Division 2 Preview: Round 14

Anna Pavlou

Round 13 produced a windy weekend of footy with mixed results. Power House have finally recorded their second win of their 2019 season in impressive fashion, while Yarra got back to their dominant ways and the Friars stay clear on top. Glen Eira also keep themselves well safe in finals contention, as we look ahead to the fixture which awaits us in Round 14.

Bulleen Templestowe are set to take on Brunswick in a clash that will be season defining for both sides. Bulleen, off the bye, will be refreshed and ready to take on the Nobbers, who they lost to by a considerable 73 points last time they met in Round 5. Brunswick will be disappointed they lost to their big rivals Whitefriars in Round 13, but this game is a perfect chance to galvanise their game plan and keep their finals chances on track. New senior coach, Peter Carter, has brought new life to the Nobbers as they look ahead to September action. This game is going to be a high scoring test, with Bulleen now sitting in the top four and pushing to boost their percentage with a big win. The Nobbers are known for their big scores, however, and at home it’s hard to stop them!

This will be one of the closest matches this round as Glen Eira (3^rd) host Yarra Old Grammarians (5^th) at Packer Reserve. Both teams are sitting very evenly in the scheme of things, with the spotlight being particularly on the Bushrangers as they work towards keeping in touch with the top four. Glen Eira seem to have their ladder position secured for the moment, but will need this win to boost their percentage. Yarra’s win last week against Hawthorn, to the tune of 89 points, was a great morale and percentage booster, but this game will be a bigger challenge again. The Gryphons have really improved their stoppage work since these sides last met in Round 1, which may throw the Yarra boys off. Yarra, however, have picked up a few gems from their twos side. Yarra love to play a run and carry game style, which works with their quick midfield pace, but the Gryphons have been on the rise and their forwards are hard to beat when the ball gets in their court. Yarra will need to play a tall defence, but the Gryphons must be weary of the pocket rocket recruits that Yarra have accumulated across the ground.

This impending Round 14 game between Ivanhoe (7^th) and Hawthorn (9^th) will be a massive one in terms of end-of-year relegation outcomes. The match could be closer than we think, as both sides play in a very similar contested style. The Hawks should have a few fresh players upon return, which will help them to play out a strong four quarters and keep their chances alive in Division 2. The Hawks only issue is their slow starts, which puts them in the difficult situation of overcoming a deficit to then take the win. Both sides play a really tight game, meaning there will be minimal flexibility across the ground. The Hawks have a genuine chance on their home ground, as it’s a smaller, more condensed chance to pile on scoreboard pressure. However, the Hoers seem to have a little bit more experience in Division 2, so they should run out the full game.

MHSOB came off a hard 27-point loss to Power House last week, but they’ve got an even bigger challenge in Round 14 against the undefeated Whitefriars. The Unicorns dominate their smaller ground, which means they can clog up the free-running Friars style that allows them a multitude of forward entries. But, as proved every week, it’s hard to be the best wherever they go. The numerous goal-kickers that fill the Friars forward-line are ever changing their tactics, keeping their opposition defenders at bay weekly. MHSOB should get a few key players back from injury, but this will be a tough game they need to win, to keep their finals chances alive.