Talking Point
Macedon - since its season-boosting win against Diggers Rest in Round 10, it has now lost its last two games. Diggers Rest and Romsey await this team in the next month, and may create some doubt in its premiership aspirations.
Woodend/Hesket - with Tom Carland officially moving on at season's end, how will the playing group respond on the back of the news less than 48-hours ago? If it's like the AFL, this group will respond well and play for its coach and win. There is enough talent in this team to be successful, and it could take a few casualties down on the run home that could impress a big fish who is watching on from the sidelines that will take on the role in 2020.
Last time they met
After two-goals split the pair at half-time, Macedon kicked 5.3 to nothing in the third term to set up a nine-goal win in its Round 5 clash. It was an important win for the Cats who battled injury to star players and needed a boost in confidence.
Current Form
Macedon - losing its last two games to Melton Centrals and Riddell respectively has taken some of the shine off what has been a pretty solid 2019 campaign. The Riddell game was always going to be tough but the loss to Centrals, albeit in tough conditions, has made it difficult for a top-two finish.
Woodend/Hesket - it has won three of its past four matches and is starting to build some solid momentum. Its win over Centrals was critical for its confidence. Now it just needs to take down the confidence of those above them by causing doubt in their finals' aspirations.
Why they will win
Macedon - it has an elite list of players with Wright, Markworth, Dick and Waters with some impressive developing young talent that can take on the game and help generate impressive attacks into the forward line.
Woodend/Hesket - with Gawthrop finding some solid form, combining with Stapleton in the midfield to shut down Macedon's centre-clearance dominance could be the tonic it needs to keep up the scoreboard pressure and deny its opposition time to dictate play.
Why they will lose
Macedon - it faces an old foe who would love nothing more than taking them down, even if it means it doesn't win another game for the remainder of the season. Its form has taken a hit in recent weeks.
Woodend/Hesket - it doesn't have the class and experience that its opposition has, especially on the wide open spaces of Tony Clarke Reserve. It has only kicked more than 100 points in a game twice this season and will need to reach somewhere near that target if it's to win.
Who will win
Macedon will simply be too strong. It needs to get itself ready for finals and back on the winner's list. This is the game to do it.
Last Modified on 19/07/2019 09:44