NFL fans will be treated to a spectacle when ladder-leaders South Morang and Banyule clash in Round 5 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The Lions and Bears head into the clash as the only two unbeaten sides in third division after 3-0 starts to the year.
Fellow three-win side Heidelberg West (3-1) sits equal with the duo on 12 points, but lost its opening-round match to Mernda.
Speaking to NFL.org.au this week, Banyule coach Pete Davey said the Bears are preparing for a tough slog against a firing Lions outfit.
“We’ve watched their games, they’re definitely a strong side,” Davey said.
“We just have to focus on our side of the match and prepare well so we come out ready to go.”
Banyule heads into the match off a Round 4 bye and Davey said he’s not sure that is a good thing ahead of a top-of-the-ladder clash.
“I think it can work both ways. Early on in the season it’s good to get some continuity,” he said.
“It’s tough when you play a few games and then have a bye again.”
After winning only 13 games over the past two years, Davey said his team’s ability to listen to instructions and act on them is a main reason they have had such a good start to the 2017 season.
“I guess we have really started to implement what we trained over pre-season and put it into game day,” he said.
“It’s pleasing when the players can take on board what we say and put it into action.”
The Bears have had some impressive performers early in the season, but Macleod premiership midfielder and new recruit Matthew Yarwood might just be the pick of them.
South Morang will no doubt be putting time and effort into stopping Yarwood, who has featured in the Bears’ best players in two of his first three games.
“He’s super impressive, just his ball winning ability stands out,” Davey said.
“He comes with good experience and has been able to stand up for us in a few key periods in games.”
Davey has also been impressed with 2016 club best and fairest winner Dan Kelly, as well as new recruit Riley Keath.
Keath crossed from Leitchville-Gunbower in the off-season and joined Yarwood as one of the Bears’ main recruits, along with James Kroussoratis who has already booted 15 majors to sit atop the goal kicking table.
After Round 5 only one side will remain unbeaten in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3. The match at R.J Brockwell Oval this Saturday will determine who that is.
