@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Berwick v Beaconsfield
BEACONSFIELD faces its stiffest challenge with a tough away fixture against arch nemesis Berwick at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The Eagles occupy third place with three wins from its four matches, but now run into a month of football that sees them play Berwick, Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Pakenham – four genuine contenders.
The league will get a better indication of Beaconsfield’s strength after this stretch.
With Daniel Calteri dominating in the forward half and Daniel Mislicki, Robert Taylor and Kris Fletcher forming a strong midfield partnership, the Eagles will provide a tough contest.
Berwick has begun the year in strong form and probably deserves a better win-loss record than its present 3-2.
The fourth-placed Wickers have Nathan Waite in sparkling form and with midfielders Nathan Page, Jack Sheppard, Yilder Zijai and ruckman Steve Finlayson in fine nick, Berwick has the personnel to win this match at home.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Narre Warren v Devon Meadows
NARRE Warren hosts the winless Devon Meadows at Kalora Park.
While it’s been a tough start for the Magpies, they found themselves in the same predicament last year with two wins and two losses (and a bye) after five rounds.
Although most will pencil this game in as a win for Narre Warren, coach Chris Toner is aware that in the even competition, it pays to be vigilant every week.
“All coaches will say, if you’re off 10 per cent, then you’re going to get rolled,” he said. “After Hammo’s last game, it will be good to get back to normal footy, and see if we can perform again. It’s a challenge for us, we’ve got a long way to go.”
Devon Meadows coach Rod Keogh believes his team is on the right track, but knows it will take time.
The Panthers have made multiple changes every week as they seek to settle on their best line-up.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:ROC v Tooradin-Dalmore
ROC hosts the well-rested Tooradin-Dalmore at Officer Recreation Reserve.
Both teams find themselves in a similar situation and a win will be crucial to remain in touch with the final five.
Tooradin-Dalmore began the season strongly before tapering in the past few weeks.
Ryan White should return for the Seagulls, who will need his class.
ROC should also regain coach Greg Tivendale to boost its mid-field.
This match shapes as a titanic battle with a winner difficult to determine.
Tooradin-Dalmore should be mindful of ROC’s young legs, especially in the final quarter if the match is tight.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Doveton v Hampton Park
SIXTH-PLACED Doveton hosts the undefeated Hampton Park at Robinson Oval.
The Doves were disappointed to lose their last game and will be keen to make amends against their rivals.
“All Doveton-Hampton Park games are critical,” coach Mark Ladgrove said. “We’re looking forward to testing them out.”
Norm Walker medallist Michael Henry is a chance to return.
Hampton Park began the season in strong fashion, but will now be tested with a series of challenging games.
“It was good to have the week off,” coach Clint Evans said. “We’ve got Doveton and then the top four sides, so we’ll see where we’re at. All you can do is keep winning, and now teams have to catch us.”
The Redbacks will be strengthened by the return of full-forward Kerem Baskaya and ruckman Steve Watson.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Cranbourne v Keysborough
KEYSBOROUGH makes the tough journey to face Cranbourne at Casey Fields.
The Burras’ defence has held firm despite being under enormous pressure in every game.
Keysborough has been a pesky adversary this year, but hasn’t been able to put together a four-quarter performance.
Cranbourne played excellent football against Pakenham in the first half before surviving a late charge by the Lions.
“They’ve still got some real quality players in their side,” Eagles coach Doug Koop said. “And when sides have that quality, you can’t expect things to happen, you have to make things happen.
“We’re expecting a tough game from them. Hopefully we can just step up our game a fair bit and come away with four points.”
The Eagles should have too many big guns to record a comfortable win.
round 6 TIPS
Berwick v Beaconsfield
Narre Warren v Devon Meadows
ROC v Tooradin-Dalmore
Doveton v Hampton Park
Cranbourne v Keysborough
