Do or Die for District

When Highett meet Oakleigh District this weekend the Doggies will be looking to book their finals ticket while Oakleigh will be fighting to keep their season alive!
40 years on and nothing has changed between these two great SFL and former Federal Football League rivals.
This game at Turner Rd will make or break one of these clubs in their 2014 campaign for finals and a possible premiership.

Highett FC are holding a 'Golden Era' reunion to celebrate the success generated throughout the 70's era on the Friday preceding the game. One of those premierships was against Oakleigh District.
It is hoped that many of the Highett 'Golden Old Boys' will make the Saturday clash at Turner Rd a must, and get back to where it all began.

Highett will warmly welcome players from both clubs who played their footy under the Feral League Banner throughout the 70's to come down and support their current teams. It’s hopefully that Oakleigh District will be able to get as many of the 70's players as possible down to this game for support.
There will be refreshments and finger food at half time of the senior match…ALL club officials welcome.

DIVISION 1- Round 17 Preview

with Good Will Hunter

Chelsea Heights V Dingley (Beazley Reserve)
This is a big test for the Heighters as they come up against the best in the business. Despite last week’s shock loss they have certainly earned their right to play finals footy. However I don’t think they are quite good enough to challenge for the flag this year, and I reckon the minor premiers will win this one pretty comfortably.

East Malvern V Bentleigh (Dunlop Reserve)
Although both sides are now realistically out of the finals race there is still plenty of pride at stake in this clash. These two teams are pretty evenly matched, as evidenced by their previous nail-biting clash in round eight, which was decided by less than a kick. This one should be just as close, but I reckon East Malvern will get one back on Bentleigh with a win here.

East Brighton V Clayton (Hurlingham Park)
Clayton looked very impressive in their opening-term blitzkrieg last Saturday, but it’s a big jump in class this week. The Vampires will be desperate to atone for last week’s disappointing loss and you would think they will be too good for the Clays here.

Cheltenham V St Kilda City (Jack Barker Oval)
The Saints pulled off a surprise last week with their willingness to attack the footy and they got their just rewards. They will need to replicate that effort this week if they are to upset Cheltenham at home, but I think with all their firepower up forward the Rosellas will be too strong.

St Pauls V Heatherton (McKinnon Reserve)
It’s been a tough year for the Tunners and I expect the white-hot Doggies to inflict more pain as they make their charge towards September glory. In short St Pauls will win this one easily.

 

DIVISION 2 -ROUND 17 Preview

with Jason Barbin

With 2 rounds to go and only 2 spots left in the finals to fight for, this round of matchups is the most crucial of the season for several teams.

Murrumbeena vs Doveton (Murrumbeena Park)
Murrumbeena are still a mathematical chance of playing finals but they need a big percentage boosting win against Doveton if they are any chance at all. Unfortunately for the Beena, Doveton have been highly competitive this season and will be full of confidence after a big win against Springvale. Should be a good game of football but the Beena should be too good at home.

Murrumbeena by 17 points

Hampton vs Moorabbin (Peterson Street Reserve)
This is perhaps the most crucial game of the season for Hampton. A win here and they will secure a finals spot in 2014. They come up against a Moorabbin side that has shown snippets of good form over the last few weeks. They will be looking to play spoilers in this matchup but with so much riding on this game, I can’t see Hampton losing this one at home.

Hampton by 25 points

Springvale Districts vs Caulfield (Springvale Reserve)
Round 16’s loss to Doveton officially ended Springvale’s hopes for a finals spot and capped off a disappointing two months for a Springvale side desperate for a win. They will also look to play spoilers against a Caulfield team who are on a high after securing a finals spot. They will want to remain in good form heading into the finals so don’t expect them to slack off.

Caulfield by 19 points

Highett vs Oakleigh District (Turner Road Reserve)
In terms of finals implications, this is the most important game of the round. The situation is simple, whoever wins will play finals, and the loser will be done and dusted for the season. Last time these two sides met, Highett won a close one in which both sides had their chances. Expect this game to the same, with a finals spot on the line, both teams will give their all. Tough to pick a winner but despite a few losses I think Oakleigh are in slightly better form.

Oakleigh by 1 point

Mordialloc vs Skye (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)
Lost in the midst of 4 teams fighting for a finals spot is the game of the round, 1st vs 2nd in what could be another grand final preview. Mordialloc took the victory last time these two sides met but Skye have improved since then and will be looking for revenge. 1st spot on the ladder, the minor premiership and a week off in the first week of finals are the stakes in this one. Another tough game to pick a winner but the Bloods are tough to beat at home.

Mordialloc by 5 points

 

DIVISION 3-ROUND 18 Preview

with Andrew Paloczi

The final round of the home and away season commences on Friday night, as Hallam strives to end its year on a high. The Hawks are experienced playing under lights, but this will not be enough to enable them to beat CPL, as the Lions look to head into the finals in top form.

Ashwood versus South Yarra shapes as a challenge for tipsters, but you would expect the Magpies to end their season with a win at Essex Heights Reserve.

Dandenong is at home, and should make it two wins in a row when it plays Endeavour Hills. After a tough season, the Redlegs have a real opportunity to finish the season in style, and build some positive energy for next year.

Lyndale ventures to Mayfield Park to challenge Mount Waverley. This promises to be a thrilling contest, as the Pumas will be going all out to prove that they are serious premiership contenders, and the Mountain Lions will be determined to maintain their momentum.

Black Rock is back at home and needs to put the disappointment of a heavy loss behind it, as it takes on Sandown. The Cobras are striving to make it four wins in a row, coming into the finals. This should be a beauty, and could go either way.