Competition for finals spots is shaping to be fierce and several matches this week will help sort the contenders from the pretenders.
Bentleigh V Chelsea Heights (Bentleigh Reserve)
After sweeping all before them in Division Two last year, Bentleigh are struggling to find their feet in the higher grade. If the Heighters are serious about playing finals, this is a must-win game and I think they will get up here.
East Malvern V Cheltenham (Dunlop Reserve)
The Panthers’ defence showed remarkably solidarity and resilience last week and will need to call upon all of their strengths to contain the Rosellas’ powerful forward line. However, with plenty of contributors around the ground and with a chance to cement a spot in the top three, I reckon Cheltenham will get the points.
St Kilda City V East Brighton (Peanut Farm)
A massive challenge for the Saints. The undefeated East Brighton just keeps going from strength to strength as they build towards a tilt at the flag. Although they are a good side, I don’t think St Kilda City are premiership material this season and on that basis I’m tipping a comfortable win for the Vampires.
Clayton V St Pauls (Meade Reserve)
Missing a few players and down on form, Clayton will not get a better opportunity to knock off the Dogs than this. That said St Pauls are still a quality outfit and should be too strong here.
Dingley V Heatherton (Souter Oval)
Unfortunately I don’t think there will be anything to look forward to for Tunners fans; I expect the Dingley juggernaut to roll on and win by plenty.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 6 Preview
with Jason Barbin
Round 6 brings upon us a series of ladder defining games that will shake things up as the season continues.
Caulfield vs Highett
Highett look to make it 4 wins in a row when they take on Caulfield at Koornang Park. The Bears looked solid for 3 quarters against ladder leaders Skye and have shown that they can be competitive. Highett have looked strong over the last 3 weeks and they should be too good on this occasion. Highett by 27 points
Murrumbeena vs Springvale Districts
Murrumbeena look to bounce back after three straight defeats when they take on Springvale Districts at the Beena Arena. Springvale are coming off a come from behind upset win over Mordialloc and will be full of confidence but the Beena are tough to beat at home. This game could go down to the wire. Murrumbeena by 8 points
Doveton vs Hampton
Like the Bears, Doveton have shown that they can be competitive with the sides above them. Hampton have also shown considerable improvement this season and will be looking to make it 2 wins in a row and move into the top 5. All eyes will be on key forwards Peter Dye and Brendan Bennett. A big bag from either of them could be match-winning. Hampton by 12 points
Oakleigh District vs Mordialloc
One of the games of the season as last season’s Preliminary finalists meet up for the first time this season. Both sides are coming off good starts to the season and will be keen to keep their winning form. Watch for a potential matchup between Paul Fermanis and Sam Anstey. Though Fermanis is bigger than Anstey, both players are proven match winners. Oakleigh Districts by 3 points
Moorabbin vs Skye
Skye look to make it 6 wins in a row when they travel to Moorabbin to take on the Roos. Moorabbin have looked good in patches of games but have been unable to string together a four solid quarters of Football. Skye have been rock solid defensively to start the season and this game should be another example. Should be a comfortable win for Skye. Skye by 31 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 7 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
Round 7 presents a challenge for Endeavour Hills, as it takes on Lyndale at Barry Powell Reserve. The Falcons are at long odds to win against the third-placed Pumas.
Sandown is back at home and should be too good for Ashwood. The Magpies have been competitive at times, but have only celebrated victory over the one team below them on the ladder.
South Yarra plays at home, reinvigorated after recording its second win for the season. The Lions need all the confidence they can find as Mount Waverley pays a visit. It is great to see the underdog triumph, but it would require a miracle in this case.
Carrum Patterson Lakes is likely to record a heavy win over Dandenong. The Lions are back at home and a win for the Redlegs seems close to impossible, but footy provides some real surprises.
Black Rock hosts Hallam, and the Jets are strong favourites against the struggling Hawks.
A few sides face hurdles this round, but a win in such circumstances would be all the sweeter.
