WHERE YOUR TEAM IS AT: DIVISION 1

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 the Division 1. The top two are clear and it is a wide race for teams trying to avoid relegation. With four games to go what does your club need? 
Therry Penola
Therry Penola have not missed a beat this season, sitting comfortably 14 – 0 and four games ahead of second placed Williamstown CYMS, the question is can anyone tame the Lions? Old Geelong came within four points in round 10 and Willy ran them to five points last week. 
What they need?  The Bannister brothers in Jarrod and Corey, to stay fit and healthy. Not a two man team by any stretch but there is no doubt their influence has been huge.
Relegation or finals? Currently the premiership favorites and seem headed to Premier C next year. Could they have the perfect undefeated season and claim their 14th premiership?
Williamstown CYMS
Second placed Williamstown CYMS have been consistent contenders all year, their young developing side continues to blossom. With a reasonable run home over the next four weeks, the CY’s will be real finals contenders come September. 
What they need? To keep hold of second spot, for that double chance come finals time and to forget about last year’s straight sets exit. 
Relegation or finals? Only question is how many weeks of finals will they play. 
NOB/St Pats
A fairly consistent year for NOB/St Pats, keeping tight hold on third position. They have been able to match it with the best sides in the section, but have lost some games that they should have won. 
What they need? Three tough games to finish the year off, must maintain their consistency to ensure they keep hold on third position. An opportunity to sneak into second position, dependent on Williamstown CYMS’ results.
Relegation or finals? Safe from relegation, but are they ready to be promoted a year after dropping back?
Old Geelong
Old Geelong has been the surprise packet of the section this year and have been able to match it against the top sides. After their disappointing 59 point loss to Prahran Assumption in round 4, they have turned things around. Only a game clear in fourth. 
What they need? To win more they they lose. That means three wins from their last four matches. 
Relegation or finals?  Would be a wasted year if they didn’t make it. OGs should be booking a finals pass. 
Prahran Assumption 
A pass mark for Prahran Assumption’s season thus far. Unfortunately for they lost a few matches by less than a couple of goals which sums up what could have been for them. 
What they need? History to repeat. Snuck into finals in Round 18 last year, hope for the same again in 2014. 
Relegation or finals? Could be another holding year if they don’t manage to sneak in. 
Old Mentonians
Like Prahran Assumption, it has been a passable season for Old Mentonians. They have been consistent and have provided strong contests against their opposition despite the results not going in their favour. A tough ride home for the Mentonians.
What they need? Results to go their way and to win at least three of their last four. 
Relegation or finals? An opportunity for a finals berth is still up for grabs if they want it, dependent on their opposing team’s results, otherwise it will be a 13th straight year in Division 1.
Yarra Valley
After being last year’s Division 2 runners up, Yarra Valley would have been hoping for some big things in their promotion to the Division 1. Unfortunately injuries got the better of them and a finals chance seems far away. The priority now about stabalising after back to back promotions.  
What they need? To find alternate ways to raise money, surely they cant have Rob Drew walk from Sorrento to Doncaster again?
Relegation or finals? One more win and they will be safe from relegation. 
Whitefriars
After the appointment of experienced coach Fraser Cameron this year, the Friars would have been confident on having a good season. Inaccuracy woes on the scoreboard has been disappointing, perhaps merger talk with Donvale was also a distraction.
What they need? Goal kicking practice is a must, poor kicking is poor football. 
Relegation or finals? A loss to Bulleen Temp last week has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. Nervy times in Donvale. 
Bulleen Templestowe
On paper, it has been a season to forget for the Bullants. Despite a good victory in round 1 against Yarra Valley, things looked promising, but unfortunately it all went downhill from there. Was last week’s win season defining – we have four weeks to find out. 
What they need? To win at least three from four and hope Whitefriars fail to win at all. 
Relegation or finals? Division 2 premiers in 2012, but I doubt they had pencilled in a return so quickly, still a chance but will need all the cards to fall their way. 
MHSOB 
Like Bulleen Templestowe, It hasn’t been the greatest of seasons for Melbourne High, with numerous season ending injuries to their quality players has cost them. Escaped relegation last year on the back of Werribee’s departure, a drop in section should be a chance to re-develop a winning culture.
What they need? To be a pest to everyone else trying to win games. Channel a bit of St Kilda’s win over Fremantle. 
Relegation or finals? Regroup, and get ready to attack Division 2 in 2015.