By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

DRYSDALE is set to defend its spot in the Top Four when it takes on Kardinia in the final round of the of the Geelong Region Women’s Division 1 competition this weekend. Bell Park will be keeping a close eye on proceedings as it can move into the Top Four with a victory if Drysdale are defeated.

The Bellarine Peninsula based outfit will host Kardinia College at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct in a match which will determine who finishes in the Top Four, heading into next week’s semi finals.

Drysdale is on equal points with Bell Park but with a +16 goal difference, thus a win for Drysdale would secure its spot in the Top Four. If Drysdale were to lose or draw to the second last placed Kardinia, it would open the door for Bell Park to grab a last gasp Finals’ berth should they win.

Bell Park will have a tough opponent to overcome in Deakin Ducks if the Batesford side is to have a chance of qualifying for the Finals’ Series.

Deakin is cemented in second position on the ladder, two points in front of Barwon which has an unfortunate bye in the final round. Nonetheless, Barwon cannot be dislodged from third spot.

The last time Bell park and Deakin met, Deakin ran out convincing winners with the game ending in an emphatic 4-0 win for the Ducks.

In the final Round 18 fixture, Geelong Rangers will host bottom of the table side Surf Coast at Myers Reserve in Bell Post Hill.

Both teams are just going through the motions, as Rangers have already secured the league champions’ title while Surf Coast are assured of finishing the 2018 campaign at the foot of the ladder.

Last time the two teams met, Rangers were convincing 8-1 winners.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions