Everything is on the line and these contests will separate the top five from the rest of the competition with teams still on the brink of a finals birth.
South Morang will welcome Lower Plenty to Mill Park Lakes Reserve in what shapes as one of the standout clashes of the round.
After a thrilling contest back in Round 3, where South Morang narrowly claimed victory, these two sides meet again with plenty on the line.
The Bears will be looking to change the result, led by the same players who starred in their previous meeting. Jack Chubb and Mitchell Skipper were a dangerous combination inside 50, combining for eight goals and 23 disposals.
Through the midfield, Jordan Sacco was outstanding with 27 disposals, six tackles and nine inside 50s, while Jed Wallace battled hard with 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 11 inside 50s. Ben Smith also played a key role, collecting an impressive 27 disposals as Lower Plenty controlled much of the play.
South Morang will be looking to bounce back after a narrow loss last week and lean on their stars to get the job done against the Bears.
Dean De Propertis was outstanding the last time these two sides met, finishing with 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 11 clearances in a dominant midfield display. He’ll once again be a key figure alongside Nathan Stefanile, who collected 22 disposals, 18 contested possessions and laid six tackles.
Across half back, Davin Cameron also played an important role, recording 18 disposals, four tackles and six rebound 50s as he helped drive South Morang out of defence.
With revenge on their minds after the Round 3 defeat, South Morang will be hoping their experienced leaders can produce another big performance and guide them back onto the winners’ list.
Back at De Winton Reserve, Macleod hosts Northcote Park in a clash that promises to have plenty of finals implications.
Northcote Park arrive full of confidence after a dominant 65-point victory last weekend. Jordan Perry continued his outstanding season with another commanding display, collecting 36 disposals, 17 clearances and six tackles.
He was well supported by Damon Marcon, who finished with 32 disposals and five uncontested marks, while Bryson Norris added 25 disposals and took eight marks in another strong all-round performance. The Cougars will be hoping their midfield stars can once again set the tone.
Macleod also enter the contest on a high after an impressive 31-point win over Whittlesea, strengthening their push towards the finals. Mackenzie Hogg continued his remarkable season with 32 disposals, three goals and 12 clearances in a best-on-ground performance.
Kobe Brandt was influential with 31 disposals, eight tackles and nine marks, while Zachary Hudson dominated the ruck with 44 hit outs to go alongside 21 disposals and 12 clearances.
With both sides coming off convincing wins and boasting some of the competition’s most in-form players, expect a high-quality contest between two teams eager to build momentum heading into the business end of the season.
Panton Hill return to A.E. Cracknell Reserve looking to respond after last week’s defeat as they take on an in-form St Mary’s outfit.
The Redbacks will be hoping home ground advantage can help them rediscover their best. Riley Livingston was one of Panton Hill’s standout performers last weekend, finishing with 20 disposals and seven rebound 50s across half back.
In the ruck, Nicholas Parks battled hard with 42 hit outs, nine disposals and five tackles, while Austin Dillon provided a spark in attack with two goals, 14 disposals and four tackles.
St Mary’s arrive full of confidence after a thrilling victory over South Morang and will be keen to carry that momentum into another important clash. Rory Hanlon led the way with 26 disposals, seven clearances and seven uncontested marks, while Tane Cotter continued his excellent form with 26 disposals and seven tackles in another influential performance.
With Panton Hill desperate to bounce back and St Mary’s eyeing a top-three position as the season enters its final stretch, this shapes as a crucial contest for both sides.
The Fitzroy Stars returns to Sir Doug Nicholls Reserve to host Thomastown in what shapes as an important clash for both sides.
Currently sitting fifth on the ladder, the Stars will be eager to continue their strong form after a hard-fought ten-point win last weekend. Kain Proctor was outstanding, finishing with 32 disposals, two goals and 13 marks in a dominant all-round display. Ethan Penrith and James Trajkovski also played key roles, combining for 38 disposals and 12 tackles as the Stars ground out an important victory.
Thomastown also enter the contest full of confidence following their own ten-point win. Lawrence Lopiccolo led from the front with 21 disposals, nine tackles and seven inside 50s, while Zain Yamak made a big impact through the midfield and forward line, collecting 26 disposals and kicking two goals.
With both teams coming off confidence-boosting wins and looking to build momentum heading towards the finals, expect a fiercely contested battle between two evenly matched sides.
Old Paradians return to Garvey Oval this weekend to take on the Whittlesea, with both sides eager to bounce back after defeats last round.
Despite the loss, Connor McDonald once again produced a dominant performance, finishing with 54 hit outs, 32 disposals and 15 clearances in another outstanding display. Billy Bedford was influential across half back with 32 disposals and 13 rebound 50s, while Kyle O’Sullivan brought his usual intensity around the contest, recording 27 disposals and 11 tackles.
Whittlesea also have plenty of players in good form despite last week’s result. Bailey Robinson led the way with 24 disposals, 12 clearances and six tackles, combining well with Thomas Falls, who collected 30 disposals and 12 clearances through the midfield. Down back, Clancy Bland and Deakin Tennant were strong in the air, combining for 13 uncontested marks as they worked hard to repel opposition attacks.
With both teams determined to return to the winners’ list, expect a hard-fought contest as they look to build momentum heading into the back half of the season.
As the Fitzroy Stars host its annual NAICOD Round, this game has been selected as the NFNL Match of the Day this Saturday. Catch all the action on Sportscast Australia and Plenty Valley FM from 2pm.
