Round 7 this week looms as perhaps the most exciting round of footy for the year, and potentially a tipster’s nightmare.
East Brighton V Dingley (Hurlingham Park)
This is undoubtedly the game of the season to date and a likely grand final preview between the two undefeated sides in the competition. The Dingoes are the highest scoring side in the competition, and Vampire defenders including Liam Bowman will have their hands full containing Francis, who has kicked 15 goals in the last fortnight. Both sides have a tremendous line up of goal-kicking midfielders and in all honesty this game will be harder to pick than a broken nose. But I’ll stick my neck out and tip East Brighton at home in a thriller.
Chelsea Heights V St Kilda City (Beazley Reserve)
After back-to-back three-point losses, the Heighters will be keen to avoid comparisons with North Melbourne of last year. There will be more than three points in it this week, but unfortunately for Chelsea Heights it will be St Kilda City taking the spoils.
St Pauls V East Malvern (McKinnon Reserve)
The Panthers have been the surprise packet with two unlikely wins from its last two starts. All the pieces are beginning to fall into place for them and I reckon they are a side on the up. However, I think after their demolition job last week, St Pauls will be too good.
Heatherton V Clayton (Ross Street Reserve)
This is one of those winnable games for the Tunners, but it’s always difficult to bounce back from a 100-point pasting and on that basis Clayton should get up here.
Cheltenham V Bentleigh (Jack Barker Oval)
The Rosellas have dropped a couple of winnable games in the last month, but I think they are too good a side to lose to Bentleigh at home.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 7 Preview
with Jason Barbin
Round 7 may end up being the most crucial round of the season. Every game has the potential to shape the ladder in a dramatic way.
Mordialloc vs Murrumbeena
Both sides bounced back from losses with good wins against tough opposition. Murrumbeena might be able to cause an upset in this one. Ben Kavanagh is a big ground and if the Beena get their running game going they are in with a chance. With James Morris back in form however, the Bloods will be very tough to beat at home. Mordialloc by 18 points
Hampton vs Caulfield
This is a crucial game for two dark horse sides wanting to play finals footy in 2014. Caulfield are coming off a good win against Highett while the Hammers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing effort against Doveton. After a good start to the season, Brendan Bennett needs to recapture his form in front of goal if Hampton are going to win. Hampton by 13 points
Springvale Districts vs Doveton Eagles
Doveton have been a bit of a surprise packet early on in the season, showing that they can be competitive against the top sides in division 2. Springvale will be looking to move back into the top 5 and will be tested by the Eagles but if the conditions are favourable, Springvale will be too good at home. Springvale by 22 points
Highett vs Moorabbin
Both sides will be looking to bounce back after disappointing losses. Moorabbin have now fallen 2 games behind 9th placed Doveton and need to start making up ground. They have shown glimpses of competitiveness while Highett have been shaky at times. If Moorabbin were ever going to cause an upset, this could be it. Highett should be too strong though. Highett by 31 points
Skye vs Oakleigh District
Another blockbuster matchup for Oakleigh as they try keep their place in the top 5. Skye showed that they can kick a high score last week, albeit against the bottom ranked side but this is an opportunity for them to put a proven side to the sword. Don’t be surprised if this game is free flowing rather than a grinding affair. Skye by 11 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 8 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
Round 8 kicks off under lights as Sandown travels to Hallam Reserve. This promises to be an intriguing game. The Cobras should win, but the Hawks continue to be competitive and will feel they are in with a chance.
Black Rock hosts Lyndale in what should be a ripper. The home ground advantage may help the Jets to edge out the Pumas, but another slow start could prove fatal.
At Essex Heights Reserve, Ashwood might offer early resistance against Carrum Patterson Lakes, but the Lions should prove too good for the Magpies, and the margin is likely to be sizeable by the end of the game.
Dandenong is back at Greaves Reserve, but is still likely to be overpowered by South Yarra. The Lions should win comfortably.
Mount Waverley is likely to continue its winning ways when Endeavour Hills comes to play. The Falcons have been a much-improved side this year, and will come into the match with some confidence; however, it is difficult to see an upset occurring.
