Division 2 Preview: Round 5

After their one-point victory last week, Bulleen Templestowe will be willing their boys on for more in their Round 5 clash against Brunswick, to avoid falling behind and having to work their way back into the game. Their poise around the footy was tested against Power House, so the Bullants will be ready to show the Nobs they are pushing to be a serious threat for finals in 2019.

Billy Wilson was the hero last week, so he’ll be looking to add to his goal collection for the Bullants, but will come up against a strong Nobbers back line who which does allow teams to kick large scores. Brunswick at the other end will be satisfied with their win last week, with 17-year old Round 5 Rising Star nominee, Francis Evans, showing no signs of slowing down in front of goal. The Nobbers seem to have found a comfortable game plan and although playing away from home, will look to show more composure around tight contests.

Glen Eira have made their way onto the winners list and will need to stay there to avoid falling further into the relegation trap. Their opponents this week, Ivanhoe, had a disappointing loss in Round 4 but this game looks as if both sides will match up reasonably well against each other.

The Gryphons Julius Waras Carstensen and Lachie Pound are looking comfortable in front of goal in 2019 and will lead their boys again, whereas in the opposite forward line, you’ll find Hoer Lachie Roberts who has kicked seven goals already this year. The game will be won through the middle, with both sides proving they have the leg speed and fitness to run out full games. This game is not only the battle of the Lachlan’s up forward, but a game of mental longevity, with both teams needing to play to their strengths first to get on top of their opposition with early scoreboard pressure. Glen Eira will be eager to add another win to the board, but the Hoers will be pushing to make their mark in the top four and add percentage they crave.

It will be a reunion for the ages as VAFA rivals Hawthorn and Power House meet again to battle it out in the Hawks Nest. The last time these sides met was in the 2016 Division 3 Preliminary Final, where the Hawks had a dominant game against a House on the rise. Both sides are desperate for their first win of the 2019 season so it will be fiery from the first siren to the last.

The House will be looking for redemption after their stiff one-point loss last week where some undisciplined acts cost them the game, but the Hawks are also in need of a change, with their loss last week one they’ll want to forget. For Power House, Ben Circosta has been busy in the midfield, so his pace will be much needed again. The Hawks will look to Max Pretty around the contest and up-forward to do some damage against the Power House back-men who will be tighter than ever to stop any chance of an onslaught. Whoever wins this game will take their first four points of the season and carry their confidence into the upcoming rounds.

The blockbuster game of Round 5 sees Yarra Old Grammarians take on Whitefriars, in what will be a battle for top spot on the ladder. One team will exit this game as the only undefeated side in Division 2. At home, the Bushrangers will need to focus on their defence, as the Friars spread of 15+ goal kickers weekly is a nightmare for any opposition.

On the other hand, Yarra’s Luke Barker and the gang up forward have been unstoppable thus far, so it will be a major test for Friars’ backline too.

With the Friars averaging more than 156 points and the Bushrangers around that mark, the work from the back six will show who is the stronger team on the day. What better way for the Bushrangers to get back into the competition following a bye than with this possible Finals footy match-up?