With just the four points separating ladder leaders Box Hill Hawks and Williamstown (4th), their eagerly awaited clash at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon promises plenty, as Nick Duxson reports.
Both sides are coming off wins against fellow final contenders. The Hawks accounted for the Werribee Tigers by five goals, while the Seagulls ran over the top of the Northern Blues to win by a similar margin.
Changes to both team’s AFL affiliates means changes at VFL level, and after impressive performances last week, the Hawks’ Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher and Brendan Whitecross have all been named on an Hawthorn's extended interchange bench. So has ruckman Jon Ceglar, who is tipped to replace the injured Max Bailey.
Down at Point Gellibrand, Mitch Wallis has been rewarded after a consistent month for the Seagulls, while Ayce Cordy and Tory Dickson have both won promotions to the Western Bulldogs side also.
Tall forward/defender Lukas Markovic and midfielder Liam Picken will return to the Williamstown side.
With clear conditions expected, the big question could be how Williamstown go about stopping Box Hill’s tall timber up forward.
Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden are two massive threats the Hawks have to build a forward line around. Mark Austin could get the job on the resting ruckman, but he will be undersized.
The midfield battle will be immensely important – with the Seagulls boasting an array of experienced on-ball talent.
Daniel Cross, Brent Prismall and Liam Picken will undoubtedly provide toughness around the footy, while the dash of Hawks’ veteran Michael Osborne on a wing and up-and-comer Derick Wanganeen could also be pivotal.
Up forward for Williamstown, the question is where are the goals going to come from? Box Hill’s defensive pressure was superb last week, and has been a feature of their success to date in 2013.
The Seagulls are without a recognised key forward, but Willie Wheeler, Pat Veszpremi and Jason Tutt have the ability to push forward and kick goals.
Spreading the load could be important against a well-drilled defence led by David Mirra and former Kangaroo Daniel Pratt, as will be Williamstown’s method of entering the forward 50.
The Seagulls and Hawks haven’t met since Round 11 last year at Burbank Oval, when Box Hill came from behind to win a thriller by just a goal, but both teams were fairly different to how they will line up this weekend.
Who will soar higher on Sunday in the VFL radio match?
The Seagulls midfield will have to fire, but with Box Hill having to promote at least three players it will test their depth. I’m predicting an upset, Williamstown by 10 points.
Last Modified on 28/06/2013 19:28