Above: ROC goalkeeper Rebecca Roy saves a Beaconsfield attack and eyes the right spot to deliver the ball from defence.
By Mark Gullick
THE absence of Beaconsfield’s Daniel Calteri might be the difference between the Eagles and Doveton when the teams meet on Saturday.
Strongman Calteri was unstoppable in round five, taking a plethora of strong marks and booting seven goals.
He hasn’t played since that game, which Beaconsfield won by 31 points in a classy contest.
“The first time we played them, it was pretty even at half-time,” Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove said.
“(Daniel) Calteri then got clear and kicked seven goals, and was the difference in the end.”
Doveton is eyeing fifth place and Ladgrove will use that to motivate his charges.
“We’re right in it now, we’ve got a bit of confidence,” Ladgrove said.
“We’ve got three games to go, and we want to win as many as possible. It’s been a topsy-turvy year. If we win those three games, who knows what could happen? We might sneek in. Percentage will play a part.”
Beaconsfield has several key players who can cause Doveton headaches and if the Eagles’ youngsters maintain their strong recent form, it could be a close game.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:NARRE WARREN v
KEYSBOROUGH
AFTER coming through a tough period with its reputation intact, Narre Warren has an easier run to end its home and away campaign.
The Magpies defeated three premiership contenders in that phase, and were respectable in their loss to Cranbourne.
Coach Chris Toner will ensure his team doesn’t relax in the remaining games, and anticipates a lively contest against the visiting Keysborough.
“Tyson King is as good as any; I think he’s in the top five in the comp,” Toner said.
“We’re certainly aware of him and they’ve got some other good footballers. There’s no easy sides in is this comp – that’s for sure.”
Keysborough is eager to claim a big-name scalp to finish off its season.
“We played well at Narre last year, so the boys are confident going there even though we had a poor second half (against Berwick),” coach Brad Canavan said.
“We matched up pretty well. We were three points up 10 minutes into the last quarter, and I remember a shot skidded into the post and we were four points up and Rajic came off with a busted nose and Wells had a ripped Achilles, and we just lost four players in 12 minutes and they kicked 10 goals on us.
“I think we called it ‘Cyclone Narre’. I’m looking forward to it, to see how we respond … and I’m sure we will.”
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:CRANBOURNE v PAKENHAM
THE recent dipping form of Pakenham has taken the gloss off its clash with Cranbourne at Casey Fields.
Before their two heavy losses, the Lions were unbeaten in seven matches and playing scintillating football.
Pakenham simply must regain its confidence if it has any chance of defeating the rested Cranbourne, who this season has taken all before them.
The Lions will take some confidence from their last meeting with the Eagles, when they stormed home to lose by a point in round five.
There are many enticing match-ups.
Pakenham’s biggest challenge will be to contain Cranbourne’s formidable forward line of Marc Holt, Matthew Fletcher, Michael Theodoridis and Justin Berry.
The Lions will use Jared Goldsack, Michael Taurua, Michael Hicks and Rob Elston to contain their potency.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:ROC v HAMPTON PARK
HAMPTON Park travels to ROC with excellent form.
The Redbacks responded from their shock round 13 loss to Beaconsfield with a strong win over Tooradin-Dalmore last weekend.
At this time of year, clubs want their fate in their own hands, and Hampton Park is in this position.
The Redbacks need to win two of their final three contests to ensure they secure a top three position.
With tough challenges against Doveton and Berwick in the following weeks, Hampton Park simply cannot afford to lose to ROC.
Redbacks coach Clint Evans is expecting a testing contest at Officer Recreation Reserve.
“When we played them the first time, they were really impressive,” Evans said.
“They do run and take the game on, especially being a young side; they don’t hold back at all.
“It will be a hard game at a small ground. Hopefully, it will suit us as well.”
Although ROC won’t make the finals, the club has taken massive strides during the year with some impressive wins.
If the Kangaroos can execute their running game and minimise turnovers, they can challenge their second-placed opponents.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Round 16 TIPS:
DOVETON v Beaconsfield
NARRE WARREN v Keysborough
CRANBOURNE v Pakenham
ROC v HAMPTON PARK
