Ellinbank v Trafalgar

The EDFL fixture has reverted to round eight gifting everyone the games they have been waiting for. 

This one has the chance to be an absolute epic, with both the Bloods and Eagles sitting unbeaten on top of the table without a loss, but that streak ends this weekend for one, provided it is not a draw.

It will mark the second straight game Trafalgar have featured in the game of the round, probably fortunate in their victory over Longwarry at home on Saturday, but coach Chris Kyriacou summed it up. Whenever they’re challenged, they’ve responded.

Dylan Farrell put in another best on ground performance, his fifth in seven games. He drifted forward against Longwarry to be a dangerous marking target and support the likes of Damian Mann who has 10 majors in his last three games. 

Klay Butler stood up when it counted for Trafalgar and should again, despite copping a slight head knock he played out the match against Longwarry and will line up for his 200th senior game for the club tomorrow.

Tyson Leys was a physical presence for the Bloods and Jacob Nash shined through the midfield with his strong play and will need to again if they are to counter the Ellinbank midfield. 

Ellinbank coach Ben Wragg wasn’t pleased with the way the Eagles played their footy last week despite the victory, but another week on the track should see them begin to find the form of the previous six matches before lockdown.

The club are still hotly anticipating the return of Nathaniel Paredes, who was slated to play against Trafalgar before the lockdown put paid to that. The side are hopeful he can feature in coming weeks. 

Chris Dunne found form up forward with four majors to lead the side over Poowong, with Liam Anderson playing arguably his best game for the year. 

The backline will need to be on their toes with Matt Swenson and Mann forming a formidable duo in front of goal, with accuracy a chance to be one of the only factors to separate the two best sides so far. A ripping clash and one not to miss. 

Buln Buln v Neerim Neerim South

A game that could have a huge say in the final five spots come September. Buln and Neerim are locked on four wins and three losses apiece, with Longwarry’s loss making it a four-team logjam from fourth to seventh.

Buln haven’t lost a game since May 8 and have been one of the most in form teams in the competition after their 0-3 start. 

The inclusion of Bryce Monahan in the forward line was a huge coup for the club, allowing some rejigging which saw Adam Rakip roll through the centre of the ground at the stoppages and his influence could be mighty again. 

Sam Langford has found his niche up forward and is fresh off a best on ground performance and could prove to be a tough matchup for the Cats’ defence. 

Neerim South took a quarter to find their feet last week after a long layoff, but once they did, they turned on the jets. They’ve secured Lachy Bambridge from the Gulls and it’s another weapon for coach Brent Mounsey to utilise in what is a potent forward line.

Tyssen Morrow shifted into the middle and dominated with six majors, as did usual suspect Kody Wilson, both will need to be watched carefully on Saturday if the Lyrebirds are to get on top in the guts. 

The Cats are coming together, and their coach is bullish on how they can perform in the second half of the season, but Buln won’t go down without a fight and will be ready for their most important clash this year.

Catani v Yarragon

There’s a bit on the line for both of these clubs in a game that will see the Blues and Panthers face off in Catani.

Catani will be hoping they can string two wins together for the first time this year, while the Panthers will see this clash as one they are very much a chance to claim victory in.

The Blues were buoyed by the return of Matt Barrand who booted five and they’ll lean on his expertise in front of goal. Mitch Latimer has slotted into the ruck seamlessly and played his best game and will need to back it up to give Brett Williams, Dyl Williams and Cody Banbury first use. 

Yarragon’s struggles continued against Neerim South, but they’ll see this game as one they can make an impact in. Devon Pollock has worked his way into the season and has remained strong for the Panthers, as has Declan O’Donnell and Sam Van Der Zalm.

The squad will need to regroup quickly after their 145-point loss to the Cats, a win against Catani a sure-fire way to boost morale in what has been a tough season at Dowton Park so far.

Lang Lang v Nyora

Lang Lang will return to the field for the first time in four weeks after being hit with the bye last weekend and it could be a very important match. 

While Nyora sit with just one win this season, they have shown improvement, but Lang Lang will take this as an opportunity to leapfrog Longwarry and either one of Buln or Neerim by the time round eight concludes.

Liam Sumner was a casualty in the last game, his problem ankle again seeing him out for 1-2 more weeks. Coach Josh Collie is also still 2-3 weeks away, the shoulder injury he sustained still giving him some grief. Tyler Guan will also be missing for another fortnight through injury. 

Nyora’s season has been a frustrating one for them so far. They’ve shown they’re capable of snagging victories but need to play across four quarters.

It’s obvious now that Dylan Heylen is the main man for the Saints, with three straight best on grounds, and he’ll need another stellar outing to defeat the Tigers. Adam Jamieson has hit the scoreboard in his last three outings, with Kallon Rigby another important piece for the side.

Lang Lang will look to take advantage of the home ground, the wide wings and deep pockets playing perfectly into their hands. 

Poowong v Nilma Darnum

Poowong will be hoping this week is a different story, after giving up a three quarter time lead against Ellinbank. 

It looks like the Magpies have escaped the injury curse however, with minimal changes at selection, a luxury they haven’t had.

On form, Poowong should be favourites, the likes of Patty Harmes, the Doria brothers Chris, James and Alex, Jack Hazendonk and Nick Visser to be the focal points again. 

The ruck battle between Conor Cunningham and Nick Carrigy will be a ripper, both brilliant in getting around the ground.

The Bombers will be hoping to keep in touch this week, after a third quarter fadeout in their match against Buln Buln. 

It’s clear the side have developed since the beginning of the season but are still hunting that last step to compete with the middle and upper teams and this week gives them the opportunity to cause an upset.

Dylan Briggs is coming into the match in solid form, while the Ketchen brothers will need to be watched closely, all three capable of tearing a game to shreds. 

This game is one that should see the Magpies back on the winners’ list, but the Bombers see themselves as a real chance to shake up the ladder with a victory away from home.