Division 2 Preview: Round 15

Anna Pavlou

It’s getting to the pointy end of the season and the fight for fourth position on the ladder seems to be firing up, with all sides eligible, taking hard fought losses this week. These results in the middle of the table, for Bulleen, MHSOB and Yarra make it challenging to see who will finish in 4th and make a finals appearance…

In Round 14, Glen Eira boosted their percentage against Yarra Old Grammarians, but a new challenge against Bulleen Templestowe will prove a big test. Glen Eira have been able to reinvent their structures, playing unforgiving footy and bursting through the middle to apply immense scoreboard pressure. Bulleen have recently been playing that relentless style, so this game will be a contest to see whose footy smarts prevail. Glen Eira seem to have everlasting energy, which means they’ll play out a strong four quarters, which will test the Bullants who were strong and competitive until the final term last week. This game will be won from the middle, with Glen Eira proving last week that they can’t be beaten in a hard contest. Glen Eira have the speed, Bulleen have the grit. Both sides are extremely stable through the middle so it’s up to the ruckmen to set up some game-changing plays.

Coming fresh off the bye, Power House have a real chance to knock off Ivanhoe in Round 15. When these sides met at the start of the year, the Hoers were dominant and ran out a strong game which tired Power House. Both sides love to play contested footy, so it will be interesting to see if any sides bring some new structures into this round. Power House big man Steve Devine has been in strong form across the ground, so he may be the game changer the House need if they want to win. Both sides would love an extra four points to their tally, especially the House, so be prepared for a tight battle, a hard muddy slog and some smart footy. It will be a tight match, but the poise of the Hoers from last time these sides met will put them in good steads.

Both MHSOB and Hawthorn came off hard losses last week to Whitefriars and Ivanhoe, respectively, and this week both sides are desperate to win for their own reasons. The Unicorns love to play at home, but the Hawks also love their small ground, so this game will be a high scoring affair and if it’s a dry day, a game for the key forwards. Hawthorn have been applying more scoreboard pressure over the past few weeks, which will test the MHSOB squad. The Unicorns do love to close down their opposition at home, however, so watch out for James Tran and his men through the middle. Unicorn Ben Burton has been strong in front of goal, so he may be a new target for the Hawks to shut down. The Hawks will be fuming after their loss last week, but have a great chance to jump over MHSOB due to injuries.

This game against Brunswick will be season-defying for Yarra Old Grammarians, as their loss to the Gryphons in Round 14 makes it even tougher for them to keep in touch with the top four. However, Brunswick will not stop their surge in Division 2, looking to add another four points to cement their second spot on the ladder. They’ll need the four points to stay one game clear of Glen Eira (3^rd), who are also on a roll at the moment. The Nobbers have been playing strong four quarter games but will look to improve their starts and come out of the blocks firing, to kick away early and dominate. Yarra were shut down by the quick running of the Gryphons last week, so they’ll look to fasten up their game and push themselves to spread quickly to avoid pressure applied by opposition. This may be a closer game than expected!

BYE- Whitefriars