ERWFL PREVIEW

By Alyce Collett

Premier Division
Mount Evelyn vs Blackburn

Mt Evelyn come into this match off the bye and in desperate need of a win to maintain their position in the top four. In what some may consider the match of the round in this division, they come up against third placed Blackburn, who are only a game ahead of the Rovers.

Last time these two sides met, it was a low scoring first half but in the end Mt Evelyn were victorious by 7 points.

Mt Evelyn need to make sure they get a strong start, because in all of their wins so far this season they’ve been leading at quarter time, or at least level with their opposition.

Division One
Knox vs Upwey Tecoma Football and Netball Club

This weekend’s clash between Knox and Upwey Tecoma may end up being one of the most season defining this year. If Upwey Tecoma get the chocolates, that will create a three game gap between them and the chasing pack.

Last time these two sides met, after things looked like they could go either way at three quarter time, Upwey Tecoma stretched ahead in the final term and took an easy win.

Upwey Tecoma will be looking to build on their win from last week, and make sure they maintain scoreboard pressure all afternoon. One thing that has been a characteristic of Upwey Tecoma’s season has been the large margin of their results, whether it is a win or a loss, so it will be interesting to see if this trend continues this weekend.
 
Outer East Division
Yarra Junction vs Belgrave

It what may be the most even game of the match, 3^rd placed Yarra Junction comes up against 4^th placed Belgrave.

Last time these two sides met, it was tight eight point win to Yarra Junction.

The result could have a massive impact on Belgrave’s season, who are only half a game inside the top four and will be desperate to win in order to maintain their position in the top four.

Monbulk vs Thornton-Eildon

Thornton – Eildon come into this weekend’s match coming off a draw last weekend, and they will be itching to take the next step and get their second win of the season. Unfortunately for them though, they come up against a Monbulk side who continued their winning ways against Upwey-Tecoma, and have been one of the teams to beat this season.

Last time these two sides met, it was a 70 point win to the Hawks.

If the unexpected does happen and Thornton – Eildon do win, it will make the ladder very interesting. If Yarra Junction beat Belgrave and Thornton – Eildon win, Thornton – Eildon will move half a game ahead of the Magpies.

Healesville vs Upwey Tecoma Football and Netball Club

This weekend Upwey Tecoma will be looking to do something that no one else has done this season – defeat Healesville. Things are looking stacked against them though, as they have only won one game so far this season and Healesville haven’t lost a game this season.

Last time these two sides met, Healesville won by 33 points.

If the unexpected does happen and Upwey Tecoma do win, their finals chances increase significantly. If Yarra Junction beat Belgrave and Upwey Tecoma win, Belgrave and Upwey Tecoma will draw level on wins, with percentage potentially being the only differentiating factor.