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ROUND 13 PREVIEW | DIVISION 1

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EFL Media’s Matt Fotia previews all the upcoming weekend’s action in Division 1.  

Make sure you get involved this weekend by Tweeting us @footyefl using the #EFLDIV1 hashtag.

 

Norwood (8th, 4-8, W L L) v Blackburn (3rd, 9-3, W L W)

An important game for both sides, the Norsemen needing a win to keep their very slim finals chances alive, whilst the Burners will be looking to keep hold of their top three spot as well as keeping pressure on Vermont.

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Norwood will need to keep quiet the in-form Blackburn midfield. Xavier Murphy was best on ground against East Ringwood a few weeks ago, whilst Matthew Tuminello and Ben McIntyre have been in a little purple patch. They’ve been giving their forwards quality service all year, Jake Hammond making the most of it with 40 goals already.

Ex-Demon Jordan Gysberts has played the last month with Norwood and was their best last week against North Ringwood. He and Matthew Aver will be key in their task of nullifying the Blackburn mids.

 
Norwood will also need to find another forward target as they become increasingly Williams-centric. Despite leading the goal kicking with 50 goals, he was successfully double-teamed at Quambee Reserve last week. Utility David Johnson could be an option to throw forward as a marking target.

 

Last time: Blackburn 15.11.101 def Norwood 9.14.68

Hammond 6, Williams 5, Murphy BOG. Could see much of the same this weekend.
 

 

Vermont (1st , 12-0, W W W) v Balwyn (4th, 8-4 , W W L) 


Another week, another challenger for the Eagles. This time it comes from a consistent nemesis in Balwyn. The Tigers have begun building steadily after their slow start to the year, but hit a road bump last week going down to the Sharks.

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This build in form has been thanks to strong performances from Taylor Gilchrist and Kris Pendlebury, amongst many others. Pendlebury will be in the thick of the action again this week as he and his fellow backs will try to suffocate the dangerous Vermont forwards.

Led by Jake Best (48 goals this season) who has slotted through 16 goals in the last three weeks, the Eagles are dynamic and have depth across the park.

Lachlan Johns who kicked four in a best on ground performance against Rowville, is back to his best after an interrupted pre-season. He has been Vermont’s best the past two weeks, whilst partner in crime Tom Schneider has been in fine touch also.
 

 

Last time: Vermont 11.10.76 def Balwyn 6.6.42
Best kicked three, Robbie McComb was massive. Vermont’s five-goal head start was enough.

 

East Ringwood (11th, 3-9, L L L) v North Ringwood (7th, 5-7, L L W)

Sunday action which could define seasons.

East Ringwood need a win to regain a three-game buffer on Bayswater, whilst the Saints can keep touch with the back end of the five if they build on last week’s strong win over Norwood.

 
The general down back for the Saints, Tim Jones performed well last week in greasy conditions. Skilful on both sides of the body, Jones always seems to have ample time in possession and helps the Saints set up attacks from the back.

Curtis Dunne has put together a few strong performances in recent times against Vermont and South Croydon and will be key in the middle alongside Jack Whelan who continues to be a regular in the Saints’ best.

 

Charlie Halley kicked four last week and took some attention off Thomas Hill (26 goals this season) up forward.
East Ringwood will be looking at David Evans-Marcius to keep his incredible form going, the strong midfielder has been the Roos’ best over the past three weeks.

Daniel Butera will come into this clash in good form down back, but cant afford to slip up in what could be a tight close fought game.

Last time: North Ringwood 3.7.25 def East Ringwood 2.8.20
A low scoring season opener, Curtis Dunner put in a strong showing to accompany his goal.
 

 

The opinions expressed in this article are purely subjective and remain those of the author. 

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