EUROA V SEYMOUR
Euroa will be looking to continue its good form since the resumption from the Covid-19 break and claim another big scalp when it welcomes neighbouring rival Seymour. But Ben Davey would be relishing the fact that outside the Lion’s den there would be a few that don’t believe they are a genuine premiership contender. Rising star nominee, Joshua Alford, Jack O’Sullivan, Nathan Beattie, Benjamin Rigoni, Dylan Scopel and Thomas Hedley will be important for the Lions if they wish to remain undefeated while gun Pie midfielder Ben Giobbi hopes to continue his rich vein of form. Giobbi will be hoping to get support from key forward Erishmiilan Uthayakumar, ruckman Andrew Smith, Jack Frewen, Jack Mckernan and Jacob Gleeson. Tip: Euroa.
UNITED V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton will be looking to climb off the bottom of the ladder and at the same time put a huge dent in the finals’ aspirations of its rival when they go into battle at Deakin Reserve today. While the Bears will be buoyed by their recent form – a win over Mooroopna and strong effort against the Lions in the first part of the split round. Mitchell Brett, Stuart Hobijn-Allen, Connor Fleming, Connor Hangan, Jayden Gagliardi and Jed Warrin will be looking to lead the way for the Bears while the Demons will look to Kyle Clarke, Brock McLean, Fergus Pinnuck, Shane Neaves, Adam Fichera and Mitchell Cleeland to steer the ship to get back on the winners’ list. Tip: Shepparton.
SWANS V MOOROOPNA
This is a huge game in the context of Mooroopna’s season. After fighting back from the jaws of defeat to earn a draw, coach John Lamont will be urging his troops to grab the opportunity by both hands today in what looms as a tricky assignment. Lachlan Devine, Christopher Nield, Alex Tattersall, Kai Madgwick, Jed Woods and Benjamin Hicks will be trying to lead the way and nullify the influence of Andrew Riordan, Bryden Squire, Zac Alderton, Isaiah Jones, Ryan Pfeiffer and Mason Pedretti to ensure the win and at the same time protect their hold on sixth spot. Tip: Mooroopna.
BENALLA V KYABRAM
This will be an intriguing match-up. The last meeting between the 2015 grand finalists was a real arm wrestle before the reigning premier raced away late in the contest. It could well be a similar contest, especially if the conditions are wet as predicted. Jack Sheldon, Jason Morgan, Jake Parkinson, Nicholas Denahy, Lachlan Smith and Nicholas Coulstock will be trying to ensure the Bombers bank the four points to consolidate its place in the top half of the ladder. Will Martiniello, Sam Martyn, Nick Warnock, David Mennen, Callum Crisp and Brody Webster will be trying to own the ball today to ensure they can help the team kick a winning score. Tip: Kyabram.
ECHUCA V ROCHESTER
This is another game where plenty is on the line. Echuca will be looking to continue its push towards the top of the ladder and trying to claim the minor premiership while the Tigers are clinging onto a place in the top six but need to keep winning to feature in the September action. Recruit, Christopher Jansen has been a huge boost for the Tigers while Adam McPhee, Logan Austin, Jaycob Dingwall, Charles Ward and Dillon Williams have been playing well in recent weeks. Mitchell Kemp, Kane Morris, Andrew Walker, Cameron Valentine, Ben Reid and Logan Prout have been leading the way for the Murray Bombers and if they can fire then they should get the win. Tip: Echuca.
MANSFIELD V TATURA
Mansfield will feel it missed an opportunity last round when beaten by Benalla. Had the Eagles won last round they would have been sitting in fifth place and two points clear of Rochester and Mooroopna. It is a game the Eagles are expected to win, but coach Chad Owens will be warning his players against complacency when they welcome the Bulldogs. Patrick Marks, Tas Clingan, Will Foster, Brett Mahoney, Dirk Koenen and James Herridge will be important for the Eagles today while the visitors will look to Braydon Sutton, Jordan O’Dwyer, Lincoln Wellington, Mitchell Elliott, Tim Wilson and Thomas Sullivan to come away from the high country with their third win of 2021. Tip: Mansfield.
