Tullamarine v Airport West
THIS is indisputably the match of the round in Essendon Ford Division 1.
The Eagles would be desperate to get redemption after a one-point loss against an out-of-form Hillside outfit saw them drop to third on the ladder.
But the team that overtook them on the ladder, Tullamarine, would be looking to consolidate its spot on the table.
With the game being played at Leo Dineen Reserve, the Demons are every chance to continue their fine season.
Tullamarine have one of the best back lines in the division, but face its biggest test against Airport West’s talented forwards.
Rex Taylor has just come off a five-goal performance and Tyson Young continues to threaten in the forward line.
Jack Cripps has also impressed this year, and will provide Airport West’s midfielders with a tall target.
It could be two close games in a row for Airport West, after a two-week break prior to Round 9.
Oak Park v Westmeadows
It’s a sixth v seventh clash at JP Fawkner Reserve, as Oak Park look to go one better from its impressive performance last week.
The Kangaroos came within eight points of second-placed Tullamarine, and will give themselves every chance to leap-frog Westmeadows on the ladder this weekend.
This would further add to the Tigers’ troubles, after they were predicted to be top-four contenders at the start of the year.
But after a handy win against East Keilor away from home, Westmeadows would be looking to get its season back on track here.
Mitch Church is playing some great footy and is sure to be among the goals again for the Tigers.
He currently sits at equal second on the leading goal-kickers table for Essendon Ford Division 1.
Oak Park’s Dean Clare has also been consistent in the forward line, and will give Westmeadows’ defenders some trouble away from home.
Hillside v Taylors Lakes
With a thrilling one-point win against third-placed Airport West under their belt, the Sharks go into Round 10 with some new-found confidence.
Brandon Coletta’s five-goal performance provided many highlights, and if he can continue to dominate this week, Hillside could grab a much-needed percentage booster.
But the Lions have been a formidable opponent this year, and are fresh off a three-week break.
Taylors Lakes sit just one place below Hillside on the ladder, and will be looking to prevent the Sharks from recording back-to-back wins.
The Lions upset Tullamarine in Round 3, so they’ve proven that they can match it against the best teams in Essendon Ford Division 1.
They do play better footy at Lionheart Reserve, but the likes of Adrian Longo and Matthew Morelli will be sure to trouble the men in teal.
Expect the dangerous Micallef brothers to be in the goals for the Sharks at Hillside Reserve.
East Keilor v Glenroy
Glenroy have barely put a foot wrong this season, and last week was a testament to that.
Hadfield had no answer for Glenroy’s relentless pressure, and struggled to combat one of the most dangerous forward lines in Essendon Ford Division 1.
Expect this game to be a shootout between East Keilor’s Nick Grigg and Glenroy’s Jayden Walker.
The forwards sit first and second on the Essendon Ford Division 1 leading goal-kickers list, respectively.
But East Keilor’s midfield will struggle to stop Matt Walker, who was injected back into the side for Glenroy in Round 9.
Walker’s ball delivery to his forwards has been impeccable, and he has been among the best on many occasions this year.
The Cougars would be looking to go one better on their narrow loss to Westmeadows last week.
But with Glenroy’s scintillating form in the way, the challenge appears to be too great for East Keilor.
