This weekend will see the start for the 2014 SFL SAS Finals Seniors………For Division 3 at least.
All Division 3 finals will be held at Heatherton Recreation Reserve (Ross St, Heatherton)
The schedule of play for this weekend Division 3 finals is as follows:
Saturday August 23rd
12.00pm
Division 3 Reserve Qualifying Final;
Carrum Patterson Lakes v Hallam
2.15pm
Division 3 Senior Qualifying Final;
Carrum Patterson Lakes v Sandown
Sunday August 24th
12.00pm
Division 3 Reserve Elimination Final;
Dandenong v South Yarra
2.15pm
Division 3 Senior Elimination Final;
Lyndale v Black Rock
Please see below full previews for this week’s action;
DIVISION 1- Round 18 Preview
with Good Will Hunter
We have at last arrived at the final round of the home and away season – the ultimate dress rehearsal before the real stuff begins.
Bentleigh V St Pauls (Bentleigh Reserve)
Mathematically, the Demons are still a chance to pinch a finals berth after the Heighters’ massive loss, but realistically, that’s highly unlikely. Not only would Chelsea Heights need to lose by 100+ points, but Bentleigh would need to win this by a similar margin. That’s not going to happen; the Dogs will win their 13th straight game and enter the finals as the in-form team in the competition.
St Kilda City V East Malvern (Peanut Farm)
With neither of these two playing finals, this is an opportunity for them to finish 2014 on a high note. While St Kilda City has struggled at times this year, East Malvern has shown a marked improvement as this season progressed. On that basis you would think the Panthers will get home here.
Dingley V Cheltenham (Souter Oval)
Cracking game this one and it’s a chance for Cheltenham to prove they are not just making up numbers in the five. With both teams’ key forwards in good form, this match could be decided in a shootout. I reckon the Rosellas will give this one a red-hot crack, but I’m tipping Dingley will be too good at home.
Clayton V Chelsea Heights (Meade Reserve)
It will be interesting to see how these two sides respond after their massive floggings. Clayton have endured a difficult season, and with finals imminent, this is a game the Heighters can ill-afford to lose. Expect them to rise to the occasion and beat the Clays convincingly.
Heatherton V East Brighton (Namatijra Park)*Please note venue change
The Tunners have one last chance to avoid going through the season winless, however, they would need to pull off the upset of the season to do it. East Brighton was ruthless last week and will register another thumping win here.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 18 Preview
with Jason Barbin
As we head into the final round of the 2014 home and away season, the finals contenders have been finalised and those 5 teams look to gain some form before the finals.
Caulfield vs Murrumbeena (Koornang Park Reserve)
The Bears are one of the two teams that impressed the most this season and are finals bound. They look to go into the finals with some winning form when they take on Murrumbeena in the final round. The Beena have been disappointing this season and will look to finish the season on a high by beating a finals participant. Bears should be too good at home.
Caulfield by 29 points
Doveton vs Mordiallioc (Power Reserve)
Doveton have shown enough this season to prove that they belong in Division 2. They have proven to be a competitive matchup and will not lay down easy for the minor premiers to be. Mordialloc have all but secured top spot and a week off in the finals but they will still want to go into the finals on a winning streak even though they may rest a few. Bloods in a tight one.
Mordialloc by 12 points
Oakleigh District vs Hampton (Princess Highway Reserve)
After missing out on the finals for the first time in a long time, Oakleigh Districts take on a finals newcomer in Hampton, who have been mightily impressive this season. Oakleigh have shown that they can match it with the best despite missing the finals and will provide a tough matchup for the Hammers. Hampton should be full of confidence heading into this matchup and should win.
Hampton by 8 points
Moorabbin vs Springvale Districts (Widdop Crescent Reserve)
Despite neither side being eligible for the season, both sides will be looking to finish the season with a win and some confidence going into next season. Both sides have shown competitiveness at times throughout the season and this should be an interesting matchup. Springvale should be too good though.
Springvale by 30 points
Skye vs Highett (Kananook Oval)
In the game of the round, 2nd placed Skye take on 5th places Highett in what is a pre finals preview. Both these sides will want to go into the finals in winning form and this should be a good contest. Skye will want to bounce back from a disappointing showing against Mordialloc while Highett will be on a high after securing a finals spot. Skye should be too good but never count out Highett.
Skye by 15 points
DIVISION 3-Qualifying and Elimination Finals Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
The finals are already upon us and all matches are to be played at the Ross Street Reserve in Heatherton.
In Saturday’s qualifying final, second-placed CPL takes on Sandown. The Lions finished the home and away season three games clear of the Cobras and deserve to go in as favourites. But the Cobras have been in terrific form in recent weeks and will believe they can win. This should be a cracker.
Elimination final combatants, Lyndale and Black Rock play on Sunday. When the sides met in round 17 the Pumas were far too strong, winning by 10 goals. It is difficult to see the Jets turning things around, and it should be the Pumas who continue into the second week of the finals.
Mount Waverley has reaped the rewards of a home and away season in which the side lost only one game, and has a week’s rest.
