ROUND 5 PREVIEWS
Saturday, 9 May
Geelong (0-3) v Werribee (2-1)
Last Time: Round 13, 2008 - Werribee 16.18 (114) def Geelong 13.15 (93)
Skilled Stadium, 10.40 am
Werribee announced this week that their home game later in the season against Geelong will be played under lights at Chirnside Park. The reason for the switch can be summed up in two words - James Podsiadly.
Saturday's game at Geelong will be the first time that the former Tigers skipper lines up against his old side. Although Podsiadly has been in good form (five goals last week), he is supported by a young midfield that is struggling to play consistently well for four quarters.
Werribee's list of VFL experienced on-ballers should see them over the line here. With some good delivery, Nathan Thompson can look forward to a big day out as young Cats Tom Gillies and Dan McKenna will struggle to stop the former AFL star in one-on-one contests.
Tip: Werribee by 37 points
Sandringham (2-2) v Northern Bullants (3-1)
Last Time: Round 16, 2008 - Northern Bullants 13.13 (91) def Sandringham 13.9 (87)
Trevor Barker Oval, 1.10 pm (ABC TV; Casey Radio 3SER, 97.7 FM)
Sandringham's loss at Williamstown last Sunday came at a cost, with Xavier Clarke rupturing knee ligaments and Nick Sautner hobbling to the bench.
The good news for the Zebras is that Sautner has overcome his fitness issues and looks set to take up his customary spot in the goal-square at Beach Road.
The Northern Bullants currently have a flotilla of tall runners off wing and half-back who use the ball well and run to multiple contests. Richard Hadley, Joe Anderson and Jordan Bannister were just the standouts in a side that cut Frankston to shreds after half-time last week.
This game could spring a minor upset, as the emboldened Bullants look for their third successive win.
Tip: Northern Bullants by 13 points
Sunday, 10 May
North Ballarat (2-1) v Bendigo Bombers (0-3)
Last Time: Round 11, 2008 - North Ballarat 18.4 (112) def Bendigo Bombers 14.15 (99)
Central Park (Stawell), 2.00 pm
There is a new star in town for North Ballarat, the rangy Cameron Richardson rescuing his side with the last two goals of the game in the five point victory over Collingwood.
The reigning premiers are still only playing well in patches, but here they play a side struggling just to be competitive. Bendigo has won only once in twelve fixtures since the last Goldfields Derby, and went goalless at home in their last game a fortnight ago.
If the Bombers are to be a chance, then much will depend on the two big name inclusions - Brent Prismall and Scott Lucas. Prismall has spent just eight months on the sidelines following a knee reconstruction, while Lucas looks to regain some form.
The Roosters are still to play a home game at Eureka Stadium, but they can expect some solid support at Stawell, where Central Park is predicted to attract a crowd of around 3,000.
Tip: North Ballarat by 44 points
Frankston (0-4) v Williamstown (3-0)
Last Time: Second Semi-Final, 2008 â Williamstown 13.14 (92) def Frankston 12.19 (91)
Frankston Park, 2.00 pm (Casey Radio 3SER, 97.7 FM)
Last year's Semi-Final clash was one of the games of the season, as the Seagulls pipped their opponents with two late goals - the winner a dribbling shot from Callum Urch near the boundary.
Although the Dolphins have been struggling of late, the bitter memory of that encounter should ensure a fiery meeting on Sunday.
Frankston once again looked willing last week, but faded from the game once the AFL affiliated Northern Bullants showed their superior pace and skills in the second half.
Several of last year's stars such as James Magner, Marcus Marigliani and Neil Winterton are down on form, and they will not find it easy to rediscover their touch against Williamstown.
The Seagulls destroyed Sandringham at home with a nine goal to three final quarter to remain undefeated this season. Brett Johnson and David Stretton are finding the ball at will, while Matthew Little's agility and strong overhead marking have made him Williamstown's most dangerous forward.
Tip: Williamstown by 21 points
Collingwood (2-2) v Box Hill Hawks (2-1)
Last Time: Round 12, 2008 - Collingwood 17.10 (112) def Box Hill Hawks 13.8 (86)
Visy Park, 2.00 pm (livevfl.com.au; 3WBC, 94.1 FM)
These are the two most improved sides in the competition, and have displayed a level of resilience not seen in 2008.
Collingwood forwards Chris Bryan and Danny Stanley booted seven goals between them last week, however they will find it difficult to repeat those efforts on Sunday when matched against the physical Box Hill defence.
The Hawks have lost Tim Boyle to a season ending knee injury, but they regain Xavier Ellis in midfield, who himself has had an injury-riddled start to 2009.
Adem Yze was cleared during the week of a front on contact charge, and his craftiness around the flanks will be of use to versatile Box Hill forward line, featuring in-form youngsters Cameron Pedersen and Ben Smithwick.
Tip: Box Hill by 8 points
Bye - Casey Scorpions, Port Melbourne, Coburg Tigers
Last Modified on 08/05/2009 14:02