RADIO GAME | Westmeadows v Tullamarine
YET again the Tigers and Demons meet with plenty on the line. These two simply can’t help it. Back in May it was Westmeadows getting up in a classic at Leo Dineen Reserve. That day the Tigers led by 40 points at three-quarter time, only to let Anthony Leydin’s men storm home in the last. Tiger Jordan Foster was best-on with six. It was also Tullamarine’s most recent loss – the Demons currently enjoying a seven-game winning streak that includes the scalp of Craigieburn.
This weekend the context is very different, with a double chance and a qualifying final date with Craigieburn on the line. Crucial injuries have hit the Demons at the wrong time but Westmeadows won’t be full-strength, either. The Tigers haven’t been for a while. Col Laurie in particular will be sorely missed. It’s a must-win particularly for Westmeadows, as it’ll draw the Tigers level with Tullamarine at 11-4 with a significant percentage gap. Tulla can lock in the double-chance with victory at Willowbrook. And just in case you were wondering… yes, it is EDFL Match of the Day.
Northern Saints v Hadfield
Word on Sydney Road is Daniel Foley’s men are priming themselves for this one. The Saints are still winless, and haven’t sung the song on a late Saturday afternoon since August 23rd, 2014. That was away to Essendon Doutta Stars in Premier Division – a club currently in the Premier Division top four this year after being promoted out of this division last year.
First time around across the road at Martin Reserve the Hawks just held on for a five-point victory. Raaf Racharache was the star that day with six but Matt Patane was restricted to one. Daniel Boudoloh and Nick Bailey are two Saints that can hold their heads high with good showings in a so-far-winless season, while Jake McSwain impressed last week at Shark Park.
There wasn’t much to write home about for Hadfield last week – a dismal second quarter ruling out any chance of an upset at home to Tullamarine. Percentage should already have the Hawks safe from relegation but a win here to absolutely ensure safety will be a nice way to end a tough season. The Saints will come, but the Hawks will be ready for the fight.
Glenroy v Hillside
Are there two more frustrating sides in Essendon Ford Division 1 than these two? Maybe Oak Park, but the Roos have the bye this weekend. Nonetheless, this will be very interesting at Sewell Reserve.
Hillside ticked off their requirements against the Northern Saints and seem to be playing true to their ladder position of late. Everyone in Essendon Ford Division 1 is aware that the Sharks at their best are frighteningly good, but if they’re five per cent off, they’re not even part of the premiership conversation. This could be Hillside’s last game of the year with Round 18 being its second bye week. That means this game is a virtual final. Only four per cent separates Hillside from Oak Park on the ladder and given Oak Park’s one remaining home-and-away game falls next week at home to Taylors Lakes, Steve Burns should be looking to win and win well – forcing the pressure back onto the Kangaroos. Lose this and fair to say every Hillside person known to Shark Park will be at Oak Park next week suddenly barracking like never before for the arch-enemy, Taylors Lakes. Won’t that be an interesting prospect.
Glenroy went from giant-killers in knocking off Craigieburn in impressive fashion to something we’ve often seen from the Roys of late – frustratingly inconsistent. We often hear about the importance of four-quarter performances and you can be sure Ross Terranova has reminded his playing group of it in the past seven days. Up by 20 at three-quarter time, Glenroy ended up going down by two points away to Oak Park despite a four-goal haul from an in-form Adam Winter and fellow recruit Matt Walker enjoying a good day.
Taylors Lakes v Craigieburn
It’s been an interesting year for Taylors Lakes. The Lions won three of their first four before injuries and player exits began to set in. As a result it’ll be a second consecutive year of no finals for Sam Tankard’s men. That was confirmed at Lionheart last week with a 43-point loss to Westmeadows. Chris Tripodi, Mark Xuereb, James Vistarini, Matthew Morelli and Chris Ragusa have all been good contributors this year but it’s looking like another solid summer of recruiting ahead for the Lakers.
Craigieburn, remarkably, isn’t yet locked into top spot, but the double-chance is secured. The Eagles had a much-needed week off for Round 16 after going down to Glenroy. Word is the long season is starting to take a physical toll so it will be very interesting to not only see how the Eagles go but who they play at Lionheart. A lot of kids have been blooded into the senior side throughout the year which could come quite handy in the coming weeks. The Eagles should win to absolutely lock in top spot, but as proven twice since the New Financial Year, Craigieburn is prone to a slip up if not switched on.
