EFL Media’s Matt Fotia previews all the weekend’s action in Division 4…
Donvale (1st, 15-3, WWW) v Forest Hill (2nd, 13-5, LWW)
Despite being shaky early in the season, Donvale has stamped its authority on the Division in the latter half of the year. With Nick Murphy (79 Goals) and Jake Purcell (76) operating harmoniously up forward the Magpies probably don’t look like they can be beaten in a shootout.
Down back David Wither’s keeps himself and the back six in good shape. Withers has been in the best nine times this season including six out of the last seven games.
To make matters worse for the other finalists Karl Toce returned for his first hit out last weekend after 12 weeks out of the side. A handy inclusion for finals you might say.
The Zebras have come home hard to snatch the double chance in the last round, defeated Whitehorse Pioneers to claim second spot. They’ll have to battle Donvale without its key forward threat however with Matt Carnelley out for the season. The power forward had 53 goals to his name before the injury. Tim Johnston and Nicholas Pincott have filled the void thus far, but will need to make the most of their opportunities this weekend.
With Murphy and Purcell brewing up a storm of all proportions, Todd Burger will have his work cut out this weekend. Burger has been rock solid all year, getting his name in the paper eight times and was BOG last week in the Zebras win over Whitehorse.
Last Time: Donvale 14.13.97 def Forest Hill 5.7.37
Burger and Co did well to keep Donvale under 100, but lacked fire down forward. 6 goal to none last term doesn’t help either.
Whitehorse (3rd, 12-6, WLL) v Coldstream (4th, 11-6, LWW)
Setting the pace early in the year, Whitehorse have come well back to the pack in recent times fading out of the top two for the first time in a while this week. Statistically the worst side of the top four with the worst offence and defence, the Pioneers will be looking for goals from Andrew Padbury (66 this season) and a solid defensive performance from Jesse Hockey. Hockey has been in the Pioneers best three players the last three weeks bringing his season tally up to seven for times in best.
The midfield battalion will be led by the ever present Maverick Gleed who has been the Pioneers best player all year long. BOG in his last time out, Gleed has only missed the best on six occasions this season and is the key operator in the centre of the park.
The Pioneers opponents, Coldstream have snuck into fourth position thanks to a strong win over Fair Park in the last round and a helpful result out at Pinks Reserve.
Experienced in front of goal this season, the Cougars have been led by Leigh Odermatt (50 goals) and coach Michael Cardamone (39). Andrew Cultera and Darcy Carrigan have also been regular contributors with 28 and 27 goals respectively.
Down back Paul Wagner is the rock of the Coldstream defence. A hard working honest defender, Wagner is well respected in the competition and should be. From his nine appearances this season, Wagner has found his way into the best players five times.
Mitcham Reserve’s small confides will suit Whitehorse slightly, meaning the Cougars defence will have to be way of quick entries inside its defensive fifty.
Last Time: Coldstream 14.14.98 def Whitehorse 9.8.62
Odermatt kicked 5, Carrigan 3. The second and third quarters saw Coldstream kick 10 goals to 3.
