By Brad Kingsbury
DOVETON and Narre Warren have had a colourful history over recent seasons and that alone creates huge interest in this weekend’s clash at the Robinson Reserve.
Never mind the fact that the Doves are undefeated, the two sides sit in first and third position and supporters will be well aware that this game could be a preview of a much bigger and more important match around September.
After all, someone must challenge the all-conquering Doves for the flag and with second-placed Pakenham faltering, it may well be the young Magpies.
Both sides will be at or close to full strength with Narre Warren welcoming back Brett Evans and the Doves strengthened by the probable inclusion of Michael Henry and Danny Casset.
Narre Warren knows how to win big games and that is a point that has not escaped Doveton assistant coach Clint Wilson.
“They’re young and they’ve improved since round-one and so have we, I think,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to this one. Narre has always been a big danger all along and they show no fear so it will be a great game.”
His Magpie counterpart Matt Shinners agreed and said his side was ready for the challenge of Doveton at Doveton.
“We’ve had a good month and going to the bigger ground gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against the top side. We’ll have a pretty full list to choose from and we’re really looking forward to this game,” he said.
With due respect to the other eight sides this weekend, all roads will lead to Doveton.
Neither coach is big on tagging or shut-down football and both will back their charges head-to-head.
The Doves have the edge in experience through the midfield with Russell Gabriel, Ryan Hendy, Justin Hill and Daniel Charles and that will provide the advantage that will see another challenge to their supremacy put down – for now.
Other Games
Pakenham v Cranbourne
THE question now has to be asked – is Pakenham the real deal or are they duds?
After last weekend’s second-rate effort against bottom side Keysborough, the answer to that will come in this weekend’s clash with Cranbourne at the Toomuc Reserve.
Eagles’ coach Doug Koop is well aware of the danger of the wounded Lion, but was happy that his improved side would be pitted against a top-class opponent at a finals’ venue.
“Pakenham on the rebound will be as good a test as you are ever going to get at this stage of the year and hopefully it will be a good encounter,” he said.
Cranbourne is on the up as a club, but has yet to prove that it can match it with the league’s best sides.
Pakenham, on the other hand, has been dallying around the top for too long without winning the big prize and maybe some self-doubt is starting to creep in to their psyche.
Tipping against Pakenham at home has been a no-no for several seasons, but that will change if the Lions go down again this Saturday.
Hampton Park v ROC
WHICH Hampton Park side will turn up to play this week?
The answer to that question is the answer to whether the Redbacks can turn their form around and down ROC at the Booth Reserve or not.
There is little to suggest that Hampton Park can do that with coach Josh Taylor and injured centre half-forward Matt Shorey expected to miss the game, adding more angst to the Redbacks who will rely on youth to lead the way.
However that’s what almost saw them defeat Doveton a fortnight ago and ROC coach Kris Fletcher will be well aware of the danger.
The Kangaroos will be fresh off the bye and with the running class of Greg and Ben Tivendale, Shaun Jones and Ash Comer driving the ball forward, the home side looks to have the task ahead of it again this weekend.
Tooradin v Beaconsfield
BEACONSFIELD will go into this weekend’s clash with Tooradin as warm favourites after last week’s improved effort against Berwick, but that will mean squat to the desperate Seagulls.
Why desperate?
Coach Cristian O’Brien has had to deal with a heap of injuries this season, but now has the majority of his playing list fit and ready to fire.
It’s time to prove the improvement against a side above it on the ladder and the Eagles are in the gun.
Beaconsfield’s form was better last weekend, but is still questionable when it comes to desire.
Coach Robbie Taylor said that he would likely miss the game with soreness and that will be enough to give the Seagulls the edge in a good battle.
Berwick v Devon Meadows
ON paper and ladder position this game looks to be a benefit for the Wickers, but Devon Meadows is a more dangerous opponent than many think.
Coach Steve O’Brien is intent, almost obsessed, with dragging the success-starved Panthers up the ladder and has assembled a talented and at times under-rated playing list, led by genuine stars in Daniel Rigg, Aaron Henneman, Jesse Dehey and Guy Chisnall to help that cause.
Berwick also has a talent-laden list with Jason Heath, David VanDiemen, Grant Noonan and Sean Calamatta among the best in the league, so the match-ups look even.
Inconsistency has been the Panthers enemy to date this season and that has been Berwick’s strength.
Even when they’re challenged, the Wickers have found a way to score and that might be the only difference in another entertaining contest.
