We look at all the round 14 games in the Peter Jackson VFL for this weekend.
PORT MELBOURNE VS SANDRINGHAM
These two teams meet for the first time this season, with Sandringham coming off back to back defeats against top four teams. The Zebras will need to turn around their fortunes; otherwise if results in other matches go against them, they may slide further down the ladder. For Port, they were again given the opportunity to trial a number of Development League players in the Foxtel Cup last weekend, and senior spots are again at a premium. Whilst Port have suffered two defeats this year, their top spot on the ladder – something they have owned for over 90% of the last year and a half – is being challenged by Casey Scorpions, so Port need to keep winning to keep them at bay. Adam Bentick is a chance to return for his first game in over 12 months.
BOX HILL HAWKS VS NORTHERN BLUES
The Hawks will be wary of the Blues this week after Northern saw a change of coach during the week. With Robert Hyde stepping down, Blues players will hear a familiar voice on Saturday as 2011 coach Darren Harris returns to the role for the rest of the season. Harris has a big task ahead of him, with his side losing their last six in a row, and holding up the rest of the competition in last place. It is a must win for Box Hill, sitting only percentage inside the top eight, with North Ballarat and Coburg breathing down their necks and ready to pounce on eighth spot. They will welcome back co captain Daniel Pratt, with their other co captain Beau Muston playing his second game back in the development league after injury has hampered his season to date.
WERRIBEE TIGERS VS CASEY SCORPIONS
Game two of a tough month for Casey, which started with a positive against Sandringham last week, defeating them by 4 points. If you were to do comparisons over the last few weeks, Werribee defeated Sandringham by 79 points, Casey defeated Sandy by 4 points so Werribee should defeat Casey by around 75 points? Not the way results have been going this season. Casey currently has the longest current winning streak, sitting at six, and will look forward to the challenge of taking on the Tigers. A key for the Scorpions this season has been defence, with Evan Panozza leading by example, and being well supported by the likes of Troy Davis, Luke and Josh Tynan and Michael Risely. Add to that the tall timber up forward in Leigh Williams, Tim Smith and Lucas Cook and they are hard to beat. Tom Couch will not be held down two weeks in a row, so expect a big game from him, and expect the Tigers to come out after redemption, after falling to Bendigo last weekend by 46 points.
COLLINGWOOD VS FRANKSTON
Interesting match up this one. Collingwood have been very unpredictable this season, whilst Frankston have challenged, but have not been able to record any more than one win for the season. This game is a perfect opportunity for the Dolphins to move up the ladder again, or for the Magpies to create a gap between themselves and Frankston below them. State teammates Kris Pendlebury and Khan Haretuku could go head to head in this clash, which will be one to watch. After his 5 goals last week Caolon Mooney has been promoted to the AFL, so the Magpies will need to find more avenues to goal this weekend.
COBURG TIGERS VS GEELONG
The second of Coburg’s regional games will see them head to Warrnambool this weekend to host Geelong. Both teams are coming off victories in round 13, and will be trying to extend their winning streaks. The Tigers broke through for a win after a lean month for the club, which helped them keep in contact with the top 8 sides. Geelong disposed of the Northern Blues, but will need to work on their goal kicking which decreased their eventual 51 point win. Orren Stephenson will again be challenged by the tall timber of Coburg with Angus Graham and Andrew Browne in action for the Tigers.
WILLIAMSTOWN VS NORTH BALLARAT
Plenty of history between these teams over recent years, with Williamstown slowly turning the tables on North Ballarat in their recent encounters. The Roosters had held handy advantage in recent match ups, but Williamstown have now won their last two clashes. The Seagulls last game they played in round 12 before the bye, they welcomed back Tom Campbell, but no sooner did they see him return, did they see him upgraded onto the Bulldogs list, so the ruck duties will again be shared around. North Ballarat have won three on the trot, and are knocking on the door of the top 8, but a win this weekend is crucial to keep in contact with the top 8 sides. It is a big few weeks for the Roosters facing three top eight teams in a row.
Please note the 23rd Players for this weekend:
Box Hill Hawks – Pat Lawlor
Casey Scorpions – Shannen Lange (Gippsland Power – Jumper No. 35)
Coburg Tigers – Liam Brandt
Frankston – Jarryd Caprion
Geelong – Lachlan Howe (Murray Bushrangers - Jumper No. 72)
Northern Blues – Matthew Atta
Sandringham – Sam Maley
Werribee Tigers – Tristan Battaglia
Williamstown – Jordan Mead
Last Modified on 29/06/2012 15:37