Pascoe Vale v Essendon Doutta Stars
A VERY evenly matched contest this weekend at Raeburn Reserve between two of the strong finals chances in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.
Essendon Doutta Stars will come in off a padded game against Craigieburn, compared to Pascoe Vale who were edged out by Maribyrnong Park in a game that would have amassed some sore bodies.
Stars captain Shylo Smith is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury, although Darren Pfeiffer and Jordan Schroder were all class carrying the midfield duties in their thrashing of the Eagles.
Back-line leader Tyson Hartwig should get the job on dangerous Panther Jacob Polizzi who has been a goal-scoring threat every time the ball enters the forward 50 this season.
A blockbuster of a matchup and one that coaches Dean Wallis and Kyle Hardingham will see as a winning chance.
Almost impossible to pick a winner, so expect an exciting game of footy.
Avondale Heights v Strathmore
An obvious danger game here for Strathmore away from home against an Avondale Heights team that is showing real promise.
A four-day break following a tough ANZAC Day encounter against Aberfeldie isn’t the ideal preparation for Avondale Heights, especially with Strathmore enjoying a two-week break.
Expect to see a team full of confidence on their home ground after some promising results in the first three games.
Luke Edwards has been the standout for the home side and will be the centre of attention for Strathmore coach Nathan Grima.
Superstar forward Patty Rose took his goal-kicking tally to 14 for the season and will look to increase on that against a Strathmore defence that has struggled to lock down the dangerous forwards in its first three outings.
Nick Lower should continue his red-hot form in this after being Strathmore’s best in his first hit out.
An intriguing match, and one that both sides will enter confident.
Expect both teams to come out firing in this, with an upset result a real chance.
Greenvale v Maribyrnong Park
The question on everyone’s lips heading into this is can Greenvale put an end to Maribyrnong Park’s destructive unbeaten start to 2017?
The Jets will be hanging to get stuck in on their home ground in front of their loyal fans this weekend against a Lions team that are doing everything right following a seven-point win against Pascoe Vale.
Fort and Nat Caruso were instrumental for the Jets in their 125-point win over West Coburg, as was Addam Maric, who slotted five majors, taking his 2017 tally to 10.
Playing Coach Robbie Castello was at his brilliant best against Pascoe Vale amongst a host of players who enjoyed a breakout game for 2017, including Robbie Ball, Zac Keogh and Sam O’Brien.
Nick Prowse was the most damaging on the scoreboard, kicking three goals for a Lions team who have spread the goal-kickers well all year, making them as dangerous as ever.
Another impossible game to tip in what will be a nail-biter at Section Road.
Keilor v West Coburg
Two weeks off for Keilor ahead of this game against the bottom-placed West Coburg will have coach Mick McGuane licking his lips.
It’s a chance for the Blues to notch up a big win at home, to rectify the poor performance they dished up at the same ground three weeks back against Aberfeldie.
Coming off a Good Friday win against Strathmore and a nice break, the reigning premiers will be fighting fit and ready to tackle a Burgers team that has struggled so far to find form this season.
Dean Galea kicked a handy seven against Strathmore and his midfield led by Luke Cartelli and Damien Cavka are a scary sight when they hit their straps as they did on Good Friday.
West Coburg will need to straighten up in front of goal after kicking 5.10 against Greenvale if they’re any chance to compete with the Blues in this.
This game should go to script in a must-win home game for Keilor.
Craigieburn v Aberfeldie
Another tough task for Craigieburn here, who will take some confidence into this game knowing that Aberfeldie have only had a four-day break.
The Eagles will look to rectify a poor performance against Essendon Doutta Stars last weekend despite having to take on the reigning minor premiers without ball-magnet Ryan Bongetti, who will most likely miss with a knee injury.
Ben Mabon continued his fantastic start to the season for Aberfeldie, but faces yet another challenge in Jeremy Page – a battle which will be great to watch.
It remains to be seen whether forward Aaron Kite will suit up for Craigieburn, but Abers captain Luke Davis will be waiting patiently for him, in what would be a blistering head-to-head if both are at peak fitness.
An interesting contest here, but expect Aberfeldie to be too strong for a very young Craigieburn team.
