EFL Media’s Tim Fitzsimons previews all the weekend’s action in Division 3. Make sure you get involved this weekend by Tweeting us, @footyefl using the #EFLDIV3 hashtag.
FERNTREE GULLY v SOUTH BELGRAVE
Ferntree Gully will be looking to stay in touch with the top five when they host South Belgrave at Ferntree Gully Reserve this Saturday.
Back to back losses have meant the Eagles have fallen a game and percentage behind fifth position and simply must take care of South Belgrave if they are to take part in September action.
Ferntree Gully struggled to hit the scoreboard against Ringwood last week, managing just two goals in a low scoring encounter.
They will be looking the likes of Lee Boyle and Nick Knoops, who kicked five and three goals respectively against Boronia two weeks ago to provide some goal scoring options.
South Belgrave will be disappointed with last weeks loss to Warrandyte at home and losing by just 17 points despite having 12 less scoring shots suggest the scoreboard may have flattered them in the end.
If South Belgrave is to challenge the Eagles, Alex Bakens must recapture some of his early to mid-season goal kicking form that will give the Ferntree Gully defence some headaches.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
SOUTH BELGRAVE 9.11.65 def. by FERNTREE GULLY 15.11.101
Lee Boyle was the difference when these sides met earlier in the season with the key forward destroying South Belgrave’s defence in a nine-goal display.
South Belgrave were well in the contest at half time, leading by ten points before falling away to lose by six goals.
Bill Morrison and Chris Cox were the other main contributors for the Eagles whilst Taylem Withers was the best for South Belgrave.
TEMPLESTOWE v RINGWOOD
A mouth-watering encounter awaits those at Templestowe Reserve on Saturday as the form sides in Division 3 meet in a top of the table clash.
A 101-point drubbing of East Burwood rocketed Templestowe to the top of the ladder last week with the Dockers now having won six of their past seven games.
Midfield accumulator Leigh Murphy put in a best on ground performance for the Dockers in their percentage boosting victory.
Ringwood was able to edge clear of Ferntree Gully last week, winning by 29 points after just three goals were kicked between the two sides up until three quarter time.
The Redbacks have been extremely impressive over the past three months, losing just one game since their round three, their last match against Templestowe.
Defence may be the key in deciding this one with both sides outstanding last week in keeping their opponents to just one goal and two goals.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
RINGWOOD 7.13.55 def. by TEMPLESTOWE 10.12.72
The Dockers came away victors back in round three, leading at every change to win by 17 points.
Alex Browne put in a best on ground performance with Cadeyn Williams chiming in with three goals.
Leading goal kicker Trent Farmer booted three goals for the hosts and Tim Waack was also impressive.
WARRANDYTE v PARK ORCHARDS
Warrandyte host Park Orchards with both sides coming into the game with extremely contrasting emotions following last weekend.
The Bloods were able to come away with their third win for the season, accounting for South Belgrave away from home.
James Appleby was outstanding in the victory with the midfielder vital in his ability to hit the scoreboard booting three goals.
Contrastingly, Park Orchards will be shattered having recorded their second one-point loss in just three weeks.
In what was a tight game all day, the Sharks fell agonisingly short of Scoresby, in a game they would have been expecting to win despite Michael Philp’s four-goal effort.
This is a must win game for Park Orchards with a win catapulting them back inside the top two with Templestowe and Ringwood taking on each other.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
PARK ORCHARDS 5.12.42 def. by WARRANDYTE 10.10.70
It was a huge upset when these sides met in round three with Warrandyte knocking over one of the premiership fancies on the road by 28 points.
A five-goal to one opening term set up the Bloods win with Ryan Tester best on ground.
Scott Rowland and Campbell Cromb were the Sharks best on the day.
SCORESBY v THE BASIN
Scoresby find themselves right on the brink of the top five going into this clash with The Basin at Scoresby Recreation Reserve.
The Magpies’ thrilling one-point victory over the then ladder leader in Park Orchards will give them plenty of confidence heading into the latter stages of the season starting this week against the Bears.
The Basin will be looking to salvage something out of what has been a disappointing season, with the Bears sitting in ninth position with just five wins.
Although the Bears were able to stick with Boronia for three quarters, the Hawks ran all over the top of them in the final quarter to make the margin in excess of five goals at the final siren.
If Scoresby are to remain in touch with the top five in what is such a close season, they simply can’t afford to drop this one.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
THE BASIN 8.10.58 def. by SCORESBY 10.17.77
Scoresby were too good for the Bears earlier in the season, coming away with a hard-fought 19-point victory.
Wade Mcconnon was one of the best for the Magpies, kicking two goals with support from Mitch Walker and Toby Richards.
The Basin’s top performers on the day included Clinton Jones and Aaron Findlay.
HEATHMONT v EAST BURWOOD
Heathmont are clinging onto fifth spot and will need to take care of East Burwood at home this Saturday if they are to consolidate their spot in the five.
The Jets just scraped home last week against Chirnside Park and their form of late has been a bit rocky to say the least.
They are still well in finals contention but will need to regain some of their early season form if they are to have an impact come September.
East Burwood was no match for Templestowe last week managing just one goal in its 101-point defeat.
Last week would have been disappointing for the Rams after showing some signs of improved form in the previous few weeks and they will be hoping to bounce back with a strong outing this Saturday.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
EAST BURWOOD 8.12.60 def. by HEATHMONT 17.19.121
East Burwood were no match for Heathmont back in round three, falling to the Jets by 61 points at East Burwood Reserve.
Five goals from Kevin Clark was one of the highlights in a best on ground showing and was supported by strong performances from David Knowles and Brent English.
Sam Caruso and Toby Ryan were both strong contributors for the Rams.
BORONIA v CHIRNSIDE PARK
Boronia will be hoping to make it three wins in a row this week when they host Chirnside Park at Tormore Reserve.
The Hawks case for a finals birth has strengthened over the past two weeks since a miracle come from behind win over Ferntree Gully followed by a hard-fought five goal defeat of The Basin.
If they are to take part in finals action, this game is a must win clash for Boronia with the ladder being extremely tight at the top end.
Chirnside Park will be hurting after a shattering three-point loss to Heathmont, which would have made it four wins in a row for the Panthers.
The Panthers performances in the back half of the season has been a cut above their early season form and if it weren’t for a poor percentage and last weeks tight loss, they would still be a sneaky finals chance.
Both sides have something to play for with Boronia needing to win to stay inside the top five and Chirnside Park looking to finish the season strongly to take some confidence into next years pre-season.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND THREE
CHIRNSIDE PARK 14.9.93 def. by BORONIA 22.17.149
Boronia’s offense was too strong for the Panthers in their early season clash, piling on 22 goals in a high scoring encounter.
Jess Bolton was best afield on the day with Damon Fairchild putting in great goal kicking display booting six goals for the winners.
Michael King slotted four majors for Chirnside Park with Jai Hardwick also having a strong game.
