WHERE YOUR TEAM IS AT: PREMIER

We take a look at the last third of the year for all 74 VAFA Clubs to give you a guide of what to expect in the final weeks of the season. Here is the analysis of Premier Section.
The top two are clear and it is a widest race we have seen in years for teams trying to avoid relegation. With six games to go what does your club need?
University Blacks
The Blacks are flying – after conceding the points against Old Scotch a few weeks back, they have thoroughly disposed of their next two opponents (Collegians & De La Salle) to arrest any potential mid season slump like last year. They are the heaviest scoring side in the section by some margin, a far cry from their struggles to kick a score last year. 
What they need? No injuries and winning four of the final six games will confirm a double chance. In all likelihood, three wins should be enough to earn the double chance. 
Relegation or finals? 40 years since their last Premier (A Grade) premiership, could the drought be over?
St Bernard’s
Expected or not, by now everyone recognises that St Bernard’s are a very good side. They have certainly been troubled by teams away from home but have still managed to win ten games. 
What they need? Much like Blacks, four wins will guarantee them a double chance. Whilst avoiding key injuries will also be importing they have all six teams well inside the top three in each of their sections, seemingly the Snowdogs have huge depth.
Relegation or finals? Expect St Bernard’s supporters to be buying finals series tickets by the truckload, 6 teams in finals is almost certain. 
Old Trinity
The surprise packet of Premier has slowed down recently, losing consecutive matches for the first time year. The rumour mill went into overdrive about the club losing many key players to overseas ventures and on recent evidence this looks to have had an impact. 
What they need? Key players to return from their overseas ventures and a win to get back on track. They also need a few more senior bodies, their U19 players are incredibly talented but they are carrying too much of the load through these heavy winter months. Still two games clear of fourth spot, arguably all they need is one possibly two wins to book themselves a ticket at the finals. 
Relegation or finals: Despite recent form – push the footy trip back a week, they will play in September. 
Old Scotch
One of the most unpredictable sides in the section. Capable of beating the best, but prone to losing the games they shouldn’t (Premier Section’s North Melbourne?)
What they need? To win at least two of their next three, all against the bottom three. They also need less injuries to AFL players so that their very talented consignment of VFL listed players are available to play for the Cardinals more often as without them Old Scotch don’t look nearly as menacing.
Relegation or finals? Should definitely be targeting finals. Would be a wasted year if they missed out on September.
Collegians
A bit like Old Scotch Collegians form has fluctuated between very good to benign. With multiple rep players, still at their peak, and some quality premiership players still there, getting the best out of the youth coming through is paramount to the Lions success on a week to week basis. 
What they need? One more win surely takes them out of any relegation fears so that is a good starting point. More night football might also help; a Round 18 clash under lights on a Friday night against Old Scotch looms as a mini elimination final. 
Relegation or Finals? Going to be hard to see them dropping now given what teams below them have to do – one more win for safety and finals certainly should be the aim. 
Beaumaris
Just as they did in their debut year in Premier, the Sharks had a blistering start then they ran into the proverbial brick wall. Five losses in a row has seen them in free fall. 
What they need? A win. Star recruit Waylen Manson from The Recruit has brought the highlight reel with him, but the whole club needs to produce for four quarters, something they have struggled with over the past month. 
Relegation or Finals? Both are still in the realms of possibility. 
Old Xaverians
A coaching change mid year has seen an upward spike in their win ratio but there is a degree of nervousness in the Xavs play that we are not accustomed to seeing. Nevertheless, with so many stars unavailable it’s little wonder, the club is experiencing what most others have in terms of injuries over the years. 
What they need? Just keep on winning. Must beat at least one of St Bernards (A) or Blacks (H) as well as win all other matches to sneak into the four but reality says that might still leave them short on percentage. Also need more of their top end players on the park regularly. 
Relegation or finals? Still both are possible. However, they have worked a couple of games clear of the bottom two. Next fortnight huge. St Bernards and Blacks. Simple equation: 2 wins – clear the calendar in September, 1 win – look at other results above them, 0 wins – look at other results below them. 
De La Salle
A charging of the guard at De La Salle this year. Despite almost a complete overhaul of the list, they haven’t gotten any taller. Satterley is seemingly taking the club on the right path, but without the cattle, too much is left to too few. 
What they need? A forward over six foot and St Bedes/Mentone and Old Brighton to keep losing. Despite a meritorious win over St Bernard’s De La Salle’s inability to kick a score sees them with the second worst percentage in the section. 
Relegation or finals? Avoiding the former is the only priority. A tough finish to the year means they need wins now. 
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
The traditional slow start to the year probably went on a bit longer than they would have liked. One of the best run on sides in the comp, their ability to kick goals quickly has been their salvation in a couple of matches. 
What they need? To learn to kick straight. They are the most inaccurate in front of goal in the section. 117.156 for the year at just 42.8% accuracy won’t win you many games. 
Relegated or Finals? It would be a stark reminder of how difficult Premier is every year to see last year’s Grand Finalists relegated. They have been competitive over the past month, but poor kicking has cost them the four points at least a couple of times. The heat is on. 
Old Brighton
There were always doubts on the Premier B Premiers ability to step up to this level with many of their best players still the same from when they were last in Premier. A shocking start, has been turned around with three wins from their past six. Last Friday night’s humbling at Collegians was a slap in the face to that form. 
What they need? To beat St Bedes/Mentone Tigers next week, then win their other home games, although Blacks (H) in Rd 17 will be a challenge – six wins might be enough though. 
Relegated or Finals? As stated three wins might be enough, particularly if they can beat both the Tigers and De La Salle (A). The match against De La in Round 16 shapes as pivotal.