East Keilor v Moonee Valley
EAST Keilor sit firmly in second place but do have a chance of taking first if Roxburgh Park lose or if they beat Moonee Valley handsomely. They were mildly troubled during the first two quarters against Burnside Heights last week but managed to extend their lead in the second half, ultimately winning by 111 points. This week’s match against Moonee Valley will be a good test run for what could be a finals match-up in the near future.
Moonee Valley are locked in third place after their defeat to Roxburgh Park last week by 43 points. They are still not 100 per cent sure on who will be their opponent in the first round of the finals but this match will be great for their preparation. They will need to make sure that their defence is tight against the highest-scoring team in the competition and hopefully create a winning mentality before finals.
Coburg Districts v East Sunbury
This is the final chance to make finals for both clubs.
Coburg Districts are equal on points with fourth-placed Keilor Park after their hard-fought five-point victory over Jacana. Saad Saad was on fire, kicking 11 goals but Fouad Akkari took man-of-the-match honours in the brilliant win. To make finals, the Lions need Keilor Park to lose to Burnside Heights, otherwise they need to notch a massive victory over the Thunder to get through on percentage.
East Sunbury is only a win out from a finals berth after beating fourth-placed Keilor Park last week. They played well throughout the whole match and were consistent in each quarter which is something they will need to replicate in order to have any chance of gaining a finals spot. They also need Keilor Park to lose, otherwise they will need to defeat Coburg Districts by a large margin to go through on percentage.
This match will be an intense one as both teams will surely play their hearts out to steal a place in the finals – albeit a very unlikely outcome, particularly for East Sunbury.
Roxburgh Park v Jacana
The Magpies remain in top spot however East Keilor are only a game off the pace. Roxburgh Park managed to defeat Moonee Valley by 43 points last week. Tumay Hamza and Luke Capuano were the stars of the show with Capuano booting six goals in his side’s victory. The win was their third in a row, showing that they have regained their winning mentality after a tough patch and at just the right time.
Jacana lost their second match in a row last week in a tight affair against Coburg Districts. Despite leading at every break, the Jaguars went down by five points which in turn snuffed out any chance of making the finals. Jacana had a difficult start to the season after being runners up last year but managed to claw their way back. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for a side that has endured many close games. This final game is all about pride for the Jags.
Keilor Park v Burnside Heights
Keilor Park are in a dangerous position after losing to East Sunbury last week by 16 points. They are level on points with fifth-placed Coburg Districts but the Devils do have a higher percentage. Keilor Park need to win against the Bears this week and win comfortably to secure fourth spot. A big win would also be great for morale considering Moonee Valley awaits in the Elimination Final… if the Devils make it.
Burnside Heights managed to make life difficult in the first half against East Keilor but dropped off in the second to be blown out of the water by 111 points. They did however record one of their highest scores for the year, 52, which is a positive. Being still winless, there will be no better time to win this week as if they win this week, they could help to shape the finals and break the Devils’ hearts along the way.
