EFL Media’s Tim Fitzsimons previews all the weekend’s action in Division 4. Make sure you get involved this weekend by Tweeting us, @footyefl using the #EFLDIV4 hashtag.
DONVALE v COLDSTREAM
Top four teams in Donvale and Coldstream clash at Donvale Reserve this weekend as the tight race towards finals continue in Division Four.
Donvale rocketed to the top of the ladder last week on the back of a 190-point victory over Nunawading.
Their form has been outstanding of late, winning six games on the trot.
Most impressively, their victories haven’t just been against the lowly ranked teams, putting third placed Forrest Hill to the sword two weeks ago on the way to a ten-goal win.
If Coldstream is to stop Donvale’s impressive run they must nullify the influence of both Nicholas Murphy and Jack Purcell who sit first and second respectively in the Division Four goal kicking.
Coldstream are coming off the back of a shootout with Forrest Hill where 34 goals were kicked for the game in their 129-104 loss.
Andy Cultrera will be hoping to continue his good form following his six-goal performance last week.
Last time they met
Round Five 2017
Coldstream 8.13.61 def by Donvale 16.9.105
Donvale were too good for Coldstream in their early season encounter, leading at every change on the way to a 44-point win.
Murphy and Purcell combined for nine goals between them whilst Zac Haig was also impressive.
Leigh Odermatt and Darcy Carrigan were the best for Coldstream.
FOREST HILL v GLEN WAVERLEY HAWKS
Both Forrest Hill and Glen Waverley Hawks will be looking to clinch a finals birth this season and this match looms as vital as the top four looks to take shape.
The third-placed Zebras enter the contest following a 25-point shootout win over Coldstream.
Matthew Carnelley will be on top of the Hawks agenda to stop in order to topple the Zebras as he comes off a seven-goal performance last week.
The Glen Waverley Hawks will be hoping to make it four wins on the trot and a win over Forrest Hill will propel them into the top four, replacing the Zebras due to a healthy percentage.
Their defence was impressive in the first half last week keeping Silvan to just one major at the main break.
Last time they met:
Round Five 2017
Glen Waverley Hawks 10.2.62 def by Forrest Hill 11.14.80
A strong first half saw the Zebras get across the line back in round five with the Hawks accuracy preventing a blow out margin.
Forrest Hill were better across the ground, registering 12 more scoring shots on the way to a three goal victory.
Todd Burger was the Zebras best whilst Carnelley was impressive in attack booting five goals.
Daniel Eggington and Thomas Eddy were the two of the Hawks best on the day.
NUNAWADING v SURREY PARK
Surrey Park will be hoping to keep their very slim finals hopes alive when they take on Nunawading at Koonung Reserve.
The Panthers returned to the winners list last week with a comprehensive 57-point win over Fairpark.
Their form has been reasonable of late, knocking over premiership fancy Whitehorse Pioneers just three weeks ago.
Nunawading will be in strong spirits this week following the clubs first win in two years, a reserves win over Glen Waverley Hawks.
The Lions will be hoping the reserves win sparks the club towards some improvement in the seniors, starting this Saturday.
Last time they met:
Round Five 2017
Surrey Park 36.22.238 def Nunawading 0.2.2
The round five encounter was arguably Nunawading’s poorest performance in 2017 with the Lions failing to register a major for the only time this season.
Graeme Johns booted 11 goals for the Panthers with former Western Bulldog Lindsey Gilbee also contributing seven of his own.
Thommas Hogg and Ethan Carter could hold their head high for the Lions.
SILVAN v KILSYTH
Kilsyth will be aiming to stay in touch with and if results go their, even jump into the top four when they travel to Silvan Reserve to take on the Cats.
The Cougars come into the game following their inspiring win over Whitehorse Pioneers last week.
In an impressive performance, Kilsyth were able to get out to a 26-point lead and hold on during an intense final quarter to finish victorious by five points.
Sean Currey has been in terrific goal-kicking form with 11 goals in the past two weeks and Silvan will be looking to keep him quiet.
The Cats will be in search of their fourth win for the season and a win on Saturday will make it two wins from four games in July.
Last time they met:
Round Five 2017
Kilsyth 15.10.100 def Silvan 11.8.74
The Cougars were too strong for Silvan in their early season match up, making it four wins from their opening five games.
Matthew Jackson and Mitchell Jacobs helped Kilsyth to the 26-point victory, combining for nine goals with Ben Benson named as the Cougars best.
Jarrod Rowe lead the way for the Cats whilst Luke Beddome put through three majors.
WHITEHORSE PIONEERS v FAIRPARK
The final game of round 14 sees Whitehorse Pioneers hosting Fairpark at Springfield Park in what is a vital game for the Pioneers in order to stay in touch with the top two.
Whitehorse Pioneers will have plenty of motivation in this game as they try to get back on the winners list following last week’s narrow loss to Kilsyth whilst also attempting to rectify their capitulation at the hands of Fairpark back in round five.
Fairpark are still searching for their first win since round seven with the Lions managing just a draw to go with five losses since then.
They will be disappointed with last week’s loss to Surrey Park where inaccuracy hampered them on their way to a 57-point defeat.
Last time they met:
Round Five 2017
Fairpark 19.15.129 def Whitehorse Pioneers 10.11.71
Fairpark produced their best performance for the season back in round five in a dominant, 58-point upset win over the Pioneers.
The Lions were hot all day with a six-goal to one opening quarter to go with a seven-goal to three third term.
Tom McNamara was best afield with four goals whilst Jason Peagram booted five of his own.
James Duclos was one of very few Pioneers to contribute on the day.
