BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — With only a handful of rounds remaining in the Division 1 season, every game is becoming increasingly important as clubs battle for finals positions and valuable percentage.
Round 14 features several intriguing matchups, headlined by a blockbuster between in-form Greensborough and ladder leader Heidelberg, while several sides fighting for September face must-win contests.
Eltham vs Bundoora
Both Eltham and Bundoora enter Round 14 looking to bounce back after narrow defeats last weekend.
Eltham showed enormous character in its loss to North Heidelberg, kicking seven of the first eight goals of the final quarter after trailing by eight goals before ultimately falling nine points short. The Panthers will be hoping to carry that momentum into this week’s clash.
Alexander Bellchambers continues to be one of Eltham’s most influential players, backing up another outstanding performance of 26 disposals, seven clearances and two goals last weekend. Up forward, David Evans looms as the danger man after booting four goals against the Bulldogs and continuing his strong run of form.
For Bundoora, Isaac McMillan has been outstanding in recent weeks, again leading the way with 26 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances against Hurstbridge. The Bulls will also look for another big performance from their midfield as they aim to return to the winners list.
With both teams desperate for the four points, expect a physical contest where contested possession and forward efficiency will prove decisive.
North Heidelberg vs Diamond Creek
A huge contest awaits at Ford Park as North Heidelberg hosts Diamond Creek.
The Bulldogs escaped with a thrilling win over Eltham last weekend, while Diamond Creek will be eager to respond after falling to Greensborough.
Jamison Shea has been one of North Heidelberg’s most consistent performers throughout the season and was again outstanding with 34 disposals, eight marks and seven inside 50s in Round 13. Bode Stevens has also been in excellent form through the midfield, while Ben Bath has provided plenty of scoreboard impact after kicking four goals last weekend.
For Diamond Creek, Nathan Searl continues to be a driving force, collecting 28 disposals, 12 marks and 11 inside 50s against Greensborough. If the Demons are to get the points here, they’ll need another influential performance from one of their key playmakers.
With both sides boasting strong midfields, the battle around stoppages could ultimately decide the result.
Greensborough vs Heidelberg
The match of the round sees two of the competition’s hottest teams go head-to-head.
Greensborough has built strong momentum over the past month and now has the opportunity to measure itself against the ladder leaders.
Jackson Hasler and Tom Mitchell were exceptional last week against Diamond Creek, but the Borough will be without the latter this weekend as their only omission. Brody Glenn has also been in dangerous form inside forward 50 after kicking three goals against the Creekers.
Heidelberg, meanwhile, continues to dominate the competition. Luke Bunker remains one of the league’s premier midfielders and was brilliant again with 37 disposals, nine clearances and three goals, while Brayden Sier has hit outstanding form in attack after kicking five goals last weekend. Dylan Clarke continues to provide elite drive through the midfield with another 32-disposal performance.
The midfield battle between the Greensborough and Heidelberg’s on-ball brigade promises to be one of the highlights of the season and will go a long way to deciding the result one way or the other.
Montmorency vs West Preston-Lakeside
Montmorency will be determined to respond after last week’s heavy defeat to Banyule when it hosts West Preston-Lakeside.
The Magpies remain well placed inside the top four but know they cannot afford another slip-up with the finals race tightening.
Nash Holmes continues to lead the way through the midfield and battled hard with 28 disposals and eight clearances despite the loss to Banyule. Montmorency will also be looking for a stronger four-quarter team performance after being outworked around the contest last week.
West Preston-Lakeside has endured a challenging season, but Felix Dreher has continued to perform at a high level. The defender was outstanding once again against Heidelberg, collecting 32 disposals and ten rebound 50s despite constant defensive pressure.
Montmorency will enter as favourites, but after last week’s upset-filled round, they’ll know nothing can be taken for granted.
Banyule vs Hurstbridge
One of the biggest games of the round comes at Banyule, with both sides entering full of confidence after impressive victories.
Banyule produced arguably its best performance of the season to defeat Montmorency, while Hurstbridge strengthened its finals credentials with a gritty win over Bundoora.
Jack Langford has been in sensational touch and is coming off a prolific 39 disposals, ten marks and six clearances against Montmorency. Alongside him, Jean-Luc Velissaris continues to dominate through the midfield for the Bears after finishing with 32 disposals and 15 clearances, while Kye Yodgee adds plenty of class inside forward 50 and around stoppages.
For Hurstbridge, Blake Fitzgerald has become one of the competition’s most reliable midfielders and again impressed with 25 disposals, 12 tackles and seven clearances. Cam Wild has also found form at the right time, kicking three goals last weekend while applying enormous defensive pressure.
With both clubs pushing hard for a finals berth, this shapes as one of the toughest contests to predict and could have a significant impact on the make-up of the top five.
