Some juicy matchups are set to be played out in MC Labour Division 2 this weekend, which could give us a better idea of which teams will be contenders in 2025.
In a potential early season finals preview, Macleod and St Mary’s will lock horns at De Winton Park.
While one win separates the Roos and Burra after the opening round, they both enter this weekend off thumping Round 2 victories.
The Roos win came on the road against Thomastown, with a nine goal to one opening quarter setting up an 86-point victory.
Nine goals came off the boot of Macleod captain Darcy Barden who now has 12 goals in the opening two games of the season.
Carlton VFL-listed midfielder Darcy Hogg was the one that the coaches took more of a liking to though, claiming the perfect 10 Coaches MVP Award votes in his first game with the Roos this season.
With Hogg playing VFL recently, Nick Lynch’s men will need more midfielders to step up in his absence against a St Mary’s side who already look a dangerous proposition this season.
Under new coach Jack Bianchin, the Burra have averaged 142 points in their two games this season and have won by an average margin of 88 points against Watsonia and Panton Hill in the opening fortnight.
Leading the charge up forward has been Jack Cicitta who’s kicked 10 goals in the opening two games of the season, proving to be the perfect replacement for Jeremiah Antypas.
Midfielders Tane Cotter and Rory Hanlon have had the biggest impact so far though, with both collecting a combined 27 Coaches MVP Award votes and kicking 11 goals between them in the first two rounds.
It’s set to be a new challenge for the Burra as they meet with the Roos for the first time in the senior men’s competition.
There’ll be a sense of familiarity for some though as Jack Bianchin coaches against his former teammate in Nick Lynch and against a club where he was a premiership player in 2015.
Two sides with differing fortunes prior to the Easter break in Whittlesea and Lower Plenty will meet at the Whittlesea Showgrounds this Saturday.
Garry Ramsay’s men so far have claimed two wins from two against the division newcomers in Old Paradians and ninth-placed Watsonia.
They had to work hard against the Saints in Round 2, with a four goal to nil final quarter enough to see them secure a 27-point victory at home.
The win saw players like Jaron Murphy and Lucas Hobbs step up to the plate, with Murphy kicking six goals and claiming the full 10 Coaches MVP Award votes.
His performance saw them pass the 100-point barrier for the second time this season, whilst Lower Plenty only managed 26 points against Diamond Creek last round.
The loss still didn’t stop recruit Devon Noons and captain Jordan Sacco from having an impact though, with both claiming Coaches MVP Award votes for their efforts.
Travis Stephens’ men have now lost their last seven games to Diamond Creek by an average margin of 73 points, dating back to the 2022 season.
History does not favour Lower Plenty ahead of this week’s contest either, going down by a combined 93 points in their two meetings with Whittlesea last year. But they did show glimpses of what they’re capable of against the Eagles in those games, and will be hoping to do something similar this weekend.
ANZAC Day will see a 1-1 Northcote Park side welcome a winless Thomastown outfit to Bill Lawry Oval.
After a competitive opening round performance against Lower Plenty, the Cougars were able to run over the top of Old Paradians in their night encounter at Saturday’s venue.
Jacob Thompson starred again up forward with five goals while Samuel and Michael Amad also impressed, the former acquiring eight Coaches MVP Award votes.
Having started 0-9 last year, the Cougars have a great opportunity to start the season 2-1 against a Thomastown side who go on the road for the first time this season.
They were unable to pick up wins in their two home games to start the season, going down by 16 points to Panton Hill then by 86 to Macleod at Main Street.
Despite the loss, VFL-listed midfielder Deakyn Smith had a solid debut with the Bears while Youseph Dib yet again performed at a high standard.
David Folino and Sash Spiroski’s side were able to win their most recent meeting with the Cougars at Bill Lawry Oval, prevailing by 21 points in a night Round 1 game
However, Northcote Park returned the favour nine rounds later with a thumping 67-point victory to claim their first win of the season.
For different reasons, this feels like a must win game for both teams.
Panton Hill and Watsonia will each be looking to get a win on the board when they do battle at A.E. Cracknell Reserve on Saturday.
Following injuries to some key players after their opening round victory, the Redbacks were unable to get a hold of a rampant St Mary’s outfit at Whatmough Park a fortnight ago, going down in convincing fashion.
Jason Pannam continued his excellent start to the season with four goals to add to his five-goal outing the week prior and is set to be an important piece to his side’s hopes of rising up the ladder this year.
This weekend sees Simon Amore’s men return home for the first time this season where they’ll welcome a Watsonia side who are yet to claim any points after two weeks of action.
It was a much more spirited effort in Round 2 from Anthony McGregor’s men though, taking it right up to last years minor premiers in Whittlesea on the road.
Just three points separated the two sides at the final change, but Watsonia could only muster three behinds in the last term.
Daniel Annetta was once again the star for the Saints with a two-goal and eight Coaches MVP Award vote outing. After a breakout 2024 season, Annetta has continued to impress with his skill and ball-winning ability, and with some extra support around the ground, can be a match winner for his side this year.
Watsonia were unable to win either of their contests against the Redbacks in 2024, going down by 17 and 41 points respectively last season, but will sense this game as an opportunity to bank their opening four points of the season.
Round 3 will conclude with another night game, this time at Coventry Oval when Diamond Creek and Old Paradians meet for the first time.
Both have experienced different fortunes to start 2025, with the Creekers 2-0 and the Raiders 0-2 after the opening fortnight of the season.
Diamond Creek’s two wins have come against Macleod and Lower Plenty, winning by 41 and 104 points respectively in those matchups.
On both occasions, Jacob Booth has collected the perfect 10 Coaches MVP Award votes while Bronson Hill has led the charge up forward with seven goals in his first two games at the Creekers.
Andrew Tranquilli’s men also got back to their defensive best, allowing just three Lower Plenty goals in their excellent display.
It’s opponent this Saturday has had a tough initiation to Division 2 football, going down to Whittlesea and Northcote Park.
Billy Bedford starred in defence during his side’s defeat to the Cougars, with Lachie Kerr the main man in attack, combining to kick six goals in the opening two matches of the season.
This matchup will mark the second time Ben Turner’s men will face a finalist from last season, with matches still to come at home against Macleod and Lower Plenty to follow this one.
Although the signs point to another convincing Diamond Creek triumph, Old Paradians will be determined to put on a competitive performance away from home.
