STRATHMORE v GREENVALE
STRATHMORE redeemed themselves last weekend with a big win over Maribyrnong Park, and Greenvale continued to show their dominance as they handed Aberfeldie their second loss for the season.
That sets up this week's game in great fashion.
Strathmore have proven themselves that they are definitely contenders, already beating two teams within the top four.
Can they make it three and show the rest of the competition how dangerous they really are?
Or will Greenvale continue their reign at the top and make it 10 wins for the season?
Last time the two met, Greenvale were too strong and the size of their home deck at Section Road proved costly as Strathmore couldn’t run with the likes of Addam Maric and Courtenay Dempsey, falling by 25 points.
This time around it will definitely be a tighter match, with a shortened injury list and fitter outfit, the Mores could easily cause Paul Chapman’s side an upset at Lebanon Reserve.
ABERFELDIE v KEILOR
This year’s Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division season has been tighter than ever.
With multiple teams sitting just outside the four, it will be interesting to see who is there in September.
Losing two out of their last four games, Aberfeldie have proven that there are some weaknesses within the squad, and even when Kyle Reimers kicks five goals, they can still be beaten.
Coming off two consecutive wins and sitting on equal wins with fourth-placed Strathmore, Keilor will be ready to cull the strong Gorillas side at Clifton Park.
The inclusion of Luke McGuane alongside power forward Dean Galea will ensure Aberfeldie’s back line needs to be switched on for four quarters in order to stop Keilor gaining a strong lead.
It is certain that Reimers will ignite the forward line again and the skills around the ground from Josh Toy and Ryan Allan will keep Keilor on their toes.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v AVONDALE HEIGHTS
Both sitting on the same amount of points, this game is make-or-break for either team if they are any hope of fighting their way into the top four and making finals.
Avondale Heights are back in winning ways and will come into this game with plenty of confidence as they look to make this their fourth win in a row and hold onto what’s left of the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division season.
They come up against an out-of-form Essendon Doutta Stars side who have lost the last three and will be ready to bounce back, as it is crucial to keep the season alive.
Patrick Rose will be a tough match-up in the forward line for the Heights.
Essendon Doutta Stars big man Lachlan Ronaldson was strong last week.
Being able to play in the ruck and go forward gives Douttas a great utility.
Seasons are on the line for both sides, with a loss for either making it very hard to come back from.
WEST COBURG v MARIBYRNONG PARK
West Coburg have challenged some of the best teams in the competition and just haven’t been able to get over the line.
But they may just do that here.
Maribyrnong Park have impressed this season, though coming off two losses, they may be a little more vulnerable than usual.
Playing on the bigger ground at Coburg City Oval, the fancy footwork and ability to run and carry by Maribyrnong Park will make it tough for West Coburg to stay with them.
William Martiniello will need to be watched closely through the middle by West Coburg and may need to be shut down if they are any chance of an upset, as well as John McKenzie.
Mitchell Miller will add good run to West Coburg’s list this weekend after performing well in the past few games.
CRAIGIEBURN v PASCOE VALE
It has been a tough season for Craigieburn this year, coming up with no wins as we go into Round 11 of the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division season.
With not all that much to lose this weekend, Craigieburn may find some confidence and form and, if they start well, may be able to keep up with Pascoe Vale, who also haven’t been too grounded this year.
Jeremy Page and Josh Young have been standouts for the Craigieburn side, featuring in the bests multiple times and hopefully they can get up and about for this weekend’s clash.
Dean Soncin for the Panthers will be dangerous and one to look out for, coming off a great game last week.
But if the last time they met is anything to go by, the Panthers should take home their fourth win of the season, as they beat Craigieburn by nearly 100 points back in Round 2.
