SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Cheltenham V Bentleigh (Jack Barker Oval)
Clayton V East Malvern (Meade Reserve)
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm to hear the live call of these game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
DIVISION 1
ROUND 2 PREVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
88.3 SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Cheltenham V Bentleigh (Jack Barker Oval)
V 
Both Cheltenham and Bentleigh will wear specially designed commemorative ANZAC Appeal jumpers for their annual ANZAC Round clash, and you can expect another large contingent on hand at JBO to witness an enthralling contest.
Bentleigh did just enough to take the points against St Pauls a fortnight ago, albeit in tough conditions, but perhaps have a bit of work to do to recapture their sparkling 2016 form.
The Rosellas, meanwhile, looked impressive at times against the reigning premiers, and with its new recruits stealing the show, they justified their billing the league’s biggest improvers.
This is a game that could genuinely go either way, but with a few injury concerns at Arthur Street, I’m tipping the home side in a thriller.
Cheltenham by 1 point.
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
Mordialloc V Port Melbourne Colts (Ben Kavanagh Reserve)
V 
Mordialloc provided the biggest boilover last week, stunning the premiership facies with its ferocity at the contest and explosiveness on the outside.
The Colts, meanwhile, were challenged like they haven’t been for some time, and pulled off one of the gutsiest wins in recent memory. Confidence can take a side a long way, and that victory over St Kilda City could perhaps be season-defining for the Division 1 newcomers.
This will be a terrific battle between two hard-bodied midfield groups, but the vast expanses of Ben Kavanagh will play into the hands of the home side.
Mordialloc by 15 points.
St Pauls V Oakleigh District (McKinnon Reserve)
V 
It has been tipped to be a tough year at the Kennel as St Pauls looks to rebuild its list. But the impressive performance of returning star Matty Kreymborg, who almost single-handedly dragged his side back into the contest against last year’s grand finalist, suggests it won’t be all doom and gloom.
The Oaks looked impressive as they secured a massive Round 1 victory over Clayton with ease. The Dogs will no doubt provide a sterner challenge this week, but the all-round quality of this Oakleigh side will see them home.
Oakleigh District by 26 points.
St Kilda City V Dingley (Peanut Farm)
V 
There’s a lot to like about these new City recruits after impressive first up performances. And you can bet a side stacked with new players will improve as the year progresses and the players gel together under new coach Richard Houston.
Dingley, however, showed they’ve still got it, responding to the Cheltenham challenge to secure their first win of the year. While they perhaps won’t be as dominant as they have been in previous season, the Dingoes remain firmly in premiership calculations and shouldn’t drop this one.
Dingley by 20 points.
88.3 SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Clayton V East Malvern (Meade Reserve)
V 
The standalone Sunday clash between traditional ANZAC Day combatants is shaping as one of the most lopsided in recent seasons.
The concerns about Clayton were confirmed in Round 1, with a demoralising loss to local rivals Oakleigh Districts.
East Malvern hardly set the world on fire themselves, but you can expect improvement from them in the coming weeks. If they can play to their potential, it will be a miserable day for Clayton.
East Malvern by 40 points.
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM from 2:00pm to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 3 PREVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
The season resumes for Round 3 after the Easter break with three sides still searching for their first win of the season.
JB’s Match of the Round
Mount Waverley v East Brighton (Mayfield Reserve)
V 
Match of the round for me sees last year’s Division 1 wooden spooners take on last year’s division three premiers in an intriguing matchup.
Neither side has tasted victory in 2017 and neither side has been particularly impressive in either of there contests.
East Brighton has looked the better of the two sides however, and should be able to score win number one.
East Brighton by 14 points.
Chelsea Heights v Springvale Districts (Beazley Reserve)
V 
Chelsea Heights look to win its third match in a row when it hosts Springvale Districts at home, a match it will go into as favourites.
The Districts were impressive in their grinding victory against Highett before Easter, but will have a much tougher task against the Heighters on their home deck, especially with Phil Smith in good form for the home side.
Chelsea Heights by 33 points.
Murrumbeena v Caulfield (Murrumbeena Reserve)
V 
Murrumbeena come off the bye looking for its first win of the year, but come up against premiership favourite Caulfield in what will be a tough clash.
The Bears had the wood over the Beena last year, but will need a strong performance to get across the line after an ugly win against East Brighton.
Murrumbeena always played well on its home deck, but Caulfield should be too strong.
Caulfield by nine points.
Heatherton v Skye (Ross Street Reserve)
V 
The Tonners host the Bombers in what will be a tough match for them at home, with Skye soaring high after two impressive victories to start the season.
While Heatherton has continued to improve, it will have its works cut out for it with Skye recruit Stephen Hawkins in excellent early season form.
Skye by 27 points.
Highett v Hampton (Turner Road Reserve)
V 
The Dogs take on the Hammers in an important clash for Highett heading into Round 3.
While a loss won’t end their season by any stretch, for a team which was looking to play finals football in 2017, going 0-3 to start the year leaves them with a lot of work to do.
Hampton will be full on confidence after two straight victories, and rightly so as they look like on of the most improved teams of the competition so far.
Hampton by 10 points.
BYE: Keysborough
DIVISION 3
ROUND 2 PREVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Doveton Eagles vs Lyndhurst (Power Reserve)
V 
Doveton Eagles and Lyndhurst entered the season with high expectations, but were unable to make winning starts in Round 1.
Expect Lyndhurst’s youngsters to bounce back.
However, Doveton players will feel confident after taking it right up to South Yarra in a tough away assignment.
Anticipate a competitive match, but the experience of Doveton will prove the difference.
Sandown vs Moorabbin (Edinburgh Reserve)
V 
New Sandown coach Ange Sammartino will be keen to see his Cobras produce a competitive showing against Moorabbin.
Sandown was embarrassed in Round 1, whilst Moorabbin showed promise despite a loss.
Kangaroos’ recruits Justin Isaac and Damian Armansin both impressed with their hard work to win the footy and will be difficult for the Cobras to contain.
Moorabbin will be far too good.
Dandenong vs South Yarra (Greaves Reserve)
V 
The one positive for Dandenong is playing at home, but that will not be enough to trouble South Yarra.
The Lions got off to a gritty start with a tough first-up win.
Unfortunately for the Redlegs, their Round 1 story was like a continuation of last season’s nightmare.
A win appears out of the question for Dandenong, but it needs to show competitive spirit.
Hallam vs Endeavour Hills (Hallam Reserve)
V 
This match presents Endeavour Hills with a chance to test itself against Hallam on the Hawks’ home turf.
The Falcons are a finals contender, and the Hawks appear to be the division’s benchmark side.
Hallam will win an entertaining avian stoush by a few goals.
Black Rock vs Ashwood (MacDonald Reserve)
V 
This promises to be a ripper of a contest between two of the division’s best sides.
Black Rock showed a propensity to run hard and combined effectively as a team in its first match back in Division 3.
Ashwood will relish this challenge.
It is a difficult one to call, but being on their home turf may give the Jets the edge.
Carrum Patterson Lakes vs Lyndale (Roy Dore Reserve)
V 
Carrum Patterson Lakes will strive to continue its promising start to the season when it hosts Lyndale.
Whilst CPL couldn’t win in Round 1, it was competitive.
This is something new coach Terry Philippe has worked hard to instil in his players after the club endured a horror 2016 season.
Lyndale will win, but Lions’ fans should enjoy seeing Philippe’s recruits in action, as the club builds a rosier future.
UNDER 19
ROUND 2 PREVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
After the Easter break, the Under 19s will return for Round 2 on Saturday April 22
nd. St Kilda City will host Dingley at home, and Doveton will be introduced to the season against Hampton after their first-round bye.
St Pauls and Oakleigh District will go head on after two wins in the first round, and Parkmore/Springvale Districts will be hungry for a win against Skye, after just falling short in their first game.
Endeavour Hills will be looking to continue their first round form against Hallam, and Bentleigh and Cheltenham will both be looking for their first win of the season.
CPL/Keysborough will have a two-week resting period, due to a fixtured bye after the Easter break.
