Anakie vs Corio
The Roos shock loss last week to Inverleigh not only granted the Hawks their first for win of the year, it allowed Geelong West to overtake them and jump into the top five. Anakie will be keen to regain that position as soon as possible as we reach the business end of the season. Corio will be viewing this as a great opportunity to take a much needed scalp in 2013, in storing confidence for next year.
Player watch: Devils skipper Jason Huhn has been in superb form over the past three weeks and was amongst the best last time these sides played.
Last time they met: Anakie 17.14.116 def Corio 15.8.98
Prediction: Anakie to bounce back, by 39 points.
Winchelsea vs Inverleigh
The two sides are coming off significantly differing results, for the young Hawks they finally claimed their first win for 2013. Whereas the Blues were soundly beaten by East Geelong and in turn bundled out of finals contention. Winchelsea will want to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd, but will be wary of a confident, “nothing to lose” Inverleigh side.
Player watch: Lachlan Seed is a very promising youngster and was influential in the Hawks first win of 2013 last week.
Last time they met: Winchelsea 18.15.123 def Inverleigh 14.10.94
Prediction: Winchelsea by 30 points.
Werribee Centrals vs Belmont Lions
Belmont has struggled to be competitive in recent weeks whilst Werribee delivered a much needed win over Thomson to put them a game clear in fourth. It is hard to see the Lions providing much of a contest given the circumstances. The Centurions will want to gain momentum for the upcoming finals series and had no trouble accounting for the Lions in round 3.
Player watch: Brad McNicol was best afield in round 3 and has been a consistent performer for Werribee all season.
Last time they met: Werribee Centrals 21.19.145 def Belmont Lions 7.7.49
Prediction: The Centurions by 72 points.
North Geelong vs Bell Post Hill
A much anticipated clash, the two top sides in the league go head to head in what could be a grand final preview. It was a tight contest when they met at Myers Reserve earlier this year; expect more of the same this time around. The Magpies have been dispatching sides in recent weeks with an average winning margin of 81 points over the past month, while the Panthers had their best four quarter performance since the bye last week.
Player watch: If North Geelong is to match the scoring potential of the Panthers, Luke Van Krieken will have to lead the way. He is the Magpies leading goal kicker this season and has kicked 12 goals in his past three outings at Keith Barclay Oval.
Last time they met: Bell Post Hill 18.13.121 def North Geelong 14.17.101
Prediction: North Geelong to snap the Panthers winning streak, by 13 points.
Bannockburn vs East Geelong
East Geelong have rocketed up the ladder to be clearly placed in the third position courtesy of six wins a row. The Tigers are a game outside the top five but this is the sort of match they will need to win if they are going to play finals football in 2013. They defeated the Eagles back in round 3, but much has changed since then, the Eagles will be full of confidence following their 131-point win last week.
Player watch: Andrew Challis led the way for the Eagles in their demolishment of Winchelsea. He has been a key component to their rapid rise up the ladder.
Last time they met: Bannockburn 18.19.127 def East Geelong 10.6.66
Prediction: East Geelong to make it seven on the trot, by 48 points.
Geelong West vs Thomson
Geelong West has now moved into the top five following Anakie’s loss to the Hawks, they will be looking to consolidate that position for the remainder of the year. However it will be no easy task against Thomson, who looked to be getting back to some quality form in recent weeks. This Sunday’s match promises to be a close encounter and significant to both clubs.
Player watch: Jackson Macleod was back to his best with seven majors against the Centrals;Thomson will need a similar output along with Luke Forbes if they are to cause an upset.
Last time they met: Geelong West 16.13.109 def Thomson 13.13.91
Prediction: The Cheetahs by 27 points.
Daniel Short
Last Modified on 22/07/2013 14:11