ROCHESTER V SHEPPARTON UNITED
Rochester regained their place in the top six after a big win against Tatura last round. They now have a favourable draw, but coach Steven Stroobants will be reminding his players to not get ahead of themselves.
Sheldon Bogdan, Charlie Di Stefano, Kaedyn Napier, Wil Norman and Blake Serra will be doing their best to ensure the Demons are competitive against the Tigers, who have plenty to play for today.
Christopher Jansen (five goals), Shaun Atley, Hugh Hamilton, Stroobants (six goals) and Jordan Harper will be looking to continue their strong form to ensure the home team banks the win and takes a step closer to qualifying for the finals.
Tip: Rochester.
TATURA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
The Shepparton Swans were strong in the second half last weekend in turning the tables on Shepparton after losing to them earlier in the season, while the Bulldogs struggled to go with a rampant Rochester outfit.
Billy Cooper, Tom Sullivan, Mitchell Elliott, Aubrey Coote and James Bennett will be doing their best to try and inspire the Dogs to a much-needed win.
Bryden Squire was absolutely brilliant last weekend. James Auld, Isaiah Jones, Joeve Cooper and Max Clohesy were others to shine in the win.
Unsure if Cooper and Clohesy will be available due to returning to the Murray Bushrangers. If they are, it will be a huge bonus for the Swans.
Tip: Shepparton Swans.
SEYMOUR V EUROA
Seymour has the job ahead it if it wants to regain its place in the top six.
The Lions dropped out of the top six after losing at Mooroopna last weekend. Coach Ben Davey knows that the task of Euroa at home will be difficult for his Lions.
Jack Hellier, Adam Giobbi, Lachlan Hill, Ben Giobbi and Andrew Smith were outstanding in the Pies big win over United last weekend.
The Pies had nine different goalkickers and five that kicked multiple goals. That will present some challenges for the Lions defenders, who only scored seven goals last weekend.
Dylan Scopel, James Wooster, Jordan Angus, Lachlan Waite, Nicholas Quigg and Jack Murphy will be doing their best to lead from the front for the Lions.
I think in the end, the Pies are playing really well and should overcome the Lions to consolidate their place in the top two.
Tip: Euroa.
KYABRAM V BENALLA
Kyabram want to avoid a third straight defeat and bank another four points that will take them closer to qualifying for the top six.
Coach Paul Newman would have liked what he saw in the first half at Echuca last weekend, but disappointed by the second half, especially the third quarter.
Benalla is limping to the line after what has been a tough year for them.
Will O’Donoghue, Christopher Welsh, Jarrad Waite, Michael Rheese and Adam Walsh will be looking to continue their good form and will be doing their best to curb the influence of Jason Morgan, Kaine Herbert, Lachlan Smith, Zachary Norris and Aidan Robinson.
The Bombers will have too much firepower and experience for the Saints to not win the four points.
Tip: Kyabram.
MANSFIELD V MOOROOPNA
Both remain on track to play finals, especially the Eagles who have won 12 games.
The Cats went a long way towards stitching their place in the finals with an important win over Seymour last round.
Mansfield did what it needed to do in a solid win over Benalla in round 15.
Ben Christopher (five goals), James Herridge, Cameron Arnold (six goals), Tom McDonagh and Ross Brown led the way for the Eagles, and they will be important again in this contest.
Dom Gugliotti, Liam Betson, Lucas Caccaviello, Nathan Basile and Keelin Betson lead by example for the Cats last round.
If they can continue their form and get the supply to Chris Neild and Jackson Trengove then the Cats will be a massive chance of kicking a winning score.
Tip: Mansfield.
SHEPPARTON V ECHUCA
Echuca will want to continue its winning form when it comes to Shepparton and the home of the grand final.
The Murray Bombers were challenged early by the reigning premier last weekend before exploding into action during the premiership quarter to set up their win over Kyabram.
Co-coach Andrew Walker led by example last weekend and the likes of Will Monahan, Jackson Stewart, Logan Prout and Mitchell Wales ably supported him.
If they can continue that form then the likes of Jordan McGregor, Mitchell Brett, last week’s debutant Ned Byrne, Jayden Dhosi and Nick Allan will have their work cut out going the distance with the visitors.
And, the visitors will only get stronger today with the return to Jack McHale.
Tip: Echuca.
