Maribyrnong Park v Keilor
MARIBYRNONG Park will be hanging to get back on their home ground after letting go of their undefeated streak last weekend at the hands of Greenvale.
The only issue, they’ll have the mighty Mick McGuane and his reigning premier Keilor team patiently waiting.
There will be some sore Lions running around after a hard-fought four quarters against the Jets, while Keilor should be fit and firing after making rather easy work of West Coburg.
Dean Galea continued his dominance, kicking eight goals and taking his season total to 18.
Jamie Papalia was electric for the Blues, while Ryan Hards, Luke Cartelli and Damien Cavka continued their fantastic starts to Season 2017.
Robbie Castello and Robbie Ball were the best for the Lions, both converting three majors and causing major headaches for Paul Chapman’s Jets.
Almost impossible to pick a winner here in a must-win and should-win for both teams.
Expect a nail-biter from the first bounce.
RADIO GAME - Aberfeldie v Essendon Doutta Stars
A blockbuster match-up between two of the powerhouse clubs in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.
Aberfeldie are back at home after taking care of Craigieburn last weekend, while Essendon Doutta Stars had a slightly tougher Pascoe Vale outfit to compete with, getting over the line by 19 points after leading all day.
Alex Marklew, who has kicked 15 goals in his first two games and Jack Landt, who has managed 15 in four games, are the major threats for the experienced Abers backline, led by captain Luke Davis.
Darren Pfeiffer has hit his straps for the Stars and is no doubt one to watch for Abers coach Adam Potter.
Sam Cattapan continued his solid start to Season 2017, as did Alistair Kefford, who managed five goals against the Eagles and Kyle Remiers, who slotted four.
Jess Rush was best afield for Abers, kicking three majors.
A tough one to pick, but expect Abers to come in a little more fresh on the back of a padded lead up game.
Pascoe Vale v Greenvale
Another high-quality game ahead at Raeburn Reserve as these two teams were on the opposite ends of great games last weekend.
Pascoe Vale will be determined to bounce back after losing to a strong Essendon Doutta Stars outfit, while Greenvale will be on cloud nine following the defeat of the previously unbeaten Maribyrnong Park.
Jets superstar Addam Maric will be the focus for Kyle Hardingham and his Panthers.
Maric has kicked 16 goals in his first four games and is consistently appearing in the Jets’ best players.
Nat Caruso and Jacob Thompson will look to continue their positive starts to Season 2017 as well.
Hardingham has been the standout this season and will be one to stop for Jets’ coach Paul Chapman, alongside Michael Ross and Luke Foster, who showed they’re a force to be reckoned with for the Panthers.
Greenvale should have the upper-hand in this, but if the Panthers faithful turn up and get loud, we could very-well see an upset.
West Coburg v Avondale Heights
An interesting match-up here and a chance for West Coburg to kick off their win-tally for Season 2017.
It’s a huge bonus being back at home after a loss to Keilor in a game where they competed for most of the last three quarters.
Burgers coach Digby Morrell will have to ensure his team doesn’t let Avondale Heights break out to an extensive lead in the first quarter, as they did Keilor last weekend.
Ruairi Cleary was again one of the best for the Burgers, as was the hard-working Jack Yelland.
It was big guns Mat Cravino and Cam Wood who stood-up for Avondale Heights against Strathmore.
Patty Rose contributed with two goals in a low-scoring affair.
This game will be full of fire, as both sides will see a big chance for a win.
The Burgers should stand tall at home, but we’ve seen some positive signs in the first four weeks from Avondale Heights, enough to suggest they may be too strong in this.
Strathmore v Craigieburn
The third tough game in a row for Craigieburn, who will travel to Lebanon Reserve to face an unpredictable Strathmore outfit.
The Eagles took a rough loss to Aberfeldie last week, but there were positive signs with the Eagles experienced players stepping up and playing roles in the absence of Ryan Bongetti.
Brent Gordon, Christian McErlain and Josh Young all raised their hands and competed hard for a Craigieburn side that will see themselves as a chance in this, despite the uncertainty of key forward Aaron Kite.
It took the Mores the best part of three quarters to get a proper handle on Avondale Heights in what was a real danger game.
Adam Iacobucci continued his great start to 2017, and will be a focal point.
Strathmore had six goal scorers for their eight converted majors, suggesting some unpredictability that may worry Craigieburn.
Expect a good showing from the Eagles in this, but a game that could very well go to script in a must-win for Strathmore.
