Tullamarine v Hillside
TULLAMARINE capped off beating Craigieburn the previous week by defeating Oak Park last week. After a goalless first quarter, they took the lead in the second quarter and held it for the majority of the game. At three-quarter time, they held a narrow four-point lead, but a six-goal last quarter helped them over the line by nine points.
Hillside scored a season-high 205 points against Hadfield, including 12 goals in the last quarter. Brandon Coletta led the way with five goals while Victor Micallef, Jordan Sinclair and Mohamed Taleb all kicked four of their own. The 131-point win gave them a massive percentage boost and a spot in the top four, something that may become useful come season’s end.
This week Hillside travels to Tullamarine in the game of the week for Essendon Ford Division 1. Tullamarine will need to hold off an improved Hillside attack as they both need wins to keep steady in the top four. A loss here for Hillside and it will open the gates again for Oak Park to try and find their way back into the top four. The Demons will be looking to hold on to the second chance as Westmeadows are hot on their heels.
Glenroy v Craigieburn
Glenroy suffered a nail-biting two-point loss to Taylors Lakes at home last week. They led by a comfortable 22 points at halftime before they squandered their lead in the third quarter, only kicking one goal. They fought back a bit in the last, but weren’t able to recover fully from the third quarter. This loss virtually took Glenroy out of finals contention.
On the other hand, Craigieburn responded after the previous week’s shock loss to Tullamarine with a 152-point win over the Northern Saints. Cam Cloke was back in the side and he kicked 16 goals to lead the Eagles’ attack. With only four rounds left, it will be very difficult to knock Craigieburn off top spot from here.
This week Craigieburn travels to Glenroy. Expect another thrashing here, as the Eagles will pounce on every opportunity they are given. Expect the Clokes to lead from the front again.
Northern Saints v Oak Park
Last week, the Northern Saints were outclassed by the top-of-the-ladder Craigieburn, losing by 152 points. They were out of the game early on, with the Eagles bursting out of the blocks early. But they showed some form in the third quarter, kicking five of their eight goals for the game. This loss leaves the Northern Saints at the bottom of the ladder and they will need to win three of their next four games to avoid being relegated to Strathmore Community Bank Division 2.
Oak Park hosted Tullamarine, needing a win to stay ahead of fellow finals hopeful, Hillside. Unfortunately, Oak Park could not match Tullamarine by the end of the game, going down by nine points. Oak Park need to make sure they win the majority of their next few games, as it will become increasingly hard to overtake Hillside on the ladder.
This week the Northern Saints host the Kangaroos. Oak Park should take this game out easily, which will mean the Northern Saints are all but certain for relegation next season.
Westmeadows v Hadfield
Westmeadows enjoyed the bye last week. They currently sit in third place on the ladder, a game’s difference between Tullamarine above them and Hillside below them. They have a greater percentage over Tullamarine and will look to take second spot with this in mind.
Last week, Hadfield were smashed by Hillside. Even though they showed some talent in the forward line, the countless attack on their defence by the Sharks could do nothing in helping them score 200-plus points against.
This week Westmeadows hosts Hadfield what looks another one-sided game. The week off should help the Tigers run through the middle, and they’ll be too good for Hadfield as they struggle through to season’s end.
