Eltham and Greensborough will face off in their traditional Good Friday clash tomorrow, with some big names expected to feature for both sides.
This will be the sixth time since 2014 that these two sides will battle on Good Friday, with the Boro getting the points on all but one occasion.
Despite both sides coming into the clash with 1-1 records, Greensborough look destined to continue their good run in this fixture tomorrow afternoon.
Matthew Hyde has a bunch of talented tall timber to rely upon, headlined by Tom Brindley and Jamie Smith.
Coming off a best and fairest winning season with Richmond’s VFL side, Brindley can impact the contest in both defence and attack. He was named in his side’s best in four of his six games for Greensborough.
Smith meanwhile has been dominant up forward and has kicked seven majors in his two matches in 2025; only two other players in the competition have kicked more goals so far.
Other talls who can provide an influence on this game include Nathan Howard, Will McFawn and Angus Seivers which will look to give the away side an edge.
Captain Jack Johnston was named as his side’s best player in their defeat to Banyule in Round 2, but he will hope to lead a tighter defensive unit on Good Friday, with the Boro having conceded two 90+ scores to start the season.
Although history hasn’t been on their side, Eltham will feel confident coming into Friday’s contest having already secured a win under their belt.
They will also be boosted by former Brisbane Lions and Carlton AFL player Mitch Robinson who will play his second game for the club after a one-off appearance in 2024.
He was one of the best players on the ground in the Panthers’ victory over Macleod in Round 11, contributing both in the midfield and up forward, and may need to produce a similar performance if his side are to claim the four points.
Declan Ayres has been another highlight across the first two weeks, being the only player to be named in his side’s best in each game. The 2024 Team of the Year defender looks to have a big task ahead of him but is capable of having a match-winning performance in defence.
Assisting him in this area will be the talented defensive pair of recent recruits Mitchell Green and Kai Turner, who can both launch potential goal scoring chains with their run and carry.
The Panthers’ biggest issue lies inside attacking 50, having scored just six and seven goals respectively across the opening fortnight of the season. Jason McCormick won’t feature again due to suspension, meaning some others will need to stand tall if they are to kick a winning score.
With a huge crowd certain to pile into Eltham Central Park tomorrow, Tim Bongetti’s men seemed destined to be up to the challenge against last year’s preliminary finalists, making for an intriguing and exciting contest.
