PASCOE VALE v STRATHMORE
FEELING pretty safe and secure, Strathmore are in a good position as they can’t drop out of the four and have cemented their finals spot.
Last week proved they had some tired bodies and were looking to rest up to ensure they were ready for a huge finals campaign in a few weeks’ time, and this week against Pascoe Vale it won’t be much different.
Although both sides will be sure to put on a performance, there isn’t much in it for either of them.
After finding some winning form, Pascoe Vale have lost their last three against some tough opposition the past few weeks.
This week isn’t going to be any easier and it will be a good test of their character if they can come out and grab the points at home.
KEILOR v AVONDALE HEIGHTS
With a year full of ups and downs, Keilor just weren’t able to match it with the best sides in the competition when it mattered, resulting in a fifth spot finish… surprising to say the least for a team that is usually so dominant.
However, they may be able to string back-to-back wins together this weekend.
With a good win against the Panthers last weekend, Avondale Heights stand in their way this week.
The Heights’ track record has been good so far against the Blues, beating them by 28 points last time the two met, Keilor definitely have a challenge on their hands.
Avondale Heights won the first quarter, like they have all year, and controlled the game.
That will most likely be the plan again.
MARIBYRNONG PARK v ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
After a few losses, Maribyrnong Park are back to their winning ways and have found the form they need at the right time of year to take into finals.
Maribyrnong Park have won their last three games and have won them quite comfortably, which will give them plenty of confidence going into this week, setting them up for a huge finals series.
Essendon Doutta Stars stand in their way here, which on their last occasion nearly saw them go down in a thriller.
Maribyrnong Park were able to hang on by a point to beat the Stars in a nail-biter at Nipper Jordan Oval, coming back from a 20-point deficit after three-quarter time to grab the points.
This will be sure to go down to the wire as well.
WEST COBURG v ABERFELDIE
Sitting a comfortable second, with 14 wins and two losses for the season, Aberfeldie have been impressive in 2017.
As they don’t have much to lose this week against West Coburg they won’t come out too hot, looking to ensure they don’t lose any star players for finals.
On the other hand, West Coburg will come out looking to get a strong win at Shore.
Last time the two met West Coburg were no match, as Jayden Foster was too good up forward kicking four, and Luke Blackwell was dominant around the ground.
If they can keep an eye on those two, and the defenders tighten up on Aberfeldie’s forwards, West Coburg has every chance.
GREENVALE v CRAIGIEBURN
With only two rounds left for the 2017 season, Craigieburn is going to struggle to pick up their first win for the season as they take on Greenvale here at Section Road and Keilor in Round 18.
Although Greenvale may choose to rest some players with a big finals series around the corner, their depth of players is too good and too strong for the visitors.
Last time the two met Greenvale won by 203 points, handing Craigieburn their biggest loss for the season thus far.
They kicked 22 goals to two in two quarters of football and tore the home side apart.
This time around Craigieburn will be looking to lock down on the Jets’ forwards a little better in order to try and slow down the relentless scoring power they have.
