Local footy: EFL, EDFL, MPNFL, Outer East, VAFA and WRFL all in action

While it’s set to be one of the quieter weekends of the local footy season, there’s still several games with big ramifications. Here’s where you can watch the action.

It’s set to be the quietest weekend of local footy this season.

But that doesn’t mean the games have any less importance.

Many clubs will enjoy a week off due to the Queen’s Birthday weekend but others will take centre stage.

Here’s a look at the big games you can watch.

EASTERN

Premier Division

Noble Park v Balwyn – Pat Wright Snr Oval, Saturday, 2.20pm

It’s an occasion the Bulls and Tigers have made their own across more than a decade. The pair share a long and storeyed history as two of the Eastern league’s powerhouse clubs this century combining for nine premierships, and both are in the hunt this season. The annual fixture has been known to throw up some topsy-turvy results, and Balwyn won the pair’s last encounter in 2021 by 35 points. This is set to be a cracker.

Noble Park’s Jackson Sketcher bursts away from a Balwyn opponent. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Division 1

Montrose v Mooroolbark – Montrose Rec. Reserve, Saturday, 2.20pm

Local rivals lock horns in a Queen’s Birthday weekend special. The Gary Ayres-coached Dees are coming off a rousing win over top-four outfit Croydon and take on a Mustangs side which has started the season unbeaten from nine starts. The two clubs are no strangers to matching up in big games having played off in the 2012 Division 2 decider, and Saturday marks another chapter in the rivalry.

Division 4

Croydon North-MLOC v Chirnside Park – Hughes Park, Saturday, 2.20pm

Fourth spot is on the line for the resurgent Kanga-Rams as they host the second-placed Panthers in one of the division’s biggest tests. Chirnside Park has dropped just one game from eight starts and was victorious by a point in their previous meeting last month. Could the stage be set for another nailbiter?

Silvan v Nunawading – Silvan Rec. Reserve, Saturday, 2.20pm

Fancy a country footy feel in a metro league? This match has you covered. The ladder-leading Silvan has taken all before it this season in the Eastern league’s Division 4, sitting 7-0 as the clear flag favourite as a big test awaits the Lions.

ESSENDON

Premier Division

Strathmore v Aberfeldie — Windy Hill, Sunday, 2.15pm

A huge clash in the context of the race for the top five. Strathmore is already two games behind Abers in third place and can’t afford to fall another game behind. The clash will see the two sides play for the Alistair Butcher-Geoff Brown Cup. All funds raised from the day, which includes a function from 12pm, will go to the Pat Cronin Foundation.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Division 1

Sorrento v Rosebud – David Macfarlane Reserve, Saturday, 2.00pm

There’s much at stake when the southern peninsula rivals clash. Sorrento made an explosive start to the season but a few speed bumps sees the Sharks fighting to hold on to fifth spot. Shannon Gladman and Myles Poholke have been in mint form while coach Leigh Poholke has fired off 28 goals. Rosebud is still winless after nine games and desperately needs a victory to boost its hopes of avoiding relegation. Former VFL star Liam McKenna has been in sublime form for the Buds. Expect the Buds to lift for his one.

Red Hill will be chasing a much-needed win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana v Red Hill – Dromana Recreation Reserve, Sunday, 2.00pm

Nothing separated these sides on Good Friday, and the rematch should be a beauty. Dromana will be desperate to regain form after dropping three of its past four games. At their best, the Tigers are a flag contender, but you feel this is crunch time for them. Red Hill is highly respected, with Jonah Siversen, Josh Mold and Danny Allsop in top form.

NORTHERN

Division 1

Macleod v North Heidelberg — DeWinton Park, Saturday, 2.10pm

Despite a cold forecast a good crowd should see an intriguing clash between the Kangas and Bulldogs. Macleod has shown it‘s capable of pulling off big upsets and would love nothing more than knocking off their neighbours. After a shaky start to the season, North Heidelberg has got back on track with three straight wins and will be looking to rejoin the top-five fight with a fourth on the trot. With North Melbourne playing on Sunday, Brent Harvey should be available.

Macleod has shown it is capable of causing upsets in 2022. Picture: Valeriu Campan

OUTER EAST

Division 2

Alexandra v Yarra Junction – Alexandra Showgrounds, Saturday, 2.10pm

Alexandra beat Yarra by 26 points six weeks ago, when Jo Daniel, Tom Massey and Harrison Kelly ran rampant. The trio will again be relied on as Alex chase a top-three spot. Yarra Junction knocked off Powelltown a fortnight ago and the likes of Ewan Wadsworth, Cooper Holmes, Joshua Wall and Sam Morton will hold the key to victory on Saturday.

VAFA

Premier C

Ormond v Hampton Rovers — E.E. Gunn Reserve, Friday, 7pm

Old Ivanhoe v UHS-VU — Chelsworth Park, Saturday, 2pm

Parkdale Vultures v Old Geelong — Gerry Green Reserve, 2pm

Old Mentonians v Preston Bullants — Keysborough Playing Fields, Saturday, 2pm

Marcellin v Monash Blues — Marcellin College, Saturday, 2pm

If you need your fix of VAFA action this weekend, Premier C is where it’s at. Mazenod’s bye has been timed to perfection because it will be able to enjoy the long weekend. Ormond and Hampton Rovers take centre stage on Friday night in a game which could have huge ramifications for the former’s finals hopes. Many of the games being played this weekend see sides well separated on the ladder.

It’s all about Division 3 action in the WRFL. Picture: Andy Brownbill

WESTERN REGION

Division 3

Albanvale v Laverton — Robert Bruce Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm

Braybrook v Suns — Pennell Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm

Tarneit v Sunshine Heights — Wootten Road Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm

It’s a full slate of fixtures in Division 3 this weekend headlined by clash between premiership contenders Braybrook and Suns. Tarneit host Sunshine Heights in a game which could have a big impact on the top four if the home side comes away with the points. Meanwhile, Albanvale should flex its muscle against Laverton. North Sunshine enjoys the week off.