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ROUND 15 PREVIEW | Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division

By TOBIE CHAPMAN


Greenvale v Maribyrnong Park

GREENVALE struck a big blow last week against Keilor, signalling a badly needed return to form for the Jets. Nick Lower was best-on-ground floating through half back and the midfield, and still managed to chip in with a goal.

Fabian Deluca had a strong showing in the ruck against Andrew Browne, and Chris Prowse faces a big challenge against him this week.

Trent Shinners and Matthew Smith kicked two apiece. Shinners will be an important part of their finals shot and Smith is proving his worth as a swingman.

For Maribyrnong Park it was a disappointing weekend, all but kicking themselves out of finals contention. They conceded six goals to none in a woeful first quarter, but the worst was yet to come as Marby kicked 6.16 for the day.

They sit a game behind Douttas and Pascoe Vale, but their percentage all but rules any chance of finals out now.

They can still shape how the finals race plays out though, and how they play against the Jets will play a big part in that.

Robbie Castello and Caleb Vearing were again in good form off half back, while big man Nick Prowse kicked four goals.

Despite the loss, James Breust, Jimmy Hollow and John McKenzie all backed up their strong performances against Pascoe Vale to be named in the bests again. They’ll need to do so against Greenvale’s impressive midfield for their side to have a chance.

Greenvale by 35 points.

RADIO GAME | Strathmore v Aberfeldie

Strathmore was dominant in a blistering first term against Maribyrnong Park last week, kicking six goals to none in difficult conditions. 

They kicked only three goals for the rest of the game and if it weren’t for the Lions’ errant kicking it could have been a different end result.

They can’t afford to be complacent against league leaders Aberfeldie this week, who are coming off a convincing 51-point win against Pascoe Vale.

Jack McNamara is shining with responsibility, kicking another big bag of goals. Zach Hislop and Al Kefford were a handful up forward, and Courtney Johns had another good game.  

Kyle Reimers was held goalless for the first time this season in his first game in a month, but Strathmore will have their hands full containing him this week.

Ben Mabon’s continued improvement in the ruck is promising for the reigning premiers, and their midfield is as sharp as ever.

Matt Little kicked three for the Mores, and he may be their most important player. Hamish McIntosh spent more time in the ruck than usual, but starred against Chris Prowse. They might need him up against Mabon, but his height and mobility will cause problems if he starts forward.

Aberfeldie by 30 points.

Essendon Doutta Stars v West Coburg

Douttas simply can’t afford a slip up like their loss to Avondale Heights again here. They got it done with ease against Airport West last week but have to be on top of their game to ensure there’s no mistakes made.

Cleve Hughes kicked four, but they had a good spread of goalkickers across the board. Mitch Jensen was excellent and is an underrated part of the side, he has a nose for goal and can rotate through the middle of the ground.

Patrick Veszpremi and Darren Pfeiffer played key roles and will be expected to stand up and show leadership this week.

West Coburg weren’t entirely convincing against Avondale Heights, but it was an important win. They haven’t had much to cheer about as of late and will probably throw everything they can at Douttas.

Fabian Brancatisano kicked five goals as Danko Bzenic was held goalless. Tom Baravi and Aaron Kelly were good through the midfield and Jack Yelland was in fine form.

Their second half of the season so far has been disappointing, and Douttas really should handle them with ease. However, their loss to Heights highlighted their inconsistency and it may not be as easy as it looks.

Douttas by 23 points.

Pascoe Vale v Avondale Heights

Much like Douttas, this is a game Pacco can’t let slip. They sit equal on points with Douttas but behind on percentage and will be looking for every goal they can because there’s a very real possibility that percentage decides fourth position.

Ben Warren kicked six goals in their loss to Aberfeldie and Heights will really struggle to contain last year’s leading goalkicker. Dylan Reid also kicked two to bounce back from a disappointing performance two weeks ago.

Kristian Economou had his best game of the season and was ably supported by Murat Ergunen and Ryan Jackson. Gavin Urquhart was good down back and Ben Ross was his usual prolific self.

Heights looked likely against West Coburg but fell away late in an 11-point loss. Patrick Rose kicked five goals as the only multiple goalkicker, but it wasn’t enough.

They’ll struggle against Pacco but they’ll try hard. A lot of responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of David Stretton, Matt Cravino and Matt O’Dwyer as they go head to head with Ross, Harris and Foster.

Airport West v Keilor

Airport West had the yips in front of goal last week as well, kicking 4.15. In the second and third terms they managed to kick a remarkable 0.9, turning what could have been a respectable showing into a big loss against Douttas.

Their consistent performers in Kier Bol, Clayton Rogers and Daniel Cross all did well again, but Keilor is an imposing threat this week.

The Blues are coming off a surprise loss to Greenvale and will be thirsty for blood. They’re off top spot for the first time since Round 1 to cap off a disappointing month. 

Two losses to finals contenders and a three-point win against Strathmore sees some serious cracks appearing in the armour of the Blues.

Luckily for them, they get a chance to boost their confidence and find some form, expect Dean Galea to excel. 

Keilor by 100 points.

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