RADIO GAME – Strathmore v Keilor
Lebanon Reserve – 2:15pm
By RHYS PAYNTING
GOOD Friday footy makes its way to Lebanon Reserve this weekend with an interesting clash between two of the heavyweights of Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.
Reigning premiers Keilor will look to bounce back from an uncharacteristic 103-point loss to Aberfeldie in front of its loyal home fans, while Strathmore will need to recover well following its near-miss against an impressive Greenvale outfit.
Both sides faced the wet and windy conditions last weekend so expect some tired bodies after brutal conditions so early in the season.
Hamish McIntosh and Andrew Browne will go head-to-head all day in what is set to be a gruelling ruck battle, while around their ankles, the midfield battle will be electric.
Strathmore’s Jaryd Cachia and Luke Jarrad will dominate the middle alongside Dylan Joyce, Ryan Hards and Luke Cartelli, who have all been outstanding in the first two weeks for Keilor.
Last year’s leading goal scorer Dean Galea seems ready for a breakout game for Keilor, and will be a focal point in this one for Strathmore defenders.
It’s a big chance here for Strathmore to grab a major scalp in front of a bumper Good Friday crowd, while a depleted Blues team have a chance to steady the ship before a 15-day break.
Taylors Lakes v Hillside
Lionheart Reserve – 2:15pm
By JACK BURNS
THE Good Friday fixture.
Meaningless to some, however an early season ‘Grand Final’ for local rivals Taylors Lakes and Hillside.
Sam Tankard and Steve Burns have bolstered their playing stocks throughout the summer and entered the season with some fresh new faces while managing to keep a vast majority of their 2016 lists.
Notably for Taylors Lakes, the likes of Jake Hobbs and Adrian Crawford starred in the Lions’ nail-biting Round 2 loss to Airport West.
For the Sharks, former Greenvale pair Julian Hemala and Anthony Aloi, along with prolific Essendon Ford Division 1 forward Matthew Patane, have provided some excitement, knowledge and experience to the young Hillside outfit.
Both sides are confident and intent on taking out the points and bragging rights in a Division 1 blockbuster.
What more could you expect from two rivals who attain a mutual disliking for one another.
