The second half of the Peter Jackson VFL’s split Round 13 gets underway at 1.10 pm on Saturday, with Sandringham hosting Williamstown at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The two teams’ fortunes over the past month have contrasted immensely – the Seagulls will be looking for their fourth win in succession, while the Zebras will be hoping to break a five-game losing streak.
In this Saturday’s ABC TV match, Sandringham will desperately want a win to stay within reach of the top eight, while a Seagulls victory could catapult them into second position.
Nick Duxson previews the match.
Going on form, ladder position and AFL experience, on paper this weekend’s clash between the Seagulls and Zebras appears to be almost a formality.
Williamstown are coming off an amazing 25-point victory over ladder leaders Box Hill, and comfortable victories against the Blues and Bombers.
They are one of the form sides of the VFL in 2013, and deservedly sit just behind the top two teams.
In contrast, the Zebras performances have fluctuated from week-to-week.
Despite respectable defeats against Box Hill and North Ballarat, Sandringham has also suffered unexpected beltings at the hands of the Scorpions and Dolphins.
This from the same team, who earlier in the season beat Werribee comfortably, pipped the Blues in a high-scoring thriller and clung on for a draw against Port Melbourne.
In terms of experience, one only has to look at Williamstown’s best players from last week to see what they can draw upon.
Midfield stars Ben Jolley, Daniel Cross and Brent Prismall are all hitting peak form, Cameron Wood is dominating at VFL level, and a spate of goal-kickers are contributing each week.
Young players such as defender Jack Charleston are stepping up to the plate, while 2013 recruit Willie Wheeler is strongly pushing his case for selection in the VFL team of the year.
For Sandringham, many of the same players are stepping up week after week – Marcus Marigliani, Chris Michaliades and Adam Cockie have been the standouts.
Project forward Spencer White has shown signs of brilliance, while Tom Curren played one of his better games for the season against the Roosters.
But more players need to perform consistently if the Zebras are to make a late push for a finals berth.
To this week’s ins and outs, and with two St Kilda stars returning, Nathan Wright and Ahmed Saad have been pushed back into the VFL, while captain Marcus Marigliani is out with injury.
Ayce Cordy makes his way back for the Seagulls – while Addison, Picken, Young, Hunter, Grant and Cross have all been named in an extended Bulldogs side.
With a crisp 16-degree day forecast, it could come down to midfield depth and skill – and as always, who can provide their forwards with the best opportunities to score.
On paper, both sides appear evenly matched up forward and down back – but with Wood and Tom Campbell giving the Seagulls’ talented midfield first use of the ball, I’m tipping Williamstown by six goals.
Last Modified on 12/07/2013 15:40