No AFL in Melbourne on Saturday? No worries, Local Footy looks at the pick of the matches across Melbourne this weekend
Local Footy wraps up the best of community football on Saturday during the second week of the AFL’s split round.
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UNLESS you plan on travelling to Brisbane from the Q Clash between the Lions and Gold Coast, AFL football is not an option this Saturday afternoon for footy fans across Melbourne. While many will pin their hopes on an epic between premiership hopefuls Hawthorn and Sydney on Saturday night, there’s more than enough local football to whet your appetite before the blockbuster. Local Footy has your guide to the best of the action to help you decide where to head.
ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Airport West v Aberfeldie, Hansen Reserve, Airport West (Saturday 2.15pm)
Two weeks ago, Avondale Heights were undefeated. Then they ran into two sides desperate to showcase their top-four credentials, Airport West and Aberfeldie. A quick look at those two matches would suggest Mal Michael’s side should be favourites this weekend, but the last few weeks have proven little can be taken for granted in Premier Division this year. The margin was 81 points in Abers’ favour when the teams met in Round 5, expect it to be much closer as fourth meets fifth this weekend.
RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Romsey v Diggers Rest, Romsey Park, Romsey (Saturday 2pm)
Fresh from its bye last weekend, Diggers Rest will aim to end Romsey’s 13-match unbeaten run away from home. The Redbacks have been the RDFL’s best side by some distance this year, conceding an average of just 36 points per match. The Burras’ top-two chances could be hanging on an upset, with Rupertswood and Riddell both expected to complete wins this weekend. Diggers Rest got within 16 points when the teams met in Round 2. Only Rupertswood has come closer when it pushed the Redbacks to five points in Round 11.
CASEY CARDINIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Doveton v Beaconsfield, AJ Robinson Oval, Doveton (Saturday 2pm)
After narrowly missing finals last year, Doveton needs victory this weekend to boost its percentage and maintain pace with the top five. It sits sixth equal on points with Berwick ahead of Saturday’s match, but is 47 per cent and one win behind fourth-placed Beaconsfield. Doveton will need Taylor Rainey to replicate his form from its win over Hampton Park last weekend if it is to break down Beaconsfield’s traditionally stingy defence.
TAC CUP
Calder Cannons v Oakleigh Chargers, Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn (Saturday 10.30am)
The best two TAC Cup teams do battle in Craigieburn this weekend as Calder looks to sure up its top-two position. Oakleigh have been the competition’s yardstick this season, getting the best out of players such as Alexander Urban, Toby McLean and Hugh Beasley. For Calder, Peter Wright is hard to miss up forward, while Touk Miller, Paul Ahern and ruckman Mark Kovacevic provide the polish in midfield. A possible grand final preview. One tip: wear your thermals.
NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Macleod v West Preston-Lakeside, De Winton Park, Rosanna (Saturday 2.10pm)
One loss can be costly in Division 1 this season — just ask West Preston coach Frank Raso. The Roosters defeat at the hands of Whittlesea last week has put in firmly under the microscope as seven teams try to squeeze into five spots in finals. West Preston leads a group of four teams separated by just six points, with Macleod two points further ahead in third. The Kangaroos shocked the league by beating Greensborough last week and can push their claims for a double chance with victory at home.
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YARRA VALLEY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Monbulk v Wandin, Monbulk Football Ground, Monbulk (Saturday 2.10pm)
Wandin could be top of the YVMDFL by Saturday night if it is good enough to topple ladder leader Monbulk away from home. Bulldogs spearhead Michael Fowkes will no doubt be the key to this contest after his 10-goal haul propelled Wandin to a comfortable win last week. Monbulk won a low-scoring encounter against second-placed Woori Yallock last week. If it can back that effort up with victory at home, it has every right to be considered flag favourites.
WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE
St Albans v Werribee Districts, Kings Park Reserve, St Albans (Saturday 2.15pm)
St Albans can book its place in finals with an upset win against this season’s surprise packet Werribee Districts. Wade Chapman’s team sits second on the Division 1 ladder with 11 wins from 14 matches, including a hard-fought victory over Altona last week. The hosts will be full of confidence after a thumping win over Hoppers Crossing which gave them a two-game buffer in fourth.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Montrose v Norwood, Mullum Reserve, Ringwood (Saturday 2.10pm)
With South Croydon and Rowville lurking just two wins behind, last year’s Division 2 premier Montrose will know it must keep winning to book a fairytale finals spot after its elevation to Division 1. The Norsemen will be stinging after their second loss of the season against Vermont last week, but their gap at the top of the ladder is still two matches. It would take an upset, with Norwood comfortably accounting for the hosts by 56 points earlier this year.
NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Crib Point v Dromana, Crib Point Reserve, Crib Point (Saturday 2pm)
Fresh from its upset loss against Rye last weekend, Dromana is on the road against the NFL’s new ladder leader Crib Point. The Magpies will be brimming with confidence after a heart-stopping win against Somerville last week. That win put Crib Point at the top of the table for the first time in more than a decade, but Dromana can end its rein after just one week. If the last time these two sides met is anything to go by — when Crib Point won by one point — expect a close one.
PENINSULA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Edithvale-Aspendale v Mornington, Regent Park, Aspendale (Saturday 2pm)
It is second against third when ladder leader Frankston YCW’s nearest challengers clash this weekend. Mornington was made to fight for its win against Seaford last week, while Edithvale-Aspendale kept Karringal winless with an easy victory. The Sea Eagles were humbled by 36 points away from home when the combatants last met after a massive second half helped Mornington take the points.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Cheltenham v St Pauls, Jack Barker Oval, Cheltenham (2.20pm)
If Cheltenham looks over its shoulder before its match against St Pauls, it will see Chelsea Heights, East Malvern and Bentleigh gunning for the fourth spot it holds. The hosts’ loss against Chelsea Heights last week didn’t help, so the pressure will be on to respond strongly against third-placed St Pauls. The visitors will undoubtedly be favourites after handing Dingley their first defeat of the season as they aim to keep pace with the league’s top two.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Old Trinity v Collegians, Daley Oval Trinity Grammar, Bulleen (Saturday 2pm)
If Collegians wants to stamp itself as a Premier Division finals threat, its trip to Daley Oval Trinity Grammar shapes as must-win. Old Trinity holds a two-game buffer over Collegians and Old Scotch in third, but appear unlikely to reel in St Bernard’s and Uni Blacks at the top of the ladder. Collegians is outside the top four on percentage, but bought its best to sweep Old Brighton aside last week. The visitors also knocked off Old Trinity by 15 points in Round 5.
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