THERE may be one fewer match in Division 2 this week, but expect some quality performances with the top four sides playing against each other.
Only two games will take place on Saturday as the competition’s three bottom-placed teams – Panton Hill, Lalor and Thomastown – all have byes over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
With the three aforementioned teams all suffering losses in their Round 8 matches, a gap has now opened between the top four and the bottom three.
On the back of last week’s results, two wins now separate the top four from the chasing pack – a gulf which can be increased in Round 9, depending on how results play out.
In a match between two of the most in-form sides in the division, undefeated Hurstbridge hosts the resurgent Fitzroy Stars at Ben Frilay Oval.
As if a trip to undefeated Hurstbridge wasn’t already daunting enough, the Stars will also have to deal with the Bridges’ improved attacking threat – with former Carlton star Brendan Fevola set to make a guest stint for the ladder-leader in this week’s match.
Hurstbridge was forced to work hard for its sixth win of the season, when it came up against Lalor in miserable conditions last week. For most of the game the Bridges trailed the Bloods.
However, an inspired final term from Jarrod Tilley and three goals in 10 minutes by Tom Simpson were enough to see off last year’s runner-up. Chris Burton and Rhys Frost both kicked multiple goals for the Bridges, while Tyron Loader and Brayden Shaw had solid games.
The Bridges look set to face another tough test against the Fitzroy Stars this week, with Jason Mifsud’s side heading into the clash on the back of successive big wins over Diamond Creek and Thomastown.
Last week the Stars were in control all day against the Bears at Main Street Reserve, helped largely to a five-goal to one opening term. The Stars led at every change, before putting their foot down with seven final-quarter goals to finish with a 37-point win – their fourth victory of the year.
Daniel Francis increased his season goal tally to 24 with a four-goal haul, while Joseph Kelly, Jai Burns, Peter Hood and John Hayes all kicked multiple goals.
Since their 79-point loss to North Heidelberg in Round 6, the Stars have been better defensively and have showcased their firepower up forward. Over the past fortnight the Stars have averaged 105 points a match and have only conceded 58 points per game, much improved from the 100 points they were conceding in the first six weeks.
The last time these sides met was Round 9 last year where it was Hurstbridge who came away with a thrilling six-point win, in a match that featured many lead changes throughout the day.
North Heidelberg will look to continue its impressive recent form when it hosts Diamond Creek at Shelley Reserve.
After starting the season 1-2, the Bulldogs have won their past three games by an average margin of 61 points, helping the side climb to second on the ladder. While Stephen Saddington’s side sits equal on points with Diamond Creek and Fitzroy Stars, they have played fewer games than both opponents to this point of the season.
One of the keys to North Heidelberg’s improved performances has been the form of Shane Harvey, who has kicked 14 goals in his past three games. Daniel Bramich has also been a star in recent weeks and has been named in the best performers in all three of the Bulldogs’ successive wins.
Diamond Creek returned to the winners’ list in Round 8 with a 15-point win over Panton Hill in a hard-fought match at Coventry Oval. After two consecutive defeats, the Demons needed a win to distance themselves from the sides outside of the top four.
Jack Prosser was best on field and dominated in the midfield, as well as kicking two goals for the Demons. He was joined in the best by Tyler Barnes, Jedd McQueen and Chris Libertino – the latter in his first senior match for the season.
Only percentage separates Diamond Creek from North Heidelberg, but having played an extra game than the Bulldogs, this is a must-win match for the Demons in their quest for a top-two spot come season’s end.
