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Round 13 Preview - Essendon Ford Division 1

By TARA MURRAY (Star Weekly)


CRAIGIEBURN v TULLAMARINE

Live 2pm on Mixlr.com/edflfooty & 98.9 North West FM

THIS shapes up as the game of the round.

You’ve got the third-placed Eagles looking to knock off the second-placed Demons.

Having been able to beat all the teams below them, the Eagles are yet to beat the two teams above them.

The last time these two teams met, the Demons stormed home in the last quarter to get the win.

The Eagles will come into the game on the back of some good form, having had no problems against Jacana on Saturday.

Dean Limbach kicked seven goals, so the Eagles will be happy he escaped Tuesday’s tribunal hearing with a reprimand following a striking charge.

The Demons will come into the game refreshed after having the bye.

Before the bye their form had been up and down and they hadn’t been able to string two games together.

At their best the Demons can do real damage.

The issue is whether they can do that for the full four quarters.

WESTMEADOWS v HILLSIDE

After high hopes for the second part of the season, the Tigers have struggled and now sit second bottom.

At times they’ve showed good signs but haven’t been able to do it for four quarters.

On Saturday against Oak Park, poor kicking cost the Tigers, as they suffered a 10-point loss, despite having five more scoring shots.

Jarrod Fenton played his best game of the season and was named the Tigers’ best.

The Sharks will be hoping to return to the winners list, after a thrilling draw against arch rivals Taylors Lakes.

The Sharks had chances to win, including a shot on goal in the last minute, but weren’t able to get across the line.

Without Mitch Church, it was Matthew Patane who was the star up forward.

After being inconsistent earlier in the season, the Sharks seem to have found a bit more momentum.

With a finals spot on the line, this game is a must-win for the Sharks.

OAK PARK v TAYLORS LAKES

After a disappointing performance the week before, it was a good response from Oak Park on Saturday.

Facing a side in a similar position on the ladder in Westmeadows, the Kangaroos found another level in the last quarter when needed.

Kirk Lang was among the standouts again, as the Kangaroos made it four wins in five games.

A win here would keep their slight finals hopes alive.

For the Lions, it’s a case of what might have been following the last two weeks. 

The Lions could have quite easily had two wins against finals contenders but have had to settle for a draw on both occasions.

On Saturday, they couldn’t be split from local rival Hillside.

Both teams had their chances, but couldn’t make them count when really needed.

Rory Alexander had his best game of the season, kicking five goals.

Sitting two points outside the top four, this is a must-win game for the Lions with a number of tough matches coming up in their run home.

JACANA v AIRPORT WEST

The battle between the top and the bottom sides seems the most predictable match of the round.

The Eagles have been up and down, but put in a strong four-quarter effort against East Keilor last week.

Despite missing Tyson Young who was called up for Williamstown’s VFL side, the Eagles had plenty of avenues to goal with four players kicking three goals.

Peter Ntalianis was named the Eagles’ best.

With a solid match under their belt, the Eagles will be looking to continue that against the undermanned Jacana.

With the exception of one game, the Jaguars have struggled to stay close to their opposition.

For Jacana, a lack of depth that is compounded by injuries hasn’t helped their cause.

Jaguars coach Robert Fletcher said it was a situation they would likely have to deal with for the rest of the season, with the injured players unlikely to return.

Dean Robinson and Zac Hill are two of the younger players who will get more opportunities over the final rounds.

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