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Round 12 Preview - Essendon Ford Division 1

By TARA MURRAY (Star Weekly)


TAYLORS LAKES v HILLSIDE - Radio Game

IF the local derby wasn't already a highlight match for both sides, it is now with the two sides fighting for finals spots.

The Lions will enter the match on the back of the match that got away.

The Lions took it up to the ladder leaders, Airport West and should have come away with the full four points.

Instead they had to settle for two, as inaccurate kicking in front of goal meant they had to settle for a draw.

It was somewhat a return to form for the Lions after losing their previous two games.

Andrew Gallina and Samuel Kennedy were the standouts for the Lions.

The Sharks enter this week on the back of a solid win against Oak Park.

They controlled the contest for most of the day, with only poor kicking keeping them from dominating the scoreboard earlier.a

Mitch Church had a quieter day than in recent weeks, but it didn’t matter with Matthew Patane stepping up with four goals.

Joseph Careless was named the Sharks’ best.

AIRPORT WEST v EAST KEILOR

It’s hard to believe that East Keilor has gone from a team with just one win and fighting for survival to the most in-form team of Essendon Ford Division 1 in the space of three weeks.

The Cougars have now won three games on the trot and have claimed a couple of scalps along the way, most recently Craigieburn on Saturday.

The Cougars set the win up in the first three quarters, with an even last quarter.

Tom Gleeson kicked four goals, having kicked one in his previous four games.

Having found some form, the Cougars would back themselves in against Airport West.

While the Eagles sit on top of the ladder, they have been pretty inconsistent from week to week and in games.

They were unlucky to get away with a draw against Taylors Lakes in a low-scoring affair.

Bior Malual was the only multiple goalkicker for the Eagles and was named their best.

The Eagles only just got the win between the two sides earlier in the season, when the Cougars weren’t going too well, so will have a battle on their hands this time round.

OAK PARK v WESTMEADOWS

In a round of interesting match-ups, this one could be the closest game of the lot. 

Both sides are in a similar position with three wins each and have shown glimpses of what they can do against some of the better sides.

Both sides are coming off similar losses to a couple of the top teams.

Hillside put in a dominant display against Oak Park and could have quite easily won by a bit more.

Cameron Hare continued his good form in a tough day for the Kangaroos.

The Tigers were left to rue a poor start against Tullamarine, but it was a pretty even contest after half time.

Aaron Evans and Ben Drummond kicked two goals apiece for the Tigers, with Leigh Owen named best in the loss.

A win here will keep the slight finals hopes of one team alive and probably end the other’s at the same time.

JACANA v CRAIGIEBURN

These two sides will face off for the Barry Nolan Cup, meaning the game will take on some extra significance.

For the Jaguars, a break was exactly what they needed and hopefully it will help them get their first win of the season.

They’ve showed small glimpses of what they can do, but not for long enough in-game.

The Eagles will be looking to bounce back after one of their more disappointing performances of the season.

The Eagles were outclassed for much of their match against East Keilor, who were able to restrict Dean Limbach to just three goals.

Former skipper Brent Gordon was the standout for the Eagles.

With the race for a top four spot heating up, the Eagles will be looking for a big percentage-boosting win.

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