EFL Media’s Tim Fitzsimons previews all the weekend’s action in Division 1. Make sure you get involved this weekend by Tweeting us, @footyefl using the #EFLDIV1 hashtag.
SOUTH CROYDON V BAYSWATER
Bayswater will be looking to back up its first Division 1 victory in more than a decade as they travel to Cheong Park to take on one of the form teams of the competition in South Croydon.
The Waters finally tasted victory in their previous match, knocking over Montrose at home in a convincing 35-point win.
They look to have slowly adjusted to the standard of Division One football after failing to register a victory in their opening 11 matches.
If Bayswater are to add to their solitary win, they will do so by backing their style of play which will be aiming to keep the encounter a contested struggle with their forwards providing plenty of pressure to the ball carrier.
South Croydon have enjoyed a terrific opening half to the season which will see them as favourites on Saturday.
They are currently in a rich vein of form, winning five of their past six games to sit second on the ladder, with their only defeat in that time being a narrow two-point loss to Noble Park.
Last time they met:
Round One 2017
Bayswater 11.5.71 def by South Croydon 15.14.104
The Bulldogs were too strong for Bayswater in the Waters return to Division One winning by 31 points.
Max King was the clear standout on the ground with a dominant ruck display, which also provided headaches for the Bayswater defence as he went forward to kick four goals.
Jess Moore was the Waters best playing a solid game in defence.
DONCASTER V MONTROSE
A four game winning streak and the chance to stay within touch of the top five is what Doncaster will be striving for when they host Montrose this Saturday.
The Sharks will go into this clash on the back of a resounding 50-point victory over Balwyn.
Their ability to overrun the Tigers as they kicked 11 goals to two after half time will give Doncaster the world of confidence as they press for a finals birth.
In contrast, Montrose will be looking to snap a five game losing streak after a disappointing loss to the previously winless Bayswater.
A win is needed for Montrose in order to steer clear of the bottom of table come seasons end and will need to recapture some of their best form if they are to upset the Sharks.
Last time they met:
Round One 2017
Montrose 11.9.75 def by Doncaster 16.11.107
With the scores level at three quarter time, Doncaster were able to hold Montrose scoreless in the final term to run away with a 32-point victory.
Chris Annakis put in a best on ground performance kicking six goals for the Sharks whilst Matthew Little and Jack Garthwaite were the standouts for Montrose.
ROWVILLE V NOBLE PARK
The final game in the second week of the Division One split round sees Noble Park venture to Seebeck Oval to take on Rowville in what will be their 350th match in the Eastern Football League.
Since meeting in last year’s semi final, these sides have had contrasting seasons with the Bulls sitting inside the top five and Rowville lingering at the lower end of the ladder in second last position.
However, the Hawks have the opportunity the make it two wins from three games after their 14-point victory over Montrose before succumbing to Vermont in their last hit out.
Rowville proved it can match it with the best for parts games as the Hawks were well in the contest at half time against the ladder leader in Vermont, leading by one-point at the main break before falling away in the second half.
Noble Park will be looking to get back on the winners list after their loss to Blackburn two weeks ago.
The Bulls will be backing their younger brigade to complement their top end talent once again against the Hawks as win will lift them to third on the ladder and at least one game clear inside the top five.
Last time they met:
Round One 2017
Noble Park 11.13.79 def Rowville 8.11.59
It was Noble Park getting the chocolates in their semi final rematch back in the opening round of the season, registering a 20-point win over the Hawks.
The win was set up on the back of a three goal to one opening term as the Bulls lead at every stage on route to victory.
Brett Dore was amongst the best for Noble Park with William Petropoulos chiming in with three goals whilst Steven Georgiou led the way for the Hawks.
