SEFNL Round 7 Preview
Football
Berwick (1st 5-0) v Narre Warren (2nd 4-1)
Last Time - Preliminary Final Berwick 14.18.102 def Narre Warren 13.12.90
Leading Goalkickers - Berwick: Ben Kearns 18 - Narre: Darren Sheen 23
Last year's preliminary finalists both meet coming into the contest off recent impressive wins against Cranbourne and they now occupy the top 2 positions on the ladder. Narre Warren Coach Heath Black has been very vocal about how much he admires Berwick, he has been quoted in saying they're close to 5 goals better than the rest of the league. Well his charges will be put the test at Edwin Flack Reserve. Both teams are well equipped for the contest with potent forward lines they have shown the ability to kick a huge score.
Berwick have the game plan to really push Narre. The Wickers will use their quick fluent ball movement from across half-back to supply their multi-pronged attack. Jake Wilson continues his fine season; the bullocking midfielder has been at his best all season. He is tough and can use the ball well in space making him a difficult match up for opposition coaches. Narre have their own crop of midfield talent prepared to go deep into the trenches to help carry their team to victory. Michael Collins continues to lead from the front, his tough no nonsense approach to the game makes him unflappable against all opponents. This will be one of the matches of the season, can Narre get one back on Berwick and inflict their first loss of the season? Berwick have been too good and look hard to stop.
Game Breakers
Berwick
Michael Harold - Berwick will look to Harold to lead the Wickers in the absence of Madi Andrews. Harold does his best work in and under the packs, getting the ball to their outside movers. Harold works hard getting to heaps of contests; if he can win his fair share of clearances it will push his side towards victory.
Tim Gunn - Gunn has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Gunn has kicked 11 goals playing as a high forward he can be a difficult player to stop. Gunn generates his own forward line pressure drifting into space or kicking long to setup scoring opportunities. If Gunn gets loose he can swing the game quickly in Berwick's favour.
Ash Smith - Smith continues to show versatility in his game. With the back 6 playing well it has released Smith into a more attacking role. There aren't many better users of the footy then Smith, his game awareness sees him damaging with his disposal. Narre may play Ben King on Smith as a defensive forward role; if Smith gets into space he will cause headaches all day
Narre Warren
Corey Machaya – The speed machine was electric in his only appearance for Narre Warren this season. Machaya was fantastic getting himself up the ground in the midfield or dashing back towards goal. Machaya is a dangerous small forward which will stretch the Berwick defence. Machaya works well with the other forwards and will look to create opportunities for other teammates.
Jake Richardson – The dynamic big man Richardson has added further strings to his bow as he develops himself as a ruckman. Big men can take longer to develop as they grow into their frame. Richardson has shown maturity and a great work ethic. Richardson will rotate throughout the middle and down forward. When working in tandem with Darren Sheen, you can expect Richardson to really test the Berwick defence
Jack Wheeler – You have to admire how young Wheeler goes about his footy. Head down and hard at it, is the best way to describe the running defender. It will be interesting to see how Coach Heath Black uses Wheeler, whether he will have a lockdown role on the likes of Luke Nelson or Harry Money or will he be released to create play off the half back flank. Either way you can expect Wheeler to have an impact
Prediction - Berwick by 10 points
Beaconsfield (5th 3-2) v Tooradin (8th 1-5)
Last Time - Round 16 Tooradin 9.6.60 lost to Beaconsfield 14.14.98
Leading Goalkickers - Beacy: Beau Dowler 16 - Tooradin: Andrew Dean 12
Beaconsfield welcomes Tooradin which is an important game for both teams. The Eagles need to win to keep a gap between them and teams outside the 5, while The Seagulls find themselves at the wrong end of the ladder with only 1 win for the season. Beacy were expected to fall behind the ladder leaders but have managed to steady their season with some competitive performances. Tooradin's only win came at the expense of Hampton Park, they find themselves on a 4 game losing streak and are still searching for answers how to make their new line-up click. Both teams were well represented at interleague level which should provide some confidence going into this crucial contest. Beaconsfield has a wealth of experience, led by Daniel Mislicki he rallies the troop’s week in and out. Mislicki has great support with Troy McDermott and Scott Meyer putting their hands up when required. Daniel Battaglin in defence and Beau Dowler kicking goals, the Eagles look to be in healthy shape.
Tooradin have the personnel to be putting up better performances then they have of late. The Seagulls have a solid defensive unit, bolstered by a deep spread of midfielders and talented forwards many expecting them to compete for a finals berth. It hasn't happened that way; in someways this match is an elimination final for the visitors. A loss here will see the Seagulls drop to 3 games behind the top 5 and with 11 rounds to go it could be too hard to pick up. Beacy would have enjoyed the week and come into this contest refreshed and ready to go.
Game Breakers
Beaconsfield
Daniel Battaglin - From teammate to foe in a week, Battaglin looks be suited to the negating role against the dangerous Andrew Dean. Battaglin at 28 is an experienced campaigner and usually doesn't get fooled down back. He plays the football and reads the play well with the confidence to leave his opponent and lend a hand elsewhere in defence. It will be a great contest but if Battaglin gets on top it will restrict Tooradin's ability to kick a competitive score.
Daniel Galante - We haven't seen the best of Galante this season. An early season knock had him on the back foot. The break came at the best time for Galante, Galante has shown in passages of play that he can have a real impact. Galante looks good when he can get forward and has shown he is capable of kicking a goal. A game against a midfield like Tooradin could be the perfect recipe to find his best.
Scott Meyer - The talented big man started the season in fine fashion but his form had dropped away leading into the interleague weekend. Meyer returned to his dominating best against the Murray. That performance should provide Meyer with a mid season boost, Meyer showed once again why he is the best big man in the competition. If Meyer fires it should guarantee an Eagles win.
Tooradin
Andrew Dean - An obvious choice here as a game breaker for Tooradin. More than a shining light, the former Peninsula leading Goalkicker is a genuine talent. Dean was at his dazzling best and showed off a fine aerial display to lead the SEFNL side to victory last weekend. Battaglin looks like the first Eagle defender to have to try and nullify Dean's influence over the game. With the right supply from the midfield, Dean will be hard to stop. Dean is strong in the air and great at ground level, it's simple if Dean kicks a bag Tooradin are a chance.
Josh Muling – Muling has been slowly finding his feet in the SEFNL. Muling has a great motor which sees him spend most of his time deep in the middle. Muling will have gained confidence from his debut in the interleague last weekend and should carry that momentum into this important contest. Muling uses the ball well and relied upon to do that again at Holm Park. A great contest between Muling and Beacy great Daniel Mislcki is brewing.
Julian Suraez – Suraez has been a mainstay in the Seagulls forward line in recent years. Suraez has grown as a footballer and a leader of the club, throwing himself around into different roles which work best for his young team. Suraez would be the perfect forward partner alongside Dean to really stretch the Pakenham defence
Prediction - Beacy by 21 points
Pakenham (7th 1-4) v Hampton Park (9th 0-6)
Last Time - Round 13 Hampton Park 13.6.84 lost to Pakenham 15.14.104
Leading Goalkickers - Pakenham: Ben Fraser 9 - Hampton Park: Luke O'Brien 7
Pakenham have had a disappointing start to the season losing their last 4 matches. The Lions come up against a team that has lost half of their matches by 100 points or more, it hasn't been pretty for the Redbacks. When you look at the sides on paper, it's hard to imagine Pakenham sitting so far at the bottom of the ladder. They have a great mix of experience and youth it just doesn't appear to be all working for the Lions. Luke Walker was back to his best over the interleague weekend and you could expect him to bring that confidence through with him to this week. Hampton Park is going through the agonising task of rebuilding a young side from the bottom up. Coach Matt Shorey has tasted plenty of success at local football level but will be pulling on all his experience to get his side to be competitive.
Consistency is the big difference between the top teams and the ones at the bottom. Pakenham have been in winning positions in most of their matches, only to find a way too loose. The Lions will need their leaders and midfield generals to play at their best for 4 quarters. The Lions forward line will look to make the most of their scoring opportunities with Ben Fraser and Jake Smith to be the keys to unlock the success for Pakenham. A win for Pakenham at home is the most likely result but if the unimaginable was too happen it wouldn't be well received by the faithful at Toomuc Reserve.
Game Breakers
Pakenham
Troy Toussaint – Toussaint was one of the young Lions brigade expected to take this team forward in 2016. Unfortunately things haven’t turned out that way just yet for Toussaint. There is no doubting Toussaint’s ability, if Pakenham are to get themselves back into contention this season it will be the likes of Toussaint to find that consistency we have seen in the past. Toussaint has the skills, let’s hope he finds the endeavour to bring out his best.
Kym Jones – The bigman from Pakenham has yet to fire this season. A little undersized in terms of ruckman Jones has a big heart which drags him to contest after contest. Jones needs to start to get his firsthand to the footy to ensure his midfield is provided the best opportunity to dominate. After a quiet start to the season today could be the day to see the best of Jones.
Steve O’Bryan – O’Bryan’s form is a clear reflection of his side efforts this season. O’Bryan hasn’t quite reached the levels we are used to seeing from the courage captain coach. O’Bryan can play in a variety of roles, showing off his fantastic versatility. O’Bryan will need to continue to work hard, to lift his team up to the levels many expected in the pre-season.
Hampton Park
Cory Philips – Philips has been one of Hampton Park’s best players this season. Philips has an outstanding resolve to push himself into the contest. An inspirational leader to his young teammates, Philips continues to provide life in a difficult season. Philips will once again lead from the front and be amongst Hampton Park’s best players
Luke Nunan – Nunan looks the likely opponent for Jake Smith. Nunan battles hard for the Redbacks, often outmatched or undersized Nunan is a true leader of his football club. Nunan will once again solider a lot of the responsibility in the defensive end and will try and restrict the output of the opposition forwards. Nunan plays well every week; if he can get some support then the Redbacks could be a chance at an upset.
Rodney Blackbourn – A great sight for Hampton Park supporters to see Rod Blackbourn back in the seniors. Blackbourn offered so much as a junior and has yet to take the next step with his senior footy. It will be delighting the Redbacks faithful to see Blackbourn back in the red and black. It will be Blackbourn’s second game back and it will be great to see how he goes, whether down back or in the forward line.
Prediction - Pakenham by 47 points
Doveton (3rd 4-2) v Cranbourne (4th 4-2)
Last Time - Round 18 Cranbourne 18.11.119 def Doveton 4.3.27
Leading Goalkickers - Doveton: Mitchell Pierce 10 - Cranbourne: Marc Holt 30
The scene is set for what could be described as one of the games of the season under lights at AJ Robinson Reserve. Doveton have recruited former local Full Forward Brendan Fevola for the occasion. The long 2 week break came at the right time for Doveton as injuries have restricted Doveton's output this season. Coach Steve O'Brien unable to field his best 22 all season. The Doves have recruited well including Darren Allen, who was plucked from football obscurity; Allen could end up being the finds of the season. Allen was a decorated midfielder before a serious knee injury stopped him in his tracks. Allen's inclusion which includes a 4 goal best on ground performance last time they played against the Lions. He will need to be at his best again against Cranbourne.
Cranbourne have been on the receiving end of back-to-back losses from the ladder leaders. It wasn't exactly what Coach Simon Goosey was expecting but they could be a blessing in disguise. It allows the Eagles to reassess and start to work on the things they need to develop before the big stage of finals. The Eagles should welcome Matt Fletcher back from injury, his class and pinpoint disposal was missing in the loss to Narre. You would have to go a long way back in the record books to find the last time Cranbourne lost 3 matches in a row. Doveton should be fully primed for this contest enjoying an extra week of rest over their opposition. Doveton are still unproven against the best sides in the competition and for them to be considered genuine contenders they must win on the big occasion and they won't find themselves on a bigger stage all season. Could we see Marc Holt line-up on Fevola? There will be plenty of fireworks in this one.
Game breakers
Doveton
Mitch Pierce - Unlucky to miss-out on an interleague selection as a small forward, Pierce has grown and taken his game to a new level in season 2016. 10 goals from 6 games, Pierce has provided the spark up forward Doveton so desperately need. Much of the focus will be on how Cranbourne curtail power forwards Ryan Hendy and Fevola, but the Eagles need to be wary when the ball hits the ground. At home under-lights in front of a bumper crowd, looks the perfect stage for Pierce to show his best.
Aaron Davey - Davey doesn't need a lot of the football to be influential in the contest. Identified by opposition coaches as the player who can turn the match around in favour of Doveton, he is a player that needs to monitored all day. Davey's involvement will be overshadowed by the inclusion of Fevola, but being Indigenous Round, it will hold a special significance for Davey a true leader amongst his peers. Doveton FC has a rich history of Indigenous football talent and Saturday night will be a chance to showcase it.
Brendan Fevola - You can't go through game breakers without including Fev. Brendan has been a long standing reign of goal square dominance since retiring from the AFL. Fevola holds goalkicking records in a few different competitions; the one off cameo appearances has been beneficial for both Fevola and the club willing to pay for his efforts. Fevola will have his moments but will receive plenty of attention both on and off the field. Fevola can be a match winner and if finds enough of the footy Doveton will win.
Cranbourne
Aaron Bower – The inside ball magnet, Bower has been one of Cranbourne’s better performers this season. Bower is often used a link player between the defence and the forward line. Bower doesn’t get the recognition he deserves playing with so many stars in the middle. Bower deserves some attention as he has been in the best players over the past month, and with a well earnt rest you could expect him to play his best football this weekend.
Shaun Marusic – Cranbourne supporters haven’t seen the best of Shaun Marusic. Marusic is a smooth mover with a big body, he needs to get himself more involved in the contests and start to hit the packs hard. It’s yet to be proven whether Coach Simon Goosey has found the most effective spot for Marusic. Saturday Night is a chance for Marusic to prove himself and the doubters wrong.
Marc Holt – This game has the best bookends we have seen in local football for a long time. Fevola has his own history, well Holt who came through the football system at a similar time to Fev holds himself amongst some of local footballs best. Nearing 1000 goals over his career, Holty continues to lead Cranbourne into battle, often flying the flag for his teammates when required. Holt never lets Cranny down on the big stage; I can’t see it starting on Saturday Night
Prediction - Doveton by 2 points.
Bye - Officer
Netball
Round 6 saw Tooradin, Beaconsfield, Narre Warren and Hampton Park take the wins in A grade. Narre Warren are now clearly in the lead on the ladder. Tooradin, Doveton and Hampton Park sit in third to fifth position, all on the same points.
The inaugural SEFNL Netball Interleague teams headed up to Mulwala to take on the Murray Football League. Under 17s were coached by Cranbourne A Grade Coach, Donna Wilson and were captained by Caitlin Stephens. The senior netballers were coached by Narre Warren coaches Jade and Greg Heinrich and were co captained by Meagan Winter and Leigh Taylor.
The Under 17s initially took the lead, up 10 to 6 at quarter time. By three quarter time, Murray took the lead, being in front by 3. The SEFNL girls fought back and managed to defeat Murray 32 to 30. Best on court for SEFNL was awarded to captain Caitlin Stephens. The senior netballers had a tough match with scores being neck and neck throughout the game. At half time scores remained level at 19 all and at the three quarter time SEFNL had the lead 32 -26. Murray came out fighting in the final quarter and unfortunately, the team went down by only 1 goal to Murray, losing 36 to 37. Best on court for SEFNL was awarded to co-captain Leigh Taylor.
Well done to everyone who represented SEFNL!!
17 & Under
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Seniors
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Tiana Butler
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Beaconsfield
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Tracey Dell
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Narre Warren
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Tamika Cairns
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Narre Warren
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Leigh Taylor
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Narre Warren
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Hailey Galpin
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Cranbourne
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Erin Clark
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Narre Warren
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Mia Palmer
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Hampton Park
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Meaghan Winter
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Pakenham
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Chloe Bluhm
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Pakenham
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Kara Hargrave
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Narre Warren
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Caitlin Egan
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Narre Warren
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Kaela Hughes
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Beaconsfield
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Kyra Esler
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Pakenham
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Bianca Sanzaro
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Beaconsfield
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Emma Jones
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Pakenham
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Olivia Hunt
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Pakenham
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Madison Nation
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Narre Warren
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Kealeigh Brown
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Narre Warren
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Caitlin Stephens
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Narre Warren
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Jemma Osborne
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Narre Warren
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After the week off we see Round 7 kick off. Beaconsfield who are in second place take on Tooradin who sit in third. This will be a great test for both clubs. Beaconsfield lost to Narre Warren by 14 whereas Tooradin only lost to Narre by 1 so with all things in order Tooradin should take the win.
Hampton Park, sitting in 5th position take on Pakenham who are sixth. With a win over Doveton and a close encounter with Beaconsfield, Pakenham could take the win, which will allow them to push for a position into the top 5 in the coming weeks.
Last Modified on 27/05/2016 16:19