FINALS positions are on the line Sunday as North Ballarat hosts Collingwood at Eureka Stadium.
A win for Collingwood would see them go two games clear inside the top eight, while a North Ballarat victory means they would bump the Magpies out of the eight on percentage, and keep their finals hopes alive. Alexander McLeman previews this weekend’s Peter Jackson VFL round 17 match-up.
North Ballarat will be keen to return to the winners list this weekend after a shock loss to Coburg in Round 16. The Roosters had a prime opportunity to be sitting inside the top eight at the end of last round, but squandered their chances with a poor final term away from home.
Collingwood, after only a month ago competing for a top four spot, are now fighting for their top eight spot after dropping their last three on the trot.
The VFL Magpies will field an experienced line up this weekend, with the likes of Andrew Krakouer, Ben Hudson, Jarrod Witts, Paul Seedsman and Alan Didak all having spent time in the AFL this season. Matt Boland has returned to the lineup in recent weeks, and he will benefit from the added support of Witts up forward this weekend.
North Ballarat has been aided by the return of their captain Michael Searle in recent weeks, with his move forward providing another target for the Roosters who have struggled for a regular target this season. Their midfield has been strong with the likes of Myles Sewell, Stephen Clifton and Liam Anthony all in good form, and they have benefitted from the consistent performances of Ben Mabon in the ruck.
The Mabon versus Hudson battle will go a long way to deciding this clash.
What previously had been a battle for eighth spot between Northern Blues, North Ballarat, Essendon and Frankston, now includes the likes of Collingwood and Werribee who have both dropped off the pace over the last month.
A win in this game for either side will go a long way to seeing them part of the September action in 2013.
Date: Sunday 11 August.
Venue: Eureka Stadium.
First Bounce: 2:00pm
Last Modified on 10/08/2013 22:10