ROUND 15 PREVIEWS
By Chris Weaver
Saturday, 25 July
Casey Scorpions (8-5) v Coburg Tigers (6-7)
Last Time: Round 4, 2009 at ABD Group Stadium – Casey Scorpions 17.13 (115) def Coburg Tigers 11.7 (73)
Casey Fields, 1.10 pm (ABC TV)
The Scorpions have been gutted by Melbourne’s attempts to...ahem...’develop’ their future prospects ahead of next season.
With both Brad Miller and Michael Newton set to make the trip to Canberra for the AFL game, their attack now relies on veteran Russell Robertson at full-forward.
A centre line consisting solely of stand-alone VFL players has been one of the competition’s best in recent times, as again the side will rely for much of its dash on James Wall and Kyle Matthews.
Coburg’s season meantime can be defined by this match.
A win away from home will take the Burgers to 7-7, just two wins away from a likely finals berth.
Yet a loss could prove catastrophic, Coburg’s tough draw and last round bye making the club favourites with punters to just miss out on September.
With a Richmond heavy side playing on a venue with identical dimensions to the MCG, this is a good opportunity for Coburg to make up for their loss at home in the fiery Round 4 clash.
Tip: Coburg Tigers by 12 points
North Ballarat (9-3) v Werribee Tigers (4-9)
Last Time: 1st Preliminary Final, 2008 at TEAC Oval – North Ballarat 13.14 (92) def Werribee Tigers 11.14 (80)
Eureka Stadium, 2.00 pm
Consecutive losses for the Roosters results in Gerard FitzGerald’s side losing top spot this week.
Tired legs conceded three late goals against the Bullants, whose taller link players ran the lines superbly as the game approached full-time.
Shaune Moloney was a late omission from that game following back spasms, but the captain and VFL representative full-back returns this week to mark the totemic Nathan Thompson.
Look for Bill Driscoll (23 goals) to continue his good form, the nippy forward pocket allying excellent defensive pressure to his known goal nous.
Werribee effectively waved good-bye to their finals ambitions last weekend, disappointingly overrun by Frankston away from home.
Poor form could cost utility Marty Pask his place in the side, as Simon Atkins grants opportunities to the Tigers’ youngsters.
It is hard to see Werribee threatening the Roosters, whose pride and reappearance at home should prove too strong a combination to counteract.
Tip: North Ballarat by 38 points
Bendigo Bombers (0-12) v Northern Bullants (7-5)
Last Time: Round 1, 2009 at Visy Park – Northern Bullants 13.11 (89) def Bendigo Bombers 12.8 (80)
Windy Hill, 2.00 pm (Casey Radio 3SER, 97.7 FM)
Brave in defeat at Port Melbourne, the Bombers appear determined to fight out the season.
They will need to hit hard early though against the Bullants, as it was inaccuracy that cost Bendigo the chance of pushing Port Melbourne to the line last weekend.
Wise observers have in recent weeks mentioned in dispatches the lean Lachie Delahunty at centre half-forward for the Bombers, the former North Ballarat Rebel looking to place his name in front of AFL recruiters.
It will be tough work though for Delahunty this week, as the Bullants welcome back Adam Hartlett to bolster their defence.
Hartlett’s development this season has coincided with the South Australian being mentored by former Carlton defender David Rhys Jones.
Robbie Warnock is set to make a much anticipated debut for the Bullants, who will be monitoring the development of several rehabilitated Carlton players.
Tip: Northern Bullants by 33 points
Sunday, 26 July
Box Hill Hawks (7-6) v Port Melbourne (9-3)
Last Time: Round 8, 2009 at TEAC Oval – Port Melbourne 17.15 (117) def Box Hill Hawks 10.8 (68)
Box Hill City Oval, 2.00 pm (3WBC, 94.1 FM)
Sunday is a red letter day for the Stangas, who open their new South Pavilion after nearly eight years of planning.
The last home game witnessed an upset win for Box Hill, storming home in the last term to overcome the highly fancied North Ballarat.
Much will depend on the after-effects of last week’s exertions against Williamstown, as a depleted Box Hill bench struggled to match the run offered by their counterparts.
The versatile go-ahead style of Stuart Dew will be sorely missed, the veteran Hawk nailing three goals before straining his hamstring.
John Baird has exhibited a return to his stellar 2008 form in recent weeks, helping out a Borough defence challenged by Port’s inability to suffocate opponents in midfield.
Should the Borough win away and North Ballarat lose, then Port Melbourne will find itself in second position.
In itself not necessarily a vital objective, it would however amply demonstrate the form line of last season’s Grand Finalists in recent weeks.
Tip: Box Hill Hawks by 13 points
Sandringham (5-7) v Williamstown (11-2)
Last Time: Round 4, 2009 at Burbank Oval – Williamstown 18.9 (117) def Sandringham 10.9 (69)
Trevor Barker Beach Oval, 2.00 pm (Casey Radio 3SER, 97.7 FM)
The big concern for Williamstown remains Matthew Little, who misses through injury for the second week in a row.
Without their leading goal-kicker, the Seagulls still kicked away from a depleted Box Hill at home – their second tough win in as many matches at Burbank Oval.
Brad Gotch’s biggest concern remains who to mark Nick Sautner, the Zebra spearhead having booted 57 goals this season.
Coming off a week’s break, Sandringham must cause an upset if they are to keep in touch with the top eight.
Sandringham president Gerry Ryan believes his team can consistently beat the top sides in the VFL, but they need to prove it sooner rather than later.
The losses of Max Hudghton and James Gwilt will hurt Sandringham down back, yet the real issue remains how to stop the pace of Patrick Rose and Guy O’Keefe.
In what shapes as the match of the round, the side that dominates the centre clearances on the squat Sandringham ground should win the day.
Tip: Williamstown by 17 points
Bye – Geelong, Frankston & Collingwood
Last Modified on 24/07/2009 15:29