We preview the NFL Division 1 Heidelberg, Montmorency top-of-the-table clash

The NFL Division 1 top two teams, Heidelberg and Montmorency, go head-to-head in the most anticipated game of the season. So who wins?

Montmorency takes on Heidelberg in a top-of-the-table clash.

Prepare for battle.

With a wet and cold Saturday forecast, Montmorency Park could be on the muddy side for the highly-anticipated NFL Division 1 top-of-the-table clash between Montmorency and Heidelberg.

The weather may not allow the free-flowing high-scoring shootout we’re all hoping for, instead get ready for two high-quality midfields to go head-to-head in a contested battle.

Not traditionally conditions suited to key forwards but Pat Fitzgerald and Josh Minogue have proved they could mark a bar of soap this season and the top-two goalkickers in the comp are sure to have a say in the result.

Is this a grand final preview? We’re sure Bundoora will have something to say about that and West Preston-Lakeside and Greensborough can never be discounted.

However, after bigs wins over the Borough and Bulls respectively, Montmorency and Heidelberg have established themselves as the clear favourites.

Let the best team win.

Heidelberg captain Sam Gilmore. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Montmorency big man Liam Wale-Buxton. Picture: Hamish Blair

KEY MATCH-UPS

Liam Wale-Buxton v Sam Gilmore

The marquee match-up. As Tigers coach Danny Nolan said, watching these two big men go head-to-head will be worth the price of admission alone. Buxton has been dominant in his maiden Northern league season and is the early favourite to take home the Rosbrook Medal. Meanwhile, Gilmore flies a little under the radar despite his star status and will be keen to remind the competition of his ability.

Patrick Fitzgerald v Daniel O’Dwyer

Big Fitz booted three goals last time the two teams met and will again be the Magpies’ main avenue to goal. Capable of marking anything that comes his way and slotting majors from all angles he’s arguably the best key forward in the competition. Daniel O’Dwyer, with some help from Zane Barzen and Jesse Kane, has a big day ahead of him but the veteran defender is as reliable as the sun rise and knows how to keep forwards quiet.

Heidelberg’s Daniel O’Dwyer. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jesse Donaldson v Matt Smith

The midfield battle will be fascinating and these two will be at the forefront. Donaldson and Smith are usually found at the bottom of the packs, digging the ball out for their teammates. Would be interesting to see each’s tackle count come the end of the day as well. Don’t be surprised if Donaldson and Smith spend some time off half-back as well to settle their defences and provide some rebound.

Michael Fitz-Gerald v Josh Minogue

There’s no denying Monty are short on key defenders with Stef Uzelac to miss the rest of the season and now Ben Walton out with a calf issue. However, Michael Fitz-Gerald is a proven performer and will likely get first crack at Tigers ace Josh Minogue. Minogue has been brilliant this season, splitting his time between key forward and pinch-hitting ruckman, while he can also work up the ground as a target down the line.

Sam Binion v Lachie Wilson

Hard to say who matches up on who in the midfield but these two are certainly going to play key roles. Binion and Wilson are just as adept at winning clearances as breaking lines on the outside and delivering to key forwards. Does Montmorency coach Garry Ramsay negate the brilliant Rosbrook Medallist or let his midfield go head-to-head?

Jai Robinson in action for Montmorency. Picture: Hamish Blair

EXPECTED LINE-UPS

Both teams will be missing key players with Montmorency co-captain Stef Uzelac to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury while Ben Walton has also been ruled out. Heidelberg boom recruit Brayden Sier is recovering from a hamstring injury while Tom Bellchambers will likely not be risked. Both teams possess plenty of flexibility and the likes of Lin Jong, Tom Schnerring, Mitch Honeychurch and Dylan Clarke are capable of doing damage in multiple positions. Most intriguingly is the fact VFL club Northern Bullants have a bye, which could release a number of players for selection. Heidelberg could regain Sean Martin, Nathan Honey and Ben de Bolfo, and Ben Nikolovski is also VFL listed, while Montmorency would be sweating on Ryan Gardner’s availability. Charlie Wilson kicked seven of Heidelberg’s 10 goals in the reserves last week and looks likely to earn a senior recall. Barring a VFL call-up Darcy Porter should be fit after suffering the flu last week and with defensive reinforcements needed, the Magpies could look to Nathan Morihovitis or Connor Kane, while Anthony Bernardi was the Monty’s best last week.

WHERE IT WILL BE WON

Montmorency coach, Garry Ramsay

“It’s the midfield. Both ruckmen had dominant games last week and will have a big say in which midfield gets on top. It’s going to be a crucial match-up in the middle and I’d say that will have the biggest impact on the game.”

Heidelberg coach, Danny Nolan

“The midfield, definitely. It’s always tight in games like this and little things can become big things very quickly. The mids match up pretty well but Sammy and Buxton is going to be fun to watch, that’ll be worth the price of admission I reckon.”

VERDICT

Harder to pick than a broken nose but we’re going to give Montmorency the slightest of edges at home. We’ve discussed some of the big names but it will be the likes of Steve McCallum, Ben Crick, Alex Chiocci and Jordan Steele for the Magpies and Brodie Tardio, Sam Wright, Kel Smith and Kai Kearns that ultimately decide who wins. All good players in their own right that play crucial roles that don’t always get noticed. Obvious to say but which ever team has the better depth of performance will claim a very, very important four points on Saturday.

Montmorency by 1 point.