caulfield by 24 points
Highett vs Keysborough (Turner Road Reserve)
Although it’s still mathematically possible for Highett to play in the finals, a loss to Keysborough this weekend will spell the end of the Dogs season. With top spot on the line the Burra will come out all guns blazing on Saturday with their eyes toward a win. Highett has proved time and time again that you can never count it out so expect this one to go the distance.
Keysborough by 22 points
Division 3 - Round 17 Preview
With Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Heading into Round 17, Ashwood has managed to retain its grip on fifth place, despite a loss, as Endeavour Hills failed to seize its chance to leapfrog the Magpies. The matches involving these teams should offer enthralling encounters in this week’s Multicultural Round.
Lyndale vs Endeavour Hills (Barry Powell Reserve)
Endeavour Hills has occupied sixth spot on the ladder since the completion of Round 11. The Falcons should be confident as they head into this clash with Lyndale, despite playing on the Pumas’ home turf. Endeavour Hills will win this contest, probably by a few goals, and give itself the chance to extend its season beyond the home and away fixture.
South Yarra vs Ashwood (Fritsch Holzer Park)
Ashwood was sitting second after Round 13, only being kept from top spot by percentage. The subsequent rounds have been unkind to the Magpies. They now find themselves travelling to the challenging Fritsch Holzer Park to take on a refreshed South Yarra, and desperately needing a win. The Lions are coming off a bye and, although they can’t make the finals, will be keen to have an impact. This is a possibility, but one suspects the Magpies will manage to put an end to their losing streak of three consecutive games.
Dandenong vs Hallam (Greaves Reserve)
It has been a long, tough season for both Dandenong and Hallam, with finals never really in the equation. However, little separates these sides on the ladder and it is a challenge to pick the winner. The Hawks have had the slightly better season and took charge last time these teams clashed, winning by 32 points. The Redlegs will be more competitive this time, but a hunch says the Hawks will sneak home by two points.
Black Rock vs Sandown (McDonald Reserve)
Black Rock has been formidable all season and Sandown will need to be at its best to mount a challenge at McDonald Reserve. It should be another comfortable win for the Jets as they look to keep up their momentum with finals approaching.
Moorabbin vs Carrum Patterson Lakes (Widdop Crescent)
Both Moorabbin and Carrum Patterson Lakes are in with a shot at the premiership this year. If you are at Widdop Crescent this week, you should see a beauty as two heavyweight sides look to land a blow ahead of the finals. Last time these sides met the Kangaroos won the clash by 37 points, but the Lions are going for their sixth win in a row this week and will be hard to stop. The home ground advantage may be just enough for a narrow Kangaroos’ win.
Mount Waverley has the chance to overcome some niggles ahead of the finals, with this week’s bye.
