During the AFL’s split round, why not give community football a try? Local Footy takes a look at the best games this weekend across Melbourne
UNINSPIRED by the selection of games on offer during the AFL’s split round? We have you covered with a guide to the best of this weekend’s community football around Melbourne.
Inner East
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WITH just one Saturday afternoon match this weekend in the AFL between St Kilda and Fremantle, Local Footy recommends you dodge the trip to Etihad Stadium and get down to your local competition for a look. Beers, chips and hot pies are up to half the price they are at AFL venues and parking probably won’t cost you a cent. With that in mind, here’s a selection of the best games from across Melbourne to help you choose where to go.
WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Spotswood v Deer Park, McLean Reserve, Spotwood (Saturday 2.15pm)
The unbeaten Lions made Spotswood pay for a slow start in Round 5, turning a 26-point quarter-time lead into a 30-point win. Few sides have come close to Deer Park since, with the reigning premier boasting a percentage of 251.1 after 13 straight wins. Spotswood enters the game off a comfortable win over Albion, but must be on from the start to topple the ladder leaders.
NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Lower Plenty v Bundoora, Montmorency Park, Montmorency (Saturday 2.10pm)
Already one game outside the top-five, Bundoora’s premiership defence will only get tougher if it fails to overcome Lower Plenty away. The Bears can go two games clear of Bundoora inside the five with victory this weekend. If it loses, Bundoora will be relying on Greensborough to beat Macleod to stay four points from a finals spot.
BALLARAT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Melton v Melton South, McPherson Park, Melton (Saturday 2.15pm)
More than bragging rights go on the line in the Melton derby this weekend, with the Bloods and Panthers battling for the Phil Littlewood Cup. Their last match went down to the final seconds as a Keiran Butty goal gave Melton a last-gasp win. Melton South will have revenge on its mind this weekend as it looks to remain a mathematical chance of playing finals in Mathew Sutton’s final year as coach.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Old Scotch v Old Trinity, Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell (Saturday 2pm)
Old Scotch needs a victory in their Premier Division clash with Old Trinity to stay in touch with the top three. The game has as much riding on it for the visitors, with Old Trinity hunting the league’s top-two teams St Bernard’s and Uni Blacks. If recent history is any guide, it should be a close finish, with Trinity triumphing by 10 points in Round 6. The sides were never separated by more than two goals at any change in that match.
NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Sorrento v Red Hill, David McFarlane Reserve, Sorrento (Saturday 2pm)
Sorrento will be intent on continuing its winning form after overcoming ladder leader Dromana last week and has the chance to take another top-two scalp. The home side sits fourth entering this weekend’s match but could climb as high as second with a big win. Red Hill is looking for its sixth win in as many games in a clash between the league’s two best defensive teams.
VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Northern Blues v Werribee Tigers, Princes Park, Carlton North (Saturday 1.30pm)
The Jekyll and Hyde season of the Northern Blues has left Luke Webster’s side needing a win against the Tigers to strengthen their claims for a top-eight spot. The Blues are eighth, but can go equal on points with the fifth-placed Tigers with victory. Werribee were disappointing against Collingwood last week and will be as desperate for a win. AFL-listed players including Majak Daw, Jeff Garlett and Jarrad Waite could be in action.
ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Avondale Heights v Airport West, Canning Reserve, Maribyrnong (Saturday 2.15pm)
Like the AFL, the Essendon District Football League is in the midst of a split-round but this clash between two finals contenders looks set to be a belter. Avondale Heights was unbeaten on top of the ladder until a fortnight ago, when it suffered a shock 81-point loss to Aberfeldie. This will be its first match since and the premiership favourite will certainly been keen to respond and reclaim top spot on the table. But Airport West itself has plenty to play for, the Eagles needing to keep winning if they are to play finals football given they sit one game outside the top-four with just six games to play.
RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Sunbury Kangaroos v Rupertswood, Boardman Reserve, Sunbury (Saturday 2pm)
Rupertswood were tipped to be the ladder climbers in the Riddell District Football League this season. They have proven to be just that. After just scraping into finals last season, Rupo was sent packing at the qualifying final stage by the side they face this week — local rival Sunbury Kangaroos. Now Rupertswood sits two spots ahead of the Roos in third spot on the ladder, this an important clash as far as their top-two ambitions go. It also shapes as a big game for the Kangaroos, who could all but book their finals ticket if they collect the four-points given there is only five rounds remaining. Expect a big crowd and a cracking contest.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Vermont v Norwood, Vermont Reserve, Vermont (Saturday 2.10pm)
A split-round in the Eastern Football League means there are only four Division 1 games on the cards this weekend, with this the pick of them. Norwood (first) had won 11 games in a row until its last outing against Noble Park, which it lost by a point. No doubt the Norsemen will be keen to bounce back but fifth-placed Vermont is not travelling too badly itself, currently on a four-game winning streak it will be keen to continue.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Dingley v St Pauls, Souter Oval, Dingley Village (Saturday 2.20pm)
Can Dingley go through the season undefeated? That is the question that is being asked in Southern Football League circles, with the runaway flag favourite remaining unbeaten from 12 matches heading into the final six rounds of the season. This match might go a long way to giving us an answer, with St Pauls (third) — along with East Brighton (second) — the Dingoes’ biggest challengers this season. Dingley and St Pauls last met in Round 4, Dingley scoring a 35-point win. But could St Pauls be the team to end the winning streak? Time will tell.
PENINSULA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Frankston YCW v Bonbeach, John Coburn Oval, Frankston (Saturday 2pm)
This top-of-the-table clash could just give us a taste of what is to come with finals not too far around the corner in the Peninsula Football League. Frankston YCW remains on top of the table with 10 wins from 12 outings but Bonbeach (9-3) is one of three teams hot on their heals. Bonbeach recorded a 19-point win last time the sides met in Round 4 but Frankston YCW will be keen to build on their five-game winning streak.
CASEY CARDINIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Berwick v Cranbourne, Edwin Flack Reserve, Berwick (Saturday 2pm)
Little separates the top seven teams in the Casey Cardina Football League at the moment, which makes every game vital for the teams in the mix. This is certainly one of them. Berwick (7-5) sits fourth on the ladder, with Cranbourne (9-3) second. A win would see Cranbourne continue to hold its top-two spot, but a loss would open that position right up to the chasing pack. Berwick posted a 27-point win last time the sides met in Round 4.
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