Waiting for more of Division 4

Zac Jennings

With last week’s round cancelled due to the current state government lockdowns, this week’s Division 4 contribution will be previewing what are hopefully this weekend matches. I hope everyone reading is happy, healthy and safe during these difficult times and that local footy can resume as soon as permits as we get closer to the home stretch for season 2021.

Box Hill North v St. Johns

2:00PM – Elgar Park, Box Hill North

Previous Meeting: RD 4 – St. Johns 21.16.142 defeated Box Hill North 4.5.29

After a blistering return to divisional football, St. Johns are currently on a three-game losing streak. Having comfortably won their first four games of the season, the JOC’s have been comprehensively beaten by their top four rivals and are in a need confidence boosting win to launch them into the second half of the season. Following up their first win of the season with the narrowest of defeats, the youngsters at Box Hill North are currently riding a wave of form and confidence. Having suffered a few heavy defeats to start the season, the Demons have been highly competitive at both ends of the ground in recent weeks and will be eyeing the chance to take a scalp in this match-up with St. Johns.

La Trobe University v Swinburne University

2:00PM – La Trobe University, Bundoora

Previous Meeting: RD 1 – La Trobe 15.15.105 defeated Swinburne 9.11.65

The second Uni-Bowl of the season takes place in round nine, with La Trobe University hosting Swinburne University. La Trobe are coming off an impressive win over top four rival St. Johns, with its only two defeats at the hands of run-away leaders Elsternwick and South Melbourne. Swinburne are on a two-game win streak, having beaten Masala and Box Hill North, the latter being a gutsy come from behind victory. La Trobe will be looking to further cement themselves in the top four, whilst Swinburne will be looking to capitalise on recent form.

Masala- Dandenong v South Melbourne Districts

2:00PM – Lois Twohig Reserve, Dandenong North

Previous Meeting: RD 3 – South Melbourne 10.16.76 defeated Masala 6.9.45

South Melbourne Districts are the in-form team of the competition, having overcome the rampaging Elsternwick to deliver the Wickers their first loss of the season. Having previously gone down to the Wickers in round one, the Bloods form has continued to go from strength to strength. Masala have produced some good footy this season, without results necessarily falling in their favour. The Tigers can’t be underestimated and will look at this as an opportunity to challenge a quality opponent.

Eley Park Sharks v Elsternwick

2:00PM – Whitehorse Reserve, Box Hill

Previous Meeting: N/A

Eley Park may have drawn the short straw, being the first cab off the rank to face the wounded beast that has been Elsternwick this season. The Wickers have been dominant in every sense of the word and have identified their number one contender after falling to South Melbourne Districts, levelling the ledger at one-apiece for the seasons. Eley Park have been inconsistent with their form but are still the best placed team outside the top four to make a run at the finals.  A good outing against Elsternwick may be the catalyst to propel the Sharks into the second half of the year.