Greenvale v Aberfeldie – RADIO GAME
ONLY percentage separates these two heavy-weights as they go head-to-head at Section Road.
And come 5pm just one team will sit unanimously atop the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division Ladder.
Greenvale’s one loss came courtesy of Aberfeldie all the way back in Round 1 to the tune of 20 points.
Meanwhile Aberfeldie have notched up back-to-back wins after a minor discrepancy to Strathmore in Round 7.
Rain is forecast but with some serious fire power at either end of the ground, don’t rule out the chance of a high-scoring encounter.
Aberfeldie’s Kyle Reimers kicked six goals the last time these two teams met, while the emergence of Josh Pound and his ability to consistently hit the scoreboard will keep the Jets’ back six guessing.
Luke Davis and co. will have similar issues down back with Addam Maric and Jacob Thompson more than capable of causing some headaches for the Gorillas.
Maribyrnong Park v Strathmore
Both sides will be looking to get back onto the winner’s list after hiccups last week.
Maribyrnong Park played good football in patches against Aberfeldie but failed to put together a four-quarter performance, while Strathmore was shocked in an upset against West Coburg.
The chance to flex some muscle and scalp a win against a fellow contender will surely entice Robbie Castello and Nathan Grima.
Both teams have plenty of star power to brag about with the likes of Will Martiniello, Jaryd Cachia and Andrew Horne all running around in the middle.
Marby are a chance to regain the services of Cam Lee and Chris Prowse from injury, which may just give the Lions an edge at home.
A clash between third and fourth promises a high-quality game, with the winner one step closer to securing a spot in September action.
Keilor v Essendon Doutta Stars
Expect tensions to be high with a season-defining clash taking place at Joe Brown Oval.
Both Keilor and Essendon Doutta Stars have had underwhelming years given pre-season expectations.
But a big win against an archrival is the perfect opportunity for one of these teams to kick-start the back half of their year.
Keilor took the four points earlier this season at Nipper Jordan Oval and should be up-and-about after a big win over Craigieburn last week.
The Stars haven’t yet reached the lofty heights some expected pre-season but if a one-point loss to Maribyrnong Park two rounds ago taught us anything, it’s that Douttas can still match it with the best.
Tyson Hartwig was amongst the bests for Douttas in their loss to the Jets last week and may be the answer to the stopping a rampant Dean Galea.
Pascoe Vale v West Coburg
A seven-game losing streak has seen last year’s elimination finalists slump to ninth place on the ladder.
While it may be a case of season over for Pacco, there is still time for the Panthers to get some wins on the board.
The team from Raeburn Reserve have been better than what their win-loss suggests but an uncanny ability to consistently lose at home has been Pacco’s kryptonite.
Their opposition won’t make this game any easier, either.
With the taste of victory fresh in the minds of Digby Morrell’s side, the Burgers will be eager to continue their winning ways.
Setanta MacAodha didn’t miss a beat returning to the side last week and will need to be stopped if Pascoe Vale are any chance of taking the chocolates.
Meanwhile West Coburg will have a few headaches going in as they attempt to curb the influence of Pacco guns Michael and Ben Ross in what will be an intriguing lower-ladder contest.
Avondale Heights v Craigieburn
There is no doubting the effort of Craigieburn this season but the Eagles were rocked once again in a 151-point defeat to Keilor last week.
It doesn’t get any easier for Peter Bugden’s team as Craigieburn travel to Canning Reserve to face a revigorated Avondale Heights side.
Donald McDonald has a perfect record during his Avondale Heights tenure to date and will be looking to make it three from three here.
McDonald is finally getting the most out of a star-studded Avondale Heights list.
With the likes of sharpshooter Patty Rose, Charlie Nastasi, Luke Edwards, Scott Clouston, Matt Cravino, Cam Wood and an arsenal of other guns at his disposal, the Heights are still an outside chance to challenge for a top four spot.
A percentage-booster here would go a long way towards Avondale Heights returning to finals action for the first time since 2014.
