Bundoora on the brink as seven teams vie for Northern Football League finals
Tim Michell examines the final rounds of the Northern Football League in the first week of our new special, The Finals Countdown.
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In week 1 of our new Local Footy special, The Finals Countdown, Tim Michell runs the rule over the Northern Football League and finds reigning premiers Bundoora are under pressure to hold onto their position in the top-five, while Montmorency appears set for a strong finish. Our calculations suggest the final spot in the top five could come down to percentage, with three teams finishing with a 9-9 record. After reading, tell us your top-five below.
Division 1
HOME AND HOSED
Greensborough (9-2)
The ladder-leader is comfortably the league’s highest-scoring team, but also boast the second-tightest defence. Boasting those statistics, it’s little wonder Greensborough sits top of the ladder with seven matches remaining. Doesn’t have an easy run home, but three wins should be enough to lock away a top-three spot.
Matches to come: Lower Plenty — 4th (H), Macleod — 6th (A), Bundoora — 5th (A), West Preston-Lakeside — 3rd (H), Eltham (H) — 9th, Heidelberg — 2nd (A), Whittlesea — 10th (H).
Likely finish: 1st
Heidelberg (9-2)
Many expected the Tigers to be the slider in 2014, but Heidelberg have defied those predictions to all but sew up a finals berth. Considering Eltham finished with eight wins and played finals last year, the Tigers appear to have done enough to join the final five this season. Heidelberg needs to improve on its past two weeks to ensure a double chance.
Matches to come: Bundoora — 5th (H), Northcote Park — 8th (A), Eltham — 9th (H), Montmorency — 7th (H), West Preston-Lakeside — 3rd (A), Greensborough — 1st (H), Macleod — 6th (A).
Likely finish: Top-five.
LOOMING LARGE
West Preston-Lakeside (7-3-1)
After missing finals last year, Frank Raso’s Roosters have done enough to suggest they will be around in the final month of the season. Have come through a period with injuries to key players relatively unscathed and will be favoured to win their next three. Has one of the toughest runs home of any side but 10 wins should be enough to figure in finals.
Matches to come: Northcote Park — 8th (H), Whittlesea -10th (H), Macleod — 6th (A), Greensborough -1st (A), Heidelberg — 2nd (H), Lower Plenty — 4th (A), Montmorency — 7th (A).
Likely finish: Top-five.
Lower Plenty (7-4)
The Northern Football League’s big improvers have gone from a relegation scrap to a top-three contender in under a year. If the Bears can beat the teams their form and ladder position suggest they should, a spot in finals beckons. But slip ups against Montmorency, Northcote Park or Macleod could prove costly.
Matches to come: Greensborough — 1st (A), Bundoora — 5th (H), Whittlesea — 10th (A), Macleod — 6th (H), Montmorency — 7th (A), West Preston-Lakeside (H), Northcote Park -8th (A).
Likely finish: 3rd-6th.
ON THE BUBBLE
Bundoora (6-5)
The reigning premier has been cruelled by injuries to key players over the past month, slipping into a battle with Macleod and Montmorency for the final spot in the top-five. Bundoora could find itself 6-8 unless its form turns over the next three weeks, but finishes the season with four games it would expect to win. The Bulls match against Macleod could decide whether they play finals.
Matches to come: Heidelberg — 2nd (A), Lower Plenty — 4th (A), Greensborough — 1st (H), Whittlesea — 10th (A), Macleod — 6th (H), Northcote Park — 8th (H), Eltham — 9th (A).
Likely finish: 5th-7th
Macleod (6-5)
The Roos have proven to be tough customers this season and are only one win from achieving the same result they did to finish sixth last year. Games against Montmorency, Lower Plenty and Bundoora will likely decide Macleod’s fate, while victories against West Preston-Lakeside or Heidelberg in its final match could be decisive.
Matches to come: Montmorency — 7th (A), Greensborough — 1st (H), West Preston-Lakeside — 3rd (H), Lower Plenty — 4th (A), Bundoora — 5th (A), Eltham — 9th (H), Heidelberg — 2nd (H).
Likely finish: 5th-7th
Montmorency (5-6)
Last year’s runners-up are the definition of a sleeper with seven rounds remaining in the Division 1 season. Without truly hitting its stride, Montmorency has stayed in the finals race thanks to its victory against Bundoora last week. Avoiding Greensborough in its remaining games is a bonus, but Montmorency’s charge must start this week against Macleod. Could win its next three and be right in the mix with a month to play.
Matches to come: Macleod — 6th (H), Eltham — 9th (A), Northcote Park — 8th (H), Heidelberg — 2nd (A), Lower Plenty — 4th (H), Whittlesea — 10th (A), West Preston-Lakeside — 3rd (H).
Likely finish: 5th-7th
Need something special: Northcote Park, Eltham, Whittlesea.
PREDICTED FINISH
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Greensborough
Heidelberg
Lower Plenty
West Preston-Lakeside
Bundoora
Montmorency
Macleod
Northcote Park
Eltham
Whittlesea
Division 2
HOME AND HOSED: North Heidelberg, Mernda, Fitzroy Stars.
LOOMING LARGE: Lalor
NEED SOMETHING SPECIAL: Epping, Diamond Creek, Panton Hill.
PREDICTED FINISH
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North Heidelberg
Mernda
Fitzroy Stars
Lalor
Division 3
HOME AND HOSED: Thomastown, Reservoir.
LOOMING LARGE: South Morang.
ON THE BUBBLE: Watsonia, Heidelberg West, St Mary’s.
PREDICTED FINISH
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Thomastown
Reservoir
Watsonia
South Morang
What is your Northern Football League finals prediction for each division? Tell us below.
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