DIVISION 1 returns from its first bye of the season and what better to mark the resumption of action than with a top of the table clash between the league’s oldest rivals, Greensborough and Heidelberg.
The two sides have combined for a total of 34 Division 1 premierships and this week’s encounter at War Memorial Park may have a huge bearing on both sides’ premiership chances. The winner will assume a four-point advantage in first place ahead of this year’s reverse fixtures.
The Boro moved into first place at the Queen’s Birthday break following a 41-point win over Bundoora in Round 8. They raced out of the blocks to assume a 26-point buffer at quarter time, before withstanding two heavy challenges during the second and third quarters. Ruckman Michael Hooper was best afield as he again demonstrated his importance in the Boro’s side, while Jack Johnston returned from VFL duties and kicked three goals in an eye-catching display.
Heidelberg suffered its first loss of the season when it fell to Montmorency by 33 points in a dour struggle at Montmorency Park. The Tigers were unable to withstand the Magpies’ intense pressure in the midfield – managing just seven goals for the afternoon. Michael Finn was his side’s best after returning from a two-week layoff, while Aaron Crispe continued his good mid-season form.
West Preston-Lakeside had to endure a tight struggle against Whittlesea to return to the winners’ list and can now move within two points of the top two should it claim victory against Macleod this weekend.
The third-placed Roosters trailed at quarter time before tightening up defensively to grind out a 21-point win at the Showgrounds. Oliver Dufficy and Kirk Lang impressed in the win, while Glenn Robertson booted a game-high five goals. After two consecutive matches on the road, Frank Raso’s side will enjoy a return to their home ground, where they hold a 3-1 record.
Following losses in three of its past four matches, Macleod has slipped outside the top five for the first time since Round 1. The Roos were made to rue a wasteful first half against Lower Plenty last up, booting 3.13 in the opening two quarters before fading after half time in a disappointing 19-point home loss. They must win today or face the prospect of slipping a game, and potentially percentage, behind the top five at the halfway mark of the year.
Bundoora fell to fourth place following its loss to Greensborough and now faces a danger game against in-form Eltham at Yulong Reserve. Despite the loss, Kent Delbridge took a share of first place in the Coaches Player of the Year award, after gaining three votes from Robert Hyde for his six-goal haul.
The Panthers make the road trip full of confidence after consecutive victories. Their 66-point win at Northcote Park was their best performance under new coach Mario Bandera, and best effort since downing the Bulls late last year. James Kroussoratis’ awesome form continued with another eight goals, moving him within one goal of competition leading goal kicker Tim Bongetti. Speedster Tom Rogers and VFL tall Sean Bolger also played instrumental roles in the win.
A pre-season premiership contender, Northcote Park finds itself in a vital away match against Whittlesea as it looks to remove itself from the relegation mire. The Cougars put in their worst performance in two years in the loss to Eltham and could find themselves just two points off the bottom if this week’s result goes against them.
Whittlesea was gallant in defeat against West Preston-Lakeside, however it must convert honourable losses into wins if it is extricate itself from bottom place. The winless Eagles were well served by 2013 best and fairest winner Lucas Hobbs, while Andrew Fairchild has kicked 11 goals in his past three games, after netting just five in the opening five rounds.
Lower Plenty welcomes Campbell Brown for a cameo appearance when it hosts next-door neighbour Montmorency. Both sides take a 4-4 record into the game, with only percentage separating the competition’s seventh and fifth-placed teams.
A dominant second half by Darcy Barden was the catalyst for Lower Plenty’s important away win at Macleod, the result making up for a poor home loss to Greensborough a week prior. Matthew Vasilevksi’s run and carry was also important, while young gun Josh Turner put in a solid performance.
Montmorency recorded its best win of the season over Heidelberg, celebrating Daniel Keenan’s 300th game in style. Defender Shane Tennant collected best afield honours, while Jesse Donaldson and Ben Fennell dominated through the midfield. Pat Fitzgerald kicked four goals for the third straight match and also hauled in a mark of the year contender.
