By Lachlan Mitchell
DIVISION 1
Cranbourne has flown its way to the Queen’s Birthday bye with an 8-1 record in its new surroundings.
The Eagles are the new kids on the block in the top flight of the Southern Football Netball League in 2022.
Cranbourne faced its first and only loss on Good Friday, when it fell three goals short of a rampaging Cheltenham Rosellas side.
Suburban footy legend Marc Holt has continued his good form to be his side’s finest in front of goal booting 38 goals this year.
The Rosellas have been the only formidable thorn in Cranbourne’s season to date.
The other major contender for the prize fight is a star-studded St Kilda City line up.
The Saints have been in full voice for the majority of the season and currently sit at 6-3 at the bye.
St Kilda has been helped by former Roo and Tiger Aaron Edwards and 2010 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.
Swan and Edwards have re-assured the Saints midfield, linking up to see them mount a charge heading into the second half of the season.
Springvale also possess the opportunity to strike in the next half of the season with ex-Tiger and Hawk Tyrone Vickery presenting to be a formidable threat in the Demons finals aspirations.
The next month could separate the contenders from the pretenders.
The Eagles face the Saints and Rosellas at home in Round 12 and 15 respectively.
A mouth-watering clash between St Kilda and Cheltenham on 20 August sets up to be an absolute showdown with both sides looking to make their names known coming into finals.
DIVISION 2
Doveton has proven to be the front runners of the competition with the Doves yet to drop a game this season.
While Doveton continues to be the benchmark after 10 rounds Chelsea Heights, who currently sit in second place with seven wins, is continuing to knock on the Doves’ door.
Chelsea’s only loss to date came against the Doves in round six where both sides were inaccurate and missed opportunities.
The clash saw Doveton limp over the line by four points in a less than convincing result.
The two sides butt heads on 23 July at Robinson Reserve which could make or break top position leading into finals.
Hampton Park has been the sleeping giant this season.
The Redbacks got off to a shaky start dropping their first three games against Doveton, Chelsea and Keysborough, but have since rebounded to sit at 3-1-4 at the halfway point.
The year could read a lot better for Hampton Park as it squandered a 48-point three-quarter-time lead to draw with East Brighton, and fell two points shy of Caufield a week later.
The last two weeks have seen the Redbacks in recovery mode with a bye in round nine and an additional week off for the Queen’s Birthday bye.
The ultimate test for the Redbacks comes against Doveton next week as they face the undefeated Doves at home.
DIVISION 3
The third division of Southern football continues to see a toing and froing of teams vying for the ultimate success.
Black Rock looks to be the dominant team with Murrumbeena and Ashwood all contending for a top-two position.
Narre South Saints sit just one win outside that elusive fourth spot with it still all in their hands.
The Saints percentage of 112 isn’t doing them any favours.
The Saints line-up against South Yarra on 9 July in a clash that could give them a percentage advantage in the run up to finals.
Narre South’s next big test comes against Ashwood on Saturday 18 June. A win against the Magpies could elevate the Saints to new heights as a potential threat come finals time.
Endeavour Hills face one of its toughest challenges of the year against Black Rock, with the Rock proving to be one of the mightiest tasks this season.
A win for the Eagles over the favourites will see them rise above a tightening pack.
A south-east battle between the Narre South Saints and Endeavour Hills headlines an exciting round 11.
The Eagles have played second fiddle to the Saints this season but a win could really ruffle the feathers.
DIVISION 4
The ladder in division four reads exactly how imagined with the Frankston Dolphins leading the charge in emphatic style.
The swirling winds of rumour-town have hinted that a mid-season promotion could very much be on the cards for the Dolphins as they head for higher ground.
Dandenong continues to be a threat, deep within the willows of the division, as it has the ability to surprise and bring its best against the toughest of opponents.
Adam Boag has been the biggest target for the Redlegs this season as he currently sits on 17 goals.
Dandenong face its biggest challenge of the season next week when it takes on competition favourites the Dolphins.
Lyndhurst has had its moments in the sun this season and continue to place itself in finals contention.
A 9 July clash between the Lightning and the Dolphins could be a pre-cursor to the grand final as both teams look for an early advantage.
