Lexton v Talbot
With seventh place on the MCDFNL ladder and a finals berth all but in their keeping, Talbot will have the chance to test its winning form against one of the competition's yardsticks this weekend, with the Hawks set to take on Lexton.
While Talbot's turnaround from bottom-of-the-ladder easy beats in the opening half of the season to a genuine finals contender in the second half of the year has been one of the stories of the 2015 season, there's no doubt that the Hawks will find it tough going against the Tigers this weekend, taking on one of the sides tipped to figure deep into September's finals action.
Talbot's core band of star performers have been ultra-consistent in the back half of season 2015, led by reigning best-and-fairest winner, Trent Barras, who has also been in good form in front of goal, notching five majors against Trentham last weekend, utility Josh Sullivan, Luke Kemp, Liam Belcher and Brendan Sutherland. If the Hawks are out to test their mettle against one of the best sides the competition has to offer this weekend, co-coaches Matt Smith and Dallas Byars will need every single one of their top-line players, and then some, to fire.
Lexton will view Saturday's final home-and-away game as the ideal chance to showcase their premiership credentials against a fellow finals competitor. Despite finishing third, or even potentially second, on the ladder, the Tigers have somewhat flown under the radar this season, with much of the focus on the tussle between Navarre and Carisbrook, a fact Tigers coach Shane Fisher will have enjoyed. The Tigers' forward line presents an ominous challenge for opposition defenders each week, a fact highlighted by Justin Hobson's 10-goal haul last week, demonstrating that there is far more to the Tigers' attack than simply Mat Brown and Lachlan Murray.
Lexton
B: Jack Faull, Riley Browne, Jordan Egan
HB: Timothy Dalton, Liam Cullinan, Nicholas Spolding
C: James Templeton, Michael Smith, James Morrish
HF: Mitchell Kennedy, Jordan Phelan, Scott Clark
F: Justin Hobson, Matthew Brown, Justin White
R: Nigel Reid, Damon Aspland, Dylan Barr
Int: Bryce Karslake, Trevor Johnson, Luke Evans, Lachlan Pryor
In: Bryce Karslake, Timothy Dalton
Out: Nathan Barnes, Michael Jennings
Talbot
B: Josh Sullivan, Luke How, Daniel Romeo
HB: Matthew Smith, Timothy Carroll, Mathew Whiteman
C: Jorde Bux, Kallan Boucher, Jarrod Kemp
HF: Kane Heathcock, Tom Sutherland, James Collings
F: Bradley Coffey, Timothy Solomon, Brendon Shine
R: Jonathon Arnel, Ross Wise, Trent Barras
Int: Lachlan Griffiths, Liam Belcher, Drew Hancock, Bradley Coffey
In: Brendon Shine, Jorde Bux
Out: Luke Kemp, Robert Conroy
Maryborough Rovers v Royal Park
Maryborough Rovers' season will go on the line against arch-rivals Royal Park this weekend, with the proposition of a finals spot adding even more spice to the already blistering duel between the MCDFNL's two Maryborough-based sides.
As little as six weeks ago, the Magpies were sitting pretty in seventh place on the ladder, with a likely finals berth awaiting the side being touted as one of the competition's biggest improvers in 2015. Things have taken a downward turn for the Magpies since however, with a string of unexpected losses and a mauling at the hands of Navarre putting the Pies out of the eight and facing an uphill battle to make the cut for finals. Now, the black-and-white brigade must defeat their closest rivals in order to qualify for finals. Coach Scott Sellers will be desperate to ensure that season 2015 has not been a waste, and will turn to Bryce Fletcher, Dylan Gibson, Brad Fraser and Hedger brothers Brendon and Dion, in order to get their season back on track.
Their rivals, however, will be out to ensure that doesn't happen, with their own position on the ladder yet to be decided ahead of next week's opening finals. The Tigers are currently sitting in fifth place on the MCDFNL ladder, but if Saturday's clash doesn't go their way, they could slip to sixth place. After plenty of discussion about the Tigers' improvement in 2015, coach Greg Stewart will want to prove that it hasn't been all talk, and that the Tigers can compete with the competition's big guns. They took a step towards making that point valid last week, getting a five-goal jump on Carisbrook, only to see an upset victory slip through their fingers. The Tigers will be desperate to ensure that such a letdown does not occur again, setting the scene for a titanic struggle between these stored rivals come Saturday.
Maryborough Rovers
B: Aaron Westbrook, Bradley Fraser, Brayden Guareschi
HB: Brohdie Smyth, Ryan Guareschi, David Popovski
C: Christopher Gunn, Adam Mclean, Daniel Jennison
HF: Andrew Hughes, Trent Monk, Danny Whitnall
F: Dylan Gibson, Karson Guareschi, Grant Ryan
R: Brendon Hedger, Bryce Fletcher, Richard Phillips
Int: Matthew Peck, Kel Chaffey-Jones, James Rowles, Travis Moschetti
Emg: Tyler Bennett, Henry Potter
In: Danny Whitnall, Grant Ryan, Andrew Hughes, James Rowles, Travis Moschetti,
Out: Justin Peck, Tristan Knights, Jay Clark, Dale Larkin, Lauchlan Williams
Royal Park
B: James Lindeback, William Short, Zachary Dunne
HB: Hamish Blake, Zachary Tunbridge, Taylor Stewart
C: Sam Anderson, Stefan Pye, Jay Anderson
HF: Murray Bond, Zachary Stewart, Jake Pring
F: Michael Noonan, Joshua Brown, Lawrence Perks
R: Chris Cowan, Trent Pye, Ben Clay
Int: Trent Baird, Jacob Cahill, James Sutherland, Brendan Murdoch
In: Jake Pring, Trent Baird
Out: Matthew Burton, Christopher Morley
Natte Bealiba v Navarre
Natte Bealiba's walking wounded face the MCDFNL's most daunting task on Saturday, with the depleted Swans set to take on Navarre this weekend.
After a tragic day for the Swans saw them lose star midfielder Jarrod Bateson, hard nut Evan Weir and potentially captain Jacob Long to injuries against Avoca last weekend, the Swans now face the prospect of going toe-to-toe with the competition's powerhouse side minus three of their most integral players. Coach Shane Green will now turn to some of the side's other key performers in order to fill the gap left by the injured trio, and in particular, Bateson, who has been Natte Bealiba's standout player in 2015. Now, the onus will fall on the likes of Brent Mortlock, Stephen Ross and Daniel Gifford, and potentially Ash Evans, to fill the void left by injuries. Ordinarily, the Swans rate their chances against their longtime rivals, but missing such key performers, Natte face an uphill battle to push the Grasshoppers to their limit.
Navarre will view Saturday's clash with Natte as a chance to put their line-up to one last test before the finals begin next weekend, against the side who are all but locked in to be the Grasshopper's first opponent in their quest for three premierships in a row. The Hoppers have taken all before them in season 2015, with a streak of consecutive wins now sitting at 37, coaches Daniel Parkin, Brent Flood and Louis Hannett will be keen to extend that record to 38, and gain a further psychological edge over their first finals opponent.
Natte Bealiba
B: Nathan Ross, Jack Kennedy, Dean Graco
HB: Jamie Evans, Kurt Mortlock, Trent Mortlock
C: Michael Columbro, Daniel Gifford, Thomas Douglas
HF: Brent Mortlock, Lachlan Douglas, Matthew Stagg
F: Zachary Perez, Adrian Pilgrim, Ryan Weir
R: Lachlan Cameron, Ashley Evans, Stephen Ross
Int: Rhys Long, Brayden Mills, Reece Perry, Jarrod Graco
In: Reece Perry, Ashley Evans, Dean Graco, Michael Columbro
Out: Evan Weir, Jarrod Bateson, Jacob Long, Jye Mortlock
Navarre
B: Brent Flood, Zach Parry, Matt Newton
HB: Josh Driscoll, Rhett Murphy, Daniel Parkin
C: Lachlan Slorach, Sam Kaye, Danny Grellet
HF: Billy Parry, Jayden Fowkes, Bryce Tickner
F: Jesse Hannett, Ashley Driscoll, Aiden Lee
R: Josh Fowkes, Daniel Reading, Riley Bibby
Int: Louis Hannett, Cody Driscoll, Nicholas Murphy, Harley McKenny
Emg: Thomas Dyke, Jeremy Harrington, Aaron Slorach
In: Rhett Murphy, Riley Bibby
Out: Thomas Dyke, Aaron Slorach
Avoca v Harcourt
Avoca host Harcourt at the Avoca Public Park in their final home and away game of the season and the Bulldogs slim hopes of playing the forthcoming final series are still alive, but they must defeat the Lions and rely on Trentham to topple Campbells Creek and Royal Park to defeat Maryborough Rovers in the local derby.
The Bulldogs were very competitive against fourth placed Natte Bealiba last Sunday and after trailing early they fought their way back into the game to be within four points midway through the third term, but the Swans were too strong and eventually kicked away to win by 35 points.
If the Bulldogs can play to the same standard against sixth placed Harcourt then they will be a chance of toppling the Lions in the do or die battle.
The Lions were much too strong for Avoca back in Round 3 but the Bulldogs are a much hardened team since that defeat, however the Lions will be more than confident as they look to finish the season strongly leading into next weekend’s Final series.
Jeff McMurtrie dominated the Bulldogs in Round 3 and was very influential in last Saturday’s victory over Dunolly, so the Bulldogs will need to cover the lively utility player if they are to get the points on Saturday.
A close contest is expected, but the odds are in favour of the Lions.
Avoca
B: Taylor Hall, Jesse Britton, Toby Beavis
HB: Joel Carter, Desmond Critchley, Cameron Holland
C: James Walton, Lachlan Morganti, Blake Salmon
HF: Xavier Slater, Haydn Slater, Daniel Howell
F: Joel Howell, Ben Howell, Bryce Howell
R: Rangi Vickers, Taylor Raine, Michael Henningsen
Int: Hugh Bucknall, Jackson Steel, Darcy Carey, Jacob Nicholson
Harcourt
Selected side not submitted
Campbells Creek v Trentham
It is a must win game for Campbells Creek if they are to play finals football this season and they will be very wary of the Trentham Saints when they host them on Saturday.
Trentham was too strong for the Creekers back in Round three and it will be in the back of the minds of the Creekers faithful that this is definitely a danger game.
Trentham’s season has been up and down, while Creek has had one of their better season’s for some time. But Trentham has the ability to surprise teams, and actually led Lexton at half time in a recent game and pushed them all of the way and if they are able to play to their capabilities then they are a big chance to upset Creeks finals chances for season 2015.
Campbells Creek coach Shaun Boag would have been very disappointed to lose to Newstead last round as a win would have cemented their spot in the top eight, but now they face a do or die contest against the Saints.
A close game is expected, but the home venue should favour the Creekers, and Trentham will be throwing everything they can at them to finish the season on a high note.
Campbells Creek
B: Ryan Jeffrey, Jayden Molloy, Chris Klimeck
HB: Matthew Lorenz, Ross Slater, Shannon Berriman
C: Tim Conder, Brandon Greenwood, Matthew Halacas
HF: Carl Simmons, James Boag, Jayson Gilbert
F: Shaun Boag, Mark Ashmore, Anthony Taylor
R: Dylan Gordois, Daniel Klimeck, Joshua Adamson
Int: Luke Pritchard, Liam Stubbings, Benjamin O'Byrne, Ryan Allan
In: Liam Stubbings, Benjamin O'Byrne, Anthony Taylor
Out: Luke Ashmore, Davin Nicholls, Cordie McKendry
Trentham
B: Paul Smith, Brendan James, James Gray
HB: Jonathon Nadin, Curtis McNamara, Taylor Drew
C: Luke Adams, Christopher Whelan, Kasey Williams
HF: Luke Whitehouse, Daniel Lendrec, Hayden Sundblom
F: Michael Day, Josh Murphy, Mark Strickland
R: James Wicker, John Cowell, Lewis Bruton
Int: Isaac Jennings, Brok Wightman, Jamie Cutler, James Cann
In: Brok Wightman
Out: Peter Connor
Carisbrook v Newstead
Carisbrook face the strong finishing Newstead who has won their past four games in succession and will no doubt be confident of making it five in a row, as they still have a very slim chance of making the 2015 final series.
Newstead must win this game to make the finals, but are also relying on some upsets in other games of the round.
Carisbrook were off the boil in the early stages of their game against Royal Park last week, but kicked into high gear after the quarter time break and will be looking for a percentage booster to keep their second position on the ladder over Lexton, as their is only three percentage points between them at the moment.
Matt Bilton is in outstanding form and has the ability to win a game of his own boot if left unguarded, while the recruitment of Joel Riske has added a strong physical presence up forward for the Redbacks, and he brings the ball to ground for the likes of Bilton to rove off.
Newstead will be giving their all in the final game of the home and away season, but Carisbrook should be able to win comfortably, as they prepare for their match up with Lexton the following week in the Qualifying Final.
Carisbrook
Selected Side Not Submitted
Newstead
B: Matthew Hunter, Cody Kirby, Ashley Webster
HB: Adam Hunter, Liam Gervasoni, Michael Dalrymple
C: Blake Renfrey, Nathan Webster, Alex Maylor
HF: Kaleb Mcbride, Ben Krol, Oscar Lynzaat
F: Cameron Hepburn, Jonty Entwisle, Courtney Brown
R: Jayden Bott, Brent Devereaux, Joel Smith
Int: Rhys Smith, Thomas Cahill, Joel Thomas, Patrick Cummins
In: Liam Gervasoni
Out: Dale Bott
Dunolly v Maldon
Maldon travel to Deledio Oval on Saturday to take on Dunolly in a game that both teams will be playing for pride.
Dunolly has the wooden spoon sewn up with only one win for the season, but they will fancy their chances on Saturday as Maldon are coming off a massive 136 point loss to Lexton.
The Eagles seem to rely on Joe Thompson and Jamie Townsend at ground level, while the mercurial Matt Gibbs is also a player that the Bombers need to be wary of as he has the ability to use the ball well on both sides of his body. Justin Laird is the key player though and is often amongst their better players, whether it be in the ruck or up forward.
As usual Hayden Kelly is the key to Maldon and his form suggests that he will be one of the fancies for the Berry Powell Medal, but he can not do it alone, and will need some assistance from his team mates if the Bombers are to finish the season on a high note.
The Bombers defeated Dunolly in Round 3 by 76 points and will be confident of another repeat of that victory as they look to rebuild for next season.
Dunolly
B: Martin Gale, Grant Raven, Michael Campbell
HB: Matthew Gibbs, Jordi Philbrick, Jeremy Hancock
C: Steven Shovan, James Blackwell, Jamie Townsend
HF: Craig Gloury, Peter Wytkamp, Corey Dawson
F: Justin Moore, Chris Wright,
R: Justin Laird, Joe Thompson, David Bilton
Int: Patrick McGregor, Wayne Lanfranchi, Ron Baker, Ayden Mines
Maldon
B: Jackson Douch, Mark Webb, Christopher Milham
HB: Nicholas McKnight, Jeremy Cross, Damien Gatti
C: Matthew Gray, Vaughan Williams, Bryce Roberts
HF: Jake Elliot, Nicholas Kelly, Harley Brereton
F: Kyle Winstanley, Jamie Cox, Shaun Burchell
R: Josh Pascoe, Joshua Hutchinson, Hayden Kelly
Int: Ashley Woodman, Isaiah Hartley, Matthew Gordon, Dean Primmer
In: Matthew Gordon
Out: Leigh Halliwell
Last Modified on 21/08/2015 14:23