By DAVID NAGEL
SENFL
PREVIEW – ROUND 5
SOMETIMES you just know… you get that gut feeling… that a game is going to be of critical importance when grid positions are handed out for September.
The match between Beaconsfield and Narre Warren at Holm Park Reserve this Saturday is one such contest.
It has already become apparent that these two sides are going to be there when the whips are cracking at the end of the season. The Magpies, under Jade and Greg Heinrich, have the look and feel of a team with genuine quality; while the Eagles never book holidays in September… they’re always busy!
It’s only early, but the winner of this clash emerges as the biggest threat to Hampton Park for this year’s title.
Beacy’s defence, led by Kaitlyn Paligorov, Kaela Hughes and Kylie Baker, will be looking for their mid-court team-mates, like Hannah Blair and Erin Tippett, to stop the flow to the Magpies’ goalers. If Tayla Shannon and Chloe Phillips get easy access from the like of Erin Clark and Leigh Taylor, it could be all over in a flash for the Eagles. It’s Narre to win by five.
Another key clash this week sees Pakenham host Cranbourne at Toomuc Reserve.
The Lions, under a new-coach in Kerry Twyford, should improve as the season unfolds, while the emerging Eagles are showing signs of being able to match it with the best… but only when they’re at their best.
Champion mid-courter Meaghan Winter should control enough of the ball to get the Lions across the line.
Hampton Park, at home, should be too good for Berwick, while Sunday’s game between Tooradin at ROC should see a comfortable victory to the Kangaroos. This is Tooradin’s first home game for the season.
