EFL Media’s Matt Fotia previews all the weekend’s action in Division 2. Make sure you get involved this weekend by Tweeting us, @footyefl using the #EFLDIV2 hashtag.
Mooroolbark (3rd, 8-4, W W W ) v Waverley Blues (10th, 1-11 , L L L )
The Mustangs come into this clash running hot, after trouncing Croydon, Lilydale and Mulgrave in the past three weeks to find themselves 3rd after a slow start to the season.
Their surge into the Top 4 has been down to consistent performances all around the ground, but in recent times a common few take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Down back Trent Georgiou is in scintillating touch, with one of his best performances of the season coming against Lilydale, drifting off his man too take countless intercept marks.
James McManus has been vital in the middle, leading by example in their previous three victories a key cog in a unit which has given Kire Talevski the best possible delivery.
The evergreen star has bagged 16 goals in his last three appearances, and is a goal hungry monster on his day.
Time is running out for the Blues, despite their improved showing in recent weeks they need wins, honourable losses don’t get you points.
With every game as important as a final for the Waverley club, Ben Turner has become the key man. In the Blues’ best three weeks on the bounce, Turner has nailed 7 goals in that time and will will be crucial this weekend if his side are any chance of taking the points from this game.
LAST TIME: Mooroolbark 9.2.56 def Waverley Blues 6.7.43
The sharp shooting Mustangs started well and held off the Blues. Ben Turner was good in a losing side.
Croydon (8th, 4-8, L L L) v Mitcham (5th , 6-6, W L W)
It has been a hard month for Croydon, playing the top three leading into this clash against a hungry Mitcham outfit.
Brothers in arms Justin and Adrian Ficorilli were potent in front of goal last week, with the nimble smalls working well in together. Justin has 20 goals this season, but is well down on his usual total.
Ewan Wadsworth has been one of the better players over the tough period for the Blues, and will look to carry his form into their battle with the Tigers.
The Tigers put themselves back in the hunt for the top four with a gusty win over the Waverley version of the Blues last weekend.
Jayden Hoegel filled the void left by Jake Parente booting seven goals in a best on ground performance, and he now has 12 goals in the past three weeks.
Another in form Tiger is Jake Toohey. The wingman kicked two crucial goals last weekend, backing up from two 30 plus disposal games. After a slow start to the year the ex -Blackburn ball user is showing his worth for the Tigers.
LAST TIME: Mitcham 7.12.54 def Croydon 4.9.33
A dour affair, Parente and Chris Hoegel’s three a piece becoming even more vital.
Lilydale (4th , 7-5 , W L L) v Mulgrave ( 9th , 3-9 , L W L)
After being amongst the early pace setters, The Dales have drifted back to the pack and desperately need a win against Mulgrave to arrest the slide.
They’ll be sweating on the return of Jarrod Healy and Dean Carswell in defence. The pair are on-field generals who not only add more polish to the side, but crucially play a key role in setting up their defensive structures.
Lilydale will also need to get back the quick ball movement that can be very devastating. Quick entires inside forward 50 helps both the big men in Brad Lowe, Callum Morrison and Lachlan Koger but also the mosquito fleet of Lachlan Wilson Corey Bernsten and Samuel Baker who wait at their feet.
Coming off their huge win against Waverley, the Lions almost took down their Doncaster East namesake, falling short by 9 points.
Captain Dean Siakoulis has been consistent in the midfield, his nuggety play crucial around the stoppages. With 3 goals in his last three weeks, Siakoulis has found another string to add to his bow.
Nathan Grylls has been strong over the past fortnight, joining his captain in the fight. Grylls was excellent in their win against Waverley and last week’s gallant effort against Doncaster East.
LAST TIME: Mulgrave 8.6.54 def Lilydale 7.9.51
Slightly more accurate. Slightly better. Grylls good in an underdog win for the Lions.
Upper Ferntree Gully (7th, 4-8, L W L) v Wantirna South (6th, 5-7 , L W W)
Impressive so far this season, Upper Gully could not be blamed for being happy with their ladder position. However you can’t say that the Upper boys have become complacent, after their recent win against premiership contender Doncaster East.
Full forward Rowan Hore has been their number 1 goal threat, having booted 37 majors this season including 9 in the past three rounds. Upper can also boast one of the more mercurial players in the competition with the ever-present Michael Smith always a potential thorn in the oppositions side.
The Devils have hit form at a good time. They find themselves only two games behind Lilydale after beating the Dales convincingly last week. Every game remains a must win for last year’s grand finalist however and maybe they like it that way.
Two players who have definitely enjoyed the cut throat situation they now find themselves in. Daniel Cromb and Sean Young have been important to the Devils surge towards the Top 4. Playing key roles at either end of the field, whilst the attacking edge has come from Nikolas Papadopoulous ( 9 goals in 3 games ) and Taylor Leggate ( 8 in 3).
LAST TIME : Wantirna South 5.10.40 def by Upper Ferntree Gully 6.7.43
Michael Smith was fantastic on a cold windy day. Rowan Hore snagged two vital ones.
Knox (1st , 12-0, W W W) v Doncaster East ( 2nd , 10-2 , W L W)
Far and away the best team all year, the relegated Falcons are on track to yo-yo straight back into the top flight, but face their biggest challenger this week.
Defensively sound, Knox’s 664 points conceded is 114 better than the next best defence in Lilydale. Defensive units are obviously a group effort, but in recent weeks Marcus Jordan and Mitchell Greaves have stood out in recent weeks down back for the Falcons. They’ll have to be on top of their game once again having to deal with Thomas Gordon and co this weekend.
The Lions have been showing signs of a wobble recently, with an unexpected loss to Upper Ferntree Gully and a close shave against Mulgrave last week. Don’t expect it to last too long however, as key players begin to find their touch again.
Jack Martin comes in to this top of the table clash in red hot form. The smooth mover has been one of the better lions in recent times, especially during their aforementioned lean patch. He will be accompanied in Doncaster East’s midfield pack by many household names amongst the Eastern Football League, but none more so than Brock McLean.
Despite being quiet last week, McLean will not be ignored by Knox you feel, with his experience strength, decision making and skills he will always be a target for opposition sides.
LAST TIME: Knox 11.17.83 def Doncaster East 11.10.76
Thomas Gordon’s 5 major was almost enough, but Liam Kidd and the the Falcons just snuck home in a thriller.
