Predictions for every Northern Football League club’s run home
We’ve gazed into the crystal ball and tried to predict where every Northern Football League club will finish after the final fives games of the season.
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There’s just five rounds remaining in the 2021 Northern Football League season.
We’ve studied the fixture to try and predict who makes finals and who faces relegation in the frantic run home.
CHECK OUT THE FINAL LADDER PREDICTIONS BELOW
The finals races are still wide open in all three divisions while the wooden spoon battle is far from over as well.
Check out our verdict on every club and see the final ladder predictions below.
DIVISION 1
WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE
Ladder: First (10-0-1, 172.59%, 40pts)
Run home: North Heidelberg (H), Hurstbridge (H), Bundoora (A), Heidelberg (H), Montmorency (A)
Prediction: The Roosters are cruising. On top of the ladder, riding a nine-game winning streak, no real injury concerns and three home games in the final five rounds. Bundoora at Yulong Reserve looms as a real challenge and – with all due respect to the other teams – the only potential loss. Finish 14-2.
BUNDOORA
Ladder: Second (8-0-3, 143.33%, 32pts)
Run home: Hurstbridge (A), Macleod (H), West Preston-Lakeside (H), Greensborough (A), North Heidelberg (H)
Prediction: Hands up if you’re looking forward to the Round 16 clash against West Preston-Lakeside. It looms as a true top-of-the-table blockbuster and a test of how far the Bulls have come since Round 1 when they got a lesson in the second half. With home ground advantage we’re tipping them and it’s hard to see them losing any other game. Finish 13-3.
GREENSBOROUGH
Ladder: Third (8-0-3, 141.27%, 32pts)
Run home: Montmorency (A), North Heidelberg (A), Northcote Park (H), Bundoora (H), Heidelberg (A)
Prediction: The Borough have suffered a bit of post-lockdown lethargy and while they’ve won their last two they did concede 20 scoring shots to Whittlesea. Montmorency knocked them off in their last meeting and North Heidelberg will be determined to avenge an 81-point hammering before the break. Greensborough could foreseeably lose four of the five remaining games but, that said, they could rediscover their mojo and not lose another game all season. The crystal ball has gone cloudy. Finish 11-5.
HEIDELBERG
Ladder: Fourth (7-0-4, 131.88%, 28pts)
Run home: Macleod (A), Northcote Park (A), North Heidelberg (A), West Preston-Lakeside (A), Greensborough (H)
Prediction: Despite sitting a game clear and considerable percentage clear of sixth, the Tigers are far from confirmed finalists. A horror run home includes a trip to Macleod, rivalry clash with North Heidelberg as well as West Preston-Lakeside and Greensborough. It’s a massive assignment but that percentage should save them in a three-team squeeze. Finish 8-8.
NORTH HEIDELBERG
Ladder: Fifth (7-0-4, 107.42%, 28pts)
Run home: West Preston-Lakeside (A), Greensborough (H), Heidelberg (H), Whittlesea (H), Bundoora (A)
Prediction: A nightmare run home for North Heidelberg starts this week against two-time reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside and the rest of the top five follow as well as a trip to Whittlesea – who shocked the Dogs’ in Round 5. The Bulldogs need at least two wins to lock in a finals appearance, Greensborough and Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve loom as a critical clashes. Finish 10-6.
MONTMORENCY
Ladder: Sixth (6-0-5, 98.27%, 24pts)
Run home: Greensborough (H), Whittlesea (H), Hurstbridge (A), Macleod (A), West Preston-Lakeside (H)
Prediction: Suspensions and a VFL call-up for Sam Binion were untimely last week as the Magpies lost to Heidelberg. Now a game behind the Tigers and North Heidelberg, it’s hard to see them climbing back into the top five with a tough run home and inferior percentage. Finish 8-8.
MACLEOD
Ladder: Seventh (5-0-6, 93.59%, 20pts)
Run home: Heidelberg (H), Bundoora (A), Whittlesea (A), Montmorency (H), Northcote Park (H)
Prediction: The Kangas have been red hot since returning from lockdown with strong wins over North Heidelberg and Greensborough before pushing West Preston-Lakeside to the limit last week. We’re tipping that form to continue against Heidelberg but away from DeWinton Park we’re not so sure. Finish 8-8.
HURSTBRIDGE
Ladder: Eighth (3-0-8, 71.15%, 12pts)
Run home: Bundoora (H), West Preston-Lakeside (A), Montmorency (H), Northcote Park (A), Whittlesea (H)
Prediction: Injuries have played a major part in Hurstbridge’s season with Daniel Keenan’s season over before it started and Cameron Cloke’s done mid way. However, the club has done enough to earn another season in Division 1 and can claim arguably the recruit of the season in Joel Naylor. Finish 4-10.
WHITTLESEA
Ladder; Ninth (1-0-10, 59.23%, 4pts)
Run home: Northcote Park (H), Montmorency (A), Macleod (H), North Heidelberg (A), Hurstbridge (A)
Prediction: Win this week and the Eagles will secure themselves another season in the top flight. A third win of the season isn’t out of the question either when Macleod visits in Round 16. Finish 3-13.
NORTHCOTE PARK
Ladder: 10th (0-0-11, 53.57%, 0pts)
Run home: Whittlesea (A), Heidelberg (H), Greensborough (A), Hurstbridge (H), Macleod (A)
Prediction: It’s not looking good for the Cougars. The Division 1 relegation battle will likely be decided this weekend when Northcote Park travel to Whittlesea. The Eagles will be too hard to beat on their home deck and it’s hard to see two wins coming elsewhere. However, we are tipping the club to break its duck at home against Hurstbridge. Finish 1-15.
DIVISION 2
BANYULE
Ladder: First (10-0-1, 202.79%, 40pts)
Run home: Watsonia (H), Diamond Creek (A), Eltham (H), Thomastown (H), Epping (A)
Prediction: It’s a fair bet the Bears will claim a second straight minor premiership but the run home won’t be a cake walk. A trip to Diamond Creek and home games against Eltham and Thomastown will tell us plenty about Banyule’s premiership credentials. We’re backing them in. Finish 15-1.
LOWER PLENTY
Ladder: Second (10-0-1, 155.93%, 40pts)
Run home: Fitzroy Stars (A), Watsonia (H), Diamond Creek (A), St Mary’s (A), Panton Hill (H)
Prediction: The Bears are arguably the form team of the competition after knocking over Banyule and ending its undefeated start to the season. That’s nine wins on the trot now for Ben Turner’s men. A trip to Diamond Creek – the two team’s only meeting this season – is the only query but we don’t foresee another loss before finals. Finish 15-1.
ELTHAM
Ladder: Third (8-0-4, 177.13%, 32pts)
Run home: Panton Hill (A), Bye, Banyule (A), Epping (H), Fitzroy Stars (H)
Prediction: The Panthers have been harder to pick than a broken nose at times this season. A narrow escape against Watsonia followed a thumping win over Diamond Creek. You would hope that Rob Hyde can get his players to focus as finals approach. Three theoretically easy wins sandwich a tough trip to Banyule but a strong percentage hold them in good stead for the double chance. Finish 11-5.
THOMASTOWN
Ladder: Fourth (8-0-4, 132.70%, 32pts)
Run home: Bye, Panton Hill (H), Watsonia (A), Banyule (A), St Mary’s (H)
Prediction: The Bears have the bye this week and will have their eyes set on Banyule in Round 17. However, they can’t afford to take Panton Hill or Watsonia lightly or they risk missing out on the double chance and even sliding back to fifth. Should finish equal on wins with Eltham but will need a percentage boost to leapfrog the Panthers. Finish 11-5.
DIAMOND CREEK
Ladder: Fifth (7-0-4, 144.56%, 28pts)
Run home: St Mary’s (A), Banyule (H), Lower Plenty (H), Fitzroy Stars (A), Watsonia (A)
Prediction: Can all but lock in fourth place and a return to finals for the first time since the 2017 grand final this week at St Mary’s. A tough fortnight follows before what should be two wins to wrap up the home-and-away season. Finish 10-6.
ST MARY’S
Ladder: Sixth (6-0-6, 104.79% 24pts)
Run home: Diamond Creek (H), Bye, Fitzroy Stars (A), Lower Plenty (H), Thomastown (A)
Prediction: The Burras’ loss to Panton Hill puts a major dent in the club’s finals hopes. Hopes that will likely be decided this week when fifth-placed Diamond Creek visit Whatmough Park. With one fewer game than the Creekers and an inferior percentage it will take something special for them to make the top five regardless. Finish 7-9.
WATSONIA
Ladder: Seventh (3-0-8, 82.49% 12pts)
Run home: Banyule (A), Lower Plenty (A), Thomastown (H), Panton Hill (A), Diamond Creek (H)
Prediction: The Saints came agonisingly close to knocking off Eltham last week but face a torrid final five weeks starting with Banyule and Lower Plenty away in the next fortnight. The club is already safe from relegation, a fantastic effort after being tipped for relegation by some, but we don’t see them singing the song again in 2021. Finish 3-13.
PANTON HILL
Ladder: Eighth (3-0-8, 61.49%, 12pts)
Run home: Eltham (H), Thomastown (A), Epping (H), Watsonia (H), Lower Plenty (A)
Prediction: The Redbacks secured their place in Division 2 in 2022 last week and will look to finish the season strongly. Earning a first home win of the season is the next box to tick and we’ve got them earning two when Epping and Watsonia visit Cracknell Reserve. Finish 5-11.
EPPING
Ladder: Ninth (1-0-11, 47.28%, 4pts)
Run home: Bye, Fitzroy Stars (H), Panton Hill (A), Eltham (A), Banyule (H)
Prediction: Could the bye save Epping’s season. The Pingers will come into the relegation decider fresh while the Stars face a tough clash against Lower Plenty. It’s hard to see another win coming this season so expect both sides to throw everything at this game. Epping’s home ground advantage a critical factor. Finish 2-14.
FITZROY STARS
Ladder: 10th (1-0-10, 42.19% 4pts)
Run home: Lower Plenty (H), Epping (A), St Mary’s (H), Diamond Creek (H), Eltham (A)
Prediction: The Stars showed what they’re capable of against Panton Hill a couple of weeks ago but their best has rarely been seen this season. The Round 15 clash at Epping will likely decide both clubs’ relegation fate. Heart says Stars, head says Epping. Finish 1-15
DIVISION 3
SOUTH MORANG
Ladder: First (10-0-1, 209.85%, 40pts)
Run home: Reservoir (A), Kilmore (A), Heidelberg West (H), Old Eltham (H), Laurimar (A)
Prediction: The Lions undefeated start is over and they’ll look to take our their frustrations on unlucky Reservoir. Kilmore and Laurimar away loom a critical battles but South Morang are a team on a mission this season. It’s hard to see them dropping another one before finals. Finish 15-1.
LAURIMAR
Ladder: Second (9-0-2, 191.74%, 36pts)
Run home: Kilmore (A), Mernda (A), Old Eltham (A), Lalor (H), South Morang (H)
Prediction: The Power broke South Morang’s undefeated start to the season and will take plenty of confidence from the win heading into a final round rematch against the Lions and likely qualifying final clash. Kilmore at Clancy Reserve is no easy feat but Jimmy Atkins boys are up and about. Finish: 13-3.
KILMORE
Ladder: Third (8-0-3, 182.71%, 32pts)
Run home: Laurimar (H), South Morang (H), Lalor (A), Mernda (A), Old Eltham (H)
Prediction: Was the loss to Old Eltham the kick the Blues needed? They looked shaky against Mernda the week before and face a tough fortnight. Avenging the loss to Collegians in the final round should lock in a home final trilogy clash against the Turtles or Heidelberg West. Finish: 11-5.
OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS
Ladder; Fourth (7-0-4, 131.94%, 28pts)
Run home: Heidelberg West (H), Reservoir (A), Laurimar (H), Sth Morang (A), Kilmore (A)
Prediction: Collegians are on the brink of a maiden NFL finals appearance and can all but wrap up fourth with a win this Saturday. The Turtles are riding high after upsetting Kilmore and have home ground advantage. The rest of the season looks tough but a superior percentage could prove critical. Finish 9-7.
HEIDELBERG WEST
Ladder: Fifth (6-0-5, 117.46%, 24pts)
Run home: Old Eltham (A), Lalor (H), South Morang (A), Reservoir (A), Mernda (H)
Prediction: Essentially, it all comes down to his Saturday. Win and the season is still alive, lose the Hawks will need a miracle to break their finals drought. West’s form since the lockdown doesn’t create confidence but they should win at least three more games and then it will come down to percentage. Finish 9-7.
MERNDA
Ladder: Sixth (3-0-8, 98.40%, 12pts)
Run home: Lalor (A), Laurimar (H), Reservoir (H), Kilmore (H), Heidelberg West (A)
Prediction: A season that started with finals hopes quickly unravelled. However, there’s some green shoots to borrow a Brendan Bolton phrase with a nine point loss to Kilmore and improved showing against South Morang. Finish 5-11.
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LALOR
Ladder: Seventh (1-0-10, 48.92%, 4pts)
Run home: Mernda (H), Heidelberg West (A), Kilmore (H), Laurimar (A), Reservoir (H)
Prediction: The Bloods have made some good strides this season but still only have one win to their name. Can they pick up another before the final-round clash against Reservoir? They’ll fancy their chances against Mernda at home this week but we’re not brave enough to tip them. Finish 2-14.
RESERVOIR
Ladder: Eighth (0-0-11, 20.30%, 0pts)
Run home: South Morang (A), Old Eltham (H), Mernda (A), Heidelberg West (H), Lalor (A)
Prediction: Another tough year for the Mustangs and it’s hard to see where a win will come from to be honest. Hopefully Jason Hamilton sticks around to continue building the foundations he has put in place. Finish 0-16.
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