Premiership contenders could be separated from premiership pretenders at the end of Round 15 of A Plus Solutions Division 2, as the top-four sides face each other.
Ladder-leader North Heidelberg hosts third-placed Fitzroy Stars at Shelley Reserve on Saturday looking to edge closer to the minor premiership. The Bulldogs require two wins in the final four matches to seal first spot at season’s end.
The Bulldogs again showed last week they are the side to beat, defeating in-form Lower Plenty by 50 points at Montmorency Park. The Bulldogs trailed by three points at quarter time but kicked 13 of the final 17 goals to run away with the victory.
Shane Harvey was at his elusive best, kicking seven majors and named best on ground, while Brent Harvey kicked five goals. Brody Tardio and Michael Florance also impressed, as did Ryan Storey in his first senior game for his new side.
The Bulldogs are yet to lose a match at home this season and will hope the home ground advantage gives them the edge against the only opponent they haven’t beaten this season.
The Fitzroy Stars made amends for their shock defeat to Watsonia in Round 9 by winning the reverse fixture at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval by 51 points. The Stars kicked three goals into a stiff breeze in the third term to outscore their opponent, before romping home in the last.
John Hayes played his best game for the season, booting six goals, while Allan Norris, Clinton Benjamin and Kain Proctor were among the Stars best in their ninth win for the year.
These sides played a thriller in Round 8. North Heidelberg led by 30 points midway through the third term, before the Stars kicked 10 of the last 15 goals to tie 122 apiece. In Round 2 the Stars inflicted North with its only loss, winning by 41 points.
There is lots to play for at Coventry Oval when Diamond Creek plays host to Lower Plenty.
Sitting second on the ladder the Creekers are still in the box-seat to win a double chance in the finals. They sit six points behind North Heidelberg and six ahead of the Fitzroy Stars, with an 11-3 record.
The Creekers returned to the winners’ list in Round 14 with a 56-point victory over Lalor. Ryan Pingree returned to the line up after a week off and booted his second-consecutive five-goal haul.
In only his second game for the season, Jake Battye was adjudged his side’s best in the win. Cameron Craig and Kane Tenace also enjoyed solid outings.
Lower Plenty could drop out of the top-four should it loss to Diamond Creek for the third time this season. Fifth-placed Thomastown is on equal points with the Bears, but Lower Plenty’s superior percentage puts it in fourth spot.
Following this week’s match, Lower will face Watsonia and Panton Hill, before ending the season with a crucial match against Thomastown.
Last week, they were unable to contain North Heidelberg after quarter time, despite the best efforts of Dale Nolan, Patrick Flynn and Jordan Sacco.
The relegation battle heats up when Panton Hill travels to Lalor.
A win to the Redbacks would put them equal on points with the Bloods, however a win to the home side would likely consign Panton Hill back to Division 3 in 2018.
The Redbacks renascence will worry Lalor, who hasn’t tasted victory since these sides last met in Round 9.
Panton Hill led Thomastown by eight points at three quarter time before being overrun in the final term. Thomas Blake kicked three goals, while Daniel Freeman booted a goal and was the Redbacks best player.
Lalor gave a decent account for itself at Diamond Creek last week, going down by 56 points. It was an improved showing on their last trip to Coventry Oval, with Shane Jacobs and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly again their side’s best, while Christian Pisano (two goals) showed good signs.
The final match of the weekend sees Watsonia host Thomastown. It is a must-win for the Bears in their bid for a finals place, ahead of a tough final three rounds.
After a tight first half, Watsonia was unable to upset the Fitzroy Stars for the second time this year, with the home side kicking clear after the main break.
Allan Young was best for the Saints with four goals, improving his season tally to 23, while Kelby White and Matthew Crompton also produced strong performances.
Thomastown won a hard-fought contest against Panton Hill at a windy Main Street Reserve. The Bears trailed by as much as 25 points at quarter time before working back into the match, with Jacob Osei-Duro and Nick Horman combining for seven goals.
Matthew Vasilevski continued his outstanding season and was named in the Bears’ best for the eighth time in his 13 matches this year. Watsonia must curb his influence if it is going to score its fifth win of the year.
