ROUND 17 PREVIEW
There are two blockbuster matchups heading into Round 17 of Division 2, with spots the battle for third and fifth spots heating up.
Highett v Keysborough (Turner Road Reserve)
V 
Game of the Week
The battle for third spot on the ladder should be decided this week with fourth-placed Highett hosting third-placed Keysborough in an epic matchup.
The Dogs have been in sensational form and have knocked off ladder leaders Doveton in recent weeks, and boast a deep line-up, lead by forward Ed Turner and guns Tom Brown and Yianni Pasialis.
On the other hand, the Burra might have the best key forward in the division at the moment in Chris Bryan who has been in blistering form, with the likes of Ryan Goodes and James Anwyl in hot form beside him.
This match is sure to be a blockbuster and could very well go down to the wire.
Highett by four points.
Hampton v East Brighton (Peterson Street Reserve)
V 
A game just as important as the Highett and Keysborough, the battle for fifth position could also be decided this week with Hampton hosting East Brighton.
The Hammers entered the top five after last week’s win, but only lead the Vampires by a game, with the latter boasting a better percentage.
With Caulfield still in the hunt, a win for both of these sides is crucial so look for their key players in Mark Devereaux (Hampton) and Kai Love-Linay (East Brighton) to lead from the front.
Hampton by six points.
Murrumbeena v Skye (Murrumbeena Park)
V 
Having just relinquished top spot on the ladder, Murrumbeena will look to bounce back and generate some momentum heading into the finals.
They come up against a Skye side that has shown promise at times, but has struggled to keep up with the top bunch for the majority of the season.
With several key players missing during the match against Doveton, Murrumbeena will hope to begin integrating them back into the side during the next two weeks.
Murrumbeena by 37 points.
Caulfield v Clayton (Koornang Park Reserve)
V 
If ever there was a time for Clayton to play spoiler, this would be it, as Caulfield’s finals hopes hang on tenterhooks with a torrid run of form.
The Bears have lost six straight games and dropped out of the top five, but could jump back in if it joins East Brighton on the winners list.
With a much lower percentage than the two clubs in the battle for fifth, a boost is in need so watch for Caulfield to go all out in order to achieve it.
Caulfield by 40 points.
Doveton Eagles v Mount Waverley (Power Reserve)
V 
Back into top spot with a strong win against Murrumbeena, Doveton will again look to consolidate its position with a win against Mount Waverley.
The Lions are all but out of the finals race and it would take a miracle for them to jump into the top five, but they would be keen to play spoilers either way.
While the Eagles have an eye on September, the Lions will be looking to finish off their season in strong fashion with a big upset win.
Doveton by 32 points.
@JBarbin10
