Whilst the top five might be set, there’s still plenty of intriguing games this coming weekend in MC Labour Division 2.
Diamond Creek will travel to Bill Lawry Oval as they take on Northcote Park in a game that is pivotal for their minor premier chances.
Last time these two sides faced off each other it was all the Creekers who won by 89 points. Northcote Park will be looking to show the whole league that they are much better side than earlier in the year and can take it up to the best teams in the competition.
The Cougars are coming off a comfortable 31-point win against Thomastown last Saturday.
Jordan Perry was all class last week in a best on ground performance, whilst Matt Perry continued his consistent year slotting 3 goals, and Lorne Waldron kicked 2 goals in a second-best display.
The Creekers come off a thumping 140-point win against Panton Hill, remaining percentage atop the Division 2 table after that result.
Ewan Macpherson was back from the VFL and absolutely dominated, kicking seven goals in what was a best-on showcase. He also had great support from Bronson Hill who kicked 5 goals.
Diamond Creek have superstars all across the board including multiple VFL players and you would think that they will win this game and continue this stellar season, but anything is possible.
Macleod are set to travel to Whatmough Park to take on the fourth-placed St Mary’s in what looks likely to be a close contest with a finals like atmosphere.
Last time the Roos took on St Mary’s it was Macleod who ran away 35-point winners after being down by 6 points at three quarter time.
Kurt Manuel was dominant last time against St Mary’s whilst Darcy Barden slammed home 5 goals and will once again be a major threat as he would be surely looking to kick 100 goals for the year having already kicked 86 majors.
For the Burra last time out against the Roos Huon Macgibbon was their best but was closely followed by Benjamin Young.
If St Mary’s are too beat Macleod, then they will need to shut down Macleod captain, Darcy Barden, and limit the influence Kurt Manuel has given that these two have been some of Macleod’s best this season.
Ty Kitchell has been dominant this season and is arguably their biggest weapon, so if they are to knock off the Roos then he will need to be at his damaging best once again.
Going off the last contest that these two teams had against each other we are in for a ripping contest that could shape the finals set up if Macleod are to lose.
Thomastown will host Old Paradians at Main St Reserve on Saturday afternoon in a battle between eighth and ninth.
Both teams will be eyeing off this game as one that they could win before the end of the season and would be a huge moral boost heading to the end of the season.
The last time these two teams took on each other it was a very even first three quarters, but the Bears kicked six goals to nil in the last term to run away 33-point winners.
Darcy Vallance and Billy Bedford have both been dominant having both already been named in the Raiders best players 11 times this season.
For the Bears Youseph Dib has been very good this season but has had great support from Kyle Green who has average over a goal a game and been in the best seven times.
James Lucente has been their big target up forward and has delivered once again, averaging over two goals a game.
This game is set to be a great contest with both teams looking to get a final win on the board for 2025 and this may be their best opportunity as they both play top five teams next week.
Watsonia will be hoping to make it two wins from two outings this week against Lower Plenty as they take on the Bears at Montmorency Park South Oval.
Anthony McGregor’s men secured their first victory under McGregor last time they met the Bears, holding on for a one-point victory at Binnak Park.
Saints star forward Ethan Lowe, who will miss this weekend’s game, kicked seven that day while Riley Alexander and Seth Hill kicked four each for the Bears
For the Saints Luke Whyte and Josh Boulton have both been named in the best 12 times which is the most in the competition so the Bears will be looking to nullify their output.
Bears midfielder Ben Smith has been ultra consistent and will be hoping to deliver another solid performance to get Lower Plenty over the line.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back and get one more win for season 2025 to end the year on a high.
Watsonia are still a small chance of avoiding relegation but a loss on Saturday will end their chances, so they have plenty to play for.
Panton Hill will host Whittlesea at A.E. Cracknell Reserve on Saturday as the Eagles will look to stay in touch with the top two in a bid to claim the minor premiership.
The Redbacks were thumped by Diamond Creek so they will be looking to bounce back but the Eagles won’t let up as they are chasing the top spot.
The Eagles are coming off a comprehensive win against St Mary’s and are playing very good footy at the moment.
Garry Ramsay’s men continue to find different avenues to goal, led by Angus Smith who kicked five goals in the Eagles 51-point triumph over the Burra last round.
Panton Hill will look to play some good footy to finish off the year and look forward to next year, with Western Bulldogs AFLW captain Deanna Berry now at the helm.
Nicholas and Oliver Parks continued their solid season’s in the Redbacks loss to the Creekers last Saturday alongside Hugh Kavanagh and Bailey Sobol.
The Redbacks challenged the Eagles for a half in their first meeting of 2025 before going down by 36 points at the Showgrounds in Round 8.
