Strathmore v Pascoe Vale
A SURGING Strathmore outfit will be licking their lips in this one after knocking off near-flag favourite Aberfeldie and being back on their home turf for a second week running.
Pascoe Vale comes in on the back of a close loss to reigning premier Keilor.
It was straight kicking that proved crucial for the Mores, who slotted 17.7 with Alex Grima being the danger man, bagging six himself.
Pascoe Vale will need to put a stop to Strathmore’s elite midfield, with the likes of Jaryd Cachia and Adam Iacobucci coming into some blistering form at a vital time.
Kyle Hardingham was again the Panthers forward that cashed in, kicking three of his team’s 11 in the loss, and will need to be contained.
Craig Anderson was the best afield in a Pascoe Vale side that will need to step up if they’re to be competitive in this.
Avondale Heights v Keilor
A semi-danger game for the inconsistent reigning premiers here, facing a strong-willed Avondale Heights team on their home turf.
Last week will be thick in the minds of Avondale who will be looking to bounce back following a tough loss to Greenvale.
Cam Wood led the way but will have his work cut out for him against top tier ruckman Andrew Browne, while Patty Rose will need to have an impact again to ensure Avondale are any chance to compete in this.
Keilor will come in full of momentum following a convincing win against Pascoe Vale on the road, but a second away game in consecutive weeks could play out as a negative in this must-win game.
Dean Galea will be a focal point for Avondale’s defenders, coming off a six-goal performance against the Panthers that took his season tally to 31 - well on his way to back-to-back 100-goal seasons.
Essendon Doutta Stars v Maribyrnong Park
Match of the round for mine, between two teams in a must-win situation.
Marby is competing in a big three atop the table, wrestling with Greenvale and Aberfeldie to make a break for the top position, while Essendon Doutta Stars, after a season full of injuries, are fighting to stay in touch in the super competitive division.
Both teams are coming off comfortable wins with Marby taking care of Craigieburn and Essendon Doutta Stars getting over West Coburg by the best part of nine goals.
Alex Marklew has been in rare form for the Stars, slotting 21 goals in his three outings, including six last week and a bag of nine in his first start of Season 2017.
Mitch Jensen will also be a focus for the visitors, following a year full of damaging performances from the young wingman.
Robbie Ball is the man to watch for the Stars, slotting three goals last week and having a damaging season in a strong Lions midfield.
Tough to pick a winner here, but Maribyrnong Park seem best off coming in.
Craigieburn v Greenvale
Not a very attractive fixture for Craigieburn, although they will enjoy being back at home, albeit against a Greenvale side that is looking as dangerous as ever.
Eagles defenders will have their work cut out for them, facing a Jets side that has been scoring well into triple figures week in, week out, led by superstar Addam Maric - who has slotted 26 goals in his seven outings.
Ozgur Uysal and Josh Smith will also be on the Eagles’ radar after dominating proceedings against Avondale Heights last week.
Jake Piggot and Sammy Laffan will look to back up impressive performances for Craigieburn while big man Jeremy Page will be crucial to the Eagles getting first use in the midfield.
Expect this game to go to script, although we’re due to see a fighting performance from Craigieburn, so don’t be surprised if it comes at home against the in-form Jets.
Aberfeldie v West Coburg
The perfect fixture for Aberfeldie, who will be kicking themselves following an uncharacteristic loss to Strathmore last weekend.
At the other end of the ground, despite a loss, West Coburg put up a good fight against Essendon Doutta Stars and will come into this with a wave of confidence that could carry them further than some may think.
Kyle Reimers and Zach Hislop will be the main concerns for Digby Morrell and his men, following impressive performances for Abers despite the loss.
The Burgers had seven goal kickers last week and are looking more and more dangerous as the weeks go by, led last week by Michael Tang who kicked four and was one of the best afield.
Jack Yelland and Ruiari Cleary are the danger men for Abers in this, and will need to be controlled if it’s to truly go to script.
Expect Abers to be too strong.
