Same clubs, but many different faces. Narre Warren and Beaconsfield will come face to face for the first time since the 2010 grand final – but so many players in the teams will be different. 53619 Pictures: Luke Plummer
By Mark Gullick
THE Grand Final rematch at Perc Allison Oval pits Narre Warren against Beaconsfield with both teams fielding different outfits to the ones that played-off in last year’s decider.
“There were 44 players in last year’s grand final and I’d be surprised if there were 22 that were still playing,” Narre Warren coach Chris Toner said.
“I’m sure both sides will respect that both teams played off, but it’s certainly going to be different (from the grand final).”
With the closeness of the league, it’s important to remain in touch with the top five.
“If we win, then we can go as high as third and if we lose, we can go down to seventh,” he said.
“I’m sure with Aussie (Jones) coaching Narre to a couple of flags, he’s going to want a win. A lot of our players have had an eye on the Beaconsfield game. I’m sure Andrew Hunter is keen to come up against his old club. He’s starting to play good football and it should be a good battle between the two teams.”
The highlight will be captain Daniel Mislicki, Kris Fletcher and Glenn Penglase battling for midfield supremacy against Narre Warren’s Michael Collins, Jackson Parker and Nick Scanlon.
Narre Warren should have the firepower to prevail, but it’s difficult to write-off Beaconsfield, who will be fired up for the big game.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:DEVON MEADOWS V CRANBOURNE
THE lowly Devon Meadows hosts neighbours Cranbourne at EG Allen Reserve.
The Panthers gave reigning premiers Narre Warren a fright last week before being overrun in the final term.
Devon Meadows coach Rod Keogh has moulded his team in his own image; they play tough, physical straight-through football that Keogh displayed in his 88-game AFL career.
While the wins have not been forthcoming, opposing teams depart the field having endured a bruising encounter.
“They’ve got a new coach and new players, so we’re expecting them to improve significantly from the first time we played them,” Cranbourne coach Doug Koop said.
“They’ve got the homegrown advantage, so that’s a little bit of a concern for us, despite the fact that we’ve trained there. We treat every game with the same sort of respect. The AFL is the perfect example, you can’t just go out there and expect everything to happen. You’re back to square one every time you play. The rivalry between the teams is renowned. They’ll be keen to get their first win on the board and it will be even sweeter if it’s against us.”
The consensus is that Devon Meadows is close to breaking through for its maiden win, but it’s difficult seeing the Panthers achieving that in this game.
“We’ve got a massive fortnight coming up, which could potentially break us,” Panthers coach Rod Keogh said.
“Narre Warren and Cranbourne have been the measuring sticks over the last two seasons. It’s important that after the Cranbourne game our blokes have a smile on their faces and are proud of what they put forward during the game. We know we’ve got a massive task in front of us.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:KEYSBOROUGH V PAKENHAM
COMING off a three-week stint without football, Pakenham will have to be cautious when it travels to Rowley Allen Reserve.
“It’s not an ideal (layoff),” Lions coach Michael Holland said.
“We’ve been hamstrung to a certain extent, but Cranbourne went through it a couple of weeks ago and Narre did at Easter. I think there’s got to be a better way than missing three weeks of footy. It’s something we had to adapt to and we’ll come out ready to take on Keysborough.”
Pakenham held an intra-club game to remain match prepared.
Meanwhile, Keysborough suffered another heavy loss against Cranbourne and with its reserves fielding a sparse team and the club having no under 18s team, the Burras have few options.
Keysborough coach Brad Canavan has a steady core of reliable performers, but needs his next tier to figure more prominently.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:HAMPTON PARK V BERWICK
HAMPTON Park receives Berwick for the match of the round at Robert Booth Reserve.
Despite losing to Doveton, the Redbacks hold second-place with a one-win gap over Berwick.
“It’s a massive game for us,” coach Clint Evans said.
“We’ll get a good idea of where we sit. We’re back at home and we have to re-group and hopefully we can make a game of it.”
The Redbacks could regain Karem Baskaya for the clash, and they will need his firepower against the frugal Berwick outfit.
Statistically, Hampton Park possesses the best defensive unit, which has conceded just 53.6 points per game.
Berwick made light work of Beaconsfield and will take confidence into the big match.
“It should be a good game,” Wickers coach Dean Rice said.
“They’re always hard to beat down there at their home ground. They’re second on the ladder and we’re third. It’s going to be a hard game for us. We’re younger and a bit lighter, and it’s going to be another challenge for our club.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:TOORADIN-DALMORE V DOVETON
AFTER upsetting the undefeated Hampton Park last week, the confident Doveton journeys south to face the Seagulls.
“They’re another side that it wouldn’t surprise if they knocked anyone off,” coach Mark Ladgrove said.
“They have been competitive against most sides they’ve played. We just have to match our effort and commitment.”
Doveton will go into the clash without Aaron Henwood, who suffered a facial injury against Hampton Park.
“That’s going to give someone in the Twos the opportunity to step up,” Ladgrove said.
The Doves may gain Michael Henry for the clash.
Round 7 Tips:
Beaconsfield v Narre Warren
Devon Meadows v Cranbourne
Keysborough v Pakenham
Hampton Park v Berwick
Tooradin-Dalmore v Doveton
