Division 2 Preview

Anna Pavlou – @Annalyst_Sports

After their much-needed percentage boosting win last week, Bulleen Templestowe are in a good position to pip an up-and-about Emmaus side who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat last week. Both sitting around the danger zone, they’ll be playing a high-contested game of physical footy for the four points. If the Animals win, they will jump above Bulleen, but, if the result swings the other way, the Animals season will be in real danger…

Two of the highest scoring teams in Division 2 face off in yet another possible finals tester. Yarra Old Grammarians will be ready to play and will want to hurt the Raiders in the middle. Old Paradians on the other hand will be looking to refine their game-plan after figuring out what went wrong over the past two weeks against some of their possible finals contenders. Last time they met, it was the Raiders who took the points convincingly, but their late season slump this time around gives Yarra the perfect chance to jump up and push for a percentage boost and even second spot on the ladder.

UHS-VU have now proved that they are the new force to be reckoned with and will go into this game clear favourites. However, the Turtles are playing for pride in front of a home crowd, and will throw everything they’ve got on the line in an attempt to notch up their second win of 2018. The Vultures will enjoy the wide ground at Eltham and can carve up the Turtles with their spread and speed. This game could be a great percentage booster for Uni High if they can get the game on their terms early.

The devastating slide of MHSOB has put them out of finals contention, but has not dampened the eagerness to prove themselves in these finals rounds. However, Power House has relegation to play for and will be all guns blazing come game time. This one will be a game of inches, with the team willing to put in from the backline getting the points. Last time they met, the House struggled to stop the Unicorns small forwards, but on their smaller home ground, they’re more comfortable. The House have a real chance to get up, but it’s high time he Unicorns had a hard-fought win.

Still in contention for a top-two finish and a double chance in finals, Whitefriars are outing it all on the line to take down a fiery St Johns side, who need this win to steer them further form the dreaded bottom two. Both teams have a lot on the lines with different aims in mind, so watch for a mental and physical battle of the side willing to put it all on the field. If it’s a dry day, the Friars boys shouldn’t lose and can pile on the goals if the game is on their terms. But the Jocs have proved more once that they’re a physical team unafraid to take risks around the ground to find a way to score goals. Will be interesting to watch if a slow start effects either side also.