We take a look at all matches across round 7 of the Peter Jackson VFL this weekend.
PORT MELBOURNE VS WILLIAMSTOWN
The Grand Final replay. While both teams remain in the upper echelons of the Peter Jackson VFL ladder in first and third spots respectively in 2012, plenty has changed regarding the onfield personnel of both sides since Port won the 2011 premiership by 56 points. Names such as Ryan McMahon, Cory McGrath, Patrick Rose, Jarrod Dalton, David Stretton, Ben Davies, Mitch Hahn and Brett Johnson have all been replaced by names such as Dean Grice, Daniel Noonan, Heath O’Farrell, Clay Johnston, Jamie McNamara, Stephen Witkowski, James Wall and Cameron Lockwood as each side has had to look at their depth leading into the 2012 season. Whilst Port has continued where they left off last year, now extending their winning streak to 27 in a row, Williamstown overcame a slow start to their season to win their last three in a row to move up to third spot on the ladder. Wayde Skipper versus Tom Campbell in the ruck will be one of the crucial match ups in this game, as well as the battle in the middle between the likes of Shane Valenti, John Baird and Sam Dwyer going head to head with Ben Jolley, Brett Goodes and Clay Smith.
GEELONG VS CASEY SCORPIONS
Simonds Stadium would not hold the fondest memories for those at Casey. Last time they ventured down to Geelong, the Scorpions headed home dejected with a 128 point defeat next to their names. Six months on and the complexion is much different, with both sides sitting in the VFL top four, each with only one defeat to their name for the season. With a number of key on field departures in the offseason, Casey has surprised many with their 4-1 start to the season. Their wins have come at a cost though – the hearts of many a Scorpions fans have been tested by all four victories this year being by one goal or under. Some big names will be taking to the field on Saturday. Liam Jurrah returns for Casey in his first game of the season, and he will be joined by Jack Watts. Oakleigh Charger Jack Viney will also make his debut as the 23rd player for the Scorpions. The Cats will lose Mitch Brown this week after his nine goal haul last round versus Bendigo, but retain Orren Stephenson and will have Ben Johnson and David Wjocinski join the VFL line up.
COBURG TIGERS VS WERRIBEE TIGERS
The third battle of teams in the top 8 this week, with the two Tigers teams going head to head. These teams had differing form last round, with Coburg dominating the scoring shots in the second half (20-10) against Box Hill to run out close 13 points winners. Werribee seemed like they had the game sewn up against Williamstown until the Seagulls raced home with five of the last six goals to steal the win. Ben Warren has been a key target for Werribee in recent weeks (6 goals last round), as he has moved closer to goal with McKinley moving up the ground across half forward. They will this week see the return of Matt O’Dwyer into their line up, along with Levi Greenwood. Nathan Ablett has been again selected in the Development League side for his second game back from injury. Coburg will be waiting to see whether they retain Luke McGuane in their lineup, who has been in great VFL form this season. Angus Graham continues to press for AFL selection, and will battle with Will Sullivan and Majak Daw in the ruck this weekend.
BOX HILL HAWKS VS FRANKSTON
Important game for both of these sides this weekend, with a spot in the eight on the line for both teams. Frankston are coming off the bye, and will have the memory of their first win of the season against Coburg freshly in their minds. Their opponents Box Hill will have a far different memory of Coburg, overrun in the second half to suffer what some might have seen as an upset loss to the Tigers. It will be a home coming for a number of new Dolphins players, with the likes of Leigh Kitchin, Jackson Sketcher and Dylan Van Unen all returning to Box Hill City over – the club they called their own last year. Box Hill will be keen to bounce back and return to the winners list, whilst Frankston will be looking to add another scalp – other than Coburg – to their list for the first time since late 2009 versus Sandringham. The Hawks will be bolstered down the spine with Stephen Gilham, Broc McCauley and Jack Gunston into this week’s side.
SANDRINGHAM VS BENDIGO
It has been a few lean weeks for the Bendigo Gold. After a strong start to the season which saw them win two of their first three matches, and challenge reigning premiers Port Melbourne for three quarters, the Gold have suffered 100 and 86 point defeats in the last fortnight. Looking back at those games, Bendigo’s inability to kick more than one goal in the first term the last two weeks has hampered their ability to make an impact early in games. Their opponents Sandringham have suffered a similar problem in recent weeks, failing to kick a goal in a quarter against their last two opponents Williamstown (1st qrt) and Collingwood (3rd qrt). After having Mitch Brown kick 9 goals last round, Bendigo will not be looking forward to the name Justin Koschitzke joining the Sandringham forward line this week, along with Hamish Shepheard, Daniel Archer and Jackson Coleman.
Please note the 23rd Players for this weekend:
Bendigo Gold - Ben McPhee
Box Hill Hawks – Guy Phelps
Casey Scorpions – Jack Viney (Oakleigh Chargers – Jumper No. 80^)
Coburg Tigers – Ozgur Uysal
Geelong – Darcy Holden
Frankston – Mitchell Viney
Port Melbourne – Jason Williams
Sandringham - Jackson Coleman
Werribee Tigers – Jordan Keras
Williamstown – Damien Bugeja
^ Due to Jack being eligible for Father/Son to Melbourne he is permitted to play with Casey despite being a listed Oakleigh Chargers player.
Last Modified on 04/05/2012 15:25