Bushrangers prepare for Bulleen, Nobbers host Hawks

Anna Pavlou

Brunswick have been in fine form all year and will look to take on Hawthorn this weekend and secure a percentage boosting win. Despite the Hawks efforts and strong footy for a solid half last time these two sides met, the Nobbers experience and poise allowed them to run out and take the victory. The Hawks were quite competitive against Bulleen and kept the margin low last week, so this game may be another chance to keep close to the Nobbers. The Hawks were wasteful in front of goal last week, so they must improve to keep the margin from blowing out and forcing them to lose percentage. The Nobbers have been steadily improving as the finals peek around, so it won’t be a surprise if they try some new structures to get prepared for the upcoming challenges.

Glen Eira and Power House have some recent years of rivalry but the Gryphons have had the Houses’ measure and their recent form shows no signs of slowing down. Power House had a harsh loss last week but have improved since last time these two sides met. Power House will enjoy the size of the Gryphons ground, it will be interesting to see their midfield set ups after trying a few new things against Whitefriars. Glen Eira have some high intensity, blistering speed game tactics that ran Yarra off their feet a few weeks ago, so don’t be surprised if they run the House out very quickly. There will be a lot for both sides to play for this week, with a fresh rivalry brewing between the clubs, but the Gryphons intensity will tire the House.

Whitefriars are easily the best team in Division 2, have been for the whole year, and going back home will almost ensure another win this weekend over Ivanhoe. Their win record at home has been perfect this year and they’ll look to keep it that way. However, the Ivanhoe boys have nothing to lose with their chances at finals all but done, so they’ll lay it all on the line to take down the first-placed Friars. The Friars may also be resting some bodies ahead of their big finals campaign, which gives the Hoers a chance to capitalise with their speed shown over the past few weeks. But, the Hoers were held goalless last week against the Nobbers and it will be an even bigger challenge to counteract the best side in the competition. Although quiet last week, Friar Michael Nitas (club fine) will be looking to add to his goal tally and help his team to another win. The Friars have been thrown every challenge this season but have been able to break away, so don’t be surprised if they counteract any new strategies from the Hoers.

The Yarra Old Grammarians v Bulleen Templestowe game is a big one for both sides, especially Yarra who have a slim chance of making that glorious fourth spot come finals. Both sides are steadily keeping their finals heads above water, but recently results have been in favour of the Bullants, who are steadily building a finals force to be reckoned with. Yarra love to use the wings, but have been shut down recently by the quicker sides in Glen Eira and Whitefriars. The bye has come at a handy time for the Bushrangers, as they will grab a few key recruits back from injury for this massive battle. Yarra will look to keep their intensity from the first minute, which they have struggled with in recent weeks. Bulleen, according to some of the better teams, are a massive threat in the run home, so their new structures are yet to be faulted and should withstand the Bushrangers.