Round 7 is Indigenous Round in the SFL as we celebrate the original custodians of our country.
East Malvern vs East Brighton
East vs East as the Pumas take on the Vampires in a must win clash for both teams. East Malvern need to draw ahead of the two teams on the bottom of the ladder while the Vampires need to keep in touch with the top 3 sides if they want to repeat their premiership success of last year. Key match.
East Brighton by 40 points.
Cheltenham vs Highett
Cheltenham has flown a little under the radar the last couple of weeks but they have been super competitive, pushing St Pauls for 3 quarters. Highett on the other hand have struggled with consistency and are desperate for a win. The Rosellas should have a win as they fight for a top 5 spot.
Cheltenham by 42 points.
Clayton vs Heatherton
Though Heatherton have played a better brand of football the last month, they come up against a Clayton side full of confidence. Sitting in the top 4 with a midfield that is starting to click into gear, Clayton look like they could be headed for a finals berth. A win here will help.
Clayton by 48 points.
St Kilda City vs Chelsea Heights
These two old foes go to battle once again in a contest that could go either way. St Kilda City have been playing great football without getting the wins on the board while Chelsea Heights have just been plugging away and getting big wins. Don’t be surprised if the margin is in single digits.
Chelsea Heights by 7 points.
Dingley vs St Pauls
The two remaining unbeaten sides go head on in a game that could determine premiership favouritism. Both sides have midfields capable of taking over games but St Pauls do have an edge if key forward Luke James lines up at full forward. Match of the round and should be a ripper contest.
Dingley by 2 points.
DIVISION TWO with THE FOOTY TRAGIC
Mordialloc vs Bentleigh
Third on the ladder host the ladder leaders this week, and if conditions are good weather-wise this game should be a ripper! Bentleigh won’t be afraid of the large ground and I think they should win again this week, but it certainly won’t be easy. Mordi are more than capable of matching it with Bentleigh but I think their only chance is if Bentleigh kicks as inaccurately as it did last week. Bentleigh are smart enough to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Skye vs Murrumbeena
Skye won’t be happy just losing last week and will be anxious to take out their frustrations against Murrumbeena. I can’t see Murrumbeena’s back line holding Skye to a losing score and Skye’s back line definitely won’t give Murrumbeena any easy opportunities either.
South Yarra vs Springvale Districts
South Yarra put up a more spirited display last week but this week will need to improve on that if they are going to defeat Springvale Districts. I can’t see that happening. Springvale Districts for me.
Caulfield vs Moorabbin
These two sides will be disappointed with last week’s losses. Both teams will be keen to get back on the winning list, but unfortunately only one of them will. Caulfield’s home ground advantage could sway this match, but if they are not on their game, Moorabbin could give them a big fright. I’ll go for the Bears here.
Hampton vs Oakleigh District
Oakleigh haven’t done too much wrong so far this season whilst Hampton’s form has been a bit “iffy”. The small ground at Peterson St wont suit the District, and Oakleigh slipped up a couple of weeks ago on a small ground, but they have enough class to overcome everything the Hammers can throw at them this week. Oakleigh District to win.
DIVISION THREE with 'GOOD' WILL HUNTER
Round 7 sees Sandown and Dandenong headline a ripping weekend of footy with a tantalising clash at Edinburgh Reserve. The inconsistent Cobras have been phenomenal in a few games this season, but also somewhat underwhelming in others. But if last week’s performance is anything to go by, they may have rediscovered their mojo. Dandenong are a very good side and will make a tremendous contest of this one, but I think Sandown will prevail.
Another big game is Ashwood versus Doveton at Essex Heights Reserve. The Magpies have also been a bit hot and cold this season and will need to be at their absolute best to match it with Doveton. The Eagles got an almighty fright last week, but are still the form team of the competition and I reckon they will lift this week and continue their winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Hawks will be aiming to make it two wins in a row when they take on Lyndale at Hallam Reserve. Although Hallam claimed their first points for the season last week, they weren’t entirely impressive. That said, it is a step in the right direction and will give them the confidence to claim bigger scalps during the year. They are certainly a chance to win this one, but Lyndale have looked the better side throughout the year and should be good enough to get over the line in a close one.
Black Rock makes the trip down to Roy Dore Reserve to play Carrum Patterson Lakes. The Lions put in a super effort against the Eagles last week, and despite not coming away with the points, there was enough to suggest in that performance that finals aren’t beyond them. The Jets in contrast were completely demoralised and I expect their struggles to continue with a loss here.
Finally, Mount Waverley hosts the winless Endeavour Hills at Mayfield Reserve. The Falcons were stiff to be pipped at the post after a spirited performance last week, but the Mountain Lions are simply a class above and will win this with ease.
UNDER 19’s with 'GOOD' WILL HUNTER
In this weeks’ matches Chelsea Heights travel down the road to the Hangar to take on the undefeated Skye. No doubt the Heighters will come out firing after a loss on home soil last week, so expect a solid performance from them this week. But the Bombers are flying this season and should win.
I am expecting another close game when the Dingoes host the Doggies. St Pauls will be keen to atone for last week’s disappointing performance and will no doubt come out hard. But Dingley are tough to beat at the Den and I’m tipping them to get the points at home.
At Ben Kavangh Reserve the red-hot Demons tackle Carrum Patterson Lakes. There was a lot to like about the Lions’ efforts last week and although I think they are on the right track, Bentleigh will be too good.
The final game sees Beena take on Hampton at Murrumbeena Park. The home side are in good form coming into this clash, and although the Hammers will be competitive, Murrumbeena should get over the line.
