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Round 14 Preview - Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division

By JACOB MANZIE


KEILOR v MARIBYRNONG PARK

IN the context of the season, this will most likely be the game of the round.

Maribyrnong Park sits in fourth spot ahead of their rival this weekend, so both sides will come out harder than ever.

Keilor will be on the hunt for a finals spot and knowing a win this week puts them in arm’s reach, they won’t leave anything in the tank.

A big trip to Joe Brown Oval will put Maribyrnong Park to the ultimate test and prove whether or not they can make it work when it counts.

In their previous shoot-out, Keilor went down by 13 points in what was a great game.

However, it has been a long season, which will make this game one to watch.


GREENVALE v PASCOE VALE

With Pascoe Vale showing their true potential in the last few weeks, this game could be tighter than expected.

A poor start to the season saw Pascoe Vale as not much of a threat.

However, in recent weeks, they have managed to conjure up some strong wins against some of the big names in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.

With a comfortable win against Essendon Doutta Stars on the road last week, they will be full of confidence to take on top-of-the-table Greenvale.

However, the Jets haven’t lost much form as the season has progressed.

With two strong wins in the last two weeks, they will no doubt be ready for this one.

They will definitely be looking to fix up the areas in which they lacked some quality in their loss to Strathmore a few weeks ago.


ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v ABERFELDIE

Sitting second on the ladder, Aberfeldie haven’t done much wrong, and they will be sure to make this a tough one for old rival, Essendon Doutta Stars.

Aberfeldie has done well in bringing up some good young players over the last few years, with Jack Binns and Jackson Barrett playing well.

Both have really stepped up to the pressure of senior football this season and helped the team get to where they are thus far.

With the depth and experience throughout the Aberfeldie squad, there is no question as to why they are in their current position.

Essendon Doutta Stars will want to ensure they are on for four quarters if they want to grab the points here.


AVONDALE HEIGHTS v WEST COBURG

There is not that much to play for here, as neither side has made all that much of the 2017 season.

Last time the two met it went down to the wire in what was a thriller at Coburg City Oval, with West Coburg stealing the win by two points.

With Patrick Rose having 46 goals to his name thus far, West Coburg will look to shut him down as he is the Heights main avenue to goal, though he was goalless against Strathmore last week.

Avondale Heights is known for its strong starts, winning most of their first quarters for the year.

It is vital that West Coburg stick with them until the first break if they want to get the points.

This will definitely be close again.


CRAIGIEBURN v STRATHMORE

With Strathmore on a roll, it is going to be tough for Craigieburn to get their first win on the board here.

However, if Strathmore take the Eagles too lightly, there could be an upset at DS Aitken Reserve.

With finals around the corner, it wouldn’t be surprising if Strathmore chose to rest a few players to ensure they are right to go in weeks to come.

If Craigieburn can come out strong and try and stay in possession, they could give themselves every chance of a win.

In their last encounter Craigieburn didn’t really have any answers for Strathmore’s relentless pressure.

Kicking only two goals for the day, they didn’t have much to take from the loss.

It is certain that they won’t want to let that happen again.

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