EFL Media’s Matt Fotia previews all the weekend’s action in Division 2…
Mulgrave (9th, 5-11, LLW) v Croydon (7th, 6-10, WLL)
Two sides playing for pride. With Waverley losing last weekend and the Lions taking down Mitcham the chance of relegation is now gone. The possibility however for Mulgrave to climb above Mitcham and this week’s opponents Croydon to finish mid table.
Always dangerous at home, Mulgrave will look build on some strong form from players such as Seb Henderson who has kicked eight goals in three weeks, Alistair Tilyard popped up with three goals himself last week and captain Dean Siakoulis continued his strong year with another best on ground.
Croydon have gone from finals chance to possibly finishing second last over the course of a poor fortnight. Losses to Wantirna South and Upper Ferntree Gully killing any chance the Blues had.
Trent Martin was the only multiple goal kicker last weekend and the Blues will need to hit the scoreboard more in future seasons if they are to break back into the top four. Jarrad Clark (18 goals) and Justin Ficorilli (27) are viable options but a focal point should be number one on the shopping list.
Last Time: Croydon 18.14.122 def Mulgrave 8.9.57
Martin 5 and Ficorili 3 in one of the better offensive games from the Blues this season.
Lilydale (3rd, 9-7, LWW) v Doncaster East (2nd, 13-3, WWL)
Back to back victories have steadied what was a wobbly ship at Lilydale with its healthy percentage meaning they should be relatively safe in the four for the remainder of the year.
Strong games from defenders Mitch De Franceshci and Zak Kennedy helped win a low scoring slog at Kings Park and with captain Dean Carswell and vice Jarrod Healy likely to return this weekend the Dales will be close to full strength. They seem to have found another avenue to goal, with Matthew Wizerbicki kicking three in just his third senior game for the season.
The Lions are coming off a suprise loss last week, which despite not changing the ladder position of either club may affect the mental side of things, should Doncaster East and Mooroolbark meet again this season. They cannot afford to lose to another likely finals opponent this weekend.
Positives were visible however, with Sholakis kicking three in a BOG performance, whilst Whitty, Whitling and Martin played well which bodes well for the Lions future.
Last Time: Doncaster East 14.8.92 def Lilydale 11.9.75
Lilydale gave away a 2 goal three quarter time lead. Jack Martin hitting the scoreboard with 2 goals in a best on ground game.
Mitcham (8th, 6-10, LLL) v Knox (1st, 15-1, WWW)
Like Croydon, Mitcham’s poor form has found them out of the race for finals, cultivating with that poor loss at home to Mulgrave.
It’ll be key for the Tigers hierarchy that they finish strongly and avoid a second straight ninth placed finish, especially after the expectations on the side earlier in the year.
Michael Raath impressed in just his second game for the seniors kicking two goals, whilst Lachlan Ryan put in his best performance of the year slotting twice as well.
Knox have shown the steely resolve they pride themselves on after its Round 15 loss to Doncaster East, winning the next three games against some good opposition.
Harrison Greaves continued his good form with three goals bringing his season tally to 30, whilst ex- East Burwood player Jordan Damatopolous kicked two in a strong performance.
The Falcons have a cruisy run home, which allows them to apply the cotton wool to some sore bodies and to see what some players have to offer in some fancied roles.
Last Time: Knox 13.9.87 def Mitcham 8.8.56
Greaves 3 as Knox outlasted the Tigers to win comfortably.
Mooroolbark (4th, 9-7, LLW) v UFTG (6th, 7-9, WWL)
After three losses to Waverley Blues, Wantirna South and Knox, the Mustangs surprised the competition with a shootout victory over Doncaster East.
Kire Talevski returned to form with six goals as he was let off the leash. He passed the half century for the season in the process (52 in total). Small forward Jordan Roth joined the party as well snagging five, backing up his two goals in the previous weekends loss to Knox. The Mustangs will look to keep scoring heavily, hoping to gain more percentage to create a stranglehold on fourth place.
The Kings have a goalless third term to blame for its loss to Lilydale at home. They remain a mathematical chance, but need favours from Waverley Blues and then Mitcham and Doncaster East in the final round. That of course assumes they win its final two games.
Patrick Gellie has been red hot form with two BOGs and three goals in the last three games for the Kings.
Last Time: UFTG 5.5.35 def by Montrose 9.9.63
3 goal to 1 third quarter helped the Mustangs claim the four points in a classic Upper Gully style tussle.
Wantirna South (5th, 8-8, WWW) v Waverley Blues (10th, 2-14, LLL)
3-7 after round 10, The Devils have won five of its last six to be the most realistic chance of stealing fourth spot. A win here sets up a blockbuster final round clash with Doncaster East. The Devils need Mooroolbark to slip up once , or preferably twice against UFTG or Mitcham.
Last weekend saw bags of three to Brad Ulms and Jackson Freeman which ended Croydon’s season. The experienced Glen Manson is building some impressive form as well which will have the Mustangs looking over its shoulder.
They face Waverley who are definitely not the worst side to ever be relegated from Division Two. It was only a third term fade out that led to its six goal loss at the hands of Knox.
Ben Turner kicked three goals to continue his good form, whilst Will Edwards put in another hard working performance. The Blues victory over Mooroolbark in round 13 will keep the Devils on its toes this weekend.
Last Time: Waverley Blues 9.3.57 def by Wantirna South 14.16.100
5 goals to none in the first quarter hurt the Blues and they never recovered.
