Round 17, Saturday 20th August, Eureka Stadium, 11.30am.
With finals now a sure thing, Eastern will look to use Saturday’s final home and away game against the North Ballarat Rebels as a test before finals, and what a test it should be. North Ballarat has lost only five matches this season, suggesting that they are more than capable of going all the way in 2016.
It was a close affair the last two times these sides met, with the Rebels managing to scrap home by eight points in an impressive display by both sides at Box Hill City Oval. This time however the match will be on North Ballarats home turf at Eureka Stadium. In Round 8 it was Corey Wakefield of the Ranges who almost got his side over the line kicking five goals, however, as Wakefield has not played since Round 9 don’t expect those heroics again. Instead Eastern will hope Jaidyn Stephenson continues his hot-streak up forward, having kicked eight goals in the past two games.
The Ranges have been playing their best footy of the season over recent weeks, winning three of their past four matches, with their only loss coming to first placed Geelong by seven points in Round 15. The Rebels are also in red hot form, winning their past five matches, accounting for all who have come up against them with ease. With a full strength squad available, Eastern will not only back themselves to cause a mini-upset on Saturday, but will also believe they can go all the way in 2016.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Callum Brown
With the end of the season nearing, expect draft hopeful Callum Brown to pick up where he left off last week. The potential father-son pick for Collingwood tore Gippsland apart in Round 16 amassing 32 disposals, and kicking two goals. One of five Ranges players to make the U/18 All Australian side this year after a stellar U/18’s Championship, Brown will want to ensure he finishes the season strongly to leave no doubts in recruiters’ minds.
Last Modified on 17/08/2016 17:21