BEACONSFIELD this week undertakes the daunting task of achieving what no other team has accomplished so far – knock over Cranbourne.
Although beaten last week Beaconsfield was determined and, with its younger players producing good football, it’s not without a show in the clash of the Eagles.
But the Cranbourne juggernaut continues with another triple-digit win.
Coach Doug Koop has his team playing good football and expects a solid contest from Beaconsfield.
“They lost a bit of experience last year, but we’re expecting a fair bit of endeavour from them,” he said. “They’ve got a good young list with some quality players. There haven’t been too many games where we’ve walked in thinking we’re going to get an easy four points.
“Fortunately, we’re following Narre (in the fixture) and Narre seems to have a really good encounter the week before and maybe softens teams up a bit for us.
“We’re expecting a good game and we’re down on the back oval, so it will be an experience for both of us.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Pakenham v Devon Meadows
THE fixture isn’t sympathetic to Devon Meadows, which faces another tough challenge at Toomuc Reserve.
After putting together several respectable performances, albeit losses, Devon Meadows slipped badly against Cranbourne.
The Redbacks were largely uncompetitive, which would have hurt coach Rod Keogh, who understands where his team sits in terms of personnel.
Whatever the circumstances, he demands the players give a total effort.
Pakenham returned from a three-week absence with a strong win over Keysborough and will seek to string together successive wins on its home deck.
“We’re at home and like any side playing at home, that’s your ground and hopefully sides come out and find you hard to beat there,” Lions coach Michael Holland said.
“If we continue to put the processes in place and continue to do the little things right, the result will take care of itself.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Narre Warren v Hampton Park
FOR successive weeks, second-placed Hampton Park features in the match of the round against third-placed Narre Warren.
The Redbacks dispatched Berwick last week with a fine display and will be confident heading into its match-up at Kalora Park.
“It’s going to be huge,” coach Clint Evans said. “We go down to Narre, which is a small ground as well, which will hopefully suit us.
“They had a win (last week) and they’ve got some quality players. We’ll be up against it again, but we’ll take some real confidence after the (Berwick) win. Hopefully we can back it up again and be really competitive.”
While Hampton Park has several injury concerns, it should still raise a strong team for the Magpies.
Narre Warren took the points over Beaconsfield in a tough battle.
Magpies coach Chris Toner predicts up to five inclusions for his team, including Nick Scanlon, Lee Boyle, Ben King and Andrew Hunter.
Toner is anticipating a hard game.
“They’re flying at the moment,” he said. “They’ve only had one slip-up for the year. They’re going to be difficult, but there are no easy games this year.
“I know they’re tall, they have a big forward line, and we’re probably the opposite – quick and small. It will be a contrast and we’ll see who comes up trumps.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Berwick v Tooradin-Dalmore
TOORADIN-DALMORE’S month of hell starts with a tough away fixture against a spurned Berwick.
“Obviously they’ll be looking to rebound and we’re searching for our second win,” Seagulls coach Beau Miller said. “They’re going to be a quick hard side, and it’s at Berwick, too.
“Hopefully, we can improve on the weekend and get the four points. We’ll be underdogs in all of them and that’s where we rise to the challenge. We like playing the better sides and hopefully over the next five weeks we can grab a couple of wins.”
Berwick coach Dean Rice is hoping for more consistency from his charges.
“I said to the guys after (the Hampton Park loss) that it’s important to make sure that we respond in a manner for what we’re trying to do at Berwick,” he said.
“We’re going to be ebbing and flowing throughout the year because of a new coach and style of footy, and with a lot of young guys. I’m hoping that by the end of the year, our best is not that far from our worst.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Doveton v Roc
DOVETON hosts the rested ROC and with finals a realistic chance for both teams, this game takes on added importance.
“We really rate ROC,” Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove said. “They beat us at home last year, which we don’t think is easy for anyone. So we know what they’re capable of. They have good players, like the Tivendale brothers. We’re really going to have to keep an eye out and be on the ball.”
ROC coach Greg Tivendale is returning to the side for this game.
“They have started the season well,” Tivendale said. “We expect a tough game.”
While Doveton has the thicker, experienced bodies, ROC has a strong fitness base and young legs to keep the Doves on their toes.
round 8 TIPS:
Cranbourne v Beaconsfield
Pakenham v Devon Meadows
Narre Warren v Hampton Park
Berwick v Tooradin-Dalmore
Doveton v ROC
