EFL Media’s Matt Fotia previews all the upcoming action in Division 4. Don’t forget to use the #EFLDIV4 hashtag and tweet us, @footyefl.
Glen Waverley Hawks (7th, 8-8, LLL) v Fairpark (8th, 5-10-1, LWL)
Heading into its round 14 clash against Forest Hill, the Hawks had destiny in its own hands. With fixtures against the aforementioned Zebras, Coldstream and Donvale in the weeks to come meant that at least two wins in those next three wins would see them settle in the four.
Unfortunately for Hawks fans they have emerged empty handed .
Last weeks game against a rampant Donvale was worst of the three losses, with Glen Waverley only kicking one goal to three quarter time and not scoring in the second or third term.
Ryan Goold has stood tall for his side in this lean period. The Hawks best player by a mile against those top four opposition. He will need more compatriots in future.
The Lions have been a little disappointing this season and missed a massive chance to get back-to-back wins, losing to Silvan falling away in the last.
A highlight however was return to form for Jason Peagram. His three goal performance saw him slot into his sides best performers for the day. His season tally is now at 27 goals and four times in the best.
Last Time: Fairpark 3.8.26 def by Glen Waverley Hawks 7.9.51
Goold in the best in what was a scrappy affair.
Coldstream (5th, 9-7, LWL) v Whitehorse Pioneers (2nd, 12-4, WLW)
This is huge for the Cougars. Sitting outside the four, the ultra attacking Cougars will be dangerous in finals.If they get there.
After knocking off the Glen Waverley Hawks, a third quarter fade out against Kilsyth sees Coldstream in this do or die situation.
One man heading into this sudden death fortnight red hot is Darcy Carrigan. BOG against Donvale, Glen Waverley Hawks and Kilsyth he is keeping his side alive in 2017. He will need a couple of mates to join the party, Coldstream will be a force to be reckoned with in finals.
Bouncing back from a demolition by Donvale, Whitehorse took advantage of a tired Nunawading side.
Struggling for goalkickers in recent weeks, the Pioneers had 10 players who kicked truly on the weekend. Andrew Padbury re-discovered his form with nine majors, Jordan Trevakis kicked six and Marcus Tippet slotted five.
With both the Pioneers and Coldstream more focused on attack then defence a shootout beckons this weekend.
Last Time: Whitehorse Pioneers 11.10.76 def Coldstream 10.11.71
Padbury kicked 4, Pioneers win the last quarter 4 goals to 2 to sneak home.
Donvale (1st, 13-3, WWW) v Surrey Park (6th, 8-8, WWW)
Can anyone stop the Magpie Machine? Far and away the best offensive and defensive unit in the Division, Donvale seem to be a step above the rest. They’ve completely embarrassed Coldstream, Whitehorse and Glen Waverley in recent weeks.
Twin Towers Jake Purcell (70 goals) and Nick Murphy (71) get a lot of kudos each week, but the defensive unit at Donvale are just as strong. David Withers, Matt Sutherland and co have not conceded over 45 points since they last played this weeks opponents Surrey Park in Round 8.
A game and a half outside the four, Surrey Park are the other form side of the Division. Four wins from its last four games the Panthers must win to keep its slim finals chance alive.
Up forward Greame Johns continues to add to his impressive season tally (55 goals). The key man has kicked 15 goals in the last three weeks and is a dangerous player who can hurt the Pies.
At the other end of the ground, Danyon Smart has been inform over this past, well season. Smart has featured in the best every week since the 20th of May.
Last Time: Surrey Park 10.9.69 def by Donvale 13.9.87
Gilbee and McGlynn couldn’t do enough as a Zac Haig led his side to a strong win.
Forest Hill (3rd, 11-5, WWL) v Silvan (9th, 4-12, LLW)
After three impressive wins over Coldstream, Glen Waverley and Kilsyth, the Zebras let its grip on the double chance slip last week losing to Surrey Park.
The loss of Matt Carnelley has left the Zebras coaching staff with a hole to fill. Timothy Johnston was his sides only multiple goal kicker last weekend , whilst Liam Carnelley has kicked nine goal and been the Zebras best players over the past month.
If Forest Hill take the points this weekend it sets up a play off for second place in round 18 against Whitehorse.
Silvan will be looking to claw its way up to eight place by the end of the season, after making it a possibility with a win over Fair Park last time out.
Snappy small forward Aaron Rowe capped a BOG performance with a goal. A nuisance for rebounding defenders with his pressure and tackling , Rowe is integral to the Cats game and its rebuild.
It is a chance for another big scalp, following on from the Cats win over local rivals Coldstream in round 11.
Last Time: Slivan 13.8.86 def by Forest Hill 18.17.125
Johnston kicked 5 as the Zebras slowly pulled away in the second half.
Nunawading (12th, 0-16, LLL) v Kilsyth (3rd, 9-6-1, WLW)
With two weeks to go in 2017, Nunawading will be looking to improve on the last time it clashed with its remaining opponents.
A shining light in recent weeks is the youthful Nathan Lester. The 18 year old was part of the club’s Reserves victory over Glen Waverley and has since settled in the Senior side.
His three games against Donvale, Surrey Park and Whitehorse have seen him in the best players each time, impressive against strong opposition.
A 16 point victory over Coldstream saw Kilsyth leapfrog them into the four as we head into the final stretch .
Kilsyth won each quarter against a more experienced side last weekend, with Ryan Goodinson kicking four majors. This follows on from his best one ground performance against Forest Hill and another multiple goal game against Silvan.
Kilsyth face Donvale in Round 18 so will be desperate to take as much percentage out of this game to create a buffer on Coldstream. Alternatively, they could just hope Whitehorse knock off Coldy this weekend and lock up the four. Second one would probably be safer.
Last Time: Kilsyth 24.17.161 def Nunawading 2.4.16
10 goal kickers for Kilsyth, sharing the load.
