Northern Football League finals fight set to go down to wire

If you thought the NFL Division 1 finals race couldn’t get any tighter, think again. Just four points separates fourth from ninth in one of the most even competitions in recent years.

Tom Bell tackles Andrew Sturgess. Picture: Rob Leeson

The NFL Division 1 finals battle is as congested as the Monash Freeway on a Monday morning.

While Greensborough, Heidelberg and North Heidelberg appear set to secure the top-three positions and the vital double chance, six teams are battling for the final two spots in the top five.

With five rounds remaining, reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside and Northcote Park occupy fourth and fifth positions on 24 points.

RUN HOME: WHO WINS THE NFL FINALS FIGHT?

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 1: NORTHCOTE PARK HANG TOUGH IN FINALS RACE

Macleod is half a game back on 22 points, while Bundoora, Montmorency and Hurstbridge are all locked on 20.

Greensborough coach Mick Harford said it was almost impossible to predict who would finish fourth and fifth.

“I’ve said it a couple of times this season, it’s a good year to be doing what we’re doing at the top end of the ladder,” Harford said.

Nathan Valladares in action for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: Josie Hayden

Luke Svarc in action for Northcote Park.

“The middle of the ladder is really difficult. It’s such a contested competition. All the games are so heavily contested, really hard fought.

“There’s only one or two games between fourth and ninth, so to have that after 13 games is quite remarkable.

“Because the fixture is so messed up, everyone is all over the place. It gives you a bit of a distorted view.”

Such has been the unpredictability of the competition, Heidelberg ended the Borough’s undefeated start to the season after losing to last-placed Lower Plenty a matter of weeks earlier.

Reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside started the season 0-6 but four weeks later was in the top five, while grand finalist Macleod was 0-4.

Despite Greensborough’s first defeat of the season in Round 12, Harford remained upbeat.

“It’s a speed hump, it’s not a hole in the road,” he said.

Billy Bedford tackles Chaz Sargeant. Picture: Chris Eastman

“If you had have said 11-1 at the start of the season, I would have written you a cheque. I don’t subscribe to that (necessary loss), I think if you’re playing well then you don’t have to have a loss.

“It just goes to prove that anyone is beatable on any given day.”

Round 13 could be critical in the final make up of the top five, with Bundoora hosting Montmorency and West Preston-Lakeside facing North Heidelberg.

Northcote Park and Hurstbridge's seasons go on the line when they face Greensborough and Heidelberg respectively.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.