As we approach the halfway mark of the season it looks like there will be a massive battle for the final spot in the five with five clubs currently locked on three wins each.
Chelsea Heights V Clayton (Beazley Reserve)
A massive clash between two sides in contention for that all-important fifth spot. The Heighters have hardly set the world on fire and have dropped a couple of winnable games, but they should be good enough to beat Clayton at home.
East Malvern V St Kilda City (Dunlop Reserve)
City have probably been the disappointment of 2014 thus far, whereas the Panthers have shown they are certainly heading in the right direction. This should be an exciting game of footy but I’m tipping the Sainters to bounce back and break a three-match losing streak here.
East Brighton V Heatherton (Hurlingham Park)
Playing both of last year’s grand finalists in successive weeks is a tough ask for any side, but this is a monumental task for a winless side fighting to avoid relegation. East Brighton by plenty.
St Pauls V Bentleigh (McKinnon Reserve)
After some encouraging performances in the last six weeks it appears Bentleigh have finally begun to find their feet in Division One, however, I can’t see them knocking off the reigning premiers on their home deck.
Cheltenham V Dingley (Jack Barker Oval)
By rights this should be a classic between two very good sides. The Dingoes on-ball brigade is one of the best in the business and I reckon that will get them over the line.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 9 Preview
with Jason Barbin
Round 9 marks the halfway point of the season and while the top 2 may be done and dusted, teams are still fighting for the last 3 spots in the top 5.
Mordialloc vs Doveton
Doveton will be choc full of confidence after their win against Murrumbeena but the Bloods have just retaken top spot on the ladder and won’t be looking at leaving it anytime soon. This game could be a lot closer than expected and based on previous form, it could be one of the games of the round. Mordialloc by 27 points
Murrumbeena vs Caulfield
This is a must win for both sides heading into the second half of the season. Murrumbeena currently sit 8th on the ladder and if they fail to win this game you can almost kiss their finals chances goodbye. They must find a reliable avenue to goal if they are going to compete. Bears form has been good and they won’t make it easy. Murrumbeena by 14 points
Hampton vs Oakleigh District
Another must win game for both sides. Hampton is sitting 6th, only half a game outside the top 5 but with a subpar percentage. Another win will help create a gap between them and the bottom half of the ladder. Oakleigh are in the same position as Murrumbeena, a loss here and their finals chances become slimmer. Oakleigh by 29 points
Springvale Districts vs Moorabbin
Springvale are back into the top 5 and they will look to consolidate their position with a win over Moorabbin. Moorabbin have continued to struggle this season. If they are able to put together four quarters of strong attacking football they can get close. But we are yet to see them do that. Springvale by 35 points
Highett vs Skye
Highett have improved greatly since their 0-2 start to the season and they currently sit in 3rd spot on the ladder. Skye are coming off their first loss of the season at home and they will be looking to bounce back and stay in touch with Mordialloc. This could turn into another defensive game and Skye have proven that they are the best defensive team in Division 2. Skye by 10 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 10 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
Round 10 is here, and with it the prospect of revenge for those teams beaten in round 1. It will be intriguing to see if some of the results are different this time.
Lyndale comfortably accounted for Sandown last time, but the Cobras will head to Barry Powell Reserve with plenty of confidence after winning their last four games.
South Yarra and Hallam played a good match last time, but the Lions were a bit too strong. This time they have home ground advantage, and with the Hawks only managing one win for the season so far, the Lions are likely to get the job done again.
Mount Waverley kicked off its season with a 130-point demolition of Dandenong. The Redlegs have shown some good form in the last couple of weeks, but it is hard to feel confident about their visit to the Mountain Lions’ den. A similar result may be on the cards.
Black Rock pushed Carrum Patterson Lakes all the way last time, and finished only eight points behind. This time CPL is at home and should be too good again.
Endeavour Hills broke a long drought with victory over Ashwood in round 1. This time the contest takes place on the Falcons’ turf. Both teams are coming off a win despite having a difficult season so far. The Falcons should take the points again, but it is far from a certainty.
