BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — With just three rounds remaining in the NFNL Division One home-and-away season, every game carries more weight than the last as the race for the top five intensifies.
Round 16 features several matches with significant finals implications, headlined by a blockbuster clash between Banyule and Diamond Creek which belies their respective ladder positions.
Banyule vs Diamond Creek
The match of the round takes place at Beverley Road Reserve, where Banyule hosts Diamond Creek in a contest with enormous implications for both clubs.
The Bears kept their finals hopes alive with a dominant win over Eltham last weekend and know another defeat would all but end their chances of playing finals. Banyule has been one of the form sides of the competition in recent weeks, with Jack Langford continuing to lead the way through the midfield after another outstanding performance of 30 disposals and two goals. Jean-Luc Velissaris has also been in excellent touch, while Kye Yodgee has provided plenty of spark inside forward 50.
Diamond Creek will be looking to cement its position inside the top two and secure the valuable double chance. The Creekers have been dominant in recent weeks, highlighted by last week’s 107-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside. Captain Nathan Searl continues to produce elite football across half-back, while Joel Randall has been a consistent ball-winner.
Up forward, James Allison has been in red-hot form, kicking 11 goals across his last two matches, making him one of the competition’s most dangerous forwards heading into the clash. If Banyule is to keep its season alive, containing Allison inside 50 will be one of the keys to causing an upset.
With one side fighting to keep its season alive and the other chasing a top-two finish, this shapes as one of the biggest games of the season.
Eltham vs Heidelberg
Heidelberg will be aiming to continue its dominant campaign when it travels to Eltham Central Park to face an Eltham side with its season on the line.
The Panthers face a must-win situation, with a loss ending their finals hopes. They’ll need to produce one of their best performances of the year after falling to Banyule last weekend. Alexander Bellchambers and Lachie Swaney were among Eltham’s best in that defeat and will need to again lead the way through the midfield.
Heidelberg, meanwhile, has looked unstoppable throughout the season and comes into the clash following a 109-point victory over Bundoora. Luke Bunker remains one of the competition’s premier midfielders, while Dylan Clarke has continued to impact both through the midfield and on the scoreboard. Jordan Smith will again be the focal point in attack after booting seven goals last round to move into second on the league’s goalkicking table.
North Heidelberg vs Greensborough
Greensborough heads to Ford Park knowing a victory could see it return to the top five.
The Borough will be eager to respond after surrendering a 34-point quarter-time lead in last week’s loss to Montmorency. Tom Mitchell continues to drive the midfield, while Jackson Davies has been a standout in defence with his intercept marking proving a major weapon.
North Heidelberg will also be desperate to claim the four points after an entertaining draw with Hurstbridge. However, the Dogs have suffered a significant setback, with first-choice ruckman Nash Ramage sidelined after recently undergoing shoulder surgery.
Jamison Shea continues to be one of North Heidelberg’s most consistent performers, while former St Kilda defender Angus McLennan will again play a key role as the Dogs look to cause an upset.
Montmorency vs Hurstbridge
Montmorency hosts Hurstbridge at Montmorency Park in another contest with major finals ramifications.
The Magpies are full of confidence after their remarkable comeback victory over Greensborough and could jump into the top two should Diamond Creek be defeated. Marcus Lentini has been instrumental through the midfield, while Nash Holmes continues to enjoy an outstanding season, providing plenty of drive and scoreboard impact.
Hurstbridge enters the round holding a place inside the top five and will be determined to strengthen its finals position. Cooper Perrin has continued his excellent form with his ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard, while Cam Wild has also been influential through the midfield.
With both sides chasing vastly important premiership points, expect another fiercely contested battle.
Bundoora vs West Preston-Lakeside
Bundoora returns home to Yulong Reserve looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Heidelberg.
The Bulls will be hoping to rediscover the form that has kept them in the finals mix throughout the season. Liam Mallia was outstanding despite last week’s heavy loss, collecting 30 disposals and five goals, while Peter McEvoy’s influence in the ruck will again be crucial around stoppages.
West Preston-Lakeside will be searching for a response after another difficult outing against Diamond Creek. Aleksandr D’Arro continues to be the Roosters’ standout performer, coming off another massive performance with 44 disposals and 16 clearances.
Bundoora will start as favourites, but West Preston-Lakeside will be eager to produce a stronger showing and finish the season on a positive note.
