By Jarryd McGuane
@JMcGuane
Hallam vs Highett (Hallam Reserve)
The game of the round moves out to Hallam in Round 4 as the Hawks play host to Highett.
Hallam returns home after losing their third game of the season, this time at the hands of the top-of-the-ladder Mordialloc. They have slowly started putting stronger performances together through the last few weeks and it can be put down to better defensive output. If they gain some more attacking success, their first win may come this week.
Highett come into this game after a heartbreaking defeat to Oakleigh District where they looked the better of the two sides, but lost two important players to injuries. They have a very good core or players, who came up through juniors together and their chemistry shows. If they can cover their injuries and put together their fast-flowing football, they should be able to control this game.
Highett by eight points.
Edithvale Aspendale vs Oakleigh District (Glen St Reserve)
Edithvale Aspendale enters round 4 for their first Friday night game as they host the very impressive Oakleigh District side.
Edi-Asp fell short in their previous game as they came up a very strong side in Endeavour Hills, following up their first win in Round 2. They were able to score freely enough but were taken apart defensively. Tighten up defensively, and they will right in this game.
Oakleigh District has been extremely valiant all year, as they have ended many games short on players following injuries. Their strongest asset is their core of Rachel McNamara, Danielle Wearne, Jodie Bray, Jess Szalek and Alana Brown who do a lot of the grunt work, as they play a very contested style of football. If they keep the game tight, they have the class to get over the top of any side.
Oakleigh District by 17 points.
Murrumbeena vs Endeavour Hills (Murrumbeena Park)
Murrumbeena Park plays host to a top of the table clash between second placed Murrumbeena and third placed Endeavour Hills on Saturday morning.
Beena came away from Marriot Waters Reserve with their least dominating performance against Lyndhurst. They still manage more shots than their opponents, but need to improve the accuracy.
While Endeavour Hills moved to 2-1 with a strong victory over Edithvale Aspendale, there were soundly defeated by ladder leader Mordialloc a few weeks ago. This week is a great opportunity for the Falcons to prove they can match it with the other class teams of the competition.
Murrumbeena by three points.
East Brighton vs Lyndhurst (Hurlingham Park)
This matchup on Saturday afternoon has the possibility to change the top four, with 2-1 East Brighton facing 1-2 Lyndhurst.
East Brighton has been up and down since their first round victory as they have been down to 18 players on several occasions. They have showed reliable performances across their side and spread the load. They will need to be at the best to account for Lyndhurst.
The Lightning have been close to adding to their win tally following their Round 1 victory and played second-placed Murrumbeena close in their last match. They need to find a larger range of goal kickers if they are score enough to hand the Vampires their second loss.
Lyndhurst by 18 points.
Bentleigh vs Mordialloc (Bentleigh Reserve)
The final game of the round sees last placed Bentleigh host top of the table Mordialloc on Sunday afternoon.
Bentleigh had their best performance against East Brighton last week, but couldn’t maintain it in the second half. They will be up against it this week, but the league has so far shown that anyone is beatable.
Mordialloc have so far been the class of the competition due to the twin key forwards and their very strong midfield. Aleisha Thorne and Nat Cardamone have accounted for the majority of the Bloods goals and Tayla Rosenquist and Stephanie Sandoval give them grunt from the midfield. They will continue to be favourites until proven otherwise.
Mordialloc by 30 points.
