Battle of the universities set to go under lights

The battle of the universities will go to another level this weekend, with La Trobe set to host Swinburne under lights as they aim to solidify third position on the Division 3 ladder.

La Trobe has joined Glen Eira and Hawthorn as the form sides of the competition in the second half of the season on the back of 10 wins from the last 11 games. During that period they went on a nine-game winning streak between Rounds 5 and 13 and their only dip in form was a four-point loss at the hands of UHS-VU.

Mitchell Gleeson has been at the forefront La Trobe’s run of victories and bodes as the Razorbacks biggest threat, booting 49 goals since Round 5 and leading the competition with an overall tally of 62; 10 ahead of Glen Eira’s Julius Waras Carstensen.

Bryce Dowler (27) and Liam Guy (25) have both offered support for Gleeson in front of goal, while Elliot Kelly continues to perform and has appeared in La Trobe’s best nine times.

Conversely, the Razorbacks have won just four of their past five but will be buoyed by the finals-type form showcased when they pushed Hawthorn to within a point in Round 12.

Thomas Kennedy has been damaging in front of the sticks and looms as the likely match-winner for the Razorbacks as he tries to add to his season tally of 40 majors.

Matt Greenwood, Jarrod Barnes and big man David Thwaites have led from the front all season with each named in the best on eight occasions, while Kane Fitzpatrick is likely leading the best and fairest count after nine TIBs. Thwaites has been particularly impressive as he uses his Max Gawn-esque height to tower over opponents and give his midfielders first use of the ball.

The match between the two university outfits kicks off at 7pm at La Trobe University Playing Grounds.