Winchelsea vs Anakie
Both sides have fallen victim to a much improved Geelong West outfit in the past two weeks. The Blues were bitterly disappointed with their performance at West Oval last week while Anakie had a hard-fought win over Thomson. Last time they played it was a heavily one-sided encounter; this will not be the case this time around.
Player watch: Winchelsea’s Braeden Tournis will be hugely important to the blues, his ability to break the lines is a valuable element to the side.
Last time they met: Anakie 30.24.204 def Winchelsea 3.10.28
Prediction: Winchelsea to bounce back by 22 points.
Werribee Centrals vs Inverleigh
The Centrals put East Geelong to the sword last week to the tune of 127 points, unfortunately for Inverleigh; they could be in for a similar result. Werribee have hit their straps and are sitting fourth on the ladder whereas Inverleigh are in disarray, winless and having recently lost their coach. Star forward Tyren Montebruno is under an injury cloud providing some relief for the Hawks; otherwise this shapes to be another stark entrance to the coaching ranks for replacement Clayton Trotter.
Player watch: Werribee ruckman Nathan Lovell kicked five last week and could once again be a handful up forward for the Hawks, as well as in the ruck.
Last time they met: Werribee Centrals 12.11.83 def Inverleigh 12.10.82
Prediction: Werribee by 89 points.
Bell Post Hill vs Thomson
This match promises to have plenty of feeling in it given the last time these sides met was in last year’s semi final, where a fast starting Thomson fell short of the eventual premiers Bell Post Hill. For the Panthers, they are in cruise control and a game clear on top of the ladder. Whereas last year’s preliminary finalists, Thomson, have struggled to regain their 2012 form with a sluggish 2-3 start. It will be an intriguing battle as to which side can best utilise their power forwards.
Player watch: Caleb Bacely stepped up in the absence of Jovanovic last week, he was one of the Panthers best with his haul of seven.
Last time they met: Bell Post Hill 14.13.94 def Thomson 9.12.66
Prediction: Bell Post Hill to make it 6-0, by 37 points.
North Geelong vs Corio
The magpies are absolutely flying, sitting 4-1 having only marginally lost to Bell Post Hill; they have emerged as a clear contender for 2013. As for Corio, it has been a mixed bag thus far, showing glimpses of their potential without fully delivering yet. North Geelong have such an array of options to not only influence the match but impact the scoreboard, they will be far too strong at home.
Player watch: Talented youngster Lachie Wright was best afield in North Geelong’s big win last week. He has produced some quality performances in 2013 and has plenty of potential.
Last time they met: North Geelong 32.17.209 def Corio 5.4.34
Prediction: North Geelong comfortably at home, 82 points.
Geelong West vs Bannockburn
The Cheetahs have been extremely impressive and continue to grow in confidence with every win; the club will be keen to carry on their form with another strong display before a round 7 clash with North Geelong. If Bannockburn are to come away with an upset win at West Oval, they will have to quell the dangerous Cheetah forward line of Kelly, Wall and Denham, having all been in stellar form.
Player watch: Promising youngster Jordan Malden has kicked 9 from his past three matches and was one of Bannockburn’s best last week. The former Geelong falcon has plenty to offer the Tigers going forward.
Last time they met: Bannockburn 18.17.125 def Geelong West 7.5.47
Prediction: The Cheetahs by 48 points.
Belmont Lions vs East Geelong
This is a must win match for both clubs. Belmont are coming off a month of disappointing losses and will expect a much better display at home against the Eagles. East Geelong will finally begin to welcome back some much-needed players after a sub-standard start to the season. If they are to find the form of 2012, they will need to start here with a win or finals football will quickly become out of reach.
Player watch: East Geelong midfielder Jesse Mawson was one of the best finals performers last year, he will be a key ingredient if the Eagles are to win.
Last time they met: East Geelong 16.15.111 def Belmont Lions 12.9.81
Prediction: East Geelong by 19 points.
Daniel Short
Last Modified on 12/05/2013 18:18