Aberfeldie v Greenvale
THIS is a massive clash for the Jets as a loss could see them sit a game out of finals, and ahead of sixth-placed Maribyrnong Park only by percentage.
They lost to Marby Park in a thriller last week, coughing up a 27-point lead at the final break to lose by 12 points and put their finals hopes in serious doubt.
Trent Shinners was in good form with three goals while Addam Maric headed forward and found reward, also kicking three. Chris Farchione was the Jets’ best with his best game in a month and he kicked a solitary major as well.
Fort Caruso continues to make a case for being one of the top five players in the League, kicking two goals and having plenty of the ball. He’s been named in the Jets’ best players 13 times out of a possible 15 and Abers will be sure to put plenty of work into the midfielder.
Aberfeldie didn’t have it easy last week despite the final score. It was a tough and physical battle in difficult conditions. Brock McLean was outstanding and played a complete game, kicking two goals while providing grunt around stoppages and showing some run and carry.
They still have room for improvement, which is a scary prospect considering they’ve lost only twice so far this year.
Although the Aberfeldie midfield is arguably the best in the competition, the Jets will have to nullify the influence of half back flankers Josh Toy and Ryan Allan if they want to win.
Aberfeldie by 40 points.
Keilor v Essendon Doutta Stars
Keilor put up a healthy 40 goals against Airport West last week with Dean Galea slotting an easy 11. Despite Airport West’s poor record this season it highlights Keilor’s attacking prowess, and it’s the first time the Eagles have conceded more than 20 goals since Round 7.
After a difficult month it’s a solid confidence boost heading towards finals and a challenge at Aberfeldie’s top spot.
Douttas made it tough against West Coburg with a goalless first half before doing it pretty easily in the second half.
Connor Thompson has only played five games this season but he’s been in good form since his elevation. Jamie Allan and Patty Veszpremi were excellent and will be key in combating Keilor’s ball movement.
Lachlan Ronaldson will have to be at his best up against Keilor big men Andrew Browne and Dean Putt or his midfielders will already be on the defensive.
An upset here for Douttas will go a long way to seeing them make finals, but a loss won’t be the end of the world. It’ll make it tough but they’ve shown they’re good enough to fight.
Keilor by 13 points.
Avondale Heights v Strathmore
Heights gave Pascoe Vale a little bit of a fright last week, kicking six goals with the breeze in the final term to bring the margin down to three goals, but were unable to capitalise.
The Mores had a day to forget, kicking 2.17 in their loss to Aberfeldie. On the positive side, you’d think they can’t kick any worse this week.
Patrick Rose kicked four goals but he’ll come up against a good defensive line-up, facing the likes of Brad Mangan and Josh Helliwell, who both had good games last week.
Matt Cravino and Nathan Byrne were Heights’ best, playing important roles through the midfield and they both were able to kick multiple goals.
Mark Corrigan was Strathmore’s best, his work in the contest excellent. Their defence was impressive under fire from Abers’ potent attack but when you kick that poorly there will be only a few players who can hold their heads up.
They’ll want to bounce back even though their season is effectively over. Heights are searching for a third win to provide some silver lining to a tough season.
Strathmore by 23 points.
West Coburg v Pascoe Vale
It was a strange old day for West Coburg last week, leading 15 to 7 at half time against Douttas before conceding 55 points in the second half to lose by 34 on a blustery day at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Liam Bowkett and Jordan Gloury were standouts and Ruairi Cleary kicked two of their four goals for the day.
Pascoe Vale was solid against Avondale Heights, doing what it needed to do. Ben Warren and Luke Foster both kicked three goals but it was Dean Soncin doing the heavy lifting through the midfield.
Ben and Michael Ross were prolific through the midfield and Christopher Petroro played his best game of the season.
Pascoe Vale need to take their opportunities here or risk falling out of finals. West Coburg are dangerous on their day, but they’ve dropped off in the second half of the season.
Ben Warren will be a massive handful, and he’s in good form. Pascoe Vale’s midfield is strong and they should control and dictate the run of play.
Pascoe Vale by 35 points.
Maribyrnong Park v Airport West
Could Maribyrnong Park come out of nowhere and still make finals? They’re just hanging on to the pack by the skin of their teeth thanks to an upset over Greenvale, but it’s a big ask.
Their percentage is poor and will likely stop them from making finals, even though they face a potential boost against Airport West this week. It’s been an impressive season for the Lions but they’ll be left ruing their inconsistency over the year.
Chris Prowse had a strong game in the ruck, brother Nick was solid up forward. John McKenzie is impressing in the midfield this season and was Marby’s best alongside James Breust.
Airport West will be thankful that it’s nearly the end of the year.
