Opportunity is set to present itself for sides looking to boost their chances of surviving relegation or playing finals this coming weekend of Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 action.
Ben Frilay Oval hosts a crucial clash between fifth-placed Hurstbridge and second-placed Montmorency.
It’s a must win game for Joel Cordwell’s men if they are to play finals for the third consecutive season, with Heidelberg to follow in the final round of the home and away season.
The past three games for the Bridges have been decided by a combined 14 points, claiming two wins and one loss during that period.
Last weekend’s win for Hurstbridge against Bundoora saw Joel Naylor return to form, kicking four goals in the seven-point triumph at Yulong Reserve.
William Cookson and Cameron Wild both performed exceptionally well alongside Blake Fitzgerald and Caelan Anderson, the latter of whom kicking two goals on the day.
They now meet their first top five opponent since their heartbreaking two-point defeat to Banyule at Beverley Road Oval in Round 14.
Montmorency are in a strong run of form too having won their past three games by an average of just under 10 goals.
Their most recent win against Greensborough saw VFL-listed duo Patrick Dozzi and Flynn Riley star alongside defensive stalwart Billy Jenkin.
Corey Sleep also kicked four goals, making it eight goals from his last two games as well as 16 goals in his past six matches.
Nick Rutley’s men won their Round 8 meeting against the Bridges by 17 points, kicking seven goals to one in the final quarter to secure the win.
The Magpies have won their past two encounters with Hurstbridge dating back to Round 14 of the 2024 season.
It’s a crucial weekend for North Heidelberg and Eltham as they look to claim the four points when they meet at Shelley Street Reserve.
A win for the Bulldogs could see them jump into equal fifth depending on other results and heading into the final round of the home and away season.
Their past three games have seen them return to form, claiming two wins against West Preston-Lakeside and South Morang by a combined 111 points while falling just short of Greensborough in Round 14.
Brodie White and Mitch Dillon were sublime in the Bulldogs win over the Lions last weekend. White kicked three goals while young forward Zane Souleiman returned to form himself with a five-goal performance.
They now meet eighth-placed Eltham who would confirm their spot in the top flight for season 2026 with a victory over the Bulldogs.
Tim Bongetti’s men will go in confident having gotten close to incumbent minor premiers Heidelberg last weekend, ultimately falling 14 points short of a shock victory at Warringal Park.
Cooper Dahms and Jason McCormick, the latter of whom kicked two goals, were both excellent alongside Declan Ayres who’s been in stellar form recently.
The Panthers fell just short of Kasey Duncan’s side in their first meeting of the season, with an eight-goal to two second quarter enough for the Bulldogs to get over the line by 21 points in a high-scoring affair.
It’s a must win game for both South Morang and Banyule when they meet at Mill Park Lakes Reserve this Saturday.
While the Lions need to win to keep their faint chances of surviving relegation alive, a win for the Bears would confirm their spot in their first ever Division 1 finals series.
Damian Truslove’s men enter this game in some solid form having won their last four games against Bundoora, Hurstbridge, Eltham and West Preston-Lakeside.
In their 75-point triumph over the Roosters, James Kayrooz and Riley Ormerod starred in attack with nine goals between them while Oscar White and Riley Loton both had stellar games in midfield.
Their opponents this weekend have shown plenty of promise in recent weeks but have failed to register a victory since Round 11 against Montmorency.
Against the Bulldogs Noah Cumberland and Nathan Stefanile continued to stand tall while the two Josh’s, D’Intinosante and Lansfield, kicked three goals each.
The Lions were unable to register the four points in their Round 8 meeting with Banyule, falling 28 points short after trailing by eight goals at three quarter time that game.
West Preston-Lakeside and Greensborough will renew acquaintances this weekend at J.E. Moore Park.
Ian Aitken’s men dropped out of the finals hunt last weekend after falling 75 points short of Banyule at Beverley Road Oval.
Arben Dani and Kristian Lawson fought hard in the loss alongside Matthew Harman, who kicked two goals alongside Marcus Prosperi-Porta.
They meet a Greensborough side who have now dropped their last two games against the top two sides of the Division in Heidelberg and Montmorency.
William McFawn and Thomas Brindley continued their solid seasons in the 36-point defeat alongside Jackson Davies and Rayden Garrard, the latter kicking two goals.
Matthew Hyde’s men were able to overcome the Roosters in their first meeting of 2025, coming from four points behind at the final break to win by a goal back in Round 8.
Bundoora and Heidelberg will lock horns this coming Saturday at Yulong Reserve.
After winning against South Morang in Round 14, the Bulls have dropped their last two games to Montmorency and Hurstbridge.
In their seven-point defeat to Hurstbridge John Jorgensen returned with a bang, kicking six of the Bulls 10 goals.
Heath Scotland’s men now face two of the top three in the final fortnight of the home and away season.
The Tigers remained undefeated after defeating a gallant Eltham outfit last Saturday. Sam Gilmore and Matthew Signorello starred in the triumph alongside Jack McKenna who kicked a senior career-high seven goals.
Vin Dattoli’s men won by a comfortable 114 points earlier in the season against the Bulls and have not lost a game to Bundoora since the 2021 season.
