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SFNL MATCH OF THE DAY

DIVISION 2

HAMPTON vs MURRUMBEENA

 V 

Peterson Street Reserve, Peterson Street, Hampton – 2:15pm

Listen to the SFNL Radio Team’s commentary live on 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm or live stream the radio broadcast and get all live scores at sfnllive.com.au.

 

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DIVISION 1 – Round 15 Preview

With Good Will Hunter

@Will_Hunter89

EAST BRIGHTON vs CLAYTON (Widdop Cres)

 V 

A commendable effort again from the Vampires, but yet again they have come up short. And things will not get any easier this week as they take on finals aspirant Clayton.

The Clays have been one of the form teams over the last month and simply cannot afford to let this one slip if they are to play finals football. Expect them to win this convincingly.

 

MORDIALLOC vs ST KILDA CITY (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)

 V 

Mordi’s top three aspirations took a bit of a hit last week with a shock loss to Cheltenham, and it now clings to third spot ahead of East Malvern by percentage only.

However, the Bloods have a great opportunity to get its campaign back on track this week against cellar-dwellar St Kilda City.

Unfortunately, the Saints just aren’t in the same class as Mordialloc and will likely cop another heavy defeat.

 

EAST MALVERN vs BENTLEIGH (Dunlop Reserve)

 V 

The enormity of this battle cannot be overstated as both sides look to secure an all-important spot in the top three.

The second-placed Demons remain in the box seat, while the injury-ravaged Panthers sit fourth, a win behind Bentleigh.

This is a vital game for Bentleigh to help shore up the double chance, with difficult matches against Dingley and Mordialloc to come in the last three rounds.

This match looms as a tipster’s nightmare. Both teams are not without a chance, however, I am going to stick with Bentleigh in a tight one.

 

ST PAULS vs CHELTENHAM (McKinnon Reserve)

 V 

Both St Pauls and Cheltenham are tied on six wins each, which I doubt many people would have expected 10 weeks ago.

Remarkably, both teams remain in finals contention, just four points adrift of the fifth-placed Oakleigh District, however Cheltenham’s percentage hurts its chances. Plenty hinges on this result; for the victor the dream will remain alive while the loser will be a September spectator.

This is another game that could genuinely go either way, but St Pauls may be too strong at home.

 

DINGLEY vs OAKLEIGH DISTRICT (Souter Oval)

 V 

There is a massive carrot dangling in front of the Dingoes this week, for they can secure their third consecutive minor premiership with victory over Oakleigh District at home on Saturday.

The Oaks, meanwhile, have made a point of avenging their losses in the first half of the season, and with wins over East Malvern and Bentleigh in the last fortnight, there is no side that have beaten them twice. This is a record they would love to keep intact as they chase a finals berth in their first season in Division 1.

But Dingley continue to go from strength to strength and it would take a herculean effort to topple them. Unfortunately for Oakleigh District, I can’t see that happening.

 

 

DIVISION 2 – Round 17 Preview

With Jason Barbin

@JBarbin10

With only four rounds remaining, there is still plenty of football to be played and the competition for spots in the top five is well and truly alive.

 

CHELSEA HEIGHTS vs SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS (Beazley Reserve)

 V 

The Heighters are on cloud nine after gaining sole control of second spot on the ladder and they will be keen to consolidate their hold on a top two spot. Springvale will also be up and about after upsetting Hampton last week but it will be difficult for the Districts to make it three wins in a row.

Chelsea Heights by 31 points.

 

CAULFIELD vs PORT MELBOURNE COLTS (Koornang Park Reserve)

 V 

There is a lot of pressure on Caulfield leading into this game. The Bears dropped a game they should’ve won against Keysborough last week and are in danger of dropping out of the top three. The Colts are on a roll and going through the season undefeated is on the cards.

Port Melbourne by 12 points.

 

BLACK ROCK vs KEYSBOROUGH (McDonald Reserve)

 V 

Had you asked me the chances of Black Rock winning this game before last week’s matches and I would’ve seen there was a good chance. But something tells me the Burra are back in action and they’ll go into this match strong favourites.

Keysborough by 22 points.

 

HAMPTON vs MURRUMBEENA (Peterson Street Reserve)

 V 

This is an absolute must win game for both clubs. Should Murrumbeena lose they will drop out of the top five and will be in danger of missing out on finals due to a low percentage, while a win for the Hammers could potentially see them move into fifth spot. It’s not all or nothing but it’s not far off.

Murrumbeena by four points.

 

HEATHERTON vs HIGHETT (Ross Street Reserve)

 V 

This match is Highett’s chance to move into the top five. The Dogs have lost some games they shouldn’t have this year but this is a chance for them to redeem themselves. Heatherton will be boosted by an impressive performance in a loss to the Colts in which they pushed them for three quarters.

Highett by 19 points.

 

BYE: SKYE

 

 

DIVISION 3 – Round 16 Preview

With Andrew Paloczi

@Apaloczi

ENDEAVOUR HILLS vs MOORABBIN (Barry Simon Reserve)

 V 

When Endeavour Hills played Moorabbin earlier this season, the Falcons overcame a slow start to record a five-goal victory.

This time, the Falcons will take charge from the outset and will be a chance to move into third spot on the ladder, should Ashwood stumble.

 

SANDOWN vs SOUTH YARRA (Edinburgh Reserve)

 V 

Sandown will make South Yarra work hard early, but expect the Lions to have too much class.

South Yarra is just in the five, keeping out Lyndale and Hallam on percentage, and the Lions will not allow themselves any complacency against the Cobras.

 

ASHWOOD vs DOVETON EAGLES (Essex Heights Reserve)

 V 

If Ashwood beats Doveton it will bring the Magpies equal on points with the second-placed Eagles.

Doveton has a substantial percentage buffer.

A loss would most likely result in Ashwood dropping to fourth spot.

The Magpies pipped the Eagles by a point on Doveton’s turf in Round 5.

Ashwood will fancy its chances at home, but Doveton will be determined not to concede a psychological advantage to the Magpies with finals approaching.

The Eagles will win a thriller.

 

DANDENONG vs HALLAM (Greaves Reserve)

 V 

A loss against Dandenong would be catastrophic for Hallam.

The Hawks’ season started so well and they sat second after eight rounds.

Hallam is now seventh, although it is only behind fifth-placed South Yarra on percentage.

The Hawks will keep their finals hopes alive with an easy win over the Redlegs.

 

MOUNT WAVERLEY vs LYNDHURST (Mayfield Park)

 V 

With no disrespect to Lyndhurst, which has surpassed all expectations this season, it is not yet in a position to challenge Mount Waverley.

This is an ideal opportunity for the Mountain Lions to rest players in the lead up to the finals and give others a taste of seniors action.

Mount Waverley will win by a big margin.

 

CARRUM PATTERSON LAKES vs LYNDALE (Roy Dore Reserve)

 V 

Occupying the sixth rung on the ladder and out of the five on percentage, Lyndale will keep its dreams of finals alive with an easy win against Carrum Patterson Lakes.