SFNL: Analysis of the Southern league Division 2 run home

East Brighton appear the runaway favourite, but Doveton and Murrumbeena continues to close the gap. See your clubs run home and predicted finish here.

Just six rounds remain and competition for spots inside the Southern league Division 2 top five have become fierce.

Here is each teams run home – and where they could potentially finish.

1. EAST BRIGHTON

Played: 12, Won: 11, Lost: 1, Points: 44, Percentage: 256.45

Barring a hiccup against Doveton, East Brighton has looked flawless this season. With such rich talent, it’s safe to expect the Vampires will find another gear come finals time. The loss of Brady Egan (hamstring) hurts but others are set to return. If Tom Lamb has his kicking boots on, Nick Jewell’s men will be extremely hard to beat.

2. MURRUMBEENA

Played: 12, Won: 9, Lost: 3, Points: 36, Percentage: 128.31

Coming from Division 3, Murrumbeena has faced few challenges in matching it with Division 2 clubs. The Lions have a decent run home but with a few injuries and only two of their final six at home, they’re predicted to have just one slip up on the final straight.

Steve Tolongs of Murrumbeena celebrates a goal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

3. DOVETON

Played: 12, Won: 8, Lost: 4, Points: 32, Percentage: 121.34

With five of its final six matches at home, it’s hard to see the Doves losing any of their final six matches on the run home. A bad fortnight against Hampton Park and Highett could derail this top three finish but as they’re both at home, Michael Cardamone’s men have been given the benefit of the doubt. They’re placed to finish in third as Murrumbeena currently has a superior percentage.

The Doves should finish the season in a flurry. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

4. HIGHETT

Played: 12, Won: 8, Lost: 4, Points: 32, Percentage: 108.06

Highett has the toughest draw of any side on the run home, taking on a collection of contenders, and most of them on the road. If the Dogs can capture a win or two in this difficult month, it will go a long way to securing a finals berth.

5. HAMPTON PARK

Played: 12, Won: 7, Lost: 5, Points: 28, Percentage: 139.92

Like Doveton, Hampton Park too has a string of home games on the run home. Three swingable games between the Doves, Highett and Murrumbeena could shift this prediction very quickly.

6. SKYE

Played: 12, Won: 5, Lost: 6, Drawn: 1, Points: 22, Percentage: 84.76

Skye should grab a win this weekend over East Malvern but faces a treacherous run home from that point on, taking on each of the top five in the last five weeks of the home and away season. Skye will take solace in knowing it has improved on its 2022 result and if it wasn’t for a called off game, it could very well have finished as high as sixth.

7. CAULFIELD BEARS

Played: 12, Won: 5, Lost: 7, Points: 20, Percentage: 87.78

A disappointing result for the Bears considering the expectations, but unfortunate injuries to key personnel hamstrung them significantly. A full season from coach Lynden Dunn would’ve all but surely seen this side compete in the top five once again.

The Bears will wonder what their season may have looked like if boom recruit Lynden Dunn played. Pic: Michael Klein

8. EAST MALVERN

Played: 12, Won: 5, Lost: 7, Points: 20, Percentage: 87.78

While they have only been credited one win here, the Panthers have the opportunity to win any of their next four matches. Their depth has been tested during the middle period of the year and that will continue in the final six matches.

Keysborough celebrate an earlier season win. Picture: Andys Pix

9. KEYSBOROUGH

Played: 12, Won: 2, Lost: 9, Drawn: 1, Points: 10, Percentage: 83.68

The Burras should collect at least two wins on the run home and are every chance to cause an upset in others. Prior to the called off Skye game, Keysborough was one of the in form teams in the competition.

10. BLACK ROCK

Played: 12, Won: 0, Lost: 12, Points: 0, Percentage: 30.07

While the Jets have been credited no wins in this prediction, they have shown signs over the last month and are every chance to cause an upset. Relegation won’t be the worst idea for a side that is blooding the youth post-premiership.