Q. How do you fit seven into five?
A. You can’t
And with this equation lies the problem for a number of Division 1 clubs who are desperate to play finals in 2014.
We’re 14 rounds into the season and still there are just six points that separate third and seventh as we turn for the final month of the home and away fixture.
Greensborough’s five-point win over Bundoora last week ensured Montmorency stayed right in the finals hunt, while West Preston-Lakeside jumped into the box seat to finish third despite a tough run home.
In a clash between second and third, Greensborough hosts West Preston-Lakeside in what looms as an intriguing battle after their last encounter was decided on the last kick of the day. The Boro only just held out a fast-finishing Bundoora last weekend, and it was again the heroics of co-captains Tim Bongetti (five goals) and Lachlan McQuilken which propelled their side to its 11th victory of the season.
The Roosters were able to overcome two poor home performances to notch a stellar victory at Macleod – arguably their most important win of the season. In a tight battle, the Roosters led at every change to claim an eight-point win. Billy Micevski was the standout with five goals and had ample support from Peter Shepherd, Steven Hiho and returning skipper Shaun Gannon.
Traditional rivals Heidelberg and Montmorency square off again at Warringal Park. While ladder positions would indicate a Tiger victory, the Magpies have dominated the past three encounters between the sides – including a 33-point victory earlier this season.
Last week, Heidelberg had a runaway victory over Eltham, winning by 60 points on the back of a six-goal to nil last quarter. In his third successive senior game, Ryan Stone had a day out with five majors, while Kieran Andrew, Aaron Crispe and Jordan Treloar (four goals) all heavily contributed to the win.
The Magpies set-up their 41-point win over Northcote Park with a six-goal to one third quarter after scores were deadlocked at half time. Pat Fitzgerald kicked five goals, to take his tally to 17 in three matches. Defender Shane Tennant and midfielders Jesse Donaldson and Ryan Jackson also played big games as their side moved into sixth place.
With their spots in the top five still under constant threat, Lower Plenty and Macleod meet in their biggest Division 1 clash in memory. The Bears recorded a come-from-behind win when the sides last met in Round 8.
Coming off two consecutive defeats, Lower Plenty was always in control in last weekend’s percentage-boosting win over Whittlesea. The Bears kept their host to just one major in the second half as they streaked to a 60-point win. Patrick Flynn, Chas Bromley and Joe Vaccaro were all amongst the best, while Bowen Zimbolani snared four goals.
Macleod’s top three hopes took a massive dent in its home loss to West Preston-Lakeside, and this week’s clash looms as a decisive one for the club. A win could well put it two-points clear in third place, however it could also find itself as low as seventh should results not go its way.
With finals out of contention and the relegation no longer hanging over their heads, pride is the major factor on the line when Eltham hosts Northcote Park.
Sticking to its youth policy, Eltham’s youngsters continue to offer a shining light in what has been a year of re-building for the club. Finding enough avenues to goal has been a constant problem this year, with the Panthers only twice registering more than 100 points – the last time being their big win over Northcote Park in Round 8.
The Cougars disappointing year hit another hurdle last week when they couldn’t contain Montmorency in the second half, despite a positive start. Tom Walliss was amongst the best in his return from injury, while Ben McNiece and Jason Kennedy fought gamely.
During the week coach 2012 premiership coach Jason Heatley announced he would step aside at season’s end, meaning he now has just four games remaining at Northcote Park coach.
Finally, Bundoora travels to Whittlesea for the first time since Round 2, 2012 as it looks to keep its finals hopes alive. The Bulls will be highly fancied to record their eighth win of the season, however last year’s premiers have now lost four of their past five matches.
Following a second heavy defeat to Lower Plenty this season, Whittlesea now has to produce something magical to avoid relegation. It was no match for Bundoora in Round 1, losing by 99 points on the back of an eight-goal haul to Gary Moorcroft.
