Fight Friars with Fire – Nobbers brace for top-of-the-table clash

Anna Pavlou

Glen Eira will come from a handy double bye this weekend in Round 13, meaning their side is ready to play some hard footy against a rising Ivanhoe side. Glen Eira are pushing to stay up in the top four, while the Hoers are still willing to work hard to keep their season alive. Ivanhoe had a tough loss last week against Yarra, where they struggled to impact the contest from the first minute of the game. Their biggest issue is the slower start, so if they can come out and win the clearances early, they’ll just have to apply the scoreboard pressure which will allow them to get ahead early. Glen Eira have proven themselves to be a possible contender and will come back refreshed, so look out for the Gryphons explosive forward line, spearheaded by Waras-Carstensen.

An injury-stricken Power House must take on a deflated MHSOB in a massive battle at the Ross Gregory Oval on Saturday. The House were served a hard loss last week, while the Unicorns were leading all day and fumbled at the last hurdle, so this game will be a battle of the wills. When these sides met last time, the House played a tight game of footy for three quarters, but fell away in the final term when the fitness and composure of the Unicorns prevailed. The House are hungry for their second win of the year, but must overcome the James Tran factor that helps MHSOB remain a competitive side. MHSOB still have the composure and poise to overcome Power House and should do so, as they dominate through the middle and break the game open.

The top two sides in Whitefriars (1^st) and Brunswick (2^nd) meet again after they met in Round 1. Last time, the Friars served the Nobbers their first loss of the season and showed off their skills in a tight battle. Now, the Friars are still the most polished side in the competition while the Nobbers have had to work hard through some tough mid-season battles. The Friars are showing no signs of slowing down, but the Nobbers are the most likely team to knock them off their throne. Michael Nitas and his forward crew are almost impossible to stop, but Brunswick would have done their research into this side, especially with the possibility of meeting in the finals. It’s hard to see the Friars losing from here on in….

Last week had mixed results for these two sides as Yarra Old Grammarians came out victorious, while Hawthorn were served a dose of reality by the best side in Division 2 (Whitefriars). Hawthorn are looking to stay alive in this section, while Yarra’s finals chances are unfortunately looking harder and harder to reach. This game will be a big one for both sides, as they have been struck down with an immense number of injuries throughout the season. Hawthorn enjoy playing a more contested game of football, which doesn’t suit the Bushrangers open and free-flowing game through the wings. The ruckmen will have to contest hard to set up the important plays for their sides, which means it will be a big battle of structures. The smaller ground will suit both sides so don’t be surprised if it’s a high scoring game. The one issue for the Bushrangers is their kicking and scoreboard pressure, which they will aim to improve in this crucial match. Last time these sides met, Yarra took the chocolates. Although the Hawks are improving aspects of their game, it’s hard to see the Bushrangers going down- if they have a fighting fit team.