We take a look at the round 9 games in the Peter Jackson VFL.
COLLINGWOOD VS BENDIGO
Giant killers Collingwood will be hoping to string back to back wins together for the first time since rounds 5 & 7 last year when they take on Bendigo Gold on Saturday. The Magpies have shown glimpses of their best form at different stages this year, but much to coach Tarkyn Lockyer’s frustration, a four quarter performance has alluded them. That was until last weekend when they produced an almighty performance to bring the 28 game winning run of Port Melbourne to an end. Bendigo returns to play from the bye and will see Scott Gumbleton take to the field returning from injury. Both teams have an opportunity for their third win of the season, and a chance to jump into the top 8. Those arriving early to the game (10:30am) will see a curtain raiser between the Under 15 Kickstart Indigenous side versus the Multicultural Development Squad.
WERRIBEE TIGERS VS NORTHERN BLUES
Coming off back to back wins, Werribee Tigers will be looking to try and continue their recent rise up the ladder as they take on the Northern Blues this weekend. The Blues are struggling to find a four quarter performance, with their last win coming in round five against Bendigo. After a promising first half last weekend, the Blues failed to kick a major in the second half and saw a two point lead turned into a 30 point defeat. Cam Pedersen was a key utility for the Tigers last week, in the absence of Majak Daw who will return to the line up this week. Blues Nick Meese showed last week that he can shoulder the load in the ruck for the Blues, but he will need support around the ground this week with the Tigers depth in the talls department with Daw and Will Sullivan. The battle in the middle between Tuck, Sharp and Ross against Marcon, McLean and Collins will help decide the victor.
BOX HILL HAWKS VS NORTH BALLARAT
These teams come off completely opposite results last weekend. The Hawks were disappointing against Casey last weekend, struggling for accuracy and defensive pressure inside their forward 50. Nth Ballarat bounced back for their second win of the season, and benefitted from the return of Paul McMahon up forward, who joined Aaron Black with four goals. Box Hill struggled to get the ball out of the middle, especially after half time with the loss of Chance Bateman. Cameron Bruce was amongst the best for the Hawks, but their midfield will this weekend have to contain the likes of Sewell, Anthony and Garlett. While the Hawks may have the depth in their talls department with McCauley, Lowden and Pattison, they will need to give their mids first use of the ball, and help ensure it stays in the Hawks forward 50.
SANDRINGHAM VS GEELONG
Top four sides Sandringham and Geelong go head to head this weekend, with both sides coming off differing form. Sandringham have rocketed up the ladder in recent weeks after three wins on the trot, whilst Geelong will still be smarting from their round 7 defeat to Casey Scorpions before the bye. Defender Andrew McLean returns to bolster the Cats defence this weekend, and he will be needed to help quell what has become a formidable Zebras forwardline with the likes of Hamish Shepheard, Jackson Coleman and Daniel Archer in good form. An addition to the Zebras forwardline this weekend will be Adam Schnieder returning from injury.
WILLIAMSTOWN VS COBURG TIGERS
Both teams will be heading to the unfamiliar VFL venue of Whitten Oval this Sunday. The Seagulls will certainly have the home ground advantage, having used the venue for training whilst Burbank Oval has been out of operation. It has not been a successful fortnight for the Seagulls, coming off a big defeat against Port Melbourne in round 7, then a loss in the Foxtel Cup last weekend. Coburg too is coming off back to back defeats, having not been able to contain the Roosters in the final term last week with a diminishing bench. Important game for both sides going into to the State Game break to consolidate their top eight positions.
Last Modified on 18/05/2012 16:35