A massive top of the ladder clash highlights an exciting weekend of close match ups for Round 15 in Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1.
Greensborough will be determined to dethrone Heidelberg from top spot and bring their winning streak to a halt this Saturday at War Memorial Park.
The Borough continued their run of victories, following a narrow seven-point win against North Heidelberg in Round 14.
Thomas Brindley was brilliant, kicking two goals and earning himself a best-on performance, along with a nearly perfect nine coaches MVP votes.
Not far behind, Ben Ham booted three majors for the Borough. Jackson Davies and William McFawn both scored an equal three coaches MVP votes for their standout display.
Although they came out on top, they allowed North to recover from a 32-point deficit and nearly snatch the victory.
They’ll need a complete four-quarter effort if they’re to challenge the top team.
Following a well-earned break, Heidelberg will come out firing, having defeated South Morang by a comfortable 50 points just a few weeks ago.
Two outstanding performers against the Lions, Kai Kearns and Jack Andrew both slotted eight goals between them, half of the Tigers goals combined for the game.
Sam Gilmore has frequently seen himself in the top best players, with another impressive effort, drilling three goals last game.
The last time these two met was Round 6, where Heidelberg took home a 49-point victory on their home turf.
Greensborough will be eager to stretch their winning streak to nine games.
West Preston-Lakeside and North Heidelberg will battle it out at J.E. Moore Park, with both pushing towards a top-five finish.
West Preston finished seventh place at the end of Round 14, half a game behind North Heidelberg on the ladder.
The Roosters found some success at their home ground against Eltham in a tightly contested match last Saturday, only winning by seven points.
They managed to keep their lead the whole game with Sebastien Tarczon and Ajang Kuol Mun dominating around the contest. Kuol Mun gained the most coaches MVP votes, a total of eight.
Following North’s unfortunate loss to Montmorency, they put in the work during the week and managed to get within a seven-point margin to Greensborough, one of the top teams.
Liam Hunt was among the standout performers, earning nine coaches MVP votes.
Brodie White and Jesse Tardio also gained votes for their efforts in making a significant difference in the last quarter.
They aim to continue their commitment to working on structure in order to see some success this weekend.
Their last meeting at Shelley Park witnessed West Preston-Lakeside claim a four-point win. This match promises another close encounter.
Banyule will aim to build off their terrific round 14 win when they face-off with Eltham at Eltham Central Park.
The Yulers are riding high after two closely contested victories, a much-needed turnaround following a challenging run of losses.
Last Saturday the Bears trailed for most of the game but rose to the occasion, keeping the Bridges to just three points in the final quarter.
Jack Sammartino was the star of the show, earning a perfect 10 coaches MVP votes, receiving the recognition he deserved.
Noah Wheeler proved a formidable presence, weaving his way through the contest and maintained pressure throughout the game.
Vivian Blackmore-Moore and Riley Ormerod were likewise crucial in the last half of the game.
The result sees Banyule take over Hurstbridge’s place at fourth.
Eltham, meanwhile, fell short in a closely fought clash with West Preston, losing by seven points.
Declan Ayres and Alex Jacobs both stood out as a key contributor, earning five and four coaches MVP votes.
Banyule will be looking to register another win over Eltham since their 35-point triumph in Round 6.
Hurstbridge hope to gain some consistency as they welcome South Morang to Ben Frilay Oval.
Joel Cordwell’s side has fallen to fifth place following another close loss last weekend.
Hurstbridge were overly dominant in the first half of the match, with Bailey Jordan launching a total of 6 impactful goals throughout the game, earning a best-on performance.
Matthew Nagel was a notable presence, gaining two coaches MVP votes and booting one goal for the Bridges.
South Morang were also edged out by Bundoora last round by 35-points in the bottom-of-the-ladder clash.
Following a scoreless first quarter and slow start, until Noah Cumberland managed to hit the scoreboard.
Midfielder Tye Hall made a significant difference throughout the game and earnt eight coaches MVP votes.
Hurstbridge will go in confident having beaten the Lions by 33 points in their most recent matchup.
Montmorency return home to Montmorency Park to meet Bundoora and will look to continue strengthening their form after a massive win in Round 13 against North Heidelberg.
Like Heidelberg, the Magpies have had a refreshed break and will hope to hit the ground running this Saturday.
Lachy Batchelor was massive in their forward line against North, kicking four of Monty’s 21 goals.
Connor Butcher, Kieran Keating and Levi McCormack similarly all slotted three goals each, combining their efforts to secure the win.
Bundoora pulled off a 35-point powerful win against the Lions, taking full control from start to finish.
Isaac McMillan, defender and midfielder, was excellent in his role, alongside Harry Butterworth who also shifted the momentum in Bundoora’s favour.
The Bulls will look to carry this momentum into their clash against the formidable Magpies and turn the tables since their clash in Round 6 that saw Monty come out on top.
