Round 9 of Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 football shapes as one of the most intriguing weekends of the season.
With several sides looking to cement their place in the top five while others desperately search for a return to form.
North Heidelberg faces a crucial challenge when they host second-placed Montmorency in a clash that could have major implications for both sides seasons.
The Bulldogs will be keen to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Banyule, a result that stalled their momentum and highlighted a few areas needing attention. They now come up against a Magpies outfit that has quietly built some solid form, entering the contest chasing a sixth consecutive win.
Montmorency’s forward line has been led superbly by Matthew Clark this season who’s booted 24 goals in eight games while remaining a constant presence inside 50, giving the Magpies a strong target to finish their hard work. He looms as a key figure once again if they are to extend their winning streak.
Around the contest, Nash Holmes has taken his game to another level after a steady start to the year. Averaging 30 disposals, seven marks, seven clearances and close to two goals per game, Holmes has become one of the most damaging midfielders in the competition. He’s well supported by Marcus Lentini who continues to deliver elite numbers with more than 33 disposals and nine clearances per game.
For North Heidelberg, consistency around the contest will be the focus after last week’s setback. Mid-season addition Nash Ramage has added strength to their midfield group and helped improve their clearance work, giving them a better platform to compete.
With both teams firmly in the finals conversation and in strong form across the season, this game has been declared the NFNL Match of the Day this Saturday. Catch all the action on Sportscast Australia and Plenty Valley FM from 2pm.
A genuine top-of-the-table showdown awaits when Heidelberg travels to Diamond Creek.
The Tigers remain unbeaten and have looked every bit the premiership favourite through the opening eight rounds. However, Diamond Creek has been one of the in form teams of the competition over the past month and will be eager to test themselves against the benchmark.
The Creekers receive a significant boost with VFL-listed duo Taj Logan and Liam Farrar expected to return given Carlton’s bye weekend, adding experience and depth to an already strong side.
For Heidelberg, the midfield remains the engine room. Tom Keys has been outstanding, averaging 21 disposals, 16 contested possessions and nine clearances, setting the tone around stoppages.
Luke Bunker and Dylan Clarke continue to provide strong support, consistently winning posesssion and helping the Tigers control territory and tempo.
Diamond Creek will look to Jacob Booth, Liam Farrar and Dale Marshall to lead the response. Booth has been strong around the contest, averaging 23 disposals and 6.5 clearances, while Farrar adds a dangerous scoring option.
If the Creekers bring their recent history intensity, they’re more than capable of challenging the unbeated Tigers.
West Preston-Lakeside returns home searching for its first win of the season when they face a confident Banyule outfit.
The roosters have shown patches of improvement but are still chasing a complete four-quarter performance. Banyule, meanwhile, enters the clash full of belief after a dominant win over North Heidelberg last week.
Arben Dani and Felix Dreher have been consistent contributors for West Preston-Lakeside, driving the ball from half-back and competing strongly despite the teams struggles.
However, they face a major challenge in Banyule’s midfield group, Jean-Luc Velissaris has emerged as one of the competitions premier midfielders, averaging nearly 28 disposals, nine clearances and a goal per game. His ability to influence both stoppages and open play makes him a constant threat.
He’s well supported by Kye Yodgee, Max Jones and Oliver Poole, giving Banyule one of the deepest midfield rotations in the competition.
On form, the Bears will start favourites, but the Roosters will be desperate to beak through at home.
Eltham and Hurstbridge both enter Round 9 looking to bounce back from recent losses to regain momentum.
Hurstbridge has endured a tough stretch against Heidelberg and Montmorency, while Eltham has also struggled to find consistency across four quarters.
Blake Fitzgerald continues to be the standout for Hurstbridge, producing elite numbers with nearly 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions and ten clearances per game. His influence around the ball has been critical this season.
Joel Naylor remains a key target forward, sitting on 23 goals for the season and capable of changing games quickly.
Eltham will look to David Evans as their main avenue to goal, while Jason McCormick provides important midfield drive for a win, setting up a hard-fought contest.
The final game of the round sees Bundoora host Greensborough in a key clash for both sides.
The Bulls will be looking to respond after a 37-point loss, while the Borough comes in full of confidence following a strong win over West Preston-Lakeside.
Tom Mitchell remains the key figure for Greensborough. The former Brownlow Medallist is averaging 29 disposals and eight clearances and will need to be closely monitored if he plays.
Bundoora will lean heavily on Jesse King, who’s been in strong form up forward with 26 goals for the season.
With both sides aiming to strengthen their ladder position heading into the second half of the season, this clash has major implications for their finals hopes.
