Diggers Rest v Broadford
at Diggers Rest Reserve
Last week
Diggers Rest - The Burras enjoyed a bye last week as they build up towards a thrilling finale to end the home and away season and build towards securing a spot in the top two. They enjoyed a solid win over Melton Centrals two weeks ago and won without the necessity of Brent Tuckey kicking a goal. They had a good spread of goal kickers that reflect the balance of their line-up and they have kicked plenty of goals with goal-sneak Joseph Piccolo playing in the Reserves. They made a statement against the Centrals in windy conditions and they'll carry that form with them this week.
Broadford - The Roos are fresh off a bye and face an uphill battle to sneak into the top six. They are mathematically still a chance on paper and their win over Kilmore in round 15 will give them the boost and confidence needed to rise to the occasion. They were tested by the Blues before Scott Dylan came to the rescue and kicked them towards a 10 goal win in front of a good ground at the Harley Hammond Reserve.
THE GAME
Diggers Rest will not have Barry Hall to contend with in this meeting and should have the confidence to run away with this clash. The Burras have got the chance to help secure a top two finals spot and end Broadford's chances of a finals appearance in the process. This is a big game for both clubs and with the Burras' brilliant run and carry, they might just have the answers on every level. Scott Dylan has been dangerous up forward in the second half of the year for the Roos while Conan Dickman has worked tirelessly around the ground in support of his teammates. Brent Tuckey could have a day out, Stuart Clarke could dominate all over the ground and John Ryan could be the rock across half-back to end any hopes of Broadford making it to the finals. Given the form of this trio in season 2013, they'll likely deliver and the Burras will celebrate a big win.
Woodend/Hesket v Rupertswood
at Kyneton Showgrounds
Last week
Woodend/Hesket - The Hawks were swept away in their round 15 clash with Wallan in blustery conditions at the Green Hill Reserve. They showed some tremendous promise and depth in their line-up that took the game up to the Pies with Michael Crozier and Ethan Gove worked tremendously across half back and in the middle. Guy Donovan showed just why is one of the most underrated midfielders in the competition. His work ethic against the Pies was sensational. He applied countless tackles and won plenty of disposals. Jimmy Hepburn and Tom Gawthrop kicked two goals apiece in the loss.
Rupertswood - The boys from Salesian College have one big foot in the door of making their finals debut in the RDFNL. They took on the Tigers last week and led at every change to enjoy a 20 point win. Ben Brennan starred up forward with four goals while John Corso worked hard to kick two goals and show great value to the team. Rupertswood were relentless and kept themselves ahead in the win and justified just why they should be considered a finals contender this year.
THE GAME
The Hawks have a big chance to upset one of the teams above them fighting for a spot in the finals. Macedon, Lancefield and Melton Centrals will be sweating on the Hawks enjoying their second win at home to give themselves a chance to take sixth position by the end of the weekend. Unfortunately it appears unlikely as Rupertswood starts to work into some great form and will be prepared to take to the challenging task head-on. Rupo is capable of kicking a big score on a heavy ground and grinding away a victory. The Hawks will want to make the most of their final game at home and give their home fans something to cheer about as they work towards finishing the season on a positive note to take into season 2014.
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Rockbank v Kilmore
at Ian Cowie Reserve
Last week
Rockbank - The Rams had a tough day at the office last week against the Cats. The conditions were testing and the Cats adapted better. It wasn't the most prettiest games of football to watch for the first three quarters and unfortunately for Rockbank, the Cats kicked away in the final term to record a six goal win. Shaun Wilson tried hard all day with his trademark run and carry with the ball, Malcom Lynch battled hard and Dylan Creed showcased his brilliant skills. Unfortunately for the Rams, they could not hold the Cats down in the final term and were overrun along with their finals hopes.
Kilmore - The Blues showed positive signs of an upset in their 12 point loss to the Melton Centrals. They challenged the Centrals for four quarters. They slipped behind in the third term where they went goal-less in a low scoring encounter. Adam Fenton managed to kick four goals for the Centrals and that was the difference maker. Zane Collier was again outstanding for Kilmore alongside Rick Saunders, Adam Barbic and Rob Peckham. There was a lot to like about their endeavour and attack on the ball and plenty of positives to come out of the game to give them some great hope heading into this clash.
THE GAME
This match can potentially go either way. Rockbank faces an unlikely prospect of making the finals with plenty of results and percentage needed to go their way in order to take sixth spot. Kilmore will be determined to lock those chances away with great confidence. This is the Blues' last game of the year and they will throw everything they can at it to give their supporters something to look forward to next season. Unfortunately the Rams have too much class and great runners from half-back starting with Jake Armistead. Coach Leigh Sporle in the forward line is capable of kicking a big bag of goals. The Rams will be determined to bounce back from a disappointing final term against the Cats to seal a big victory here and take the four points in their final home game for the season.
Lancefield v Riddell
at Lancefield Reserve
Last week
Lancefield - The Tigers finals chances took a severe blow last week when they went down to Rupertswood by 20 points. The mighty yellow and black trailed at every change and could not hit the front and build on some sort of momentum to take the four points on the road. Tevita Fonua and Chris Collins led well from the front in the midfield but they just didn't have the support that they needed to dominate their opponents. John Baker and Alex Laidlaw kicked five goals between them to play their part but they just could not get more support around the grounds to kick a winning score. It will be a game of missed opportunities considering that they have the bye next week.
Riddell - The Bombers did what they needed to do in order to take home a win over Wallan and take that one step closer towards securing a spot in the final two. James Nolan was in career best form with six goals in the 35 point win to take his season tally to 37 for the season. Brian Ruffell was a class above the rest since returning from suspension. The Bombers led by a goal at quarter time but kicked away from that point on with six goals in the second term and five in the last to end the game as a contest and walk away with a solid win. Peter Robertson stepped up with three goals and the one time Bowen Medal contender of recent seasons will look to cement a place in the Bombers line-up as they eye off the premiership.
THE GAME
The battle of the sashes always draws a great deal of interest from the public. The Tigers' form has been positive all season while the Bombers have been leading the way all season. The Tigers upstaged premiership contender Diggers Rest quite convincingly in recent weeks and they have the spark and ability to do it again. The Tigers' finals hopes hang on this very game. If they stun the Bombers with a victory and Rupertswood loses to the Hawks and Diggers Rest over the coming weeks, they might just sneak in after this week and remain there next week. This promises to be a great game with the Bombers' midfield set to fire up on a ground that could have them battling away for the premiership on their next outing at this venue on September 15. Expect the Bombers to be too strong.
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Melton Centrals v Romsey
at MacPherson Park
Last week
Melton Centrals - The Centrals still have a pulse in season 2013 with a finals birth not out of the equation. They had to work very hard in trying conditions to overcome a determined Kilmore last week and did so successfully by 12 points. Percentage is crucial for the Centrals at this stage of the season but considering the conditions, they just needed to walk away with the four points. Jared Scott and Adam Fenton kicked all of the goals for the Centrals while Shane Fredrickson dominated for the entire match. Chris Kellett showed tremendous value in the midfield and helped set the stage for a gritty win.
Romsey - The Redbacks were blown away by the wind in a tough contest against the Sunbury Kangaroos. The Eric Boardman Reserve saw very little rain but the wind played havoc on clean effective disposal for both sides. Blake Henderson and Shannon Green were two clear stand-outs for the Redbacks that were only able to kick just two goals into the breeze. On the other hand, the Roos kicked seven goals including five straight in a big last quarter that was considered their best for the season. Matt Davidson was an occasional bright spark up forward with two goals but so much was left to so few in a frustrating performance for Romsey fans.
THE GAME
Everything is on the line here for the Centrals. The Redbacks have slipped off the radar in a big way in the second half of the season and have lost their last four matches. What Romsey team will march out onto the paddock this week? Will it be the Romsey of old that will take the game by the scruff of the neck and enjoy a thumping victory or will the Centrals have too much physical intensity to close them out of the contest? These two teams faced off at a similar time of the season last year and the Centrals caused a massive boil-over to record a victory. The loss woke up the Romsey machine and set it up for a launch at the premiership. This game will be determined by a toss of the coin. The Centrals will do everything they can to record a victory and keep their slim finals hopes alive.
Last Modified on 09/08/2013 15:49