Division 3 Preview: Round 15

Only four rounds remain in the Division 3 home & away season, and with three wins distinguishing fifth place from sixth, a sizeable gulf separates the top and bottom end of this section’s ladder. Irrespective of this, Richmond Central (6^th) will be unperturbed by their unfavourable odds of making finals, and will instead have their steely focus set on their impending Round 15 clash with Manningham Cobras (1^st). The Cobras have not put a foot wrong since their Round 2 shortcomings to Canterbury, but their reptile opposition (the Snakes) won’t go down without a hiss.

Aquinas’ five-game winning streak was snapped by the Warriors in Round 14, but their game against North Brunswick this weekend on home deck at Aquinas College has the odds stacked truly in their favour. 45 individuals have played a seniors match for the Bulls so far this year, with only two having played in every match; an indication of the club’s difficulties in fielding a consistent, high-performing side week in, week out (a fact reflected in their nine-game losing streak). With the right inclusions, our 2018 Division 4 premiers are sure to charge soon, could it be this weekend against the Bloods?

Spritely after a big win over North Brunswick. Emmaus St Leo’s (3^rd) will look to further make their mark in the top four when they host fourth placed Canterbury. Though still in the four at this stage, the Cobras will look to come back off their scheduled bye refreshed and ready for these last games of the season. If they don’t, and if they can’t break their three-game losing streak, a firing Westbourne Grammar outfit will take their place (Westbourne have had 2 bye rounds, Canterbury 3). Since their month off football; a combination of scheduled bye rounds and Association-wide byes, the Animals are yet to drop premiership points. With their last two victories being over teams outside the top four, this match will be a great test for the finals-hungry Animals.