ALL eyes will be on Box Hill City Oval this Saturday when two teams desperate to cement their place in the top eight collide, writes Alex McLeman.
Box Hill Hawks currently sit fourth on the Peter Jackson VFL’s Bailey Ladder’s ladder, four points behind leaders Casey, while their Round 13 opposition Collingwood lurks just one spot behind in fifth.
The Hawks were surprised in round 12 as Williamstown came away from Box Hill City Oval with the points following an impressive 25-point win.
The Hawks will be looking to bounce back this weekend with the likes of Michael Osborne, Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher and Angus Litherland important factors in their hopes of keeping pace with the top four.
Collingwood enters into Saturday afternoon’s match following a hard fought victory over an impressive Port Melbourne side in Round 12 last weekend.
The Pies sit comfortably in the top eight but a slip-up this weekend could drag them back into the dog fight which is happening below.
Collingwood are within touching distance of the top four with victory this weekend not only increasing their chances of a finals berth but also solidifying themselves as one of the top sides in this years Peter Jackson VFL campaign.
The Pies lose Andrew Krakoure and Clinton Young to the AFL but have the likes of Jackson Paine, Lachlan Keeffe, Tyson Goldsack and Brodie Grundy all ready for the Hawks’ test.
Dayne Beams makes his long awaited comeback to footy from a long injury layoff with all Pies supporters from VFL to AFL very glad he is now ready for action. This is especially so for AFL coach Nathan Buckley who will call on the talented mid sooner rather than later to inject some fire into his stuttering Pies team.
Both sides are evenly matched across the pitch with talent at every position.
The weekend’s match is set to cause fireworks in a highly competitive match, while a big crowd is expected due to the Beams’ announcement.
Conditions
Melbourne has all week faced strong winds and cold weather with the weekend to continue along the same line. Spectators are advised to wrap-up warm for the afternoons match.
Teams
Box Hill Hawks:
A.Litherland, B.Guerra, D.Pratt, J.Kelly, K.Cheney, D.Mirra, M.Lock, S.Lles, M.Osborne, L.Tobin, T.Gordon, D.Wanganeen, T.O’Brien, S.Grimley, M.O’Donnell, L.Lowden, W.Langford, X.Murphy, D.Graham, B.Harvey, W.Johnson, P.Lawlor, B.Monkhorst.
Collingwood:
T.Goldsack, J.Paine, B.Richmond, T.Broomhead, C.Gault, C.Mooney, M.Clarke, J.Hellier, J.Russell, J.Ramsay, L.Keeffe, P.Yagmoor, J.Heagney-Steart, N.Riddle, A.Oxley, B.Grundy, K.Martin, D.Beams, T.Allan, B.Barden, M.Boland, C.Corr, L.Ferguson.
Prediction
Collingwood by 15 points.
Last Modified on 05/07/2013 19:51