The standalone Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 clash between premiership contenders Heidelberg and Montmorency shapes as one of the biggest matches of the season.
Heidelberg travels to Montmorency Park sitting atop the ladder after responding strongly to its first loss of the season. Since falling to Diamond Creek in Round 9, the Tigers have bounced back with dominant victories over North Heidelberg and Banyule, reaffirming why they remain the benchmark of the competition.
Dylan Clarke continues to lead one of the league’s strongest midfields, while Tom Keys has been influential around the stoppages. Up forward, Jack Andrew and Jordan Smith have provided plenty of scoreboard impact. The Tigers will be missing leading goalkicker Zane Barzen this week however, whose name appears among the changes for tomorrow.
Montmorency, meanwhile, will be looking to make a statement against the ladder leaders. The Magpies have enjoyed another strong campaign despite a thrilling one-point loss to Diamond Creek before their bye in Round 11 and reminded the competition of their quality with a 16-point win over Eltham last week.
Nash Holmes has continued his outstanding season through the midfield, while William Bella and Matthew Clark remain dangerous targets inside 50. Corey Sleep, Connor Kane and Nicholas Green have also been important contributors throughout the year. The Magpies will be boosted with the return of captain Stefan Uzelac, midfield gun Marcus Lentini and forward Ben Paterson, with other best 22 players still to return.
The midfield battle promises to be one of the highlights of the afternoon, with both sides boasting elite ball winners capable of controlling the contest. Whichever team can gain the ascendancy at stoppages and maximize its opportunities going inside 50 is likely to take control.
With both clubs firmly in premiership contention, this shapes as a genuine measuring-stick game. A Heidelberg victory would further strengthen its grip on top spot, while a Montmorency win would push them into second place, primed for a genuine crack at knocking over the all-conquering Tigers in the finals later this season.
Expect a finals-like atmosphere as two of Division 1’s best sides meet in a blockbuster standalone Round 12 clash. Fans can follow the action on the NFNL Match of the Day broadcast live on both Plenty Valley FM and Sportscast Australia from 2pm.
