KEILOR PARK v STRATHMORE
Saturday 2:20pm @ Keilor Park Reserve
KEILOR Park is coming off a 76-point loss to Craigieburn in Round 7.
After conceding eight goals in the second quarter, the signs didn’t look good for the Devils.
But to their credit, they did manage to get two majors on the board.
Both were off the boot of Sarah German, who was also named best-on-ground for Keilor Park.
The Devils come up against a Strathmore outfit who is starting to string together some good football.
The Mores were right in the game against the Sunbury Lions in Round 7, only going down by 13 points.
Once again, netballers, Ruby Pini and Caitlyn Ball were among the standouts for Strathmore, and were complemented by Ellie Young and Georgia Hallo.
Saturday’s encounter also marked just the second game that the Mores had two multiple goal-kickers, with both Amy Hakim and Alana Werden slotting through two majors.
This could spell danger for the Devils, with Hakim in particular looking more dangerous in each game she has played for Strathmore.
SUNBURY LIONS v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Sunday 2:25pm @ Eric Boardman Reserve – Oval 2
This game sees one of last year’s powerhouses, the Sunbury Lions, come up against one of this year’s powerhouses, Burnside Heights.
The Bears have had a horror two weeks, losing star forward and competition leading goal-kicker, Brooke McKinley for the season with an ACL injury sustained in Round 6.
A week later, they lost their first game of the season against an experienced Pascoe Vale outfit in a physical encounter.
But Burnside Heights still possesses the goal-kicking prowess of Kayla Ravanello, who sits second on the goal-kicking tally.
In the Lions’ forward line, it has been Dianne Comport that has been a shining light.
Comport has kicked 10 goals in six games, including three against Strathmore on Saturday in what was a match-winning performance.
Although Sunbury is a highly experienced and composed side, it will come up against a Burnside Heights team on the rebound, which is a daunting prospect for any team.
WESTMEADOWS v HILLSIDE
Sunday 2:30pm @ Willowbrook Reserve
After a big win against Avondale Heights/Taylors Lakes in Round 6, Westmeadows was brought down to earth in a heartbreaking way in Round 7.
The Tigers went down to Aberfeldie by a goal in Round 7 and were restricted to just one point in the last quarter of the match.
Basketballer, Danielle Linton was as dominant as ever, kicking two of her side’s three goals and making it amongst the best for the fifth time this season.
She was complemented by fellow basketballer, Kloe Jordan-Wilson, who also continues to impress in the black and yellow.
Her side will have an opportunity to bounce back against a struggling Hillside outfit.
The Sharks switched ladder spots with Avondale Heights/Taylors Lakes, slipping down to 11th after a 24-point loss at Canning Reserve.
As usual, it was Brittany McIntyre who did everything she could for her side, chipping in a goal and being named amongst the best for the third consecutive week.
Expect a competitive effort from the Sharks as they aim to combat the rebounding Tigers.
PASCOE VALE v KEILOR
Sunday 2:40pm @ Raeburn Reserve
Pascoe Vale asserted itself as premiership favourites in Round 7 with a win over fellow undefeated team, Burnside Heights.
The Panthers’ experience stood up with Bridgette Aparo putting her body on the line a number of times to get the job done.
Aparo’s ball-use has been a highlight this season and will be something that Keilor will have to keep an eye on.
Sarah Larkings also provided a strong presence around the ground with strong hands and a hunger to win.
The Panthers come up against reigning premiers, Keilor, although the side is completely different to last year’s premiership outfit.
The Blues were able to get the job done convincingly against Roxburgh Park, with Kiera Riley playing her best game of the season.
She kicked two goals for the day, as did Emma Dunster and Sophie Freeman.
This match pits the 2017 premiers against what could be the 2018 premiers, in what should be a fascinating encounter at Raeburn Reserve.
ABERFELDIE v CRAIGIEBURN
Sunday 2:55pm @ Aberfeldie Park West
Aberfeldie got back in the winning books in Round 7, with a thrilling six-point win over the Tigers.
After suffering a heavy loss to Pascoe Vale, the Gorillas proved that they could bounce back in style.
Captain, Kurtis Shine found herself up forward, booting through one of Aberfeldie’s four goals.
She was complemented by Amber Wescombe, who also booted a goal and was named in the best.
Shine and Wescombe will have to bring their A-game against a Craigieburn outfit, who dominated in Round 7 to rack up its second win of the season.
The Eagles enjoyed a 76-point win against Keilor Park, with cricketers, Samantha French and Taylah Logie standing up once again.
French kicked three goals on the day and was aided by Anastasia D’Cruz, who also added three majors to Craigieburn’s score.
This game could be a high-scoring one if it is played on the Eagles’ terms but if Aberfeldie’s defence can work its magic, then the game could turn in its favour.
ROXBURGH PARK v SUNBURY KANGAROOS
Sunday 2:55pm @ Lakeside Oval
Roxburgh Park has had a difficult time this season but have been provided some positives with Tricia Devine and Chloe Dinuccio dominating every game.
Both players were named in the best in the side’s heavy loss against Keilor.
They were complemented by former Glenroy duo, Bianca Devine and Freedom Ebert, who also dug in deep for the Magpies.
The Round 7 match marked Ebert’s first appearance in the EDFL Women’s competition this year, and the Magpies would love to have her play every game due to her high skill level.
Roxburgh Park comes up against the Kangaroos this week, who are fresh off a bye.
It will certainly be a case of older players going up against younger players, as Sunbury will be looking to tower its experience over Roxburgh Park.
Expect big games from Regina Said and Tara Crisp, who will both be looking for another bag of goals after they both kicked four majors in the Kangaroos’ Round 6 win against the Sharks.
