St Pauls V Cheltenham (McKinnon Reserve)
Forget their form line; this will be a cracking contest. Granted, the Dogs haven’t had the greatest start to their title defence, but Cheltenham’s past fortnight has been fairly ordinary and on that basis I’m tipping St Pauls to get the points in a close one.
Chelsea Heights V East Malvern (Beazley Reserve)
The Panthers have struggled so far in 2014 with just one win from four matches and are looking like they will finish closer to the foot of the ladder than the peak. Conversely, the Heighters are full of belief after last week’s surprise victory and should get the job done here.
East Brighton V Bentleigh (Hurlingham Park)
Fresh off their break-through victory last week, the Demons now face one of the toughest assignments in the SFL. Although their win will give them some much-needed confidence, the Vampires are a very good side and it’s hard to see them losing this one at home.
Heatherton V St Kilda City (Ross Street Reserve)
It’s probably fair to suggest that the Tunners will be fighting to avoid relegation this season, and if they are to stay afloat in Division One, they can’t afford to be dropping winnable games like they did last week. On their efforts to date, you can’t pick them to beat the Saints here.
Clayton V Dingley (Meade Reserve)
The Dingoes seem to get more impressive with every passing week and Dean Francis is looking like the ‘needs’ recruit of the year. Clayton will put up a good fight but I suspect Dingley will win this one rather comfortably.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 5 Preview
with Jason Barbin
Mordialloc vs Springvale Districts
This is a very important clash for Springvale. A loss here and they could fall a game and a half behind the park. Their season wouldn’t be over but they would have a lot of work to do. Mordialloc have been the best side this season and haven’t looked like losing. I don’t see their first loss coming anytime soon.
Mordialloc by 29 points
Hampton vs Murrumbeena
Both these sides have been up and down to start the season. Hampton have been competitive while only winning one game. Murrumbeena have proved they can kick a high score but are struggling to kick accurately at crucial parts of the game. Hampton need to win this one to stay in touch with the top 5.
Murrumbeena by 14 points
Oakleigh District vs Moorabbin
Oakleigh are starting to string a few wins together and should get another one against Moorabbin this week. The Roos have struggled to start the season and need their midfield to step up if they are going to have a chance in this one. Oakleigh are starting to look like a finals team and will look to make their way up the ladder.
Oakleigh by 40 points
Highett vs Doveton
Highett have done a complete 180 on their early season form. After losing their first 2 games they have come from behind to win their next 2. This week could be the same as Doveton played very well against Skye last week and will be looking to pinch a game from a side looking to play finals. This will be close.
Highett by 7 points
Skye vs Caulfield
The undefeated Skye take on the improving Bears in a game that could be closer than people think. Only 2 teams have scored fewer points than the Bombers and while the defence has been outstanding to start the season, they need to be able to kick a big score if they are going to match it with the likes of Mordialloc. The Bears won’t make it easy for them though.
Skye by 18 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 6 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
Round 6 gets underway on Friday night, as Lyndale travels to Hallam to take on the Hawks. The Pumas should make it three straight wins.
Ashwood is at home this week, but will struggle to beat a confident Black Rock side.
Sandown travels to Greaves Reserve and will start a strong favourite against Dandenong.
Endeavour Hills hosts South Yarra at Barry Simon Reserve. It will be interesting to see if the Falcons can regain their self-belief after a heavy defeat, but the suspicion is that they will be too good for the Lions.
Mayfield Reserve is a great place to be this week as you will get the chance to see the top of the ladder clash between Mount Waverley and Carrum Patterson Lakes. This is a tough one to pick. The Mountain Lions have been a little vulnerable the last couple of weeks and with the red-hot form CPL is in, there may be a new ladder leader come the final siren.
