Round 6 Previews

DIVISION ONE with JASON BARBIN

Round 6 sees several sides looking for a crucial win as the top 5 starts to take shape.

 

Chelsea Heights vs East Malvern

Chelsea Heights take on East Malvern in this interesting round 6 match-up. East Malvern has been competitive against the top sides this season and should give Chelsea Heights a good match-up. The demons are coming off a great win in the grand final replay and should make it 3 in a row.

Chelsea Heights by 27 points.

 

East Brighton vs Dingley

East Brighton go up against Dingley in the match of the round at Hurlingham Park. This is another test for the dingoes, who have been the most improved side in the comp and should go in as slight favourites. The vampires will be looking for blood after a disappointing loss in the grand final replay. A battle for the ages!

Dingley by 2 points.

 

St Pauls vs Cheltenham

St Pauls look to make it 6 from 6 when they take on Cheltenham at McKinnon Reserve this Saturday. This game sees division one spearheads Luke James and Chris Graham go head to head in a game where both midfields will look to exert their strength to win the ball. Cheltenham might surprise a few and give the doggies a run for their money.

St Pauls by 14 points.

 

Heatherton vs St Kilda City

An improved Heatherton take on a St Kilda City side in need of a win. The last few weeks have seen Clint Einsiedel’s men play a better brand of football, but it won’t be enough to stop the Saints who will fall out of finals contention if they drop this game.

St Kilda City by 45 points.

 

Highett vs Clayton

Highett are still looking for their first win of the year as they go up against Clayton in this enticing round 6 match-up. Highett have been disappointing thus far so expect them to come out fighting against a Clayton side looking to regroup as they hold off Cheltenham for a finals spot. Another close game.

Clayton by 19 points.

 

DIVISION TWO with THE FOOTY TRAGIC

Bentleigh vs South Yarra

This could be the “ugly” game of the week. Bentleigh, whilst savoring last week’s victory, won’t take their foot off the pedal and should win this without too much trouble. South Yarra just don’t seem to be “clicking”; I am assured they have the ability, they just aren’t playing with the winning culture they had a few years ago. Hopefully they can find their mojo to push Bentleigh to the limit. Even if they do, I’m still tipping Bentleigh!

 

Murrumbeena vs Caulfield

Both of last week’s “surprise” winners play in their “local derby” this week. Both teams will be keen to retain that winning feeling and usually this game is a “humdinger”. Two weeks ago I would have had no hesitation in tipping Murrumbeena to win this, but after last week, I do hesitate, put on my thinking cap, and then tip Murrumbeena. Home ground advantage is the deal breaker here, but I will be happy for the Bears to prove me wrong!

 

Oakleigh District vs Skye

Oakleigh District were early favourites for Division 1 in 2014 but after last week’s effort that is not necessarily the case. This week should show us what they are made of as they face the rampant Skye who will be keen to add another scalp to their 2013 collection. One wonders if Oakleigh District can handle the Skye forwards and stop them kicking a winning score. I’ll have faith in them (for this week at least) and expect them to bounce back hard and beat Skye this week, but only just. Should be a ripper match.

 

Springvale Districts vs Hampton

These two sides will be keen to erase last week's efforts from their memories. A win here will be just what the Doctor ordered. I don’t know if Hampton will be able to handle the wide open spaces of this venue. Springvale’s forwards will have too much room to move and should outpace the Hampton defenders. Springvale for me.

 

Moorabbin vs Mordialloc

Moorabbin played themselves back into some sort of form last week whilst Mordialloc were shock losers! We will see the mettle of each as these teams as they perform this week. I expect Mordialloc to be keen to get back on the winning list, but Moorabbin will be just as keen to chalk up another win. The tight spaces at Moorabbin will make Mordialloc’s job all the much harder, but I think they are up to it. Mordialloc to win this.

 

DIVISION THREE with WILL HUNTER

This week’s match of the round sees Dandenong play host to Mount Waverley at Greaves Reserve. Dandenong have been outstanding, winning four on the trot after getting within a point of Doveton in round one. Mount Waverley is yet to taste defeat and have been simply sublime. I am tipping this one to go down the wire, but the Mountain Lions to prevail.

The two winless sides in Division 3, Endeavour Hills and Hallam, face off at Barry Simon Reserve. This is a difficult game to gauge, as neither side has been in particularly good form and both have suffered some pretty heavy defeats in their opening five games. This game is a toss of the coin, however, I think Hallam has been more competitive in its games to date, and I think they will get up here.

At Barry Powell Reserve, Lyndale hope to return to the winners’ circle with a victory over Ashwood. The Pumas have exceeded my expectations so far this year, while Ashwood have been somewhat disappointing. But with a big, confidence-boosting win behind them, I reckon they will get up in this one and kick-start their season.

After a stirring win last week, Carrum Patterson Lakes travel to Power Reserve for a date with the top-of-the-table Doveton. This is one of the toughest trips in the competition and with the Eagles flying high it’s hard to see the Lions winning this one.

In the final game, Black Rock takes on Sandown at McDonald Reserve. The Jets have struggled in Division 3 so far and although the Cobras haven’t really shown the form that took them to last year’s decider, they should be too good for Black Rock.

 

UNDER 19s with WILL HUNTER

This week the Doggies host the Demons at the Kennel, with just two points separating these evenly-matched sides on the ladder. Bentleigh will be better for the week off last Saturday, but I think St Pauls will turn around their disappointing result at the Hangar with a win at home here.

Chelsea Heights and Murrumbeena have both recorded only one loss each for the year, which makes for a tantalising clash at Beazley Reserve. This will be some high-quality footy, but with an impressive record at home I think the Heighters should get the four points.

Both Clayton and Carrum Patterson Lakes are searching for their first wins of the year at Roy Dore Reserve. The Magpies have been very good in patches this season, and the Lions have shown real endeavour in a tough first year. Clayton is my tip to get the spoils in a close one.

Finally Hampton host Dingley at Springvale Reserve. The Hammers showed a lot of spirit last week, but I don’t think they can match the Dingoes’ run and spread.

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