SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Doveton Eagles V Hallam (Power Reserve)
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 1
ROUND 6 PREVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
Bentleigh V Mordialloc (Bentleigh Reserve)
V 
It’s fair to say things haven’t gone according to script for last year’s grand finalist, who are languishing in ninth spot with just one win to its credit.
Injuries and unavailability have played their part in the Demons’ downfall, and there is no question that they are a better side that their performances to date suggest.
However, they have picked an unfortunate time to take on Mordialloc, who will be smarting from their shock loss to St Pauls last week. As such, you can bet on an inspired performance from the ladder leaders on Saturday, who should return to the winners’ list here.
Mordialloc by 24 points.
Cheltenham V St Pauls (Jack Barker Oval)
V 
Two of the competition’s most exciting young sides will lock horns in a highly-anticipated contest. Both teams play an exhilarating brand of footy, highlighted by their propensity to run and carry with youthful exuberance, and this could make for an attractive spectacle.
Cheltenham will enter the clash as underdogs, but will do doubt serve up a stern challenge to their higher-ranked opponent as they look to keep touch with the top five.
But St Pauls, who had flown under the radar until they knocked off the previously unbeaten Bloods last week, have shown an ability to match it with the best, and should account for the determined Rosellas.
St Pauls by 26 points.
Port Melbourne Colts V East Malvern (JL Murphy Reserve)
V 
The Colts have never lost a SFNL match at its home fortress, but it faces an uphill battle to keep this unique record intact when East Malvern comes to town.
The Panthers are building nicely, and with its bevy of recruits finally gelling together, they will only get stronger as the year progresses.
Port will use the confined space of JL Murphy to its advantage, which will make for a competitive showing, but the bigger-bodies of this East Malvern side will give it a discernible advantage around the ground.
East Malvern by 14 points.
Dingley V Oakleigh District (Souter Oval)
V 
The second-placed Oakleigh District has enjoyed a stellar start to the year, but faces one of the toughest assignments in the SFNL this week as it makes the trek out to Dingley.
The Dingoes haven’t lost too many at home in recent seasons, however, the Districts were the last visiting team to emerge from Souter Oval with the four points back in Round 15 last year – the club’s first ever victory over Dingley.
This will be an absolute belter between two likely finals-bound sides, and one that will likely not have much in it, but history has shown it takes a brave (or silly) punter to tip against Dingley at the Den.
Dingley by eight points.
St Kilda City V Clayton (Peanut Farm)
V 
Unfortunately, there may not much to look forward to in this one, as the rebuilding Clays travel to the Peanut Farm to take on the improved St Kilda City.
The Saints’ side is brimming with talent and it will be keen to record a percentage-boosting victory, which will help its cause in the long run as it looks to secure a finals berth at the end of the year.
Clayton, meanwhile, have struggled enormously this season and another hefty defeat is on the cards.
St Kilda City by 45 points.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 7 PREVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
The Division 2 season continues on Saturday with several in form teams going head to head.
Chelsea Heights v Mount Waverley (Beazley Reserve)
V 
Game of the Round
The Heighters were back to their best against the Vampires and are the only undefeated team remaining in the competition.
The Lions on the other hand are proud owners of a three-game winning streak and are one of the most in form teams in Division 2, stamping themselves as legitimate finals contenders.
There are several players on either side who are proven match winners, but the Heighters at home are always tough and should prevail.
Chelsea Heights by 22 points.
Keysborough v Hampton (Keysborough Reserve)
V 
The Burras are back in business and playing some highly impressive football as they host the Hammers on Saturday.
Hampton suffered a disappointing loss to Murrumbeena in Round 6 and will be keen to bounce back after dropping out of the top five.
A match that could quite easily be game of the round should be a rip snorter, but Keysborough should be too strong.
Keysborough by 16 points.
Murrumbeena v Skye (Murrumbeena Park)
V 
I’m calling it now, the boys from the Beena arena are back after a scintillating second half performance against Hampton last week.
Of course, they face a tough ask in Skye, which will be fresh after two weeks off and, as always, remain one of the toughest teams to score against.
Call me overconfident, but I was impressed with how Murrumbeena went about it and things could be starting to come together.
Murrumbeena by five points.
Springvale Districts v Caulfield (Springvale Reserve)
V 
The Bears were impressive in their win against Heatherton last week, but it will all be for nothing if they can’t do the same against Springvale this weekend.
The Districts haven’t been disgraced by their efforts, but they’ve also yet to be rewarded and are still searching for consistency.
This should be another entertaining contest, but Caulfield may have found their form and should be able to string a win together.
Caulfield by 30 points.
Highett v Heatherton (Turner Road Reserve)
V 
Sitting in ninth spot and two games outside the top five, it’s not dire straights for the Dogs, but a loss here would spell serious trouble for their finals aspirations.
Heatherton are in much the same boat, albeit sitting two spots lower, and need to revert back to its early season form to grab a win on the road.
In a game that could well be do or do for both sides, Highett should have the experience to get across the line and its season back on track.
Highett by 10 points.
BYE: East Brighton
DIVISION 3
ROUND 6 PREVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Sandown vs South Yarra (Edinburgh Reserve)
V 
South Yarra has lost its last couple of games, falling out of the five.
Sandown is in a dire position, conceding 788 points this season whilst scoring just 100.
It will be more misery for the Cobras, with the Yarras intent on a big percentage boost.
Ashwood vs Lyndhurst (Essex Heights Reserve)
V 
After a sluggish start to the season Lyndhurst has hit its stride.
It lost its first couple of games, but is now striving for a fourth consecutive win.
However, opponent Ashwood remains undefeated and was imposing in its last quarter demolition of South Yarra in Round 5.
At the Magpies’ nest, Lightning will fight hard but will ultimately be overwhelmed.
Dandenong vs Carrum Patterson Lakes (Greaves Reserve)
V 
CPL has won only one of its five games, but has an excellent opportunity to add another victory when it visits Dandenong.
The Redlegs managed an encouraging display against Endeavour Hills, but have been badly beaten in their other matches.
Although the Lions have endured a couple of hefty defeats, they have offered hope at times.
Losing by just five goals to third-placed Doveton Eagles will give CPL confidence it is making progress.
The Lions will win.
Black Rock vs Lyndale (MacDonald Reserve)
V 
After winning in Round 1, it has been a surprisingly barren run for Black Rock.
It is yet to achieve another victory and must upset fifth-placed Lyndale.
MacDonald Reserve is not the imposing place to visit it once was.
The Pumas will have no fear venturing there.
It is hard to see Black Rock getting back on track here.
Doveton Eagles vs Hallam (Power Reserve)
V 
This contest shapes as match of the round.
Hallam and Doveton sit second and third respectively.
The match features on Southern FM.
Hallam coach Scott Slater is looking forward to this week’s challenge.
“We believe this clash against Doveton Eagles will be a key indicator on our ongoing improvement from last year,” he said.
He is expecting an entertaining match and a great contest between two high-quality midfields.
It will be a tight one, with Hallam claiming the points.
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
Moorabbin vs Endeavour Hills (Widdop Crescent)
V 
After winning a close contest against South Yarra, Moorabbin was unable to back up against Lyndhurst.
The Kangaroos will be disappointed after a meek showing against Lightning.
Back on home soil against Endeavour Hills, Moorabbin must display greater intensity.
Expect a better showing from the Kangaroos, but Endeavour Hills will make it five wins from six matches.
UNDER 19
ROUND 6 PREVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
Bentleigh and Skye will both be looking to bounce back after losses in Round five at Bentleigh’s home ground, and Hampton will have their work cut out for them as they go head on with a promising St Kilda City at the Peanut Farm.
Doveton and Hallam will clash at the Power Reserve, and in a game not to miss, the undefeated Dingley and Oakleigh District will go head to head as they chase their fifth consecutive win of the season.
In two relatively evenly matched games of the round, Parkmore / Springvale Districts will host Endeavour Hills at Springvale Reserve, and Cheltenham and St Pauls will battle it out at Jack Barker Oval.
