We take a look at all the round 12 games in the Peter Jackson VFL:
PORT MELBOURNE VS COBURG TIGERS
It is not a good week for Coburg to face the might of Port Melbourne. The last time Port lost a game – in round 8 to Collingwood – they came out the following round to defeat Frankston by 89 points. Round 6 was the last time Coburg were able to record a win, and that victory against Box Hill hawks had them sitting in sixth spot on the ladder. Since then they have dropped to 10th, and are now two games outside of the top eight after losing their last four games. Angus Graham and Wayde Skipper will have a big say in their sides first use of the ball this weekend. Coburg need to find forward targets this weekend, which has been a weakness of theirs in the first half of the season. Whilst they have only two players in double figures in the goal kicking, Port Melbourne boast seven and Dean Galea is quickly motoring towards the first to 50 for the season with 13 goals in the last two matches.
BOX HILL HAWKS VS BENDIGO
What a game this will be in a battle for fifth spot on the ladder. Both teams are coming off good wins last weekend, and will want to try and keep in contact with the top four sides as we head into the second half of the season. Bendigo will see the return of David Hille to lend support to Dean Putt in the ruck, and they will again have the services of Scott Gumbleton up forward to help compliment an inform Matt Little and Justin Maddern. The Box Hill Hawks’ defense will certainly get a work out this weekend with the Gold averaging 17 goals a game over the last three rounds. Luke Lowden, Sam Grimley and Adam Pattison will enjoy the challenge of Hille being their opposition in the ruck this weekend, and will try and gain first use for Luke Andrews and Tom Schnieder who were amongst the leading possession getters for the Hawks last weekend.
FRANKSTON VS WILLIAMSTOWN
So close but get so far has been synonymise with Frankston all season long, and last weekend was no exception. A late rally by Kyle Martin could not get the Dolphins over the line, and get another chance of an upset result drifted past. The Dolphins will host a battle weary Williamstown side who lost a titanic tussle with Box Hill last weekend. The Seagulls will welcome back Tom Campbell and Tom Hill whose absence in recent games has hampered their structure, with James Wall and Matt Panos last weekend sharing ruck duties. Khan Haretuku has been in consistent form this season and will be met my either Lukas Markovic returning from injury, or even young defender Stephen Witkowski. The Dolphins, and Seagulls, both need to lend support to their key forwards, with Andrew Hooper the Seagulls main avenue to goal along with Liam Jones last week.
NORTH BALLARAT VS NORTHERN BLUES
Changes aplenty for North Ballarat this weekend, with North Melbourne swinging the axe. Aaron Edwards returns to the Roosters, along with the Delaney’s. The Blues have inclusions of their own in their young list, with Carl Peterson named for his first senior game of the season, joining Bret Thorton, Ed Curnow and Paul Bower. Important game for both sides – for the Blues they need a win otherwise the second half of the season could just be preparation for 2013, whilst North Ballarat could soon be in the same boat as they are currently two games and 20% outside of the top eight. The Roosters had a good win for captain Marc Greig in their last game, can they get themselves up again for the premier midfielder Myles Sewell who celebrates his 100th game this weekend? .
WERRIBEE TIGERS VS SANDRINGHAM
Apart from Casey, these two sides have been the form teams of the competition over the last month. The Tigers are currently enjoying a four game winning streak, whilst the Zebras are one ahead with five in a row. For one team their winning run will come to an end this Sunday. The Tigers forward line regains Lachlan Hansen this weekend at the expense of Robbie Tarrant who has been promoted to North’s squad, so too Sam Gibson who finally will make his AFL debut. Nathan Ablett is a chance to make his senior debut for the Tigers after good form with Werribee last week in the Foxtel Cup. Sandringham held on against Frankston last weekend, with Beau Wilkes kicking 5 up forward, and Sam Dunnell excelling down in defence. Jay Lever is a chance to debut in the VFL seniors this weekend, and will join a strong lineup. The battle of the mids will be one to watch, with Adam Cockie and Myke Cook in great form for Sandringham, up against the likes of Travis Tuck and Ben Ross. Zebras fans will be arriving early to see the form of Michael Lourey and Marcus Marigliani who both returned last round in the Development League, and will continue their comeback from injury this weekend.
BYE: Casey Scorpions, Collingwood, Geelong
Please note 23rd players for this weekend:
Bendigo Gold – Harrison Huntley
Box Hill Hawks – Scott McGowan (Eastern Ranges, No. 58)
Coburg Tigers – Liam Brandt
Frankston – Jarryd Caprion
North Ballarat – Wilbur Pomorin
Northern Blues – Todd Coran
Port Melbourne – Dylan Heath (Oakleigh Chargers, No. 52)
Sandringham – Xavier Richards (Sandringham Dragons, No. 65)
Werribee Tigers – Jordan Keras
Williamstown – Sam Critchley (Western Jets, No. 23)
Last Modified on 15/06/2012 16:36