ABERFELDIE v STRATHMORE
A PREVIEW of just what to expect in a few weeks’ time as the finals begin for 2017, and it should be a cracker.
Fair to say the rivalry between Aberfeldie and Strathmore has always been quite prominent over the years and this weekend will definitely be a hard, exhilarating game of football at Clifton Park.
Strathmore handed Aberfeldie their first loss of the season last time the two met and ended their hot streak.
The Mores were able to get on top in the first quarter, however the game was a tug of war after that until Strathmore managed to kick away in the last.
Alex Grima kicked six goals and was best-on for Strathmore and will be watched closely this week, that’s for sure.
Being late in the season and with not much to lose for both sides, it will be interesting to see if players are rested.
KEILOR v PASCOE VALE
Another good game to watch as fifth takes on sixth at Keilor Reserve.
Keilor and Pascoe Vale are two teams who have definitely showed their potential throughout the year, however they just haven’t been able to match it with the best on game day.
Last time the two met it went down to the wire, however Keilor were too strong for the Panthers and were able to get over the line by 23 points.
Pascoe Vale came out hard and went into quarter time four goals up, yet they couldn’t continue to run with Keilor as they brought the margin back and got on top.
Dean Galea was a powerhouse up forward kicking six goals and Pascoe Vale will be watching him closely.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v WEST COBURG
Coming off a loss last week to Strathmore, Essendon Doutta Stars will want come out hard against West Coburg and shut them out of the game early.
On the other hand, West Coburg are coming off a comfortable win against Craigieburn and will be quite confident they can give the Stars a run for their money.
Last time the two went head-to-head Essendon Doutta Stars kicked 11 unanswered goals in the first quarter to blow the lead out to 74 points.
West Coburg game back strong, however the game was already pretty much lost.
It is certain that West Coburg will not let this happen again and will come out firing to get on top early.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v GREENVALE
An upset wouldn’t really worry Greenvale as they have already made the top two and secured their double chance in the finals.
If there would be a team to cause an upset, though, it would be Avondale Heights.
However, their track record against the Jets isn’t the best as they were dealt a 121-point loss against them last time they met at Section Road.
Let’s see if the home ground advantage makes a difference.
The Heights have been very impressive in their first quarters this year, starting well against every team in the competition, yet they just haven’t been able to hold on to the lead and stay in control of the game.
Ozgur Uysal and Addam Maric both snagged five goals last time they met so it will be a very big day for the defenders at Avondale Heights.
CRAIGIEBURN v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Being three games clear of fifth spot, Maribyrnong Park are in a relatively comfortable position coming into this game against Craigieburn.
It will be interesting to see, though, if they get a little bit too comfortable.
With Marby sure to rest a few players with a big finals campaign just around the corner, Craigieburn have every opportunity to get the jump on the visitors and grab their first win of the 2017 season, however it won’t be as easy as it sounds.
In their last outing the Lions kicked five unanswered goals to really shut Craigieburn out of the game and if they get in control here and are able to stay in possession, they are the likely winner.
However, anything can happen in this competition.
