Above: The big men were flying so high in the Berwick-Keysborough clash that the behinds and points of the visitors score were blocked. 64480
By Mark Gullick
PAKENHAM takes a split record into its home match against ladder leaders Cranbourne.
The Lions are still working on becoming a consistent outfit.
“It’s a big test,” Pakenham coach Michael Holland said. “As I said after the game, we’ve just got to learn and we’ll learn some things from Saturday.
“We’ll continue to give the young blokes a go again. It’s a learning curve, but I’d still expect a more competitive effort against the top sides.
“I think we’ve got enough good players to challenge those sides. We’ll go in and change a few things up and see how it pans out.”
Cranbourne has cruised through the early phases of the season. The Eagles tinkered with their game plan over summer and it’s working, as they have rarely been troubled thus far.
With each team boasting star midfields (Justin Berry, Leigh Holt and Curtise Barker for the Eagles and Luke Walker, Dean Blake and Chris Smith for the Lions), the key battles will be in the forward line.
Pakenham will have its hands full trying to contain Marc Holt and Matthew Fletcher, as well as the host of midfielders and talls Cranbourne rotates through there.
If Pakenham can tame Cranbourne’s firepower, it should be an interesting contest.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:
Devon Meadows v Berwick
DEVON Meadows is set for another difficult day with a home fixture against Berwick.
The Panthers, like all young teams, have consistency issues, but discounting their season opener against Cranbourne, they have been competitive.
Injuries and form have held Devon Meadows back and the team is undertaking dramatic changes every week. A more settled team may see it find that elusive consistency.
Judging by the quality of the football displayed so far, Berwick deserves to be higher on the ladder than in fifth position.
The Wickers are coming off a dogged win over Keysborough, and should have the midfield class, the backline tightness and the potency up forward to take the points off Devon Meadows.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Beaconsfield v Doveton
THIRD-PLACED Beaconsfield hosts fourth-placed Doveton in the match of the round.
The Eagles have surprised many pundits so far with two wins from three attempts, because they are getting strong performances from their solid core of veterans and swag of performing youth.
They also play Perc Allison Oval very well, which may be a factor.
Doveton will provide a genuine contest if it plays to its potential. The Doves may regain reigning Norm Walker medallist Michael Henry for the clash.
“Looking at the scores, who would be favourite? We don’t know,” Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove said. “They’ve got good young guys and some experienced bigger bodies. We’re looking forward to getting up to their ground and giving them a run.”
The match may be a preview for a September meeting between the teams.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Hampton Park v ROC
UNDEFEATED Hampton Park hosts the rising ROC and the Redbacks have seemingly faced few challenges in the opening rounds.
With a host of top-line players performing well and coach Clint Evans generating an even team performance, Hampton Park is looking very impressive.
“They’re a young side, too,” Evans said. “They’ve been in nearly every game so far and only got done by a couple of goals to Beacy, who I rate pretty highly.
“We won’t be going into it thinking that it’s easy, especially this competition, you’ve got to be up every week. If you’re 10 per cent off, anyone could beat you.”
Although ROC has the ability to stick with Hampton Park, getting over the top of the Redbacks will provide a significant challenge.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:
Keysborough v
Narre Warren
LAST-PLACED Keysborough’s rough run continues with a tough home fixture against reigning premier Narre Warren.
“Can’t wait for it,” Keysborough coach Brad Canavan said. “Johnny McMurray playing on Fevola, who’s back, and Glenn Hamilton’s retiring, so it’s a big day for Narre.
“There’s a great energy amongst the boys, there’s no bitching or moaning so there’s still enthusiasm around the place. They’ve realised there’s only four games gone in the season. We’re just looking to get on a roll and still maybe play finals.
“We played really well against Narre last year. We were up by a few points in the last quarter before Cyclone Narre rolled in. I think we match up all right against them.”
Narre Warren returned to form with a big win over Pakenham.
“Outside ‘Birdman’ (Brett Evans), we’ve got a pretty full list to choose from,” coach Chris Toner said.
“It’s Glenn Hamilton’s last game and we’ll be making sure we give him absolutely everything. He’s an absolute legend of our footy club.”
