Keilor vs Aberfeldie
WHAT a blockbuster!
With both sides coming off hard-fought wins in Round 1, the stage is set for an epic grand final replay at Joe Brown Oval.
Throw the grand final result out the window, expect both sides to come out firing on all cylinders in this one.
Damien Cavka got four quarters of footy into his legs for Keilor and should be fitter here, as should Dylan Joyce, who battled hard all game against Essendon Doutta Stars.
Straight kicking was the telling-tale for Aberfeldie last weekend with only four behinds being scored to go with 15 majors.
Kyle Reimers started in blistering fashion, booting six for Abers, and will play a crucial role against the Blues here, while Keilor forwards David Gourdis and Dean Galea had seven between them, suggesting this could be a shootout.
It could very well come down to which side recovers better from last weekend and can run out a full four quarters in stronger fashion.
RADIO GAME - Greenvale vs Strathmore
A disappointing start for Strathmore, who were demolished by Maribyrnong Park, was certainly not coach Nathan Grima’s plan coming into Season 2017.
Now the Mores have to travel up Mickleham Road to face a hungry Greenvale side who fell only 20 points short of 2016 minor-premiers Aberfeldie in Round 1.
Ex-AFL premiership player and current senior coach Paul Chapman was named in the Jets’ 25-man squad to face Aberfeldie last weekend, but didn’t suit up.
Greenvale will see a huge chance to grab their first win in this one, on the back of last week’s results, but should be aware of the talent the visiting team boasts.
Ex-Demon Addam Maric was a standout for Greenvale last week, kicking five goals and featuring as the Jets’ best player.
Despite a 56-point loss, Strathmore’s new talent showed good signs.
South Australian export Luke Jarrad was amongst the best, and could prove a handful for the Jets.
It remains to be seen whether Hamish McIntosh and Matt Little will play their first games of 2017, after missing last week for Strathmore.
An intriguing contest, and one where previous results should be put aside as two of the EDFL’s powerhouses go head-to-head in a Round 2 thriller.
Maribyrnong Park vs West Coburg
A very big chance here for Maribyrnong Park to start Season 2017 with two wins, if last weekend’s results are anything to go by.
A brilliant win against a Strathmore side that is expected to play finals footy come September will have them raring to get stuck into their first home game of the season.
West Coburg on the other hand, will be looking to rectify a poor performance last week, where they were blown out by 95 points at the hands of Pascoe Vale in front of their home crowd.
Tom Baravi will line up against his old side on the back of a stellar game against Strathmore, as will Omar Saad who featured in the goal-scorers in Round 1.
Big man Panaioti Kokkinakis proved a dangerous option up forward, slotting three majors for the Lions, and should enjoy a little more freedom in this one.
Jack Yelland and Jordan Gloury were both amongst the best players in the loss to Pascoe Vale, as well as being a part of the Burgers’ three goal-scorers. Expect both of these guys to pop up and play a role again for West Coburg.
A Lions side coming in full of steam will be tough to handle for West Coburg, who have a huge challenge ahead.
Pascoe Vale vs Craigieburn
A tough task here for Craigieburn who travel to Raeburn Reserve to face the in-form Pascoe Vale.
We’ll get a good idea of where both teams are at in this one, which is expected to go to script after Pascoe Vale took the chocolates easily last week, and Craigieburn struggled at home.
The Panthers kicked 25 behinds last weekend, part of 41 scoring shots against West Coburg; one of very few issues to come out of last weekend for coach Kyle Hardingham.
Craigieburn will have to put a stop to the centre dominance, in order to lower the impact of scoring threats Jacob Polizzi, who had four goals last weekend and Hardingham, who had three.
Craig Anderson was outstanding in his first game in red and black, and shutting him down will be a major part of the Eagles’ game-plan.
Swingman Aaron Kite was the danger man for Craigieburn slotting four goals, while ex-Coburg VFL ball-magnet Christian McErlain featured in the best and will be handy for the away side if he can get back to his best.
Not an easy day at the office ahead for Craigieburn, but a chance to show some guts and grit against a quality opponent.
Avondale Heights vs Essendon Doutta Stars
Avondale Heights got the win they were hunting in Round 1 against Craigieburn to the tune of 44 points and will come into their first home game full of confidence.
Essendon Doutta Stars on the other hand will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss at the hand on Keilor in a brutal battle.
Expect Avondale Heights to have a little more run after a slightly padded lead-up game, but the visitors will be chomping at the bit to get their first win on the board.
Cam Wood (Avondale Heights) will be a tough assignment for young ruckman Lachlan Ronaldson (Essendon Doutta Stars), which could see the home side get first use of the footy on more occasions than not, but the talent-rich Essendon Doutta Stars midfield should adapt.
Shylo Smith, Jamie Allan and Jordan Schroder will enjoy a little more freedom throughout the midfield, and should look to keep the ball forward of centre, away from Avondale Heights sharp-shooter Patrick Rose, who slotted eight goals against Craigieburn.
This one should go to script, but don’t be surprised if Avondale Heights come out full of run and gun.
