By Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead
University Blues (11-4): The ladder leaders have been defensive beasts all season, averaging just 55.2 points against and keeping fellow finals-aspirants Old Trinity and De La Salle below 51 points. They’re run home is difficult as they face three top six sides but they managed to defeat all three in their earlier meetings this season and play each one at Uni Oval. Xavs will be a pre-cursor to the type of intensity they can expect come finals but if they can get a healthy Tim Gaeppen up forward alongside Tom McKenzie and Tom Quinn, they should finish atop the home and away ladder.
Old Trinity (10-4-1): The T’s are genuinely back in form and have won their past four in a row, placing them in a strong position to obtain the double chance. Brendan Iezzi is leading from the front and they will hopefully add Seb Nicolosi, Alex Polidoros and Gabe Hamilton back to their playing list before season’s end. Two home games against the Snow Dogs and SKOB should result in wins and the third against Xavs is the likely double chance showdown. The battle of Luke Pacconi and Brendan Goss in Round 18 could be the most important one-on-one match-up this season.
Old Xaverians (10-5): The form side of William Buck Premier continue to go from strength to strength and boast the top two goal kickers in the competition; Matt Handley and Brendan Goss. They should make it seven in a row against the Panthers this weekend, but will get an early taste of September in Rounds 17 and 18 as they face the top two ranked outfits.
University Blacks (9-6): An up and down season resulted in the Blacks snapping a two-game losing streak with a healthy victory over the Panthers. Lochy Dornauf sits third on the overall goal-kicking leader board and will need to step up alongside every one of his teammates when they face a Lions and Snow Dogs side keen on avoiding relegation and a Blues outfit who are looking to lock up top spot.
De La Salle (8-7): The slide has been severe but the De La boys can look forward to three matches against sides outside the four. With Sam and Jake Williams leading from the front week in & week out, Matt Fieldsend offering composure through the midfield and the possible return of Adrian Indovino, expect De la to get back in the winners’ column and push for fourth.
Old Melburnians (7-7-1): OMs have been valiant since day one of the 2016 season as Nick De Steiger, Tom Paule, Matt Thomas and Al Armstrong imparted their first-class nous on William Buck Premier. Losing four of their past five means they sit a game and a half outside the four but their run home is difficult, with matches against the ladder leaders and two sides fighting for finals/to avoid relegation.
St Kevin’s (7-8): SKOB’s Round 15 loss to Uni Blues was their first in three matches, ending their 2016 finals dreams. While it is mathematically possible, they’re two games outside the four and come up against De La, the T’s and the Snow Dogs on the run home. They will want to win at least one to ensure relegation is off the cards and the Round 18 clash against the Snow Dogs could be one of the most important this year.
Collegians (6-9): A solid season with the top four in reach for the majority of the time has ended with the Lions losing four consecutive matches and now facing the thought of relegation. One win from their next three should secure safety but a home win against Blacks or OMs will be at the forefront of Courtney Hylton and Trent Zimbachs’ minds.
St Bernard’s (5-10): A loss of key personnel at inopportune times has derailed St Bernard’s plans of going back-to-back, but the recent return of Adam Bentick, Tom Caven and Alex Boyse has helped them to three consecutive wins and the possibility of avoiding relegation. If they are to obtain what many thought unattainable earlier this season, the Snow Dogs will need to win at least two their next three, with the T’s and Blacks unlikely to make it easy over the next fortnight.
Old Carey (1-14): Rebuilding has been the focus of the season for Old Carey and they will take a lot of important lessons and experiences to Premier B in 2016. Sam Cust, Andrew Sloan and Cam Wallace have each impressed, while Ben Smithwick, Joel Rice and Morgan Evans continue their stellar careers. Their Round 12 win against SKOB was no fluke and they will be hoping to claim another scalp before season’s end.
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